6 Reasons to Visit Sekinchan @ Selangor

One of the perks of living in the city, is getting to escape from it! If a sweet elusion from the daily monotony in Kuala Lumpur without being further stressed by the travelling is what you are looking for, then Sekinchan is a brilliant choice. Just a 1.5-hour drive away from the capital of Malaysia, this fishing cum paddy town seems very modest for what it has to offer!

I fell in love with it at first visit and it is still doing pretty well at the top of my recommendation list. Quite unbelievably, this little town has all you need to remedy the harried soul- scenery, food, beach and play. It is one of those places where you can getaway and not need to recover from a burnt pocket too.

Here are 5 reasons why Sekinchan is simply wonderful!

1. The amazing paddy fields

It does not take much for you to know that have reached Sekinchan. The sight of carpets and carpets of green/ golden fields that know no ends will greet you. Picturesque scenes of the paddy fields have given a lot of photo opportunities to people from near and afar and earned a name as one of the top places for pre-wedding photoshoots. With or without a wedding gown, Sekinchan's velvets will effortlessly make your shots impressive. 

Well, it would be very remiss of me not to have myself shot at such a photogenic place. Thus I planned a slot just for photo-taking. Just drive along the paddy fields and find a spot that you like but make sure not to destroy any of the plants during your photo taking!

Photos taken in this post are just before harvesting. The golden hue may not be so distinct as the paddy bent due to its weight, exposing green grass.

The colour of the fields depends on which time you visit. Check them out to avoid disappointment. 

Jan-Feb- no crops

Early March- transplanting

Mid March till early May- green

Mid May- very gold

June- gold (harvesting)

July - August- no crops

Early September - transplanting

Mid September till early November- green

Mid November- very gold

December- gold (harvesting)

*timingse can differ*

When you are a village girl

Sun on dew 

The land that is devoted to grow our staple

A scene so surreal

A blade of paddy leaf

Taking in the positive energy from the sun that sheds light for the paddy to grow

The view when I wake up

The paddy grew right in front of our room!

2. Cheap and fresh seafood

Sekinchan is not only blessed with arable land for paddy planting but also proximity to the sea which
allows fresh seafood at a fraction of the price in the city! With a majority of population which livelihood depend on the sea, seafood restaurants are quite conveniently available and usually able to cook up anything from the sea, anyway you like.

I did not wait until proper meal time to get my hands on those fresh sea yield. While heading towards Pantai Redang, I chanced upon a row of stalls that dish out seafood like snacks. The indulgence began with one plate and before I knew it, there were stacks of them. At an affordable price of RM10-25 per plate, it was not easy to look away from the menu. Dig in all sorts of crustaceans you can think of and molluscs that you have never heard of. Waze Pantai Redang

Sekinchan homes a fishing village after all. Thus, do remember to stock up on some live catches and seafood products- cheap and fresh!

Savour briny sweetness that will keep you mum with satisfaction while you hollow out the shells of these steamed crabs

Crunchiness of steamed fresh prawns cannot get any better

Steamed squid with the perfect combination of homemade sweet chilli sauce and a sprinkle of peanuts for winning taste.
You can tell the texture by its picture.

Yes you saw it right. Do I look like I care?
Pandan coconuts that contains fragrance that you 

Oyster omelette (oh chien) is one of the must-haves

Be reminded that decadence can be in the humble form of cockles

Indulging

Lala tong with sufficient ginger and a dose of chinese rice wine Waze Ririfatt Restaurant

Shark porridge

This is a fishing village after all, so take the opportunity to stock the fridge up with some seafood, cheap and fresh!

Coffee shops here are authentically vintage effortlessly, unlike recreated cafes in the city

Sometimes, a plate of perfectly done soft boiled eggs is all you need breakfast to start the day

Enjoy that smooth cup of classic coffee

3. Nostalgia

When you travel to Sekinchan, you are also time traveling back to the time when our grandmothers had darker hair. Coming to this wooden establishment, ungated with a creaking swing and infused with the smell of charcoal imbued me with the nostalgia that I never had, being an urbanite. Everything is so manual, so basic but yet so charming.

