Located on peninsular Malaysia’s west coast, about 90 minutes north of Kuala Lumpur, Sekinchan is a small fishing village whose name translates as “suitable for planting,” heralding its reputation as one of the leading rice producers in the country. In town, you’ll find a temple whose tower offers panoramic views of the rice fields, as well as playfully nostalgic spots such as a cafe made from an old school bus and a bakery doubling as a mini vintage museum.

Sekinchan’s roots as a fishing community make it an attractive trip for food lovers looking to dine on fresh seafood dishes such as ji mei lala omelette, oyster pancakes served with chile sauce. The town is also known as the setting for two popular drama series in China and Hong Kong. Travelers looking for a laid-back vibe outside the city limits will appreciate walking alongside its lush paddy fields and taking in stellar views of the sunset on its sandy beaches.

Sekinchan has a hot, humid, tropical climate with little seasonal variation in temperatures and scattered rain showers all year round. The best times to visit are spring, during March and April, and during the fall months of September and October to see the lush greenery of the rice fields at their peak. June through August bring dryer weather conditions, but also more sweltering heat.

You may want to avoid planning a trip between June and December, as the harvesting seasons leave the fields muddier than usual. During January, February, July, and August, the fields undergo a clean-up and resting period from visitors to protect the local environment. Overall, traveling outside the high season can mean lackluster weather and less greenery.

The Paddy Museum

As Sekinchan is known for its rice fields, consider taking some time to learn more about them and about the region’s long history of rice growing. At the Paddy Museum, you can take in the detailed production process from harvest to final product. You’ll also get a free packet of rice for your trip.

Seafood at Pantai Redang Beach

Pantai Redang Beach offers a nice strip of sand for chilling out and enjoying the restaurants and stalls that serve delicious fresh seafood and shellfish. You can grab a quick snack for a picnic or a full meal after relaxing in the sun all day. The beach also sets the scene for kite-flyers and some incredible sunsets.

Sekinchan Wishing Tree

After the beach, you can visit the Sekinchan Wishing Tree at the nearby Chinese temple. Many people come here to take photos and tie a red ribbon on the tree to make a wish. You can go to the temple to receive a ribbon on which to write your name and desire before attaching it to the tree.