Check out the old exhibits at Ah Ma House.
Padi ranks as the third most important cultivated crop in Malaysia, following palm oil and rubber.
Padi is cultivated in all the states, with Kedah being the largest rice producer with over 200,000ha of padi cultivation area, and achieving an average yield of close to five tonnes per hectare.
Sarawak, Kelantan, Penang and Perak are also major rice producers in the country.
Meanwhile, one of the primary rice-producing regions within Selangor is Sekinchan, located in the Sabak Bernam district. According to Tourism Selangor, Sekinchan is renowned for its high rice yield, making it a significant agricultural hub in the state.
Interestingly, Sekinchan is also referred to as the “village suitable for plantation” in Chinese.
A beautiful scenery at Kopi Sawah.
Sekinchan’s charm
The warm golden light of the rising sun casts its rays over the lush green padi fields. We were treated to this scenic view as we drove along the narrow road, which stretched through the idyllic landscape for kilometres in Sekinchan.
Nicknamed the “Rice Bowl of Selangor”, Sekinchan is most known for its rice production.
Rice is harvested twice a year in this quaint town; the best times to visit this place for a view of the never-ending green fields is from March to April, and September to November.
Best time to check out Sekinchan's golden fields is between June, November and December.
If you are looking to witness the stunning golden fields instead, plan your trip for June, November or December.
Situated about 100km from Kuala Lumpur, Sekinchan is the perfect place for Klang Valley folks to go to for a quick getaway, which was what my friend and I did one weekend.
Here are just a handful of things to do and see in Sekinchan in one weekend.
1. Shop at the Pasar Awam Sekinchan
The market was already bustling with activity by the time we arrived. Food vendors were busy selling their wares to the hordes of hungry visitors. Folks carrying bags filled with groceries were casually chatting away.
Besides the chance to sample local delicacies, visitors will find that fresh produce and seafood are sold at very reasonable prices here, so be sure to bring a cooler bag or box if you plan to stock up on some groceries.
Pasar Awam Sekinchan opens daily from 6am till 7pm.
2. Take a walk down memory lane at Ah Ma House
Just a short walk from the market is Ah Ma House, an old-school sundry shop that sells a variety of traditional sweet and savoury snacks. (“Ah Ma” translates to “grandmother” in the Hokkien dialect.)
However, we didn’t really expect it to be a sort of “mini museum”, showcasing a collection of vintage items. We were fascinated by some of the exhibits, like the old television set, the wood-and-leather furniture, some old wall clocks and other trinkets, providing a glimpse into the good ol’ days.
When it comes to photo opportunities, this place certainly delivers.
Visit Pantai Redang in the morning to avoid the crowds.
3. Leisurely stroll at Pantai Redang
The sight of children flying kites, and beachgoers relaxing in hammocks was what greeted us at Pantai Redang.
Families seemed to favour the beach – judging from the crowd that day – but for those seeking some quiet alone time, you may want to consider visiting in the early morning.
But it’s not just beach activities that you can do here. You can also do a bit of birdwatching as there are a number of species that flock to this place.
We checked out the Sekinchan Wishing Tree located outside the century-old Pantai Redang Datuk Kong Temple. The tree is adorned with thousands of red ribbons left by visitors who hope for their wishes to come true.
The area has gained popularity after its appearance in the 2014 Hong Kong TVB drama Outbound Love.
An interesting landmark in Sekinchan is this plane, ‘parked’ in the middle of the padi fields.
4. Explore via a cycling tour
A unique (and eco-friendly) way to explore Sekinchan and its expansive rice plots is through a self-guided cycling tour. The town’s tranquil routes – with flat terrain – also make it appealing to cyclists.
There are various places, including hotels and shops, that offer bike rental services. But of course, you can also bring your own.
It is best not to do this during the rainy season as it may be difficult – and not to mention muddy – to get around.
5. Paddy Gallery
Opened in 2013, the Paddy Gallery gives visitors some insights into the production process of padi in Malaysia.
From what we learned that day, Malaysia’s rice mills produce various types of rice, including brown rice, embryo rice, and white rice. Harvested padi will undergo a drying process, facilitated by machinery.
Once the raw rice is dried, it is roasted and allowed to rest for two months.
Following this, the polishing process begins with the removal of the husk, the outer layer of the rice. After the husk is removed, the rice is referred to as “brown rice”.
To achieve a softer texture, a small portion of the rice bran – a type of fibre – is removed during the hulling process, at which point, the rice is called “embryo rice”.
Embryo rice is easier to digest and has a lower glycaemic index. Additionally, rice bran is separated into various sizes, making it suitable for processing into animal feed for chickens, pigs, and dogs.
After this stage, the fourth polishing process refines the bran into white rice.
Yes, we learned a lot that day at this very informative and interesting gallery.
Visitors can try its signature brown rice cendol after the tour, too.
Head to the Coconut Farm for a refreshing coconut beverage.
6. Savour local flavours
No trip to Sekinchan is complete without indulging in the town’s culinary delights. We first set out on a quest for fresh seafood at one of the local eateries. Sekinchan is famous for seafood, thanks to its proximity to the Bagan Fishing Village.
When it comes to cafes, this coastal enclave boasts a thriving cafe scene. One example is Kopi Sawah, where customers can enjoy their drinks while taking in picturesque views of the rice fields.
A short drive away from here is the Coconut Farm. En route to the farm, we stumbled upon a decommissioned plane situated in the middle of the padi fields. We observed the aircraft from beyond the fence.
If anything, this plane certainly makes for a good backdrop for selfies and other pictures.
The farm, selling a variety of coconut drinks, was a welcome respite from the scorching heat. It was the perfect finale to our trip.