Quaint products that I managed to catch glimpse of when I was a child were displayed as if modernization have not stamped them out. Waze Ah Ma House

It is weird that swings like this creak but are still comfy

Nostalgia that I never had

Sweets that I managed to catch glimpse of when I was a child

Carcoal-burnt, hand-folded kuih kapit

The culprit behind those white faces in the 80s

Enamel wares

Rattan and wood environement

Now these kind of kitchen is extinct in the city

4. Fisherman village lifestyle

This fisherman village gives the perfect opportunity to slow down and absorb the positive vibes of nature. Restore organic fibres that were leaching in the concrete jungle and rejuvenate in an unadulterated environment. Chase some free range chickens, eat home grown vegetables and let the sound of the waves replace the cacophony of traffic. Waze Pantai Redang.

Mum and I at a beach hut

Opportunity to chase free range chickens

Spot the rainbow

A wishing tree at Pantai Redang

Just relaxing

Back to the basics of finding food from nature

Sunset at Pantai Redang

5. Learn About Harvesting 

Learning might be the last thing on your mind while on a getaway but it can be quite refreshing. Displace thoughts of climbing statistics and perfecting reports with something more tangible like the paddy fields which hold their own importance without being pretentious. Learning about how paddy is grown and harvested at the rice factory can throw light at a whole new perspective in life.
Waze PLS Marketing (M) Sdn. Bhd. 

Just like that, the golden field is reduced to brown hay

The smell of freshly cut crops is one of a kind

There is still beauty in such destruction

Until the next season!

Rock while you watch how food is harvested

The rice museum at PLS Marketing Sdn. Bhd.

Don't forget to support our local rice and its products

Bak chang madefrom Sekinchan rice

Treat yourself to some cendol while you are at the factory

6. Mango King

Mango smoothie asam boi is deliciousssss! The soil in Sekinchan not only is fertile for paddy, it produces gigantic mangoes too! When in Sekinchan, don't be fixated on just the paddy fields. Go straight after passing by Ah Ma's Hse and PLC Rice Factory till the end of the road and you will reach Mango King. Mangoes here can be as long as the forearm. But most satisfyingly, I got to relish their pure mango smoothie which is naturally sweet. Made of just ice and mango flesh with a sprinkle of asam boi, my afternoon was a bliss! Each cup is RM6. Enjoy it under the shady mango tree while enjoying the breeze from the paddy fields. Of course you can pick your giant mango and have it cut for your consumption on the spot.

Huge mangoes

Go straight after passing by Ah Ma's Hse and PLC Rice Factory till the end of the road and you will reach Mango King

Mango smoothie assam boi is deliciously refreshing!

I love Sekinchan!

Close to Sekinchan too, there are attractions like the SkyMirror, fireflies and eagle feeding that would be fun for visits. There is no public transport to Sekinchan and attractions nearby. Thus, driving your own car is the most ideal and convenient way to explore them.

10 Things To Do In Sepang, Selangor

A land with over 190,889 of population, Sepang first began to develop as a town in Bandar Baru  Salak Tinggi. Now, not only it houses two of Malaysia’s main international airports and acts as a gateway to the country, it is also famously known for the Sepang International Circuit that holds various motorsports events. Home to Selangor’s premium outlet store, Sepang is a shopping paradise that has attracted many tourists from all over the world, making it one of the must-visit Districts in Selangor!


