Malaysia

Fireflies, rice paddies and other amazing nature getaways near Kuala Lumpur

If you're looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the Malaysian capital, these beautiful places will give you a healthy dose of nature and relaxation.

Sekinchan, KL
  • Delle Chan
  • August 2019

While most know Malaysia has beautiful jungles and rainforests, few head to KL for that reason. But check out this list of nature retreats, and set aside time on your next holiday to seek out these beautiful spaces.

1. Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi

Stork-billed kingfisher
If you head there early in the morning, you’ll be able to spot beautiful birds like the stork-billed kingfisher.

Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi is a verdant park south-west of the city centre. It’s highly popular among locals, who head here for a spot of picnicking, barbecuing and even camping. There’s also a pond that’s great for a quick dip in balmy weather (which is most of the time, really, in KL).

2. Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park

Just over an hour’s drive from KL, Kampung Kuantan Fireflies Park is home to one of the largest firefly colonies in the world. From 7.30pm every evening, visitors can take a magical sampan (flat-bottomed wooden boat) ride along the winding Selangor River, where the creatures illuminate the mangroves like a string of fairy lights. The entire boat trip takes around 20 minutes. Get there early to snag a spot, especially on weekends.

3. Sekinchan

Sekinchan
Be sure to try the local speciality of claypot yellow eel when you’re at Sekinchan.

The town of Sekinchan in Selangor is a low-key fishing village known for its emerald paddy fields. A 1.5-hour drive from KL, it’s home to the Paddy Processing Factory & Gallery, where you can learn more about rice planting and harvesting, and even stock up on the humble grain. There are also many traditional Teochew restaurants serving up fresh seafood caught from the surrounding waters, such as squid and crab.

4. Klang Gates Quartz Ridge

Klang Gates Quartz Ridge
Klang Gates Quartz Ridge is the longest and oldest quartz formation in the world.

Just a 20-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur is Klang Gates Quartz Ridge. Taking on the 14-kilometre ridge that locals refer to as the “Dragon’s Backbone” is not a walk in the park — its narrow pathways, steep climbs and sharp rocks mean you’ll need to be fit and have the right shoes and equipment to make this trek safely.

5. Awanmulan

Awanmulan
Awanmulan is a collection of small homes for people looking to reconnect with nature.

Located up in the hills of Negeri Sembilan, far from the hustle and bustle of KL is Awanmulan. There’s nothing much to do here other than enjoy the cool jungle air, spend quality time with family and friends under starlit skies and laze by the pool. But if you ask us, that sounds like the perfect getaway.

Address: Awanmulan Pantai Orchard, Kampung Baru Pantai, 71770, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: +60133670767
awanmulan.com opens in new window

  1. Kuala Lumpur
  2. Central Malaysia
  3. Malaysia