A Complete Guide to Exploring Sabak Bernam
Sabak Bernam is one of the most underrated cities in Selangor or the entire country for that matter. It’s only a couple of hours away from Kuala Lumpur, making it one of the best destinations for quick getaways, but a lot of tourists don’t know that much about it—until now.
We’ve made it a goal to give Sabak Bernam its well-deserved flowers by giving you a virtual tour of the city through our in-depth guide. Take this as an invitation if you will or use it as an itinerary for your next visit!
Best Time to Go
Since you’ll be doing mostly outdoor activities in Sabak Bernam, we recommend stopping by during its dry season (November to March). During these months you can expect calm and warm weather, which is perfect for spending days at the beach and doing outdoor activities.
One of the caveats with visiting during these months is that you’ll be more likely to encounter denser crowds, which is a tiny problem if you ask us. The bigger issue here is the inflated rates on airfare, hotel rooms and activities.
If you prefer a cooler time in the city, we recommend visiting anytime between the months of April to October, which make up the city’s rainy season. Also, during this time, the paddy fields across the city will be greener and livelier—perfect for taking photos!
As far as special occasions go, there are three main ones that you should try to experience during your visit. These include the Sekinchan International Kite Festival (August), Harbour Day Festival (May) and Mooncake Festival (September/October).
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Malay, English
Calling Code: +60
How to Get There
Buses: Taking the bus is the most cost-efficient way to get to the peaceful city. Fortunately, you only have to ride one bus from Kuala Lumpur and it will take you directly to Sabak Bernam—pretty convenient for a commute, right?
Granted that it will take 30 minutes more to get to the city as opposed to riding a taxi, the important thing is that you’ll get to save money!
Taxis/Grab: If you want to prioritise comfort and speed, we recommend opting for a taxi. You can hail them from just about everywhere in Kuala Lumpur and it will only take you around one hour and 40 minutes to get to Sabak Bernam.
Alternatively, you can book a ride through Grab so that you can get picked up from your current location instead of having to hail a cab from the street. Plus, this will give you a fixed fare prior to booking so you know that you don’t have to pay extra.
Car rental: As much as possible, we recommend renting a car to get to Sabak Bernam for a more scenic experience. Plus, doing this will let you stop by the different attractions the city has to offer with ease and comfort rolled into one!
Just like with riding the taxi, this method of transportation will take you around an hour and 44 minutes if you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur. However, what this does better than any taxi is that it provides you with the utmost privacy and leaves you in charge of your route.
Where to Stay
Anjung Pool Villa
Address: 13, 15, Lebuh Ampang, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2030 1888
Pricing: $$
Anjung Pool Villa is one of the best places to stay in the city because it makes you feel like you’re staying in a hotel while providing scenic views. This is because the rooms here are neat, spacious and fitted with essential amenities and the place itself is surrounded by lush fields.
As you may have gleaned from its name, the villa also comes with a swimming pool where you and your loved ones can take a dip under the sunny skies. Aside from that, another facility that we can appreciate is the kitchen, which makes preparing meals easy compared to hotel rooms.
MyDesaStay
Address: Lot 9467, Jalan Haji Karim, 45300 Sungai Besar, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 12-969 0772
Pricing: $$
If you’re travelling with your family, MyDesaStay is one of the places we recommend the most because of its homey vibes. We also think that it’s a great option because it provides facilities that will make you feel like you’re staying at home like barbeque grills and dining areas.
Aside from that, it also comes with a relatively large swimming pool for family games and gatherings. This pool is in the middle of the homestay so it’s a great spot for catching up before proceeding to head to your individual rooms.
Sri Bernam Hotel
— From: mohamedlatiffabdulkadir
Address: No 5, Jalan Menteri, Taman Merpati Indah, 45200 Sabak, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-3216 4033
Pricing: $
Sri Bernam Hotel is for those budget travellers who don’t want to settle for less. This 3-star hotel features just about what you’d expect from affordable accommodation, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The rooms here are neat and comfortable, which are two important factors to look for in any kind of hotel. It doesn’t offer much in terms of amenities and facilities but with the different sights and activities to try outside, you won’t feel like you’re missing out at all.
VVIP Hotel Hutan Melintang
Address: No.6&7, Lestari Parkview, Jalan Hutan Melintang,, Lestari Parkview, A123, Kampung Hutan Melintang, 36400 Hutan Melintang, Perak, Malaysia
Phone: +60 5-641 6933
Pricing: $-$$
VVIP Hotel is a great mid-tier 3-star hotel that features rooms that feel expensive but are really cheap. We say this because the rooms featured here are modern, clean and most importantly complete with necessities like air conditioning, toilet and bath, Wi-Fi and more.