8.00 a.m. : Get energised with a morning jog at the Cyberjaya Lake Gardens
9.00 a.m. : Stop by Adik Abang Restaurant for breakfast
10.00 a.m. : Take a tour of the Sepang International Circuit
12.00 p.m. : Luncheon at Nasi Padang Minang Batang Kapeh Restaurant
1.00 p.m. : Go on a Mangrove River Tour
2.30 p.m. : Step into Ladang HL Sepang
3.30 p.m. : Shopping at Mitsui Outlet Park
5.00 p.m. : Teatime at Book Barter Café
6:00 p.m. : Wander around Tamarind Square Cyberjaya
7.00 p.m. : Dinner at HM Sri Bagan Sepang

1) Get energised with a morning jog at the Cyberjaya Lake Gardens
Rise and shine! Put on your favourite sportswear and swing by the famous Cyberjaya Lake Gardens to start your day. Here, you will be taken to the best jogging or running trail specially designed for those who enjoy working out outdoors. Not to mention, the calming environment accompanied by the breezy air in this beautifully lush garden will undeniably put you in a good mood throughout the day.

Cyberjaya Lake Garden by Setia Haruman Sdn Bhd.

2) Stop by Adik Abang Restaurant for Breakfast
Recharge yourselves by having breakfast at the local favourite, Adik Abang Restaurant! Here, you will be served with a long lists of mouth-watering Malaysian food that you can order from their menu. Their regulars will strongly recommend you to try out their scrumptious Lontong, Nasi lemak and Roti Canai which can just hit the spot and give you your morning dose of goodness. If you are a die-hard fan of those three meals, this is definitely the right breakfast spot for you!

Restoran Adik Abang by RozyHanim on foursquare. com

3) Take a tour of the Sepang International Circuit
Continue with your next activity of the day by going on a tour at the reputed Sepang International Circuit. You will be taken to explore the whole circuit area and you can find out everything you need to know about the motorsports industry! The tour includes a visit to the Grandstand, Race Control Room, the premier Perdana Suite, and many more! While you are there, you can also visit the famous Automobile Museum.

Sepang Circuit by www.sepangcircuit. com

4) Luncheon at Nasi Padang Minang Batang Kapeh Restaurant
Do not forget to stop by the famous Nasi Padang restaurant in Kampung Salak Tinggi for a sumptuous meal! If you are looking for a flavourful traditional village food, this is definitely it and be sure to try out their Ikan bakar or grilled fish and Ikan keli, their famous catfish dish.

Restaurant Nasi Padang Minang Batang Kapeh by saji. my

5) Go on a Mangrove Tour
Popularly known as the first and largest Inflatable Aqua Theme Park in the country, Aqua X offer you with bunch of heart-thrilling activities for you to experience! A Mangrove Tour package is something that you do not want to miss out on as it offers a wholesome journey where you will be brought to surf through the jungle, witnessing with your own eyes and ears the sight and sound of the exotic birds around you. You can also find other attractive activities here for you and your loved ones!

Mangrove Tour by hungryhongkong. net

6) Step into Ladang HL Sepang.
While strolling around Sepang district, be sure to visit the amazing Dragon Fruit Valley. Situated in Bagan Lalang, not only is it known for its famous dragon fruit plantation, there is a great cafe for you to check out. There are various of food choices, but ones you should definitely try are the Roti King Kong and mashed potatoes served with their one and only dragon fruit sauce and quench your thirst by having their freshly squeezed dragon fruit juice!

Ladang HL by selangorkini. my

7) Shopping at Mitsui Outlet Park
Step into a shopping haven at Mitsui Outlet Park for the best shopping experience in Selangor! At MOP, you can easily find a number of upper-middle to high-end luxurious brands and goods. Every store here offers you with interesting deals and discounts that you certainly do not want to miss!

Mitsui Outlet by www.bigkl. com

8) Teatime at Book Barter Café
Take a break and bounce back to be comfy at Book Bater Cafe. After going crazy at MOP, you might want to chill at this cafe located in Tamarind Square where they serve the best desserts, coffee and tea! The interior gives off a book-store kind of style, making it one of the best spots for people hangout and get their work done. Not onlydoes the environment represent such calmness, the items on their menu is truly a bliss too! Hint, you can start by trying out their Cottony Japanese Cheesecake and sip on their luscious flat white coffee.

