In the quaint little town of Kluang, time seems to stand still as locals live their modern life pretty much the same way their forefathers did in yesteryears. Make time for a traditionally brewed cup of joe at the Kluang Rail Coffee, go bargain hunting around town for time-honoured trinkets, and even escape to the countryside to go horse riding and drink tea with your pinky in the air. Spend a weekend away from the present, and throw yourself into the past, when things are everlast.
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Duration |
: Overnight trip |
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Suitable for |
: Families |
Recommended itinerary:
Day One
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10am-12pm |
KLUANG RAIL COFFEE
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Established since 1938, this quaint coffee shop has been serving traditionally roasted coffee and toasted bread spread on with homemade kaya and butter. A place everyone goes to – then and now – for their first joe of the day.
Kick start your weekend trip with a hearty breakfast here, known for its awakening cups of coffee and yummy-licious toasts. Also, make time to stroll around the picturesque Kluang KTM Station next door, and get transported back to the yesteryears.
Must-try: Teh tarik, half-boiled eggs, toasted bread.
Must-buy: Kluang coffee powder.
(Kluang Station; Adult/Child: Around RM5 per pax; Time: Fri-Wed: 7AM-12PM, 2.30PM-6PM)
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12pm-5pm |
LITTLE INDIA
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Kluang’s Little India is located along Jalan Stesen, where the Kluang KTM Station is. Like the many Little India spots around Malaysia, Kluang’s is lined with shops selling merchandises for the Indian community, such as herbs and spices and sarees.
Start your trip at Kluang nice and easy as you stroll down Little India to begin your day’s bargain hunt. Also, don’t forget to try out the local favourite there – teh tarik!
(Jalan Stesen; >RM10; Time: Anytime)
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MANSOR TOKO BATIK
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One of the few traditional shops left in Kluang that sells ancient items, such as batik, songkok, kain pelikat, mantras and much more.
Another great stop for you to continue your shopping spree. Also, take time to visit the wooden-antique Kluang Bridge, built over the Mengkibol River; plenty of photographing opportunities here.
Must-buy: Batik, songkok, kain pelikat.
(Tel.: +6 07 773 4431; Kluang; Time: 9AM-7PM)
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NAN YUAN SDN BHD
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Nan Yuan is the most sought after textile shop in town, selling textile, curtains and fashionable outfits.
Here, you can get souvenirs that go for miles (pun intended), which you can bring back and tailor-make your own outfit for a special occasion.
(Tel.: +6 07 771 1545; Jalan Dato Teoh Siew Khor; Time: 9.30AM-9.30PM)
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5pm-7pm |
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Located at the edge of Kluang town, this recreational forest is a decent place to do a minor getaway into nature. It is a favourite spot among locals and tourists for picnics and refreshing dips by the waterfall. The 510-meter tall Mount Lambak is also accessible via footpaths for a short jungle trekking.
After a day of walking around in town, cap off your day with a visit to Mount Lambak, where you can soak your feet in the cooling water by the falls, and share amongst your family and friends the sows of your bargain hunt.
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7pm onwards |
RONG SERI RESTAURANT
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One of the most frequented restaurants in town that serves yummy Northern Thai cuisine with a local touch. It has a variety of choices on the food menu to choose from, including dinner and buffet sets.
After a day of wandering around in Kluang, fill up the tummy with a sumptuous meal, and also to prepare yourself for the next day’s adventure.
Must-try: Chiang Mai Seafood Tomyam, Fried Fish in Rong Seri's Sauce, Rong Seri Thai Stir Fried Chicken.
(Tel.: +6 07 776 0477/+6 013 787 4777; http://www.rongseri.com; Jalan Cempedak off Jalan Haji Manan; Adult/Child: Around RM20 per pax; Time: 6PM-12.30AM)
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Day Two
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8am-11am |
HORSERIDING @ RIDERS LODGE
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A lodge and riding ground for countryside lovers. Equipped with 52 large modern stables, visitors can go on half an hour guided horse rides into the forest, as well as take up lessons on horse riding.
Here’s something you don’t get to do every day in and away from the city, so why not take it slow with a hearty breakfast here, then straddle up the saddle and ride around like a cowboy!
*Riders Lodge also has overnight packages for your weekend trip.
