Tanjung Sepat is a pleasant, small seaside town with a few attractions and places to eat for a day-trip or weekend stay from KL.
The population is predominately Chinese and many of the houses are quaint wooden homes with tin roofs arranged in a grid street pattern.
This article shows some of the popular attractions in this town.
1. Go on a picnic and participate in water-based activities at Pantai Cunang
On the outskirts of the town, behind an Orang Asli village, is a hidden gem, a fine white sand beach that is one of the best on the Selangor coastline. It has even won an award in a state-wide competition.
The Mah Meri Orang Asli people who live in the adjacent village called Kampung Koi are famed for their vibrant culture, their handicraft skills (including wooden masks) and their care for their environment, and have built huts on the beach for their own use.
Their imaginative and artistic use of garbage materials found while cleaning up the beach (such as plastic bottles, rubber flip flops, tyres, driftwood and coconut shells) to create decorative displays is very impressive.
Since the Orang Asli have set up a management team for the beach, you can easily arrange to take part in some water-based activities while you’re here.
2. Take pictures of or paint fishing boats
Fishing was once the main occupation in Tanjung Sepat. It has declined in importance but there are still a number of picturesque fishing boats moored in the river.
This spot is the perfect location for a photoshoot and will serve as inspiration for painters and sketch artists.
3. Visit the Gano Mushroom Farm Shop and Homestay
This place has a number of displays describing various types of mushrooms, their health benefits, and method of cultivation.
The mushrooms are not grown here but on a farm nearby. There is a large shop where visitors can stock up on fresh mushrooms, pickled and dried mushrooms, healthy mushroom-based drinks and other products at reasonable prices.
They also run a homestay for people who want to spend more time in this relaxing town.
The homestay is in the centre of town facing the sea and there is a wooden jetty behind it where you can enjoy the sea breezes or watch the sunset.
4. Enjoy some local beverage at Kwo Zha B Coffee
Another popular locally made product is coffee. At Kwo Zha B Coffee on Lorong 4, the friendly owners Mr and Mrs Lim will happily demonstrate how they roast coffee beans with sugar, margarine and salt to produce a smooth drink that is uniquely Malaysian.
If you are keen to try more, Joo Fa Trading on Lorong 5 is another producer of indigenous coffee.
5. Feast on local specialty drinks
Also on Lorong 4, you can find this stall selling homemade fresh juices like passion fruit, dragon fruit and hog plum fruit as well as other local delights.
Mei Mei Sha Lei Shui is another shop just opposite specialising in umbra juice (kedongdong).
6. Indulge in some mouthwatering pau
Visitors travel for miles to try homemade steam buns (pau) with various fillings here.
Perniagaan Pau Hai Yew Heng on Lorong 4 is one of the most famous pau makers in town while Mr Black Home Made Pau on Jalan Bawai 4 is another popular choice.
Other eating choices here include seafood bak kut teh and of course regular seafood restaurants. For more options, just wander around and follow your nose and appetites!
This article first appeared in Malaysia Traveller.