Bagan Tengkorak – Hidden seafood restaurant at Tanjung Karang

I used to be an avid fisherman in my late twenties and on one of my last trips out to sea at Tanjung Karang with some seasoned fishermen, some uncles introduced me to this place. Mind you this was way back in 2004 if I recall correctly.

Tucked away hidden from the outside world only those who have been here would know of its existence.

Then one day in May 2009, I thought, why not make a trip to Bagan Tengkorak again sans the fishermen and to my surprise, the place is still there. Nothing much has changed too.

Bagan Tengkorak Hidden Seafood Restaurant

The quiet fishing village in Bagan Tengkorak

To get there, one must take the Kuala Selangor Road heading towards Tanjung Karang. Halfway to Tanjung Karang, you will see a road sign on the left (which was not there last time I went) as in the first picture.

Follow the lone road all the way straight for about 4km passing through a 100% Malay Kampung. Eventually, you will be greeted by surprise on seeing a Chinese Temple at the end of the road.

The road then curves to the left and about 100 meters ahead, you should see a wooden restaurant on your right.

There is a small little coffee shop in the front by the road but this restaurant is further behind towards the water. Parking is available in front of a Chinese Temple/Opera like structure. Then walk on in!

If you are riding a motorbike, then, by all means, ride all the way in and park right in front. (This review was done in 2009)

Also, be prepared to wait it out as there is the one-and-only-cook there catering to all the tables. An estimated wait would be around 30 mins to 45 mins depending on the crowd. On occasion, they seem pretty full during lunch hour.

There are about 10 to 12 tables in various sizes catering to large groups (10 pax). They also have an outdoor area but by the looks, locals seem to eat there more. It is a make shift area over the water which is not really user-friendly.

But hey, if it floats your boat, why not? Toilets are available too. Also, please bring some snacks if you are a very hungry and angry type of person.

It is only to call and find out if they are open. That is what was conveyed to me by asking about the number. Sorry I cannot translate what it means in Chinese. Maybe someone who knows can help me.

Has been like this for years. He tends to yell at his staff on occasion so do not be alarmed if you hear him shouting in the kitchen.

Also, there is a table just outside of the kitchen, where we sat and if you look, you can see what is going on inside.

Bagan Tengkorak – Close up of the catfish

Anyway, by then the food had arrived and we were starved. The first dish was his famous Claypot Catfish.

By the style of his cooking, I would consider it to be Szechuan style cooking as he used a lot of dry and raw chili’s.

On a side note, I personally do not like catfish but trying this dish made me rethink my dislike for catfish.

And the red snapper fish, what else can I say but it was super fresh from the sea. The restaurant IS in a fishing village after all, so they get the stock fresh daily.

I am pretty sure that someone out there would know and help post it here. Thank you for doing that.