If there’s anything the COVID-19 pandemic has given us all, it’s a renewed love for freedom and the great outdoors! And the great hing about living in Kuala Lumpur (KL) is that you don’t have to go far to get a dose of sunshine and greenery. Selangor and KL’s other surrounding areas have a plethora of charming destinations for you and your friends or family to venture.
Merge the outdoors with some good food and you’ve got yourself a winning weekend activity too! Here are six places to visit that are a mere one-hour drive from KL. At these places, you can enjoy a picnic, dine with a view, and not to forget, capture Insta-worthy pictures!
1. Pantai Remis, Jeram, Kuala Selangor
Pantai Remis in Jeram is an ecotourism spot located about 20 km southern of Kuala Selangor. Don’t be surprised though, instead of a sandy beach, you will be welcomed with a rock wall at the seashore, since this is the coastal barrier to curb erosion. So expect a different landscape where you can unwind and appreciate the seaside view. You’ll be spoilt with varieties of local street food and seafood at the stalls and restaurants that line the beach.
Pantai Remis itself promises you a stunning sunset when the weather is clear. With the light sea breeze accompanied with the sound of waves, you’ll be amazed with the simple pleasure of taking in a sunset right before your eyes while savouring your meal in a seaside atmosphere. At times, there will be fishermen catching the remis (clams) along the shore, which this beach is famous for.
There are also colourful kites sold at the beach to keep your kids entertained or just to satisfy that inner child. When night falls, if it’s a full moon, the scenery is particularly beautiful.
Address: Pantai Remis, Jalan Pantai Remis, Kampung Dungun, Jeram, 45800 Kuala Selangor
2. Taman Saujana Hijau, Putrajaya
Catch the morning sunlight and have a scenic picnic at this picturesque site replete with pine trees, varieties of plants, sunflowers, and other blooms at Taman Saujana Hijau, Putrajaya. You will be in awe of how majestic this park is the moment you walk in the entrance. Get here as early as possible to easily find a parking spot!
As you explore the landscape which spans over 41 hectares, you’ll be spoiled for choice as you can enjoy the view from one of the park’s three hilltops. On top of the main attraction of pine and juniper tress enveloping the park, there are three themed gardens — European, English, and Oriental — that you can explore. There are several gazebos too for picnic or resting purposes. The park is also popular for taking wedding and graduation photos. And pictures for the ‘Gram too, of course!
Address: Jalan P11, Presint 11, 62000 Putrajaya
Operating hours: 7am to 7pm
3. Bukit Jelutong Eco Community Park, Shah Alam
Another picnic destination for you to explore is Bukit Jelutong Eco Community Park in Shah Alam, a private initiative project by Bukit Jelutong’s residents. This hidden gem also functions as a small farm or mini zoo, which is perfect for the kids. There are ducks, turkeys, geese, chickens, and goats roaming around the park compound, plus several beautiful peacocks and cute rabbits to keep the kids (and adults) entertained.
This relaxing outdoor area has a lake in the middle of the park nestled between two hills. The hill on the right as you enter the park has an easy hiking trail and boasts splendid views of the overall park. Meanwhile, the other hill on the left has its charm.
The park itself has a sitting area by the lake with tables and chairs where you can unwind and reflect on life. But essentially, you’ll have myriad picnic spots to pick from throughout the parl. All you have to do is lay down your picnic mat and just enjoy the serenity this place brings.
Do note that parking is a bit of a challenge. By 7pm, the friendly staff in charge will walk around to inform visitors that the park will be closing and you will be reminded not to leave any garbage behind.
Address: Jalan Lelangit U8/45, Bukit Jelutong, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor
Operating hours: 7am to 7pm
4. Farm Fresh at UPM, Sri Kembangan
Farm Fresh @UPM is a must visit. Especially if you’ve got little ones! This educational farm cum recreational park was established from a local dairy brand, Farm Fresh. It’s an agrotourism spot with so much fun to offer.
You will be welcomed by a gigantic red barn (a representation of the Farm Fresh logo) at the main entrance. As you passed the red barn entrance, you’ll then be greeted by The Acre, a restaurant showcasing Italian and Malaysian cuisine with indoor and al fresco dining. Take your pick between local rice dishes, laksa Johor, pastas, and wood fire pizzas where some of the fresh ingredients are produced right on the farm itself.
There is a map directory to explore the property’s 18 pit stops which consist of the cow barn, flora and fauna garden, greenhouse, petting zoo, koi pond, fighting fish aquariums, ice cream shop, and other attractions. But, for us the highlights here are the tractor ride that seems to always have a long queue, taking a closer look at the beautiful deer in the petting zoo, and to be honest, the experience of being on a big farm. Be sure to bring an umbrella or wear a cap because when it’s a sunny day, the weather is scorching hot!
Address: Jalan Maklumat, 43400 Serdang, Selangor
Operating hours: 10am to 7pm on weekdays and 10am to 10pm on weekends.
Entrace fees:
Weekdays: RM10 (adults) and RM5 (kids 5 to 12yrs)
Weekends and public holidays: RM15 (adults) and RM10 (kids 5 to 12yrs)
5. Ekues Cabin Cafe, Taman Equestrian Putrajaya
If you’re a horse lover, this is definitely a place you should head to. Ekues Cabin Cafe is an outdoor dining cafe located in the heart of Putrajaya Equestrian Park. Since it’s surrounded by big, shady trees, the ambience is pretty cosy.
Before you dig into the food at the cafe, pay a visit to the horses at the stables nearby. These horses are friendly creatures that you can pet if you’re brave enough to touch them. Horse riding is also available if you are keen. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch a polo match.
Now, let’s move on to the menu offered at this cafe. Their spread leans more towards light bites and snacks for brunch or evening tea, like toast, nasi lemak bungkus, fried mee (noodles), curry puff, and keropok lekor (fish crackers). They have desserts as well and their orange cake is a must! It’s so moist and super delicious. Pair it with your favourite coffee coupled with the breezy atmosphere, and you’ll definitely enjoy your day spent here.
Address: Ekues Cabin Cafe, Jalan Kandang Kuda Taman Ekuestrian Wilayah Perseketuan Putrajaya, Presint 5, 62000 Putrajaya
Operating hours: 9am to 7pm (Tuesday to Fridays but closed during Friday prayers), 8am to 7pm on weekends, closed on Mondays.
6. Saudagar Nanas Agrofarm, Kajang
As its name suggests, Saudagar Nanas Agrofarm is a pineapple plantation that sits on a hillside plantation with a cafe at the hilltop serving local dishes and desserts that showcase their pineapples. As you enter the main entrance, you’ll be surprised to see the numerous varieties of pineapple harvested on this farm.
But the cafe will be the star of your visit. Boasting a panoramic view, we recommend dining al fresco to take it all in. But if the weather is too hot to handle, there’s also an air-conditioned indoor eating area.
In terms of the fare, there’s quite an extensive menu of local dishes for breakfast and lunch for you to indulge in. Their lempeng kelapa (coconut pancake) paired with the sweet and spicy sambal is a show-stopper. For dessert, another must-try is their delish pineapple ice cream and bahulu gulung (Swiss roll). Finally, can’t come to a pineapple plantation and not sample the goods, right? Savour their fresh cut of MD2 pineapples and refreshing pineapple juice while here. Yummy!
Address: Lot 3000, Kampung Sungai Merab Luar, 43000 Kajang, Selangor
Operating Hour: 7:30am to 6pm daily, closed on Fridays.
