Malaysia: #TSDayOut 2016 Discover Selangor

TSDayOut is a programme by Tourism Selangor, a tourism body for the state of Selangor in Malaysia, in which bloggers, social media influencers and even traditional media personnel can join on a day out to explore and discover Selangor. This programme has been in place for a few years already, with several trips were to places some might have never heard of, while some other trips could be to popular destinations in the state. Through TSDayOut with Tourism Selangor however, unlike when we pay a visit on our own, participants might get the chance to have an all-access and get invited to go and see behind the scene activities at those popular places – giving them a valuable and unforgettable experience indeed.

This is what appeals most to bloggers and social media influencers, yours truly included, so one can imagine my excitement when I found out about TSDayOut 2016’s destinations, which are:

1. Paya Indah Wetlands - a place I’ve hardly heard of before and have never been to (and had to google to find out more about the place!);
2. Sepang International Circuit - which I’d been to once, many years ago, to watch the F1 Grand Prix; and
3. Sepang International Kart Circuit – which I’d never been to until TSDayOut.

Each of these places has its own attractions and appeals and I couldn’t be surer of a hectic but fun TSDayOut – with the day’s apt theme, “Race Your Heart Out” - so I was really looking forward to the day, Saturday 3rd September. 

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1. Paya Indah Wetlands

Saturday 3rd arrived and we registered early at Tourism Selangor’s office in Selangor state capital, Shah Alam, before leaving for Paya Indah Wetlands, some 50km and 45-50 minutes away by bus.

Upon our arrival, there was a quick briefing about Paya Indah (literally “Beautiful Swamps” in Malay) Wetlands. Paya Indah Wetlands was initially opened in 1998 on former tin mines. It was however closed to the public in 2005 and only reopened 3 years later under a new management. The wetland covers some 450 acres and has 14 lakes on its compound, each with its own “theme” and attractions like Lotus Lake, Fishing Lake, Crocodile Lake and Hippo Lake; with the latter two probably are the most popular ones.

Entrance to the area is free. However, there are small fees for optional activities like cycling, kayaking, angling, etc.

After the briefing, we were divided into 4 groups for the purpose of Group Photo Hunt Contest that was to take place next. There were 10 of us in Group A and we were given just 40 minutes to complete all the questions. The group discussed the questions for a bit before splitting up – to save time - to go and capture photos around the area as answers to the Photo Hunt.

I had offered myself to go and take a photo of Rumah Melayu (Malay House), which was the answer to one of the questions, because I had seen photos of the house online and I would love, love, love to take a photo of the house myself. However, I was a bit torn because the location of the house is a bit out of the way while at the same time, there was going to be a crocodile and hippo feeding sessions at the nearby Crocodile Lake and Hippo Lake.

I would have loved to take photos of the feeding sessions too but as I was a bit tied up with time, I just had to make do with some quick photos of the crocodiles before leaving on a bicycle to Rumah Melayu. I’d read somewhere (remember that I googled about Paya Indah Wetlands before coming here? ;)) that Crocodile Lake currently has some 50 crocodiles in it although I only saw probably around 7 or 8 when I was there. (Seeing 50 crocodiles all at once might prove to be a bit traumatic though, in hindsight, haha!)  As I was rushing, I had to miss Hippo Lake, which had started off with 2 hippos that were received from Botswana.

Norfanil (who was also my teammate during TSDayOut Special Edition in 2015) and I started to cycle towards Rumah Melayu according to the direction given by one of the staff. After a few minutes however, we started to wonder if we had gone off the route and got lost as there was no one else around, including other TSDayOut participants from other teams. We later found out that nobody else went for it because they thought the road was closed. I guess Norfanil and I were the more adventurous ones then, heh! ;)

The route however was pretty straightforward and beautiful so we just carried on with our cycling while stopping every now and then for photos. You can't really blame us if the scenery is like this, right?

After what felt like an eternity (and lots of huffing and puffing between the two of us, if I may add, haha!), we finally arrived at Rumah Melayu. By now, we've completely forgotten about our "struggle" earlier as we became awestruck by the beautiful setting.

This traditional Malay house was actually built in Terengganu (my home state and incidentally, Norfanil's too) in the East Coast of Malaysia, and reassembled in Paya Indah Wetlands in 2001. Like many traditional Terengganu Malay houses, this wooden house was built without using a single nail. Can you believe that?

