The are several sections - each one comes with a fun theme - within the Cameron Flora Park that visitors can check out. — Cameron Flora Park
THERE is plenty to discover in every corner of Malaysia at any time, especially in the realm of agrotourism (or agritourism).
Agrotourism is a niche tourism segment that involves the practice of touring or visiting attractions that are linked to agriculture and farming. Tourists not only get to see how a farm, garden or orchard is maintained, but they get to participate in farming activities too.
From farm stays to animal sanctuaries and even park explorations, agrotourism is fast becoming a popular option for both locals and international tourists.
Here are some of our suggestions of where to go and what to check out.
1. Cameron Flora Park
Occupying an area of about 2.8ha, the Cameron Flora Park located at Kea Farm in Brinchang, Pahang is an enchanting garden teeming with vibrant blooms and lush foliage.
The stairs and walkways within the park take visitors through the undulating flower fields. As you stroll along the path, you will be greeted by the lingering sweet and fruity scents from the plants that surround the air.
The Golden Maple Bridge – as its name suggests – is decorated with yellow maple leaves. The viewing platform meanwhile is at the elevated walkway and offers visitors a breathtaking view of Cameron Highlands.
Other scenic spots are Petunia Garden, Glass Sanctuary and Stairway To Infinity, as well as Hobbiton Village – where you can indulge in a delicious spread of food and refreshing drinks.
Besides Cameron Flora Park, tourists can also check out the other flower attractions nearby, like the Lavender Garden and Cactus Valley.
Getting there:
Lot 191, 39010 Brinchang, Pahang
Opening hours: 9.30am-7pm daily
Saanen Dairy Goat Farm is home to over 100 of goats. — Saanen Dairy Goat Farm/Facebook
2. Saanen Dairy Goat Farm
In Penang, visitors can experience cuddling a “kid” (baby goat) at the Saanen Dairy Goat Farm in Balik Pulau. Officially opened to the public in 2009, this farm houses more than 100 friendly “residents”.
Distinguishable by its white skin and short white fur, the Saanen goats are the highest milk-producing breed, earning them the nickname “queen of dairy goats”.
To learn about these white-coated goats, visitors can go on a tour where they will get to witness, among others, how goat’s milk is processed. You can also feed the hoofed animals – different types of feeds are available at the ticket counter.
At the end of the tour, you can sample some goat’s milk products like ice-cream and yoghurt.
There are other animals living on the farm that visitors can check out, too, such as ducks, chickens, rabbits and ostrich.
Getting there:
298 Mukim 1 Sungai Pinang,
11010 Balik Pulau,
Penang
Opening hours: 10am-5pm daily
Try boat paddling at Trong Leisure Farm. — Trong Leisure Farm/Facebook
3. Trong Leisure Farm
Nestled in the quiet town of Terong in Perak is one of the biggest duck-themed farms, which also doubles as a resort. Trong Leisure Farm was believed to be a palm oil plantation, prior to its transformation as a duck farm.
It is located about 20km from Taiping, and there are various activities that visitors can do here. Among them are duck feeding, fishing and boat pedalling.
A tractor-pulled cart will ferry visitors into the farm, where ducks are. Once you arrive at the enclosure, a yellow giant duck statue – said to be a favourite Instagram spot among tourists – will come into view. As you walk further in, you will be greeted by thousands of ducks, either roaming freely in the yard or gliding in the pond.
Visitors can feed the little ducklings in the enclosure too.
Getting there:
PT293, Jalan Kuala Trong,
34800 Terong, Perak
Opening hours: 9am-7pm daily
One of the various activities at Star Fish Leisure Farm is ATV riding. — Star Fish Leisure Farm/Facebook
4. Star Fish Leisure Farm
Located in Kulai, Johor, the Star Fish Leisure Farm is an aquaculture farm which spreads over 6ha of land. The farm is actually within an oil palm plantation, and has an array of outdoor activities for visitors to try, like fishing, animal feeding, cycling and obstacle challenges. You can actually stay on this farm too, and there are several types of accommodation including floating chalets and traditional kampung houses. You can also camp at the designated camping grounds.
Kulai is about 40 minutes from the state’s capital, Johor Baru, by car.
Getting there:
Lot 2168, Mukim Senai-Kulai,
Sengkang 81000 Kulai,
Johor
Opening hours: 9am-5pm daily (closed on Tuesdays)
5. Yit Foh Coffee Park
For coffee lovers, check out Yit Foh Coffee Park in Tenom, Sabah. This agrotourism spot is home to Sabah’s oldest coffee producer, Yit Foh, which was started in the 1960s by Yong Loong Vun.
The Kopi Yit Foh factory is around 60 years old now and offers visitors a glimpse of how coffee beans are roasted and packed. Apart from learning about coffee production, visitors can also savour the beverage while enjoying the lush surroundings.
If you wish, you can spend a night or two at their chalets or longhouses, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
There is a restaurant at the park that serves authentic local dishes, too. Before heading back to Kota Kinabalu, remember to check out the merchandise shop, which has an assortment of souvenirs.
The coffee business is currently manned by the founder’s son, Alex.
The Sabah Agriculture Park is another attraction nearby that tourists can visit. This park hosts a variety of plant species, which is bound to captivate its visitors, particularly gardening enthusiasts. And visitors can experience plucking the exotic fruits and eating them on the spot!
Getting there:
KM 3, Jalan Tenom Sapong,
Kg Chinta Mata,
Tenom, Sabah
Yit Foh Robusta Restaurant
Opening hours: 11am-9.30pm daily
