Our Visit to Port Weld-Kampung Kuala Sepetang Fishing Village In Taiping

If you were to go on a vacation in Taiping, Perak, you really need to visit Kuala Sepetang which is one of the top attractions in Taiping. This famous fishing village which is also fondly known as Port Weld is actually just a stone's throw away from Hutan Paya Laut Matang. Hence it will be ideal if you include Kuala Sepetang (十八丁) if you happen to visit the mangrove forest in Taiping. So what can you do in Kuala Sepetang?

Kuala Sepetang is one of the top attractions in Taiping

Let's go to Kuala Sepetang Fishing Village

Since Kuala Sepetang is a fishing village, we brought our Jordan boy and Jasmine girl there to do some sightseeing. Basically we wanted them to have a peek at how life is in a community which relies heavily on seafood catch to survive or thrive. Make sure you park your vehicle further away as it might get a bit congested with lots of people and other automobiles of the locals moving around. On foot, you will be enjoying the bustling Port Weld at its best. There are many traditional food stalls and the good old "Kopitiam" (restaurants) serving delectable breakfast and aromatic coffee for the predominantly Chinese community over there.

Port Weld Scenic Bridge

We then took the Port Weld Scenic Bridge to cross over to the real Kuala Sepetang Fishing Village where the locals who mainly fishermen, are staying. While we were strolling on the arch bridge over the Sungai Reba, we got to witness the full glory of the fishing village which was laying right before our eyes. Rustic wooden houses on stilts were lining both sides of the river banks and many boats were parked right before the respective houses. Both our city kids were truly amazed with this very sight, which was a total contrast to what they are familiar with.

Kuala Sepetang Fishing Village lets you travel back in time

While we were in this part of the Kuala Sepetang fishing village, we did not see a single car as the roads between the houses were simply too narrow for any 4-wheel vehicles to move around. Interestingly most of the residents used motorcycle to roam around, weaving through other residents and tourists alike to get to their destinations. So make sure you are a bit more vigilant while taking photos or you might end up being kissed by some "bikes". 😂

Enjoy rustic, calm life in Kuala Sepetang Fishing Village

We have arrived at the fishing village 

Love how rustic and simple these houses are 

No matter where you go, there will always be a temple in a Chinese community 

Motorbikes can be seen everywhere in Kuala Sepetang 

Obviously the community in Kuala Sepetang fishing village was growing "old" with only a few children could be spotted running around (perhaps they were still asleep). The same could be said about some of the houses which unfortunately appeared to be dilapidated. Still it was really a good stroll for us. Walking in this fishing village felt so serene and somewhat therapeutic. Perhaps I enjoy the slower pace of life. Port Weld can truly serve as an escapade for those who are seeking for a refuge away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There are a lot of seafood restaurants in Kuala Sepetang

 Up close and personal with a fishing vessel

One for our photo book 😍

Having said so, this fishing village does have all the basic amenities that you need. There is a bank (Ambank), post office, a school and even a police station. You will be happy to note that they are a few small hotels in Kuala Sepetang or inns to be more precise. If I am not mistaken there is also a homestay here as well. Worried about food? Fret not as there are a lot of seafood restaurants for you to enjoy fresh catch of the day straight from the fishermen. I really miss those crispy baby crabs.

A contrasting sight in Kuala Sepetang Fishing Village

Will it be an abandoned place for the old in the future?

If you ask me, you can spend at least 2 days in Kuala Sepetang Fishing Village (Port Weld). Besides walloping scrumptious seafood, you can also join the ecotourism tours whereby you get to watch fireflies (kelip-kelip), bird (eagles) and even dolphins (seriously?). You can also visit the famous Kuala Sepetang charcoal factory and mangrove forest which will definitely be very educational not only for the kids but adults as well. Guess I really need to plan for a 2-day-1-night itinerary in Kuala Sepetang for our upcoming holidays when we return to Taiping.

Watch fireflies, eagles and dolphins in Kuala Sepetang

We will be returning to Kuala Sepetang with a well-planned itinerary in the future!

How to get to Kampung Kuala Sepetang (Port Weld) 【十八丁】