Spending a Day or Two in Gombak: Top 10 Things to Do
Gombak is the third-smallest district in Selangor but it certainly doesn’t fall short on fun things to do to make your trip extra memorable. It’s a vibrant city that you can easily build a two or even one-day itinerary around, which is where we come in,
Join us here as we take a closer look at some exciting things to do in Gombak that we think you shouldn’t miss. We’ve also included some useful tips that we think you’ll find handy when you eventually visit the city, so be sure to stick by until the end!
Admire the temples of Batu Caves
Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-6189 6284
Operating hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
The first stop on every Gombak itinerary should be Batu Caves—and for several good reasons. For starters, it’s one of the most iconic attractions in the country so it’s a no-brainer to stop by whenever you can and take THE mandatory tourist picture.
Also, the overall destination itself is a wonderful sight that’s just begging to be explored, from the large golden statue of Lord Murugan to the cave systems and more. Speaking of cave systems, before you reach them, you must first climb the 272-step staircase—wow!
Pro tip:
- Wear comfy shoes and bring a bottle of water to help you overcome the massive flight of stairs that awaits you in this attraction.
- Monkeys are known to roam the caves and they’re notorious for stealing food. So once you arrive in one of the caves, make sure to hide your snacks inside your bags!
Treat your family to a trip to Zoo Negara
Website: https://www.zoonegara.my
Address: Jalan Taman Zooview, Taman Zooview, 68000 Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-4108 3422
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance fee:
- Malaysian:
- Adult (13 to 59 years old): RM39
- Child (12 years and below): RM16.20
- Senior citizen (60 years old and above): RM22
- Foreigner:
- Adult (13 years old and above): RM71
- Child (12 years and below): RM39
Zoo Negara, widely known today as The National Zoo of Malaysia, is undoubtedly one of the highlights of your trip to Gombak. Exploring this vast sanctuary will let you see over 5,000 animals consisting of over 400 species—now that’s impressive!
These animals are separated via different sections like the Reptile House, Hornbill Centre, Bear Complex and more. Each of these exhibits is interesting to explore because you’ll get to observe the animals’ behaviours and be guided by some useful visual aids.
If you can’t get enough of the adorable animals of this zoo, there’s this cute adoption centre where you can bring home a stuffed toy version of them. You can even name them to whatever you like—pretty, neat!
Pro tip:
- You can book a ticket through their ticket booking website for a more hassle-free experience.
- Want to treat your children to the best birthday of their lives? You can contact the zoo and arrange a birthday party in their restaurant where they’ll also bring some tamed animals!
Fill your tummies with curry mee at Coca Seafood Restaurant
— Media credit: the.foodiecube
Address: 29, Jalan Bidara 1, Taman Bidara, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 16-972 2482
Operating hours: Thursday to Tuesday: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM
We recommend checking out Coca Seafood Restaurant if all the exploring and fun activities left you hungry as a horse. This is because one of their best sellers is these massive bowls of curry mee that will leave your tastebuds and tummies feeling satisfied.
You’ll be missing out on something special if you don’t get to try this dish at least once during your visit here. Plus, it’s not just about the size, as the flavour tastes amazing as well, courtesy of the pile of ingredients found in its tangy soup—yum!
Pro tip:
- If you’re not big on curry mee or you want to pair them with something more meaty, we recommend ordering the chicken rice. This dish is a safe option for picky eaters and it makes for an interesting partner for the curry mee.
Learn about Selangor’s indigenous folks at the Orang Asli Museum
— Media credit: kltheguide
Address: KM24, Jln Gombak, Kampung Batu 12, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-6186 8796
Operating hours: Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance fee: Free
Whenever you visit someplace new, it’s always a good idea to learn more about it to further immerse yourselves in the entire experience. For this need in Gombak, we recommend checking out the Orang Asli Museum, as it will tell you all about Selangor’s indigenous roots.
This museum features artefacts and galleries that shine light on the Orang Asli people of Malaysia, from their way of living to their traditional tools and more. There’s also a mini theatre hall that plays an educational video that dives deep into the indigenous folks’ history.
Pro tip:
- This destination is a fair way out of the city so we’d recommend visiting it via a rental car for a more convenient experience. Just make sure to know how to choose a rental company properly so that everything goes smoothly during your trip.
Cool off with a bowl of durian cendol at Mel’s Corner
Website: https://www.facebook.com/melscendolduriangombak/
Address: 30, Jalan SG 1/7, Taman Sri Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 19-617 4272
Operating hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Mel’s Corner is a great stopover for those times when Malaysia’s tropical weather starts to get the best of you. This is because this humble hawker stall serves a unique spin on one of Malaysia’s best traditional sweets, ice cendol.
The main selling point of their version of this cold dessert is the addition of durian ice cream—a sweet fruit known for its strong smell and spiky exterior. The result is a delicious concoction that’s perfect to chow down on on a nice sunny day.
