When you think of Malaysia and its islands, the places first springing to mind will be Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor Laut. However, Malaysia boasts an incredible 878 islands of differing sizes, and one of the larger ones is Carey Island, a short drive from the nation’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. This guide will highlight some of the activities for those planning a visit to Pulau Carey.
Malaysia is quite an extraordinary country. It is one of those places that contains all the best things the modern world has to offer, alongside incredible culture, deep-rooted traditions and incredible biodiversity. The country also has another significant lure: the waters surrounding it, and within these waters sit some unique islands.
The first port of call for most people visiting the country is Kuala Lumpur, the country’s capital city, and just a short taxi ride from here is Selangor, which is seemingly joined at the hip with the capital. Selangor is a must-visit state for anyone spending time in the capital city. When you visit Selangor, one of the first things you’ll notice is the incredible mixture of modern and historical architecture, which makes for some amazing photo opportunities.
If you are strong-willed and can resist the incredible number of places to shop and mouthwatering eateries and make your way south of the port of Klang, you’ll soon see directions to Carey Island, which is the subject of this guide. Carey Island is a favourite for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle and is somewhere you can relax and learn from the indigenous people of Selangor. Although Carey Island is called an island, many locals don’t regard it as one, as the body of water separating it from the mainland is Sungai Langat, which is actually a river.
Below are a few places you should make time to visit. Let’s begin with some historical and cultural activities.
Pusat Kebudayaan Dan Kraftangan Orang Asli Sungai Bumbun
The Sungai Bumbun Orang Asli Culture and Handicraft Center is an ideal place for those wanting to know more about Orang Asli arts, particularly those by the Mah Meri tribe, who are known for their wood carving art and Jo’oh dance culture.
Here, visitors will find a wide range of interesting activities, including wood carving demonstrations, weaving, jooh dance packages, etc. The centre also offers traditional house accommodation and sells handicrafts and herbal products. The admission price for adults is RM20, and it is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm except for Friday. The address is: Kampung Manikavasagam, 42960 Carey Island, Selangor.
The Mah Meri Cultural Village
Visitors to the Mah Meri Cultural Village will get the opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the aboriginal community, thanks to the traditional costumes, handicrafts, and dances. The entrance fee is RM20 for adults and RM15 for children. There are several stalls in the village selling aboriginal food and crafts, and it is open on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Cultural Village address is: Jln Kampong Orang Asli Sungai Bumbun, Kampung Manikavasagam, 42960, Pulau Carey, Selangor.
Hatter’s Castle
Hold your horses before anyone gets too excited and thinks that there is an authentic stone castle on Carey Island! Hatter’s Castle is a detached heritage cottage which is said to have been influenced by Edward Valentine John Carey, the island’s founder. It was built by Danish engineer C.L.Gjorup who was the first manager of the plantation company Jugra Land & Carey Limited.
Today Hatter’s Castle is a guesthouse for use by guests and staff of Sime Darby Plantations Berhad, the owners of most of the oil palm estate that extend across the island. Entrance is free, and appointments need to be made with Sime Darby Plantations Berhad.
Accommodation, golf and pampering
Amverton Cove Golf and Island Resort
Those wanting something a little more contemporary should look no further than Amverton Cove Golf and Island Resort. As the name indicates, one of the biggest lures is its award-winning golf course. In addition to this, the resort has fitness facilities, a spa and a restaurant on-site. The Amverston resort offers air-conditioned rooms and provides free WiFi throughout the resort. There are flat screen televisions within the well-decorated rooms, and some have lounge areas.
The resort’s 18-hole golf course is ideal for golfers of all standards. The course boasts lush foliage, including ponds, lakes and six of the holes border mangrove forests! Here’s a little tip, follow the path at the back of hole four, and you’ll get the chance to experience a 70-metre walk through a tidal forest. The resort’s front desk is accessible 24 hours a day, and there is free parking for guests. The resort’s address is: Jalan Pulau Carey, Mukim Jugra, 42960 Pulau Carey, Selangor.
The outdoor activities
Riverine Splash
Also at the Amverton Cove Golf and Island Resort is the tribal-themed Riverine Splash Water Theme Park. Here, there are twelve attractions and slides to try, including the Anaconda Tube Slide, Rimba River, Survival Park and even Kiddie Beats, which, as the name would indicate, is reserved for children. The Riverine Splash Water Theme Park is closed every Tuesday and is open from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Admission for adults is RM58, while for children, it is RM38 for all day tickets. Address: Jalan Pulau Carey, Mukim Jugra, 42960 Pulau Carey, Selangor.
Riverine Survival Park
Set within a beautiful cluster of Beringin trees is the Riverine Survival Park. Among the attractions is the opportunity to run through their Garden Maze, explore obstacles, or climb up to tree houses built around the native trees. One of the newer attractions is the Flying Fox zip line, adding to the excitement. All the attractions are suitable for children aged three and above and, of course, adults.
The Survival park is also an excellent place for a picnic, with its lush garden providing shade and fresh air. The park currently has a picnic promotion that consists of drinks and snacks for four people, picnic basket rental and mats for 3 hours, and it is priced at only RM30! The survival park is a perfect place for adults to unwind, knowing that the kids will be playing outdoors in a safe environment. Address : Jalan Pulau Carey, Mukim Jugra, 42960 Pulau Carey, Selangor.
Pantai Kelanang
The final suggestion in this guide is Kelanang Beach, which is an attractive area on Carey Island where you can enjoy fun activities with the whole family. It’s an ideal place to have a picnic, camp, play kite flying, watch the sunset and enjoy time with the family. Whether you come in the morning or evening, you find the beauty of Kelanang Beach a great place to relax. Address: Pantai Kelanang Beach, 42960 Pulau Carey, Selangor.
We could go on suggesting places to visit on Carey Island; however, a lot of the fun is in the research, so we’ll be leaving the rest up to you! It’s not only Carey Island that visitors to the region should explore. Selangor has an incredible variety of places with astonishing beauty, culture and history that you find time to experience.
The state of Selangor is the country’s leading tourist destination, so you can rest assured that you’ll always find stimulating and interesting things to occupy your time – what are you waiting for?
Health and safety
For the well-being of the public, all tourists are reminded to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Malaysian National Security Council in complying with the National Recovery Plan. These include maintaining social distancing, wearing a face mask in public, and frequently using hand sanitiser.
For more details on places to visit on Carey Island and things to do in Selangor, visit the tourism office’s official website at www.selangor.travel.
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