Quiet rural Lenggeng in Negeri Sembilan
by Yong Soo Heong
I got to know Nic Ang, a fellow Hainanese “sukee” (a term of endearment among Hainanese folks to denote neighbourliness or camaraderie) earlier this year. He really amazes me with his energy levels and wanderings.
Recently he took a family trip to Negeri Sembilan. He absolutely knows how to wander and seek out interesting local tourist spots: it was a 90-km trip from Shah Alam to a place called Lenggeng.
To get there, Nic went through Sg Chua in Kajang. And he stopped by Restaurant Charlie Makan (what a name).
Can you spot the Ikan Kembung?
Nic recounts:
“We stopped by this restaurant, hidden within a residential area, for lunch. A good discovery and it’s our first visit.
“Occupying a corner lot of a house, it was quite warm when we arrived at 1300 hrs. Everything on the menu looks good but we decided on four Nyonya dishes, which took 30 minutes to be served.
“The rice wine chicken is really strong and flavourful while the rendang pork is a unique tasting dish with ladies’ fingers and brinjal. I had to sweep aside the delicious sambal to expose the two kembung fish hidden underneath. All the dishes, including the fried vegetables, are good! Check out this place when you have the time!”
Lush greenery all round, bright blue sky and a salt-water pool, what else can beat that?
From Selangor Nic & Gang traversed into Negeri Sembilan or N9 to some people.
“From highways to trunk road to kampung road to gravel road, we arrived at 1535 hrs at the Jelatok Retreat Farm. Cheerful Madam Laila was present to hand over our room key, one of the eight rooms available at this retreat.
“After the good lunch and long drive, I went into a deep sleep for an hour before I got down to the pool at 1715 hrs. We had the entire 15 metres of salt water (yes, you read that right!) pool to ourselves.
“Swam eight laps in the 1.5 metre-deep infinity pool, overlooking the lush forest reserve in the background. It was an experience never to be had elsewhere. Come and check this place out!
“Dinner (included in the package) was served at 1900 hrs and while waiting for food to be served, I managed to capture the ‘silver lining in the clouds’.
“Fruits were served first, followed by the main course and cake dessert. The bonfire started at 1945 hrs and we had a fun time roasting marshmallows.
“We adjourned to our room at 2030 hrs and watched three episodes of Squid Game 2 over Netflix (we used our own WiFi). Called it a day at 0030 hrs.
“But earlier there was also a power failure at 0000 hrs, caused by a cement lorry damaging some power cables. Power supply was restored at 0200 hrs and we had a good night’s sleep, lulled to sleep by the sound of insects.
“The next morning, breakfast was had at 0845 hrs and Madam Laila was on hand to bring us to feed the horses, followed by a tour of plants in the resort. A brief botany class of sorts.
“The plant names that we came across were Matua, Gading coconut (dark yellow colour), Matag coconut (light yellow), Pandan coconut (green colour), Hibiscus mutabilis (aka pokok laki pukul bini), abiu, arabica coffee, ketumbar jawa sulantro, liberico coffee, mahkota dewa, vanilla, pecah kaca (herbal cure for kidney stones), peppercorn, kurma tunisia, little bird plant (aka bunga burung mesyuarat) and the Yesterday Today Tomorrow plant or YTT — it changes colour three times a day.
“I was impressed with this tour. Overall, we were treated graciously by the hosting family in this three-year old resort. We certainly had a fun time here. There’s even a conference room where you can hold corporate events (RM500/day or RM300 for half day). Check out their website for bookings: https://lenggeng.my/facilities/
Lenggeng’s famous Ikan Sembilang Masak Lemak
“After checking out from Jelatok Retreat Farm, we drove to savour Lenggeng’s famous ikan sembilang masak lemak. Their mutton curry had smoky flavour and combined with the cabbage and ulam raja, they all made a satisfying lunch indeed. A river located just behind the restaurant provides a good view to complement the delicious food!”
Saint Augustine, a theologian and philosopher who lived from 354 to 430 AD, once said: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
How’s that for a year-end weekend retreat, folks? You’d sure be wondering what’s next in the delicious wanderings of Nic, Our Happy Wanderer.
WE