In the 19th century Kuala Sepetang was an important port at the heart of a booming mining region. Today this Malaysian town is considerably sleepier and unlikely to land on tourists’ itineraries.
Inland from this fishing community is Taiping, once the capital of Perak Province. The main draw card for this part of the Malaysian Peninsula is its outdoor arena and scant historical sites related to tin mining. All of these can be visited on a daytrip from Penang.
The best outdoor activities are found at the Mangrove Forest in Matang, which is outfitted with elevated walkways that let tourists explore the mangroves without sloshing through the swamps. There’s also a minor fort in Matang that has been converted into a historical complex.
Getting There & Away
Kuala Sepetang is a short drive from Taiping, the nearest transport hub. The drive along the North South Expressway from Taiping to Penang International Airport takes 1 hour, 30 minutes. This is the most popular international gateway to the region. Trains from Taiping connect as far north as Butterworth and as far south as Kuala Lumpur.
Things to Do
Kuala Sepetang Attractions
- Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve
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Malaysia’s largest and oldest mangrove forest reserve is an important breeding ground for migratory birds, including the milky stork and lesser adjutant, making it a great daytrip destination for birdwatchers.
- Kota Nhag Ibrahim
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This fortress-like mansion once protected the local tin baron from neighboring gangs and went on to become the matang historical complex.