Its flat coastal land and abundant water made it ideal for rice farming. The name ‘Sekinchan’ even means “village suitable for plantation.”
Located about 100 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, Sekinchan’s rice fields are the town’s main attraction. They draw both local and international tourists. The town stays quiet on weekdays and during off-peak seasons (THINGS TO DO IN KUALA KUBU BHARU). During the golden harvest, crowds surge, making it a popular weekend getaway.
A day in Sekinchan is obviously valuable as a travel destination in Malaysia. Traffic during peak season can extend travel time.
Things
to Do in Sekinchan
Paddy
Processing Factory & Gallery
A trip to Sekinchan isn’t complete without
visiting the Paddy Processing Factory & Gallery. This popular Sekinchan
attraction brings the history of paddy cultivation in Sekinchan to life. A
small entrance fee applies before being guided to a room explaining the entire
process. Videos, charts, graphs, and pictures illustrate the process from
planting and harvesting to rice processing.
Detailed explanations are provided, and a
small packet of Sekinchan rice is included as a souvenir. The gallery features
antique displays and exhibits, highlighting traditional rice harvesting and the
different rice varieties grown in Sekinchan.
The tour ends on the ground floor, where Sekinchan
rice and related products are available for purchase. The Paddy Processing
Factory & Gallery is one of the top things to do in Sekinchan. Its iconic
building is visible from afar, making it a landmark in the town.
Said as a must-do in Sekinchan, it is worth popping by Ah Ma House to find out why. The signboard is easy to spot along the roadside, and stepping into the small space feels like entering an old Chinese provision shop. Nostalgic snacks and traditional food products are displayed on wooden racks and shelves, or stored in big porcelain jars.
Beyond the food, Ah Ma House is meaningful
for its antique furniture and vintage fittings. The ambiance, reflecting a
traditional Chinese home, takes one back in time and connects to Sekinchan’s
history and culture. Perhaps it is not the food, but the feeling of returning
to childhood heritage that makes the visit memorable.
Mango
King
A roadside stall that receives raving reviews, Mango King is hard to miss. A
few mango trees stand within the area, and fresh mangoes are available for
purchase. These are not rare varieties that can’t be found elsewhere, but the
mango smoothie has been widely reviewed as a must-try in Sekinchan.
Nan
Tian Temple, Sekinchan
Nan Tian Temple is located amidst the vast
rice paddies at Lorong Tiga, Site A, Kampung Kian Sit. Open from 8:00 AM to
5:00 PM, it was established in 1984 and expanded in 2004. The temple is
primarily dedicated to the Nine Emperor Gods and serves as a spiritual center
for the local farming and fishing communities, where prayers are offered for
calm seas, good harvests, and overall prosperity.
The temple showcases traditional Chinese
architecture, including pagodas, intricate roof carvings of dragons, phoenixes,
and qilin, and a tower. From the tower, it is possible to take snapshots of
Sekinchan and its scenic rice fields.
A major highlight is the annual festival
from the first to the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, celebrating the Nine
Emperor Gods. During this period, the temple becomes a hub of vibrant
ceremonies and cultural activities.
Admission is free. Decent attire is
advised, and parking may be limited, especially on weekends or during
festivals.
Within the area where Pantai Redang beach is, or visible from across the beach, stands the Wishing Tree. What strikes the eye at first is how red the tree appears, but upon getting closer, it becomes clear that the color comes from countless red ribbons tied to coins and fastened onto the tree.
Legend has it that tying the red ribbons
or strings represents tying one’s wishes to the tree. The wishes are written on
the ribbons, attached with a coin, and then tied to the branches.
Tradition says that the higher the ribbon dangles, the greater the chance of the wish coming true. Over time, the tree has turned into a striking red sight against the beach backdrop. There is also an altar for prayers nearby, resembling a small Chinese temple.
Pantai Redang, Sekinchan
Pantai Redang is about a 15-minute drive
from Sekinchan town. Not to be confused with Pantai Redang in Terengganu, this
beach simply shares the same name. In terms of cleanliness, there’s little to
boast about, yet it’s where ships and fishing boats pass by, with distant views
of an island or mangrove forest beyond the horizon. It’s definitely pleasant to
sit back and watch the waters, though swimming isn’t advised.
A few eateries can be found around the area, but many remain closed on weekdays. Visiting Pantai Redang later in the day, especially in the evening, is more comfortable to avoid the scorching sun, and it’s also the best time to catch Sekinchan’s sunset.
What to Eat in Sekinchan
As a fishing village, Sekinchan is never
short of seafood meals. Unassuming eateries line the town, serving all kinds of
seafood dishes. Which one is the best depends on what has been tried and tested,
and, of course, individual preference.
While seafood here can be tasty, it’s not always easy to find one that truly stands out, especially with tourist pricing in play. Instead of the usual seafood noodles, steamed fish, claypot fish, prawns, or crab, the simpler local options often hit the spot better. A humble nasi lemak bungkus, Chinese breakfast toast, or a plate of fried noodles can be just as satisfying, and far more affordable.