If you want to pass the time, you can also wind down at the hotel’s coffee shop, where you can sip your favourite cup of joe while admiring beautiful views. You can also order your favourite pastries and cakes to pair with your coffee/non-coffee drinks—yum!
Homestay Pepadi Sekinchan
Address: Ban 2, Jalan Parit 11, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 17-614 4720
Pricing: $-$$
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the life of most locals here in Sekinchan, then booking a room at Homestay Pepadi Sekinchan is the best decision you can make. Here, you can act like it’s the ‘80s where technology is almost non-existent and all you have is your loved ones.
The place does a great job of creating a bonding area for its guests by providing facilities like barbeque areas and fishing spots. Plus, the rooms themselves aren’t too shabby as well, as they feature comfy beds and beautiful views of the lush paddy fields.
Where to Eat
Tien Yin Seafood Restaurant
— From: stomach_wastage_index
Address: Kampung Sungai Gatal, 45400 Sabak, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-3224 5891
Pricing: $-$$
It would be a shame to be this close to the ocean without trying out some of the most delicious seafood the city has to offer. For this need, we recommend checking out Tien Yin Seafood Restaurant, where they serve a variety of seafood that are as fresh as they come.
One of the best things they curate from their kitchen is the mantis prawn, which features a nice tangy taste—perfect for spice lovers! Aside from that, you can also spoil yourself with some sweet-and-sour crab, which is cooked in delicious buttermilk.
Mama Mee Yah Sungai Besar
Address: Business Centre, 3A, Jalan Sbbc 6, Sungai Besar, 45300 Sungai Besar, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 10-772 6988
Pricing: $
Mama Mee Yah is one of the most famous Thai joints in the country and fortunately, they have a branch waiting for you at Sungai Besar. The best part about this restaurant is that you don’t have to spend much to enjoy a full and hearty meal.
This place serves just about every Thai cuisine staple you can think of, with the most famous one being tom yam soup. Their version of this soup is equal parts creamy and tangy—just the way we like it!
Yaw Kee Seafood Restaurant
— From: mastikasari66
Address: 3A & 4A, Jalan Menteri, Sungai Besar, 45300 Sungai Besar, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 10-316 5555
Pricing: $$
Yaw Kee is another seafood joint we highly recommend because of its fresh ingredients and widely varied menu. Whether you’re looking for prawns, crabs or vegetables, you can find them here and the best part is that the serving size is generous!
We can also recommend the fried squid, which is as flavourful as seafood dishes come. The texture itself is worth noting too, as it’s not too chewy to the point where it feels like you’re gnawing on rubber.
Cendol Atok Sg Besar
Address: Lot 9495, batu 8 1/2, Jalan Besar, Sg limau, 45300 Sungai Besar, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 11-1300 2790
Pricing: $
Nothing quite hits the spot during the summertime than a nice bowl of ice cendol. If you ever find yourself in the city during its dry season, you must check out Cendol Atok Sg Besar, as it’s one of the most famous places to get this traditional Malay sweet!
The place itself isn’t too fancy but what matters the most is their version of the classic Malay dessert. It’s not overly sweet and they offer several variations of them as well—now that’s cool (literally and figuratively).
Hay!
Address: 3°31’35.5″N 101°08’14.0″ E, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 11-1026 6965
Pricing: $$
Even though Sabak Bernam is more on the rural side of Malaysia, it doesn’t fall short of aesthetically pleasing cafes—case in point: Hay! This quaint cafe is located in Sekinchan and it’s well worth the travel time because of its Instagram-worthy interior and delicious drinks.
Their menu consists of various coffee and non-coffee drinks as well as delicious brunch items that can re-energize your body after a long day of walking. What makes dining here extra special, however, is the beautiful view of lush paddy fields outside the cafe.
Most Popular Attractions in Sabak Bernam
Paddy Gallery
— From: hey.itskacangjellyloti
Address: Lot No, Ban 2, 9990, Jalan Tali Air 5, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 16-215 7028
Nothing best represents Sekinchan’s main produce than the Paddy Gallery. Here, you’ll get to be immersed in the entire process of how rice is harvested from the field and processed into the fragrant side dish that all Malaysians know and love.
It will begin your immersion by showing you a short video presentation about rice and how it plays a huge part in Sekinchan’s economy.
