I flew over 700 miles to Cambodia just to see its famous floating villages, so imagine how surprised I was when I found out that Malaysia has something very similar.

Located on the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia, Klang is only a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur. What lies beyond is a hidden gem that many have yet to discover.

Read also: Top 10 Must-Try Food in Klang, Selangor

Port Klang: Floating Village & Restaurant in Malaysia

Port Klang: Floating Village & Restaurant in Malaysia

Kampung Bagan Hailam, Port Klang

Bagan Hailam in Port Klang is known for its Chinese seafood restaurants, but this humble settlement by the murky Klang river has more than just food to offer. Dominated by a fishing community of Teochew and Hokkien Chinese descent, this village is made up of buildings propped up on stilts to up to 10 meters high.

Within this village, one can find temples, schools, restaurants and modest residences constructed mostly using wood. The creeks between the houses are visibly tainted and foul-smelling, yet these very features add a unique touch to the whole 'floating village' setting. (It's a sight similar to that of Kampung Phluk in Cambodia)

Kampung Bagan Hailam, Port Klang

A broken bridge and creeks covered with trash

Kampung Bagan Hailam is a floating village located in Port Klang, Selangor

Chinese residents of Kampung Bagan Hailam

Rugged home exteriors at Kampung Bagan Hailam 

The houses here are a sight to behold

A friendly dog at the village at Kampung Bagan Hailam 

Stray dogs at Kampung Bagan Hailam, Klang

Cleaner part of the village

Chinese elements and traditions can be observed throughout the village

Graffiti - an art or vandalism?

Motorbikes parked at Kampung Bagan Hailam

The floating village of Kampung Bagan Hailam at Klang, Selangor

Children of Kampung Bagan Hailam

Children taking an evening dip under their parents' watchful eyes

An evening at Kampung Bagan Hailam

Chinese temple built on the river at Kampung Bagan Hailam

A pier overlooking the sunset

A friendly dog at Kampung Bagan Hailam

Kampung Bagan Hailam may be polluted, but it is one of a kind in the country

How to Get to Bagan Hailam, Port Klang

By car: 46 min (53 km) via Lebuhraya Baru Lembah Klang/E1

Best time to get there: Early evening for sightseeing and a scrumptious dinner as the sun sets

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