Sitiawan is just an hour from Ipoh, my hometown. However, after more than 50 years of living in Malaysia, I realized that I had never truly explored Sitiawan and its surroundings. Ironically, I’ve journeyed as far as Antarctica (you can check out that story on my blog), but somehow overlooked this little corner of Perak. So, we packed our bags and left Kuala Lumpur for a three-day stay in Sitiawan and Lumut.
At first glance, Sitiawan may not appear on the most “must-visit” lists compared to other popular destinations in Malaysia. But there is a treasure trove of unique food, rich history, and cultural gems brought by the Fuzhou settlers who arrived from China a century ago.
In this post, I’ll share the places we visited in Sitiawan. I’ll be sharing a separate article about the food and restaurants we visited, which will be uploaded once it’s ready.
Table of Content
- 惠恩福州面线 Hee Ong Mian Xian
- Tua Pek Kong Temple Sitiawan 品仙祠大伯公和观音堂
- Hock Chew So Mee Shua (Konpian) 福州面线寿
- Lorang Budaya Setia Kawan
- Teluk Batik
- City Mangrove Park
- Marina Island
- The Waterfront of Lumut
- Teluk Senangin Beach
- Segari Turtle Conservation and Information Centre
- Sitiawan Settlement Museum
1. 惠恩福州面线 Hee Ong Mian Xian
Sitiawan is famous for Mian Xian (also called Mee Shua), a type of fine noodle that is soft and can absorb the flavor of both soup and gravy. Our first stop was Hee Ong, a family-run Mian Xian factory.
It is located at Kampung China in Sitiawan. Being a family business, it is housed in a single-story wooden house, where the traditional noodle-making factory is. Since they were not making noodles during our visit, we toured around the outside instead, where the workers were arranging the noodles skillfully into separate portions to be dried under the sun.
There are different types of noodles. Besides Mian Xian, there are spinach, beetroot, and carrot flat noodles, which are suitable for dry noodle dishes with sauce (lo mian / 捞面). The owner, Mr. Kok, told us that their noodles are sold all over Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.
Although we did not have the opportunity to witness the full manufacturing process, watching the workers skillfully pleating and arranging the noodles, along with the sight of multicolored noodles drying under the sun, was a feast for our eyes.
2. Tua Pek Kong Temple Sitiawan 品仙祠大伯公和观音堂
Many of the first Fuzhou settlers in Sitiawan were Christians. Over time, however, the Chinese community here has grown more diverse in its beliefs. One such Chinese temple is the Tua Pek Kong Temple at the seaside.
Before stepping into the temple grounds, we wandered toward the seaside. There isn’t a sandy beach here, only a muddy shoreline alive with darting mudskippers.
At the entrance, rows of towering statues with Tua Pek Kong (大伯公), the temple’s main deity, alongside numerous Buddhist and Taoist figures greeted us.
Inside the temple felt like a wonderland, with bright, colorful, and various statues from Taoism and Buddhism standing beside legendary characters from Chinese folklore, including heroes from Journey to the West (西游记) and Investiture of the Gods (封神榜). To my surprise, I even came across two statues of mermaids! I’m still curious about their connection to the temple! Perhaps someone more knowledgeable could shed light on it.
This temple is the largest Chinese temple I’ve visited in Malaysia, even bigger than the Cheng Huang Temple (十殿城隍庙) in Kedah. Of course, Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang is much larger, but that is a purely Buddhist temple. What makes this one special is that it blends both Buddhist and Taoist elements into a single grand complex.
One of the most intriguing sections was the passage through the Dragon’s mouth, which led us into a vivid depiction of the 18 Levels of Hell according to Taoist belief. The sculptures portrayed guardians (白无常, 黑无常), judges (阎罗王), and panels on the wall depict the punishments for each level. It was eerie yet thought-provoking, reminding visitors of the consequences of their actions and the importance of living a virtuous life.
