Fomerly known as Port Weld, Kuala Sepetang was once the busiest port in the region. Opened in 1885, it was where the British built Malaya’s first railway to transport tin are from Taiping town to Port Weld during the great tin rush in Perak. But ever since tin deposits in Perak dried-up, life in Kuala Sepetang has revolved on a slower pace. However, this humble historic town may once again thrive thanks to the state government’s effort in promoting eco-tourism in Perak. Eco-tourism is fast becoming a popular choice among holidaymakers around the world, and Perak with its lush hinterland is certainly one of the richest states in Malaysia in this field.

Kuala Sepetang with its unspoilt beauty is clearly one of Perak’s eco-treasures. Located in the district of Matang, the little town of Kuala Sepetang is more of a fishing village dotted with wooden houses built on splits planted firmly on the edge of a placid river. Several wharfs can be found extending out from the coast to service fishing boats landing at the village. This is where the fishermen unload their daily catch to the waiting middlemen.

When it is low tide, one can see many boats tied to the wooden jetties that are located in front of the fishermen’s houses. During this time, it is common sight to find fishermen sorting out their catch for the day, some of which will be sold to the village seafood restaurants or nearby factories to be processed into salted fish. A row of such factories now stands where the Taiping-Port Weld railway line was built. Since the dismantling of the 13km railway line, several factories have sprouted on the site. From a distance, you can see rows of small pieces of fish being dried in the sun in front of the factories. Besides salted fish, the factories also offer other preserved seafood which are also available at nearby shops.