I had wanted to take more photos here and at the nearby jetty that is located right in front of the house but soon after, Norfanil received a message saying that we only had 10 minutes left before we had to leave Paya Indah Wetlands. I was like, "Whaatttt?? Are you kidding me?" We thus raced back to our starting point but not without stopping at another photo stop – a kayak shed - to answer one of the Photo Hunt questions. I could easily see it was a nice setting for some kayaking too.

When we arrived back at the starting point, we simply picked up our food packet and boarded the bus again for the next #TSDayOut destination, Sepang International Circuit. It was then that I decided that I have to come back here again soon to Paya Indah Wetlands and explore this beautiful swamp at a more leisurely pace and catch the feeding sessions too. The beautiful settings and the various activities and attractions on offer here at Paya Indah Wetlands certainly warrant it.

Anyone would like to join me here for a picnic and photo shoot, perhaps?

Further information on Paya Indah Wetlands

Website | KM 4, Jalan Dengkil-Banting, Selangor, 43800 Dengkil, Malaysia | Map

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2. Sepang International Circuit

The bus trip to Sepang International Circuit (SIC) took some 30 minutes from Paya Indah Wetlands. As mentioned earlier, I had previously been to the SIC for the F1 Grand Prix some years back, and while I had enjoyed my time then, I haven’t had the chance to go back until now. The opportunity to have an all-access to the usually off-limit areas (even for the majority of SIC staff) was too precious to pass.

The excitement started when I saw a racing car entering the nearby car park area where there were already a few other racing cars too, as well as a Bugati. It's not something that you see everyday, is it?

We were directed to the 2nd floor of the Pit Building to Perdana Suite – an area where, I was told, only high ranking Malaysian govt. officials, dignitaries and their invitees can enter during major races like the Formula 1. Here we had our lunch and a quick briefing on SIC - although we were fascinated (and distracted) by the practice race that was ongoing on the race track below at the same time.

The view from up here certainly beats that of other seats in the house, I'd say!

2a. Sepang 1000 km Endurance Race Starting Grid Experience

Afterwards, we were chaperoned to the ground floor onto the side of the race track from where we could see from afar, some teams working in the pits while others were already on the race track for the Sepang 1000 km Endurance Race that was to start soon.

After another quick briefing, we were let on the starting grid to take some photos and see the teams up close.

The starting grid area was quite crowded, what with all the members of the racing teams and the media as well, it was a miracle I could actually take photos of these two cars with hardly anyone in the frame, heh! (Just watch the video at the end of this post, if you don’t believe me, to see the crowd, to feel the heat and excitement of being on the starting grid here at the SIC.)

It's interesting to see how all these "every day" cars have been modified into racing ones. Sepang 1000 km Endurance Race, as the name says, is not just about being the fastest on the track. It's about endurance as well - for both the cars and the drivers. Each team has between 2 to 4 drivers and they have to drive about 181 laps to complete the 1000 km distance within the next 8 to 9 hours.

Madness, I’d say, but then I guess, that’s the challenge.

2b. Sepang International Circuit Tour

Just before flag off, we were back up in Perdana Suite to kick off our Circuit Tour. Our first stop was the Race Control Room where the ultimate decision whether or not to stop/cancel a race – for whatever reasons - is decided.

Next, we visited the Podium area.

Gambit Saifullah, a local celebrity.

By the way, did I mention that Tourism Selangor also invited some local celebrities to join this TSDayOut? Well, this guy on the podium, Gambit Saifullah, with the winning smile, was one of them. Jangan cakap abang tak payung, girls. I wish my hair is like that too. There were a few others too, including Ainul Aishah, Faiz Dickie, Fezrul Khan, Ryzal Jaafar and Zack Zainefer. 

On the way to the Media Centre, we passed by the Timekeeper’s area and Track Commentators’ Room. It's interesting to see reporters and photographers working, doing live reporting of Sepang 1000 km Endurance Race and updating online. Just off the Media Centre, there’s a Press Conference Room where winners are usually interviewed after each race.

Track Commentators’ Room

Photographers at work in the Media Centre

From the Media Centre, we walked along the corridor and passed by several halls that could be rented by the public for private events. At the time though, most halls were occupied by corporate clients and teams involved in the Sepang 1000 km Endurance Race.

We then walked downstairs, turned around the corner and went into one of the teams’ pit and watched the team in action – live.

Oh! There’s Zizan, the Malaysian funny guy, too in the pit, who’s one of the drivers for the team. (You can see him in the video at the end of this post.)

