Hulu Langat is, at its very heart, a cradle of nature and culture.
Roughly an hour away from Kuala Lumpur, it is fringed by the urban districts of Cheras and Ampang – yet it is anything but that. It is dotted with rolling hills, rushing rivers, waterfalls and hot springs, all wrapped in the embrace of tropical greenery. Home to a large Malay and Javanese population, Hulu Langat is frequented by cyclists and runners looking for an escape from hectic city life.
Just because it seems peaceful here doesn’t mean your journey would be too. For a fun way to explore the area, you can ride on a Vespa scooter.
Hop on and buckle up your helmet – this is how you can make the most of a day trip to Hulu Langat on a Vespa!
Stop 1: The Professor’s Herb Garden
Have you ever eaten a fruit that makes lime taste sweet? Or watched a plant dance to music? Professor Mat Nor, or simply known as The Professor, welcomes guests to his herb farm to show his private botanical collection.
The retired lecturer knows everything there is to know about plants and is happy to share his knowledge on the many unique species in Malaysia. You’ll be amazed by the weird and wondrous plants out there!
Stop 2: Riverside Batik Painting
Ride along the river and you will find a little shop where you can tap into your artistic side through batik painting. Halijah, the owner, will do a short demonstration to get you started and give tips on how to master the technique. You get to bring home your batik masterpiece afterwards.
Stop 3: Traditional Malay Homestay
Nadia and her family runs a local homestay in Hulu Langat. Within the community stands 20 traditional Malay houses, each belonging to her family for generations.
It isn’t every day that you get to learn about and appreciate the distinctive architecture of Malay houses, play traditional games or try on full cultural attires. If you are eager to get a glimpse of life in the kampung, this is it!
Stop 4: Pit Stop for Nasi Ambeng
There’s nothing like a hearty lunch after an eventful morning. One of Hulu Langat’s pride on a plate is Nasi Ambeng, a popular Javanese-Malay cuisine. Typically served during festive celebrations and shared on a tray between many people, the rice dish is served with fried noodles, chicken, salted fish, fried coconut floss and vegetables.
Stop 5: Gabai Waterfall
After a satisfying meal, take a ride to Gabai Waterfall, a popular natural attraction flocked by locals and visitors alike. There are plenty of picnic spots and camp sites, as well as a nearby Orang Asli settlement.
To reach the waterfall, you have to climb a steep flight of stairs. It can be a challenge but at least you are rewarded with beautiful views along the way. There’s also a large natural water slide at the top!
Of course, don’t forget to enjoy the ride! Unlike the neighbouring capital city, Hulu Langat is filled with fresh air and scenic landscapes you’d want to enjoy out in the open.
To taste a slice of kampung life, join a Vespa tour around Hulu Langat, guided by Asia Itinerary. Visit LokaLocal to discover unique local experiences or become a local expert.
This article is written by Rachael Lum from Lokalocal, a startup that allows travelers to enjoy uniquely local experiences. Rachael is a writer, blogger, TV addict and bookworm suffering from insatiable wanderlust. She believes there is a story everywhere, if you look hard enough. The article is republished on Discover KL with permission.