Pro tip:
- We recommend stopping by this place after visiting the Batu Caves to reward yourself with something refreshing after conquering the massive staircase.
- If you want to pair your cendol with something more savoury, we recommend ordering their sizzling yee mee.
Explore the marvellous Kanching Waterfalls
— Media credit: martinrask10
Address: 1, 48000 Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-5513 2000
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance: RM1
Parking fee: RM2
Kanching Waterfalls should be included in your itinerary in Gombak just because of its sheer beauty. It’s a multi-tiered waterfall that looks straight out of your favourite fantasy books, and the best part is that it leads down to a pond where you can swim and splash around.
The way there is quite a hike, but it’s all worth it as soon as you hear the waters crashing down from the waterfalls. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for the best views, locals say that the second and third levels of this waterfall offer the best sights.
Pro tip:
- Make sure to wear the right attire for hiking to ensure that you’re comfortable and safe during the trek. As much as possible, we recommend wearing hiking shoes, as the trail can be slippery at times.
You can also check out our guide to waterfall hiking to help prepare you for what’s to come when you visit Kanching Waterfalls.
Let out the daredevil in you at the Gua Damai Extreme Park
Website: https://guadamai.com/press/
Address: Jalan Fairuz Off Jalan Zamrut, Kampung Melayu Wira Damai, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 12-481 2005
Operating hours:
- Weekdays: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Weekends: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Rates:
- Sport Climbing Course: RM195
- Abseiling: RM90
- All Extreme Package: RM200
- Climbing and Abseiling: RM150
- Rock Climbing: RM140
- Caving Tour: RM80
- Zip Line: RM50
If you’re looking for something more exciting, then a trip to Gua Damai Extreme Park is called for. It’s the ultimate adrenaline junkie paradise, offering several exciting activities like zip-lining, abseiling, caving, climbing and more.
What’s great about this extreme park is that there are packages that cater to both beginners and experts—hooray for inclusivity! Plus, it’s also worth noting that you’ll be surrounded by beautiful natural views while doing these adrenaline-inducing activities so focus on them if that helps!
Pro tip:
- If you don’t know what to avail, we recommend opting for the All Extreme Package, as it can be enjoyed by anyone aged 6 years old and above. This package already comes with caving, climbing and zip-lining for only RM200 per head.
Shop ‘til you drop at Melawati Mall
Website: https://www.melawatimall.com
Address: Melawati Mall, Jalan Bandar 12, Taman Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-4161 8720
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Melawati Mall is a great place to stop by if you want to splurge and take advantage of Malaysia’s cheap prices. It’s one of the premier malls of Selangor, boasting hundreds of stores, restaurants, cafes and more—perfect for family bonding days!
Speaking of families, there’s also a great spot for children called MMKidsZone where they can express their creativity through art. It’s also a great way to keep the kids busy while the grown-ups can take a seat and catch their breaths after walking for hours.
Pro tip:
- Visit their website regularly to see the latest steals and deals from their stores.
- If you want to treat your family to something more exciting, we recommend stopping by Bump Car Ride at Top Drift.
Enjoy a peaceful jog around Kepong Botanical Gardens
— Media credit: aimanadrah
Website: https://www.frim.gov.my
Address: Jalan E 4/15, Taman Ehsan, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-7963 0046
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Entrance fee:
Kepong Botanical Gardens is part of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). We recommend visiting it if you want to exercise, as it features a jogging track that’s surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful species of both flora and fauna, allowing you to enjoy a scenic run.
From towering trees to calm lakes, blossoming flowers and more, this park is a feast for the eyes!
This area is also one of the few where photography is allowed so take this opportunity to take some of the coolest shots for your ‘Gram! However, keep in mind that professional cameras (DSLR/SLR) will require an admission fee of RM5.
Pro tip:
- If you want to avoid crowds during your visit, we recommend stopping by on Weekdays around the afternoon.
Be in awe of stunning views while crossing Forest Skywalk
Website: https://skywalk.frim.gov.my
Address: Taman Botani Frim, 68100, Selangor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-6279 7592
Operating hours: Saturday to Thursday: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Entrance fee:
- With MyKad
- Student: RM8
- Senior citizen: RM8
- Adult: RM15
- WithoutMyKad
- Student: RM25
- Senior citizen: RM40
- Adult: RM40
The Forest Skywalk is one of the newest and best additions to FRIM. You can think of it as a gigantic steel overpass that stands tall above the towering trees of the forest reserve—pretty impressive, right?
The highest point of the skywalk stands at a whopping 141 metres above sea level so if you’re looking to conquer your fear of heights, this may be the place to do it. We don’t think that you’ll feel any fear though, as the serenity and beauty of the vast greenery will leave you speechless.
Pro tip:
- This is one of the hottest attractions in the area so it won’t be uncommon that it will be fully booked. To make sure that your trip doesn’t go to waste, you can book a slot on their website in advance.