At the main shrine, a grand statue of Tua Pek Kong is surrounded by other deities. The pillars are richly decorated with intricate carvings.
Before leaving, we climbed the multi-level pagoda. With no elevator, we ascended the spiral staircase, pausing at each floor where different deities were enshrined. The climb was a little tiring, but the view and the sense of discovery at every level made it all worthwhile.
3. Hock Chew So Mee Shua (Konpian) 福州面线寿
Then we went to another noodle factory, Hock Chew So Mee Shia Konpian. When we arrived, they had just finished making the noodles and were hanging up the Mee Shua to dry. The noodles must first be dried halfway until they are no longer too wet, then removed and rolled into the desired shapes, before being placed back under the sun until completely dry.
They produce a variety of noodles, some thicker and some thinner. It was a real pleasure to watch the skilled workers fold, shape, and arrange the noodles so deftly before laying them neatly in trays to dry again under the sun.
The factory also sells its noodles directly, with some packaged together with sauces and accompaniments, making it convenient to bring the flavors of Sitiawan home.
4. Lorang Budaya Setia Kawan
Culture Lane is a small lane located just behind the main street. There are two statues of elephants at its entrance, symbolizing the story of friendship from the past and how the name Sitiawan originated.
There are also some 3D artworks, including an oven for making the famous Gong Pian (光饼) and a depiction of red yeast rice mee shua (红酒面线). These artworks are quite large and detailed, making them perfect spots for taking photographs.
The lane is pedestrian-only, so it’s safe to stroll at your own pace, admire the artwork, and snap photos. Signboards along the way provide background information, explaining the murals and the cultural significance of what they portray.
5. Teluk Batik
It was a public holiday morning when we set out on a 30-minute drive from Sitiawan town to Teluk Batik, the most popular beach in this area.
Although there was ample parking, every spot was taken as families flocked to the seaside during the public holiday.
The weather could not have been better. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds. The sunlight shimmered on the water, and a gentle breeze carried the refreshing scent of the sea.
The beach was filled with energy and joy. Children’s laughter rang out as they splashed in the waves, their smiling faces glowing with excitement. Families spread out picnic mats under the swaying trees, sharing food and conversation in a spirit of togetherness. Some people waded happily into the water, while others relaxed along the shore, enjoying the cooling breeze.
We were especially charmed by the sight of children building sandcastles, as their little faces filled with deep concentration. Around us, the sounds of playful shouts, waves crashing onto the shore blended into a lively, cheerful symphony.
Although we didn’t swim, we found joy in simply soaking in the atmosphere by watching the vibrant scenes unfold around us. The beach was so packed with people that it was perhaps the most crowded seaside spot we’ve visited in recent years.
6. City Mangrove Park
After a short rest at the hotel, we made our way to the City Mangrove Park. The entrance fee was only RM3 per person, which I would say is very affordable.
The park is well-maintained, with a paved boardwalk that winds through the mangrove forest, with a short hanging bridge connecting a part of the trail. There are various species of mangrove trees on both sides of the boardwalk, with their roots forming intricate patterns
As we strolled along, we noticed the little details that made the mangroves so alive. Tiny crabs with shells of different colors scuttled across the mud, mudskippers wriggled in and out of shallow pools, and snails clung tightly to the twisted roots. It was fascinating to see so much activity in such a calm, natural setting.
7. Marina Island
We went to Marina Island and stopped by the jetty, a place we had visited before when we traveled to Pangkor Laut two years ago. This is also the jetty where you can catch a boat to Pangkor Island.
The jetty was bustling with activity, filled with people waiting to board their boats. Inside the jetty complex, a variety of shops were open, selling souvenirs, snacks, and drinks. It may not be a tourist attraction in itself, but it serves as an important transport hub for the area.
8. The Waterfront of Lumut
We returned to the hotel and took a short walk to the waterfront of Lumut. The entire riverfront is well constructed, with a wide pavement and plenty of boats docked along the shore.