From there, you’ll get to witness exhibits showcasing the evolution of the harvesting tools and equipment used by different generations.
Pro Tip:
While you’re here, make sure not to miss out on the delicious ice kacang that they serve. This will help you cool down after walking for long hours under the Sekinchan heat.
Ah Ma House
— From: tan_aina
Address: Lot 10376, Jalan Tali Air 5, Pekan Sekinchan, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 14-230 5753
Visiting Ah Ma House will make you feel nostalgic for a childhood that you may or may not have even experienced yourself. That’s how good the collection of antique tools and random stuff that they have here, like old antennae TVs, radios, vinyl players and more.
What’s more impressive is that these tools and equipment are arranged in a way that makes the house look like someone has been living there. This makes for a great backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos so make sure to whip out your camera while you’re here!
Pro Tip:
Make sure to try out Ah Ma’s special delicacy called kuih kapit thatit, which are sort of like wafers that are made out of coconut milk, rice and flour.
Sekinchan Coconut Farm
— From: malaysiafoodandtravel
Address: Jalan Tali Air 4, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 17-745 1263
If the heat of the sunny Sekinchan weather is starting to get the best of you, we recommend stopping by Sekinchan Coconut Farm. Here, you can treat yourself to delicious coconut juice and shakes to cool off and regain your energy after walking for several hours under the sun.
If you really want to beat the heat, then you can try one of their delicious coconut ice cream, which will surely hit the spot.
Plus, the farm itself is an attraction, as it’s a nice quaint spot where you can take shade and admire tall and beautiful coconut trees.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning on visiting this farm, we advise commuting, as parking is quite sparse in the area.
Redang Beach
— From: redangbeachresort
Address: South China Sea, 21090, Malaysia
Phone: +60 19-477 6083
Redang Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia so it’s a no-brainer to stop by there once you arrive in Sabak Bernan. The beach features beautiful pure white sand and stunning cerulean waters where you can splash around and engage in fun water activities.
Some of the activities you can partake in while you’re here include snorkelling, scuba diving and paddling. Meanwhile, if you prefer to stay on land, you can also trek in the nearby jungle or play beach volleyball—the choice is yours!
Pro Tips:
- Look for the famous Sekinchan Wishing Trees while you’re here. You can write your deepest wishes in red ribbons and hang them on the branches of these trees and who knows, maybe they’ll come true!
- If you ever feel hungry while swimming, don’t sweat! The beach is lined with various food stalls that offer cheap but delicious dishes.
Sabak Bernam Museum
— From: iamnazirul
Address: Jalan Raja Chulan, Pekan Sabak Bernam, 45200 Sabak, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-3216 5586
Sabak Bernam Museum is the place to be if you want to learn everything about the city. It houses infographics, sculptures and old-timey equipment that have played a huge role in the city’s fishing and agricultural scene.
The best part about this museum? The admission fee is free!
Pro Tip:
If you want to avoid crowds, we recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Other Things to Do in Sabak Bernam
Take creative photos at Sky Mirror Malaysia
Address: Jalan Sultan Mahmud, 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 10-509 1007
Sky Mirror Malaysia is one of the most unique places you can visit in Selangor or in the entire country for that matter. As you may have gleaned from its name, this attraction looks like a massive mirror that perfectly reflects the sky, creating a perfect photo opportunity.
To get to this attraction, however, you must first ride a jetty, as the specific spot is located in the middle of the sea. It’s well worth the trip though, as it’s not always that you’ll get to witness a bizarre yet beautiful-looking phenomenon like this!
Pro Tips:
- Make use of the props provided by the tour guides to create extra creative photos!
- You can also play with perspectives to make yourself gigantic or minuscule—the possibilities are endless!
Admire stunning views from Malawati Hill
— From: malaysiafoodandtravel
Address: MY 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-3289 1439
Malawati Hill is a historical site that features interesting remnants from several centuries ago as well as beautiful natural landscapes. One of the main attractions here is the ancient fort located at the top of the hill, which still features strong walls and cannons.
Pro Tip:
If you’re lucky, you can even spot some monkeys roaming around, just be sure to keep your distance, as they’re known to harass tourists for food!
Apps to Download for a Trip to Sabak Bernam
Travel Malaysia: A pocket travel guide to Malaysia
Maps.me: Offline map of the world
XE Currency App: Real-time currency exchange rate app
Grab: Ride-hailing app of Southeast Asia
Google Translate: word translation with offline capabilities
CatchThatBus: Bus ticket booking app