Situated in Hulu Selangor in northeastern Malaysia, along the way to the hill town of Genting Highlands, Batang Kali is a natural oasis of undulating rivers, spectacular waterfalls, and dense green forests. The natural allure of the town is best experienced by hiking its lush landscape. A popular trail to Ulu Tamu Falls meanders across a shallow river through fruit orchards and dense tree groves to its namesake attraction. You’ll find more cascades to explore in the nearby Sungai Kedondong rainforest park.

In town, you can take a walking tour to learn about the local Hokkien Chinese community, or marvel at the stunning floral displays at Malaysia’s second-largest orchid nursery. When you’ve worked up an appetite, sample specialties made with guava fruit and honey harvested from local farms, or order some loh mee, Batang Kali’s signature dish of braised noodles served in thick gravy, from a local eatery.

Overlooking the village, you’ll see the Fu Quan Temple adorned in vibrant hues of red, green, and yellow, a striking contrast to the bright green hills that surround it.

Batang Kali experiences hot and humid temperatures year-round, with little variation in temperature and plenty of rainfall — so bring waterproof gear regardless of season. You’ll find the lowest humidity levels from June to October, making these the best months for hiking on the nearby trails, and the least rainfall in June and July. Even during the rainiest time of year, you’re likely to see at least a few hours of sunshine each day. The town’s biggest event of the year is in July, when Batang Kali hosts a large-scale music festival featuring a global lineup.

Hulu Tamu Hot Springs

Enjoy a restorative dip at the Hulu Tamu Hot Springs, featuring two wells, a pool, and a landscaped garden. The public pool is divided into two sections — one by a natural hot spring, while the other is filled with cooler waters for wading and longer dips.

Selangor State Park

Just 25 minutes south of Batang Kali is Selangor State Park, home to more than 265,000 acres of protected forests and water sources. Miles of hiking trails wind through the park, many of which pass cascading waterfalls where you can take a dip to cool off. The park is home to native plants, butterflies, and birds. And although it’s unlikely you’ll spot them, Asian elephants, tapirs, and sun bears are among the hundreds of other species that live here.

Fu Quan Temple

Batang Kali’s main temple, Fu Quan, sits atop a lushly forested hill. Its spectacular archway embellished with intricate designs offers sweeping vistas of the village. Several smaller structures and altars sit within the temple complex, all with ornate details paying tribute to various deities. The usually quiet and peaceful temple hosts events a few times a year that draw worshippers and festival-goers.