Selangor Fruit Valley is an ideal agrotourism place to familiarise children with the local food system.
Listicles
7 Agrotourism Attractions to Check Out if You Love Spending Time in the Farm
Who says a visit to a farm should be boring?
Who says a visit to a farm should be boring?
In recent years, Malaysia sees a healthy increase in the number of agrotourism sites across the country, whereby farm owners creatively harmonise agricultural operations together with tourism experiences such as guided tours and hands-on activities. Agrotourism does not only generate more income to the owners, but also enhances the nation’s food security and creates a more sustainable tourism industry for the future.
In support of this effort, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) Malaysia encourages agricultural entrepreneurs to turn their farms into agrotourism sites to diversify their revenue stream. MAFI even provides advice and guidance to interested agricultural entrepreneurs through various initiatives like the Young Agropreneur programme.
As for visitors, a trip to a farm can be both educational and therapeutic. It offers the much-needed respite away from the concrete jungle – just imagine the less polluted air, fresh produce and living animals that let you reconnect with nature.
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So, if you were looking for a farm to bring your friends and family, below are just some of the top agrotourism sites that you can choose in Malaysia.
Selangor Fruits Valley, Kuala Selangor, Selangor
Located only an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, this agricultural park is where visitors could engage in interactive learning activities such as fruit- and vegetable-harvesting, honey-tasting, rubber-tapping and animal-petting. Those with more active spirit can make the time to ride on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or kayaking while enjoying the fresh air.
Entrance fee: MYR15 (adult), MYR10 (child)
Saudagar Nanas Agrofarm, Kajang, Selangor
This eight-hectare agrofarm is starting to gain much attention on social media as a unique breakfast spot where visitors can indulge in all kinds of pineapple-based meals while admiring the beautiful views of the undulating plantation and the nearby Bangi town. The owner – who is also a participant of the Young Agropreneur programme – grows pineapples of Hawaii’s MD2 or ‘Millie Dillard 2’ variety here, said to be sweeter in taste and contains four times of vitamin C than other varieties in the market, so be sure to purchase some when dining here!
Farm Fresh @ UPM, Serdang, Selangor
Being the collaboration project between Universiti Putra Malaysia and the country’s leading dairy brand Farm Fresh, this site promises visitors a fun day out with the animals and well-manicured landscapes. Expect to see cows roaming freely in the field, as you explore the plains either on foot or on a tractor ride with an insightful guide. Should you find the humidity overwhelming, freshen up with the house-special cold tea-based drinks or fresh milk ice cream sold on site. Other facilities here include a restaurant with farm-to-table menu, a petting zoo and a greenhouse.
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Entrance fees: MYR10 (adult) / MYR5 (child) on weekdays; MYR15 (adult) / MYR10 (child) on weekends.
Saville Wonderland, Semenyih, Selangor
Essentially a breeding centre and hatchery for free-range chicken, Saville Wonderland opens its space on weekends for visitors to enjoy its other facilities, which include a mini sanctuary, a freshwater fishing pond, herb garden, a petting zoo and ATVs. For a more immersive experience, book a farm stay here where guests get to sleep in a unique container accommodation that faces a tranquil view.
Activity fees start from MYR8 per adult / MYR7 per child.
Uncle Wong Happy Farm, Lukut, Negeri Sembilan
Located around one-hour-and-a-half’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, this vast park features a stingless bee farm that allows visitors to enjoy freshly harvested natural honey, along with an array of fun outdoor activities such as ATV rides, kayaking, pedal-boating, camping, fishing, and barbeque session with family and friends. There are also animals like rabbits and tortoises that are tame for petting by both children and adults. Instafamous influencers are bound to be excited since the site has spots for them to take perfect #outdoorfun shot.
Desaru Fruit Farm, Kota Tinggi, Johor
Spanning 100 acres of land and home to 120 different types of fruits, this award-winning farm invites visitors for an insightful guided tour across its orchards, bee farm, fishpond, and herb garden. There is also a mini petting zoo where children and adults can get up close and feed the adorable bunnies and goats. Then, continue the excitement with a fun ATV ride along well-maintained track before retreating to a lavish fruit buffet or lunch comprising fruit-based fusion dishes such as sweet and sour tom yam in coconut that is sure to tantalise your taste buds. Don’t forget to bring home fresh fruits as well!
Activity fees start from MYR30 per adult / MYR25 per child.
MARDI Agrotechnology Park Langkawi, Langkawi, Kedah
More than just a centre for technology transfer and information dissemination related to the agro industry, this 35-hectare land serves as one of the island’s main eco-tourism attractions equipped with technology information centre, tropical fruit orchards, sheltered hi-tech vegetable farms and naturally conserved areas that are accessible for recreational purposes. When being here, be sure to taste the fresh-from-farm fruits such as starfruit, jackfruit, mango, and papaya!
Entrance fees: MYR20 (adult); MYR10 (child)
These are only some of the agrotourism attractions that one could visit in Malaysia. To find out more about agrotourism and agro-based offerings, including numerous business opportunities in the agricultural sector, be sure to visit the MAHA Expo 2022, happening from 4 until 14 August 2022 at MAEPS, Serdang, Selangor.
