Planning A Day Trip to Sekinchan: Things to Do, Food to Try, Your Complete Guide to A Memorable Day Trip in Sekinchan

I love KL—the hustle and bustle of city life fuels me! But sometimes, it gets a little too much, and that’s when I’m constantly checking Google Flights for my next escapade.

Now, despite making travel planning easier, it’s definitely not easy on the wallet to keep flying out of the country for little breaks. Here’s where I started discovering gems in Malaysia that don’t break our banks for a short self-healing moment!

In one of my searches, I found Sekinchan! A charming little fishing village located just outside of the city, which is also a large rice producer.

It only takes around 2 hours to get there from KL, so I could not pass up the opportunity and went on a little adventure, exploring Sekinchan.

Everything that I have put down on this guide is part of my own Sekinchan day trip itinerary, so feel free to run with this, especially if this is your first time and you’re wondering what to do in Sekinchan.

Sekinchan Main Attractions

Sekinchan Paddy Fields

Known to be a large rice producer, Sekinchan will greet you with miles and miles of green paddy ‘carpets’ wherever you turn!

Undoubtedly, one of the most Instagrammable spots is between the paddy fields or just at the edge of where miles of endless green carpet meet the big, beautiful blue sky. Many people stop their cars to take these great shots!

But I have to warn you that paddy fields do not stay green all year round in Sekinchan! So, make sure to visit Sekinchan paddy field between mid-March to May and from mid-September to November.

During these times, Sekinchan paddy fields are expected to be at their greenest since the paddy fields are planted twice a year.

The golden-green hue of Sekinchan paddy fields is definitely worth it, so do not leave without visiting it!

Pantai Redang Sekinchan

Now that you’ve feated your eyes with lush greeneries, it’s time to soak in some sea, sand, and salt at Pantai Redang, Sekinchan!

Although not one of the best beaches in Malaysia, it is a relaxing place worth stopping by for some pictures and snacks. There are hammock installations that you can relax on while sipping fresh coconut water.

If you wish to spend more time here, get yourself a kite from one of the stalls!

Sekinchan Wishing Tree

Located near to Pantai Redang, Sekinchan is the ever-famous Sekinchan Wishing Tree, which is a must-do when you’re in Sekinchan.

It’s not that hard to spot this tree, as it is hardly green but beaming in red! Thanks to the local belief that the tree has the power to grant your wishes, many locals and tourists alike have tied and tossed red ribbons on the tree.

If you’d like to do the same, get your red ribbons from the temple adjacent to this wishing tree, write down your wishes and name, and tie the ribbon with a coin to help you toss it onto the tree!

Legend has it that the higher your ribbon lands, the more likely your wish will come true. It also makes a very attractive background for your pictures.

Sekinchan Fisherman’s Village

You can’t skip visiting the Fisherman’s Village when you’re in a fishing town, right? So, the next spot to visit in Sekinchan is definitely the fisherman’s village.

Next to the river in Sekinchan is Bagan, the main fishing village in Sekinchan. The best time to see the fishing boats heading out to the sea and bustling with fisherman activities is in the morning or later in the evening when they return.

You can also go at other times; however, you might find it quiet. Thanks to these fishermen, Bagan is also a seafood heaven. In the next section, we’ll look at some famous spots.

If you happen to be there in mid-day, unable to see the fisherman’s activities, you could pop over to the boat-building factory to see how they are built or repaired.

Fresh and Delicious Food Found in Sekinchan

Now that we have covered all the must-see places in Sekinchan, what’s there to eat in Sekinchan? (Yes, I hear you!)

Boon Kee Restaurant

How can seafood not be served in a fishing village? One of the top Chinese restaurants in Sekinchan is Boon Kee Restaurant, famous for offering the freshest seafood at a reasonable price!

With its open seating area, it’s definitely not a fancy place, but you can really take in the environment, like the birds cooing amidst the bustling kitchen noises!

All seafood dishes are fresh, but the chili crab and mantou buns are exceptional. They are buttery, spicy, and crispy in one bite.

If you don’t feel like eating crabs, try their crispy fried mantis with salted egg—there’s no need to peel, and you can eat the whole thing since it’s fried to perfection!

Seafood D’bendang

Now, if you’re making this trip with your Muslim friends and want to eat halal seafood, then you should visit no other than the ultra-famous Seafood D’bendang.

This establishment serves fresh, halal seafood dishes. Some must-try dishes include the lobster bucket, eaten in the shell-out style. All the seafood cooked in a sauce is served on the table (no plates) for the whole table to enjoy together!

They feature many other ‘buckets’ of seafood, which you can choose to your liking. Their butter prawn dish is also equally famous!

N16 Cafe

Now, if seafood is just not your thing (yes, we see you, allergy-ridden people, sorry!) then fret not, Sekinchan, fortunately, has more to offer than just fresh seafood.

Head to the Instagram-popular N16 cafe for snacks and gorgeous views. This cafe, run in a refurbished bus, has a whimsical exterior that will be a highlight of your trip.

