Embark on an Unforgettable Off-The-Beaten Path Road Trip from KL to Penang: Selangor and Perak
Published July 31, 2024
When it comes to road trips, the journey often matters just as much as the destination. If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten path adventure, why not take a road trip from Kuala Lumpur to Penang? This exciting route will take you through hidden gems in Malaysia, breathtaking landscapes and fascinating attractions that are sure to make your journey an unforgettable experience. Buckle up as we guide you through the first part to the perfect itinerary for your road trip.
Day 1: Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kubu Bharu
Kickstart your road trip early in the morning from Kuala Lumpur by heading towards Kuala Kubu Bharu, a charming town nestled in the hills. Here, immerse yourself in the local art and history at the Kuala Kubu Bharu Art and History Gallery, where remarkable artifacts and paintings weave tales of the past.
Kuala Kubu Bharu Art and History Gallery
Address: Galeri Seni dan Sejarah Kuala Kubu Bharu, Jalan Syed Masyor, Kampung Tun Abdul Razak, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor.
Contact: +603-3289 1010
After your cultural exploration, continue your journey to ADREN X PARK, where the real adventure begins. Unleash your inner daredevil with thrilling outdoor and extreme activities - from ATV rides through the forest to white water rafting and water tubing.
Conquer the skies as you soar 60 meters above the ground, with exhilarating ziplining and a bridge rope swing experience, taking in breathtaking views of the Selangor River and lush greenery.
ADREN X PARK (by Rentas Adventures)
Address: Yellow Cabin, Jalan 55, KKB - Fraser, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor.
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 6:30pm (Thursdays), 10:00am – 12:00pm & 2:30pm – 6:30pm (Fridays), 10:00am – 6:30pm (Saturdays to Mondays). Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
Contact: +6019-800 4674 | Email
Day 2: Kuala Kubu Bharu
Rise early for an adrenaline-pumping experience at KKB Paragliding Park. Try tandem paragliding from 1,400ft above sea level with a skilled pilot and capture your epic journey with a provided GoPro camera.
KKB Paragliding Park
Address: Taman Millenium Sports Complex, Jalan Ampang Pechah, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor.
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 5:30pm daily
Contact: +6019-431 1737 | Email
In the evening, unwind at the serene Chilling Waterfall after a short jungle trek, concluding your day with the awe-inspiring sight of the 80-meter waterfall.
Chilling Waterfalls
Address: Sungai Chilling @ Taman Warisan Negeri Selangor (Selangor State Park), 44000, Kuala Kubu Bharu Selangor.
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm (Saturdays & Sundays. Closed on Public Holidays)
Day 3: Kuala Kubu Bharu to Teluk Intan
Make your way to the quaint town of Teluk Intan, as it welcomes you with its iconic Leaning Tower, a pagoda-style structure that stands as a testament to the town’s rich history. Built in 1885, this tower was originally used as a water tank to store portable water during the dry season before becoming a clock tower.
Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan (Menara Condong)
Address: Lot 1&2, Komplex Menara Condong, Jalan Bandar, Pekan Teluk Intan, 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak.
Opening Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm (Mondays to Fridays), 8:00am – 6:00pm (Saturdays & Sundays)
This town that boasts a rich tapestry of culture, history and natural beauty, holds a hidden gem in Malaysia that’s waiting to be explored - the Teluk Intan River Cruise. Step aboard the cruise and embark on a journey through time, as you gently glide along the scenic Sungai Perak, taking you past historic landmarks, amidst lush mangrove forests lining the riverbanks.
Don’t miss the chance to catch a glimpse of egrets flying back home to Bangau Island (a sanctuary for migratory birds), and witnessing fireflies at the riverbanks at night.
Teluk Intan River Cruise
Address: No. 30 Gerai Rakyat, Jalan Wah Kheng Jooi, 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak.
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 8:30pm (Mondays to Fridays), 9:00am – 8:30pm (Saturdays & Sundays)
Contact: +6013-596 6301 | Email
Website: facebook.com/rivercruisetelukintan
Day 4: Teluk Intan to Bagan Datuk
If you are seeking a touch of nature’s brilliance, the Sunflower Garden located in Bagan Datuk, which is located an hour’s drive away from Teluk Intan, beckons as a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a nature lover or simply someone looking for a tranquil escape, this radiant garden promises an experience that will leave a lasting impression, as you’ll be greeted by a mesmerizing sea of golden sunflowers swaying gracefully in the breeze.
Sunflower Garden
Address: Sunflower Garden, A128, Bagan Sungai Burung, 36100 Bagan Datuk, Perak.