Book Barter by eatdrinkkl on blogspot

9) Wander around Tamarind Square Cyberjaya
After getting your me-time at the cafe, explore for yourselves Tamarind Square and stroll around the area that is designed with a garden concept! Besides being known for its instagrammable spots, you can also join some of their weekly activities here such as Zumba Fitness, Pound Fitness, Yoga classes and Piloxing activity! Also, there is an Urban Night Market that you can stop by every 2 nd and 4 th Wednesday of the month as well as an entertainment event called Lepaq that is held on every last Saturday of the month.

Tamarind Square by Twt_Cyberjaya on twitter

10) Dinner at HM Sri Bagan Sepang
What better way to end a long tiring day than to be served with an array of amazing dishes by the calming sea! The sound of the waves and breezy air will definitely put you into a more relaxing mood. Accompanied with the best seafood in town, you can either choose to have their ala-carte menu or opt for a package deal that has plenty to choose from! All of their dishes are worth the try especially their Talapia Bakar, Siakap Steam and Sambal Udang Petai.

HM Sri Bagan by wahidayatulaswa omn blogspot

There you have it! If you have come this far, it means you are already geared up for a trip to Sepang. Therefore, don’t forget to set your next adventure and visit this one of a kind District in Selangor and enjoy the activities that we have listed for you!

For more information, please log on to the official website of Tourism Selangor at https://selangor.travel/

This article is contributed by Tourism Selangor.

CSheon Personalised Designer Leather Bags, Purses, Gifts, Wallet, Clutch and Jewelry

CSheon caught my attention because it was introduced as a Malaysian-based brand before anything else. A brand so true to its own origin already deserves support from fellow compatriots like me. It prodded me to learn more about it. When its website sprung up, I liked what I saw and I am pretty sure it what they offer is capable of garnering likes from people with the penchant for fashion and leather whether Malaysian or not.

CSheon is independant designer brand that prides on their craftsmanship and takes their leather seriously. All their pieces are made from genuine leather. Every strip of leather is hand picked from legal sources and scrutinized for quality. From ostrich to bats to crocodiles and sting ray, I was amazed by the range of leather they can handle. Each piece is designed by its own team and made entirely by hand locally in Malaysia. From hand cutting to hand sewing, they strive to preserve the art of traditional hand leather making craftsmanship.

I laid my eyes on the Alestro and the Box Bag. They embody the personality that I want to express in my accessories. I like it that the leathers are pigmented with vibrant colours and combined in trendy and stylish designs. Styles range from elegant to edgy. You would concur if you looked at their catalogue.

My first CSheon leather piece

Sting Ray leather on gold plated ring

CSheon pieces are not only chic in design. They can be custom made to exude your personality. I like that CSheon gives customers the opportunity to express their uniqueness. From the handle, to the colour of the frame and to your initials, you can create your item with a range of colours, textures and finishes. What makes a designer piece more valuable is of course a sprinkle of your own taste which makes your masterpiece inimitable. 

Customize your bag according to your style

Back to appreciating the brand with character, CSheon also brings value through its business. Each piece gives a job opporutinity to their female partners. Underpriviledged women are trained to assist in the production.

CSHEON’s ‘providing for women’ started back in 2015. They were looking for artisans /workforce to create their products. When they advertised for people who are passionate and loves art and leather-making, they received many feedbacks especially from underprivilledged ladies who were hoping to grasp some opportunity for survival. 

CSHEON provides guidance and training from their ‘In-House Leather Artisans’ trained in Florence, Italy in leather making. Free professional courses on leather making were given so that these ladies can earn an extra skillset to earn extra income.

Every piece comes with a certificate of authenticity

CSHEON was founded by Carmen Sheon back in 2016. She created the original designs for the CSHEON Collections and founded a team to dedicate to making made to order leather pieces.

They are available in Robinsons Four Seasons KL and Zalora MY.

Go to https://c-sheon.com/ and www.facebook.com/csheonleather to look at those stunning pieces