By now, we had watched the Sepang 1000 km Endurance Race from Perdana Suite and we had been to one of the pits so our next stop was naturally the Grand Stand. We boarded the bus to get to the Mall Area and then lounged for a bit on both sides of the Grand Stand.

The Grand Stand

The Mall Area between the two Grand Stands

The Grand Stand

One side faces the starting grid and Pit Building (and as such, the Podium too) while the other side faces the Support Paddock and a much longer race track. Both Grand Stands seem to have their own plus points. Which one would you go for on a race day if ticket price is of no concern? Decisions... decisions...

We went back to Perdana Suite for a quick hi-tea when Tourism Selangor announced the winning team for the Photo Hunt. My group, Team A, didn’t win unfortunately. :( Both Norfanil and I however still think that our bicycle ride to Rumah Melayu earlier in the morning was worth all the sweat.

Afterwards, they announced the names of the 5 winners for the best Instagram contest. My name wasn’t called out either :( until the fifth one, heh heh! Thank you, Tourism Selangor! ;)

While we're talking about Instagram, do follow me there, and don't forget to do the same with Tourism Selangor and SIC. ;) 

Tips: 1. If you’re coming here, wear sunblock. Bring a hat or an umbrella and sunglasses. And drink lots and lots of water. And do wear shoes. 2. There is also National Automobile Museum at the SIC (although we didn’t actually cover the museum due to time constraint). 3. If you fancy trying to be a race driver just for a day, follow SIC Facebook page and be on the lookout for SIC Open Track Days for Cars and Bikes that they have from time to time.

Further information on Sepang International Circuit
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Jalan Pekeliling, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia | Map

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3. Sepang International Kart Circuit

We obviously didn’t get the chance to be a race driver at the SIC as there was a race going on at the time. Not that I was complaining as I personally don’t enjoy driving. But a very short bus trip from the SIC brought us to our last destination and stop of the day, Sepang International Kart Circuit (SIKC). SIKC is actually located within the SIC itself (thus the very short bus trip) and the circuit here was designed by the very same guy who’s responsible for the SIC’s main race track. Even the tarmac used is the same like the main race track at the SIC.

Given this, there's definitely no way I was going to miss the chance to have a go at a race here – regardless of the fact that I don’t really enjoy driving, and that I’ve only had previously tried go-karting once (during which I had finished last, heh!)

Nervous? Naah!

Faiz Dickie, one of the local celebrities, in action

After overcoming the nervousness during the first lap, I started to enjoy the race and even felt exhilarated at times. The adrenaline rush was just so unbelievable. The speed, the overtaking (and being overtaken too), the sharp corners and the long straight runs, it was just, O-M-G! I don't really know what else there is to say to describe what I felt! I thought maybe that was just me and my lack of experience but everyone that I talked to afterwards had said that that’s their best go-karting experience ever! If you haven't been, you just have to try go-karting here at the SIKC at least once! The great news is, their price is surprisingly affordable! (You can check their website for the latest price. See link below.)

Lewis RaW Hamilton in action. Photo by Dik Bee

The fastest ten racers won something for their performance. Lewis RaW Hamilton *cough cough* unfortunately ended up in 20th place. Perhaps he should just stick with the F1 instead, heh heh! That’s a major improvement though, considering there were almost 40 participants racing. :D

To sum it up, I’m just pleased that I gave the go-kart experience a go despite some early reservations, and now I can’t wait to give it a go again. Anyone up for a race with Mr. Hamilton?

Further information on Sepang International Kart Circuit
Website | Facebook | Jalan Pekeliling, 64000 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia | Map

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We reached Shah Alam again well after it was already dark. As expected, it was a hectic day out - we sure "raced our heart out" - but it certainly was fun at the same time and introduced many of us #TSDayOut participants to interesting activities that one can try out at these places. Personally, the day rekindled my first F1 Grand Prix experience from many years back and also introduced me to Paya Indah Wetlands and Sepang International Kart Circuit, two places that I'd love to go back to and also have no problem recommending to others now.

Considering their location, a trip to Paya Indah Wetlands can easily be combined with a trip to Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, while those who are on a long transit at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) might want to give Sepang International Kart Circuit a go if they'd rather not go down to the city centre.

What do you guys think? Which one of these attractions take your fancy?

Watch the TSDayOut 2016 Experience

 

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Going to Selangor, Malaysia? Do check out these Selangor hotels for your accommodation requirements there. For other blog entries on Malaysia, click here.