(Tel.: +6 07 652 5330; http://www.riderslodge.com.my; Sedenak; Adult/Child: RM68+ per pax; Time: 1½ hour rides: 8AM-5.30PM)
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11am-1pm |
BOTAK CURRY NOODLES
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Located next to the Kluang police station, this is one of the must-try when visiting Kluang. Aptly named after the bald father who started it all, his children now take over the business, running two stalls in Kluang.
After your morning horse riding session, you may choose to have lunch at their fine dining restaurant, or go for something cheaper here, which is equally as tasty.Must-try: Curry noodles.
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1pm-3pm |
ZENXIN ORGANIC PARK
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Founded in 2001, it’s one of the biggest scaled organic farms in Malaysia, and also 8 retail outlets in Malaysia and Singapore. Its farm offers close to 60 varieties of fruits and vegetables without chemical elements.
Spend a day there and learn all about how organic farming works, and try out some of the crops you have reaped yourself. You can even load up the trunk with freshly harvested vegetables and fruits for your long journey home.
Must-buy: Dragon fruit wine.
*For walk-in visitors: scheduled half an hour tours begin at 10.30AM and 4.30PM daily.
(Tel.: +6 019 773 8985 / +6 07 759 5196; http://www.zenxin.com.my; Air Hitam; Adult/Child: Free; Time: 9AM-9PM)
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Optional:
HONEYLAND CONFECTIONERY & MILK BAR
(Tel.: +6 07 771 1685; Jalan Lambak;
What: A 45-year-old local confectionery famous for its nyonya kuihs, local snacks and cakes. The cafe is especially packed with patrons during hi-tea hours.Why: Just in case you need a short break during your bargain hunting, or take away some munchies to chew during your journey home, Honeyland has a good variety of snacks to keep your tummy entertained. Also, there are rows of day-old shophouses along Jalan Lambak; another spot in Kluang worthy of some scenic shots.
Must-try: Chicken pies, cream puffs, tuna egg rolls.
MOUNT BELUMUT RECREATIONAL FOREST
(Kluang; Adult/Child: Free; Time: Anytime)
What: Derived from the slippery and slimy stones that abound on the mountain, Mount Belumut is another recreational forest not far from Kluang, where visitors can go for 2-hour hikes, jungle-trekking, and picnicking by the Sg Yong Waterfall. One of the popular attractions is the Crown Rock (Batu Mahkota) that looks like a giant crown.Why: An alternative recreational forest apart from Mount Lambak, which you can visit during your trip. You can also choose to visit here if you find Riders Lodge is a bit too far to your liking.
Where to stay:
PRIME CITY HOTEL KLUANG
As the name suggested, Prime City Hotel is a 112-room accommodation in the heart of Kluang town for business travellers living in style, to budget backpackers living in comfort.
Right smack in the heart of town, everywhere you head to is just a short walk away. Heck, you can even head to the Kluang Rail Coffee every morning for your fresh cuppa, if you may; it’s just a few minutes’ walking distance!
(Tel.: +6 07 771 1111; http://www.primecity.com; Kluang; From RM230nett; 3-star rating)
RIDERS LODGE
A big manor with 27 comfortable rooms, where one can also enjoy fine dining, horse riding, golfing, spa and much more in the peaceful countryside.
Although this destination is further away from the others, it is worth your time as you get to experience a kind of countryside holiday not available in most parts of Malaysia. Overnight stays are recommended to avoid the trip being hectic.
*Riders Lodge also have all sorts of weekend and seasonal packages to suit anyone’s holiday agenda.
(Tel.: +6 07 652 5330; http://www.riderslodge.com.my; Sedenak; From RM348++)
MOUNT LAMBAK ECO RESORT
Located at the edge of Kluang town, this resort offers dirt cheap modern chalets with Mother Nature just at your doorstep with convenient amenities and fun activities.
The resort’s price range is a steal, especially if you want to hang around Kluang but do not want to tolerate the city hotel’s price tags. It’s also convenient for those who choose to spend their time in the Mount Lambak Recreational Forest.
(Tel.: +6 07 776 0077; http://www.gununglambakecoresort.4t.com; Kluang; From RM68nett)
Map:
Click map for details. View To Kluang, With Love in a larger map
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