SELANGOR, Malaysia – Nestled in the middle of paddy rice fields lies a staycation offering visitors an authentic taste of local life in the Malaysian state of Selangor.

Selangor, the country’s most developed state, has positioned itself as a key destination for tourism, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature, experience agricultural activities and support local farmers.

Its vast agricultural areas produce a range of crops from rice to tropical fruits such as dragon fruit, making it an ideal destination for tourists to immerse themselves with locals.

Fairul Nazz Bin Ibrahim opened Nazbell Cottage and Garden in 2022. He said his homestay in the rice fields in Sungai Besar far from the bustling city represents countryside tourism in Selangor.

“Here we are doing agriculture tourism, which means all the activities are related to the agriculture and the culture,” he told media personnel invited to visit Selangor on a tour organized by Tourism Malaysia. The tour was part of the ASEAN Tourism Forum. 

Nazbell offers visitors various activities, allowing them to sneak into the lives of local people and relax peacefully. Visitors can cycle around the rice fields or ride a tram to save energy. At the vast fields, they can follow a dyke to gain experience as farmers.

Naz said that visitors could enjoy making local sweet wadai kipeng, a traditional dessert in Banjar community, or canting batik. Batik is a well-known handcraft of Malaysia. Flying kites is also another not-to-miss activity for tourists. They can end the day with boat ride and watching fireflies, Naz said.

“So, for agriculture tourism, we combine accommodation, activities and the tourist sites so that visitors come to the countryside,” he said.

“So it’s not related only for the agriculture, but then we are combining with the culture and art from the people.”

The best times to visit the area are between April to June and from October to December because it is harvesting period. 

Since its establishment, the homestay has received more than 10.000 visitors, he said.

Such local accommodation is generating income for local people. Engaging with farmers and understanding their practices has helped raise awareness about sustainable agriculture while supporting local economies, providing an additional source of income for farmers and helping to diversify their revenue streams.

By attracting visitors to rural areas, it also helps stimulate the local economy through spending on food, accommodation and souvenirs. Around 20 villages are getting benefits from Naz’s business. 

“We encourage them to sell their products to, to make a small kiosk at their premises, so we can bring tourist to their premises for the uniqueness of their product,” he said.

Exploring Selangor

Situated on the west coast of Malaysia, Selangor offers a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, standing out as a diverse and dynamic tourism destination.

During the tour, media personnel and buyers from various countries were brought to Sekinchan, a picturesque town recognized for the rice fields and vibrant fishing villages. The area’s population is mostly Chinese with their deep roots clearly visible.  

At Pantai Redang beach, fishing businesses sell sea products at low prices. With a little over one hour drive, it attracts people from Kuala Lumpur to buy fresh and dried products such as prawns and crab fish.  

For those keen on understanding the history of Selangor, there is Bukit Melawati (Melawati Hill). Located in Kuala Selangor, the hill was the administrative center and stronghold of the Selangor sultanate in the late 18th and early 19th century. A heavily fortified fort once stood on the summit which was built during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim from 1782 to 1826 to fight the Dutch. 

Relics of the past, including the protective walls of the fort, the palace grounds, a lighthouse, royal graves, seven wells, a flat stone used for beheading offenders, a 100-step ladder and a poisonous well can be found. Several cannons pointed at the mouth of the Selangor River remain on the hill. 

Over the hill, hundreds of monkeys roam, waiting for banana snacks given by tourists.