It was still some time before sunset, so we strolled along the waterfront, which stretches for more than half a kilometer. At one end, there is a jetty where you can take a round-trip boat ride to Pangkor Island for RM20.
The area was lively and full of activity. Many shops are selling a wide variety of dried seafood. Tourists and locals were strolling along the waterfront, and children were playing happily. Since dried seafood is a specialty of this region, we picked up some dried shrimp to bring home.
As the evening set in, the atmosphere began to change. The bustling sounds slowly gave way to a sense of calm as everyone turned their attention to the horizon. The golden rays of the setting sun refracted across the water, shimmering like liquid gold. Boats passed by in silhouette, their outlines etched gently against the glowing backdrop.
We stood watching as the sun slowly retreated behind the distant mountains. It was a captivating moment that perfectly captured the beauty of this coastal town.
9. Teluk Senangin Beach
The next morning, we headed to Senangin Beach. Since it was still early, I expected it to be as crowded as Teluk Batik. It was the complete opposite. It was calm and quiet. Perhaps it was because the public holiday had ended, or maybe this beach is simply less developed and more laid-back.
If you’re looking for a less crowded alternative to Teluk Baik, Senangin Beach might just be your choice. The basic facilities include public toilets, a few small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. Unlike Teluk Batik, there aren’t any commercial activities like boat rides or water sports. Instead, you’ll see people fishing quietly along the shore, enjoying the stillness of the morning.
10. Segari Turtle Conservation and Information Centre
Our final stop around Sitiawan was the Segari Turtle Conservation and Information Center, about a 30-minute drive from Lumut. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Mondays.
First, we visited the information center, which was lined with large posters that explained the life cycle of turtles, their anatomy, the way they lay eggs, and the different species found in Malaysia. Walking further in, we came across a large nursery tank filled with tiny turtles, swimming energetically as they were fed with small fish.
Deeper inside the conservation center are the larger turtles, some of which are rescued. They are cared for here until they recover fully before being released back into the sea, while others remain for ongoing research.
When we visited, the staff were cleaning a tank housing the Hawksbill Turtles. The caretaker explained that this species is often considered one of the most beautiful turtles in the world, with its distinctive patterned shell. Seeing it up close was a rare and memorable experience.
11. Sitiawan Settlement Museum
One of the best ways to truly understand a small town like Sitiawan is to visit its museum. So in the afternoon, we made our way to the Sitiawan Settlement Museum, which is located right next to a church, as it was originally built by the church community. The entrance fee is RM20, but as senior citizens, we only needed to pay RM5, a nice little perk.
Unfortunately, video recording is no longer allowed inside the museum due to some past issues, though we were still permitted to take photographs.
The museum consists of two main buildings: a newer one and the original double-story building known as Muk Su Lao (牧师楼). Inside, the exhibits trace the journey of the Fuzhou settlers who arrived from China a century ago, their struggles adapting to a new land, their survival through hardship, their role during World War II, and the gradual transformation of Sitiawan into what it is today.
There were displays of old furniture, daily utensils, and large panels explaining the origins of the town’s name, “Sitiawan.” The museum gave us a clear picture of why the Fuzhou people left China, how they established themselves here, and how their culture shaped the town.
Next to the museum stands the Methodist Church, a reminder of the strong Christian roots among the early Fuzhou immigrants.
🎞️ Watch our video: Place to Visit in Sitiawan
Please watch our video, shot at Sitiawan, by clicking 👇👇 on the image below.
What Three Days in Sitiawan Taught Me
After spending three days in Sitiawan, I now have a much better appreciation of its unique food and what it offers to visitors. But what touched me most was the story of the Fuzhou settlers, whose resilience through hardship shaped Sitiawan into what it is today. Add to that the grandeur of Tua Pek Kong Temple, the quiet charm of its beaches, and the living history preserved in its museum.
That’s all for now on the places we explored in Sitiawan. We’ll be sharing another article soon about the food and restaurants we visited, so stay tuned for our upcoming blog post.