Inside, you will find an air-conditioned set up of bus seats that look like chairs and tables where you can take a break and enjoy your food and drinks.

However, note that they only serve cakes, sandwiches, snack food items, coffee, and beautifully crafted cold drinks. It may not be suitable if you are looking for a place to have a hearty meal.

Ah Ma House

Another spot not to be missed in Sekinchan is Ah Ma House! This unique spot showcases old antique items like rotary phones, grandfather clocks, and old rattan and wooden furniture. It will surely take you down memory lane to the days you visited ‘Kampung’ houses.

While Ah Ma House is filled with nostalgic attractions, it is also a small bakery shop that sells homemade cookies and biscuits, including its famous Kuih Kapit.

Sauces, sweets, and other snacks famous in the 1980s and 1990s are also still sold here.

Mango King

Last but not least, stop by the popular Mango King to beat the sun on any day you visit.

Here, you can buy locally produced mangoes, cut them, and serve them as fruits, or go for their fresh and famous mango shake, served cold!

Although the spot is famous for its shakes, other types of food, like egg pancakes and lala clams, are also served here.

Where to Stay in Sekinchan If Staying Overnight?

If you are planning to visit Sekinchan from further away and wish to stay overnight, check out some of these suggestions. They are near some of the popular attractions and food spots.

Padi Box

Padi Box is a famous landmark in Sekinchan. It is a brightly coloured container hotel, the first to be constructed in the Area.

It is cosy and unique, making it a great photo spot with friends and family! There are plenty of rooms suitable for different group sizes. You can book a room that will fit up to 6 people.

However, if this is more of a couple’s getaway, then go for their two pax room with a balcony so that you can wake up to the gorgeous views of the paddy field.

Villa Chee

Villa Chee is another container hotel in the middle of the paddy fields. Unlike Padi Box, Villa Chee blends with its surroundings, as it is wholly painted green!

A couple of differentiating facilities at Villa Chee are their swimming pool and garden. You can also host a BBQ on the rooftop of Villa Chee. Contact them directly to make these arrangements.

Farm Ville Cafe & Homestay

The concept of container hotels is getting more popular, as the third spot that you can stay at is also a container hotel called Farm Ville Cafe & Homestay.

This all-red and black container hotel stands out like flowers against the green backdrop of the paddy field.

Although Farm Ville also has a swimming pool with slides like Villa Chee, it has many other amenities, such as a BBQ area, ping-pong table, and karaoke system. Talk about having fun in the vicinity of your hotel!

If container hotels are not your jam, there are plenty of homestays around which you can browse directly here.

When is The Best Time to Visit Sekinchan?

The best time to visit Sekinchan is undoubtedly when the paddy fields are in their greenish colour. That means it will be between March to May and September to November.

If viewing the paddy fields is important to you, then we suggest sticking to the time frame given below:

Of course you can also visit Sekinchan outside of these months, but you may not get the paddy views it is famous for.

How to Get to Sekinchan?

With a Car

The easiest way to get to Sekinchan from anywhere is by car. It’s easy not just to get you there, but it will be handy to take you around Sekinchan while you explore the town.

By Bus

Alternatively, you can also take a bus directly to Sekinchan. At Pudu Sentral, you need to board the SPT Sabak Bernam Express bus to be dropped off at the Sekinchan Sentral Bus Terminal.

After reaching Sekinchan, you can rely on taxis, local buses or even bicycles to move around Sekinchan.

Things to Bring When Travelling to Sekinchan

It can get pretty hot and humid in Malaysia, and particularly in the months when the paddy fields are the greenest, it will be pretty hot. So, let’s take a look at some of the essentials you need to bring when traveling to Sekinchan :

• Light and comfortable clothes
• Comfortable shoes
• Water bottle
• Umbrella to help you with the heat, and if it suddenly rains
• Hat and SPF (sunscreen)
• Camera/ Phone for all the picturesque moments
• Cash and snacks in case you get hungry!

Sekinchan Day Trip Itinerary Example

This is a rough guide to planning your journey to Sekinchan. Of course, feel free to change this according to your needs:

8:00 AM: Make your way to Sekinchan via bus or car

9:30 AM: Make the first stop at the paddy fields before it gets too sunny. Explore, take pictures, and enjoy the greenery!

11:00 AM: Head over to the Fisherman’s Village and Pantai Redang to relax by the beach. Quench your thirst with some fresh coconut.

11:30 AM: Walk to the wishing tree to make your wishes!

12:00 PM: Pick a restaurant to have lunch at.

2:00 PM: Finish your lunch with some sweet mangoes. At Mango King, you can have the fruits or the famous mango shake.

3:00 PM: Visit the famous Ah Ma House for some nostalgic memories. Get some famous snacks from back in the day and buy back some souvenirs for your family and friends!

4:00 PM: Visit the N16 cafe for some cold coffee, drinks, and cakes. Take magnificent pictures while enjoying the view from the refurbished bus.

5:00 PM: Get ready to head back to your home from Sekinchan.