This article first appeared on Vulcan Post Malaysia
If you’re planning to make a trip to Selangor, or places such as Shah Alam, Puchong, and Subang Jaya, you might be scratching your head and wondering what the places of attraction are, or where you should be visiting.
And during the school holidays or long weekends, you definitely don’t want to go to popular places such as Aquaria KLCC, Kidzania, KL Tower, or Sunway Lagoon — you’ve probably visited them many times before, anyway.
People say that when you’re in doubt, Google helps. But when we type “where to go in Selangor” into the search bar, most of the results we get are usually a mixture of these:
i-City, Shah Alam
Sunway Lagoon, Petaling Jaya
Kidzania, Mutiara Damansara
Kelip-kelip Kampung Kuantan, Kuala Selangor
Taman Botani, Shah Alam
Taman Tasik, Shah Alam
No doubt, these are some of the most notable places of attraction in Selangor. But at the same time, they’re too predictable — most of us are probably already bored of them. Not to mention, these places will probably be filled with families and children during the weekends.
So here are eight lesser known places in Selangor that you can and should visit, even during the weekends!
1. Homestay Kampung Sungai Haji Dorani, Sungai Besar
Image Credit: jcheerios
Called simply Homestay Kampung Sungai Haji Dorani, this accommodation is just one of the many available homestays in the village. Spending the weekend here will give you a breathtaking view of paddy fields, and let you experience the wonders of Malaysian life. Getting to this hidden gem is pretty easy too; it’s a 120km drive from Kuala Lumpur (about 1.5 to 2 hours by car).
This experience would be especially refreshing for those who reside in the city: imagine waking up to the sound of birds chirping, and seeing scenic views of paddy fields when you open the window — how peaceful is that? You can also pay a vist to the Sungai Besar market, where you’ll see many mak cik selling delicious local delicacies like kuih and keropok.
2. Amverton Cove Gold & Island Resort, Carey Island
Image Credit: nsglobalmarketing
Who says that you need to be skillful at golf in order to have a vacation at a golf resort?
Comfortably situated to the south of Port Klang and north of Banting town, Carey Island is your ideal getaway if you’re all about delicious seafood. Besides having a good meal, you can also enjoy dance performances from the Mah Meri, a subgroup of indigenous people living on Carey Island.
Apart from facilities like swimming pools, barbecue pits, and a gymnasium, the resort also provides outdoor activities such as ATV adventure, kayaking, flying fox and archery for adrenaline junkies. For those who are less adventurous, you can try the body massages at The Sompoton Spa after a long day of work.
3. Kemensah Chalet & Waterfall, Ulu Klang
Image Credit: zamzarina-itsmylife
There are many beautiful waterfalls in Malaysia, and one of them happens to be located near the National Zoo. This place is suitable for people who would like to enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. If you’re interested in staying overnight, there are also plenty of chalets for travellers to rent.
Other than swimming in the waterfall, you can also give their ATV adventure a try. If you’re planning to visit, though, bear in mind that there are not many food options here, so bring your own food if you need to.
4. Asian Water Sports Village, Puchong
Image Credit: asianwatersportsvillage
This is the place to visit for people who enjoy beach activities. Contrary to what its name suggests, though, the place is not exactly a village, but rather a humongous beach which offers various types of sports activities such as Aqua Fly, Banana Boat, Graphic Deck and more.
5. Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort, Sepang
Image Credit: sepanggoldcoast
Located just half an hour from KLIA by car, this wonderful place has a tropical and elegant ambience, and features many relaxing activities such as water villas and spas.
6. Gold Coast Morib International Resort, Banting
Image Credit: lemonn
Situated along the majestic seafront of the Straits of Malacca, this 14-acre resort is a perfect place for a getaway. The 672 rooms that are available cover a range of budgets, from Studio Suites with private jacuzzis, to 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments and Penthouses. Facilities offered include a water theme park, swimming pool, amphitheater, and a huge banquet hall with a seating capacity of 2,000 people.
7. Kanching Falls
Image Credit: lipstiq
Most people don’t expect such a beautiful waterfall to be hidden in the area when they see the signboard directing them to Hutan Lipur Kanching. With such a breath-taking view, though, it’s surprising why more people haven’t made their way here.
It only takes 10 minutes to reach the top of the waterfall, which is seven floors high. But trust me: once you hear the sounds of flowing water and find yourself so close to nature, you’ll forget all about your exhaustion.
8. Bukit Gasing Forest Park
Image Credit: lipstiq
Spanning 100 hectares of green land and located on the boarder of Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, Bukit Gasing Forest Park is a fine setting for people who are attempting to escape city life and have a breath of fresh air. The place may not be as big as other forest parks, but it has more than enough to offer. Most importantly, it offers you a getaway without having to travel to Pahang.