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm daily
Contact: +6019-207 4608
After immersing yourself in the beauty of the sunflowers, it’s time to embark on the second part of your adventure, in the heart of Perak’s coastal wonderland - the Sky Mirror of Bagan Datuk. This enchanting natural phenomenon occurs during low tide, transforming the coastline into a surreal, mirror-like surface that reflects the sky.
Visitors can book a fun photography session at Sky Mirror at Sungai Burung Village in Bagan Datuk with 9 Island Agency, following a 15-minute boat ride. As you arrive at the Sky Mirror, be prepared to witness one of the most unique and enchanting phenomena in Malaysia. The shallow waters seem to merge seamlessly with the horizon, creating the illusion of walking on water. This creates an ideal setting for fun and creative photography, where you can capture stunning reflections and playful moments with your friends and family.
As night falls, explore the enchanting beauty of Blue Tears in Bagan Datuk, where nature puts on a mesmerizing light show like no other. As the sun sets over the tranquil waters, tiny bioluminescent organisms come alive, casting a surreal, ethereal blue glow on the surface, resembling a starry sky beneath the waves. The best time to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon is during the dark, moonless nights between July and September.
Sky Mirror/Blue Tears - 9 Island Agency
Address: 64, Bagan, Kampung Sungai Burung, 36100 Bagan Datuk, Perak.
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 10:00pm daily
Contact: +6019-502 0502
Day 5: Bagan Datuk to Ipoh
Continue your Malaysian road trip to Ipoh, a town renowned for its rich heritage and burgeoning art scene. Wander through the lesser-known alleys of Ipoh’s old town, discovering stunning murals and street art that reflect the town’s soul.
While you explore Ipoh’s quaint streets, vibrant markets and colonial-era architecture, don’t miss out on trying Ipoh’s famous dishes, such as salted chicken, steam chicken with bean sprouts and tau foo fah.
Visit the Pavilion Petting Zoo, nestled in the breathtaking Gunung Lang Recreational Park in Ipoh, a hidden gem in Malaysia that brings joy to the hearts of both young and old. Here, you have a unique opportunity to interact with over 800 animals, including rabbits, birds, racoons, lambs, goats, ponies, geese, hedgehogs, hamsters, snakes, iguanas and so much more.
Pavilion Petting Zoo
Address: Pavilion Petting Zoo, Taman Rekreasi Gunung Lang, 30010 Ipoh, Perak.
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm (Wednesdays to Mondays. Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: +6019-900 9079 | Email
Day 6: Ipoh to Batu Gajah and Enggor, Perak
Embark on a nature-centric day as part of your ultimate road trip adventure through Malaysia and explore the lush landscapes that surround Perak. Venture to Kellie’s Castle, an abandoned mansion, perched on top of a hill in Batu Gajah, Perak, enveloped in mystery and verdant beauty, making for a captivating stop.
As you explore its weathered corridors and intricate Moorish, Indo-Saracenic and Roman architecture, you'll be transported to a bygone era. Kellie's Castle, which was also one of the settings in the 1999 Oscar-nominated film “Anna and the King”, starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat, promises a thrilling detour on your road trip, revealing the rich tapestry of Malaysia's past, making it a must-see on your road trip across this enchanting country.
Kellie’s Castle
Address: Lot 48436, Kompleks Pelancongan Kellie’s Castle, KM 5.5, Jalan Gopeng, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak.
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 5:15pm daily
Contact: +605-365 3381
Step back in time at the Victoria Bridge in Perak, an engineering marvel built in 1897, hidden away in the quaint village of Karai, just ten kilometers from Kuala Kangsar. This picturesque steel structure, also known as the Enggor Bridge, dating back to the British colonial era, holds the distinction of Malaysia’s oldest bridge, and is an essential stop on your hidden gems road trip.
As you make this unique scenic detour, you’ll be captivated by the bridge’s intricate design and timeless beauty. With its striking red brick piers and a length of over 1000 feet, it has weathered the test of time, surviving even frequent floods in the area. While it ceased railway operations in 2002, the bridge’s adjoining footbridge remains accessible to motorcycles and pedestrians. Named after Queen Victoria, it played a pivotal role in the transport of coal to Singapore for export.
Today, the bridge stands as a testament to Malaysia’s rich history and serves as a picturesque spot for photography and history enthusiasts. Its fascinating backstory and significance make it a must-visit on any road trip through Malaysia, a true hidden gem that has found its place in the country's heritage.
Victoria Bridge
Address: Victoria Bridge (Jambatan Victoria (Enggor, Perak), Kampung Kapor, 31050 Enggor, Perak.
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
Contact: +6013-393 7997
Ready to uncover Malaysia's hidden gems and embark on an unforgettable road trip from Kuala Lumpur to Penang? Dive deeper into Part 2 of our journey to discover the hidden gems in Penang that are waiting to be explored!
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