Sekinchan Paddy Field Festival 2026: Everything You Need to Know

What Is the Sekinchan Paddy Field Festival?

The Sekinchan Paddy Field Festival (Festival Sawah Padi Sekinchan) is an annual agro-tourism celebration held in the heart of Sekinchan, a charming town in the Sabak Bernam district of Selangor, Malaysia. Organised by Tourism Selangor Sdn Bhd, the festival is part of the state government’s ongoing initiative to promote rural and agro-tourism across Selangor, celebrating the beauty of the iconic paddy fields that have made Sekinchan famous.

The 2026 edition of the Festival Sawah Padi Sekinchan 2026 takes place over two days, from 25 to 26 April 2026, at Terminal Sekinchan, Sabak Bernam. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and more vibrant than ever, with a fresh theme introducing cultural activities, picnics, concerts, and voluntourism experiences for visitors of all ages.

About Sekinchan: Malaysia’s Rice Bowl

Before diving into the festival itself, it helps to understand why Sekinchan is such a special place.

Sekinchan is a small town located approximately 102 km north of Kuala Lumpur and about 28 km from Kuala Selangor, situated along the coastal Federal Route 5. Its name, derived from the Chinese term Shi Geng Zhuang (适耕庄), literally means “village suitable for plantation” — a fitting name for a town that is among Malaysia’s most productive rice-growing areas.

Established as an agricultural settlement in the early 20th century under the Tanjong Karang irrigation scheme developed during the British colonial era, Sekinchan grew steadily into what is now known as the “Rice Bowl of Selangor.” With over 4,300 acres of farmland devoted to paddy and fruit cultivation and some of the highest rice yields per acre in Malaysia, the town is a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural heritage.

The town’s population is predominantly Chinese, with Teochew and Hokkien families having long been engaged in farming and fishing, alongside Malay and Indian communities who contribute to local trade and services. Today, tourism has become an increasingly important part of the local economy, with homestays, charming cafés, and agro-tourism experiences drawing visitors from the Klang Valley and beyond.

The Paddy Fields: A Seasonal Spectacle

One of the most breathtaking aspects of Sekinchan is the ever-changing landscape of its paddy fields. Rice is harvested twice a year — around May and June, and again around November and December. Sowing takes place between March and April, and again between August and September.

During the sowing months, the fields are a vast carpet of lush green, stretching as far as the eye can see. As harvest approaches, those same fields transform into a sea of gold, glittering under the Malaysian sun. The paddy fields span an area extending inland for about 6 kilometres, southbound toward Kampung Sungai Sireh in Tanjung Karang and northbound toward Bagan Terap in Sungai Besar, covering a total area of 180 square kilometres.

Visitors and travel bloggers consistently describe the experience of standing at the edge of these fields as nothing short of magical. Visitors frequently describe the paddy fields as ideal spots for photography, whether for OOTD shots or to soak in the serenity of rural Malaysia far from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Festival Sawah Padi Sekinchan 2026: Key Details

The Opening Ceremony for the Festival Sawah Padi Sekinchan will be on Saturday, 25 April 2026. It will be officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin bin Shari, the Menteri Besar of Selangor, underscoring the event’s significance as a flagship initiative in Selangor’s agro-tourism calendar.

Full Programme: What’s On at the Festival

Day 1 — Saturday, 25 April 2026

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Mobile Counter Services (Akses Mobile Selangor) by YaPEIM Selangor
• Tour Tram and Sunset Ride — a relaxing tram ride through the scenic paddy fields as the sun sets

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Sekinchan Sawah Padi 4X4 Convoy and Glamping with SFWDA — an off-road adventure for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts

4:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Larian Sawah Padi Sekinchan 2026 (Paddy Field Run) by Avid Ad Venture, with three categories:
  • 21 km
  • 10 km
  • 5 km
• Voluntourism activities with MOTAC Selangor
• Prize-giving ceremony for the Paddy Field Run

4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• PLATS Food Festival
• Cultural Village (Perkampungan Budaya) by SaBDA
• Selangor Heritage Food Exhibition (Pameran Makanan Warisan Negeri Selangor)
• Health Screening by KPJ Kuala Selangor Specialist Hospital
• CelcomDigi exhibition
• Roving Truck by ZUS Coffee
• AI Robot Exhibition by Globaltik

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Grand Opening Ceremony: Festival Sawah Padi Sekinchan 2026

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Podcast Session with YB Dato’ Ng Suee Lim, EXCO for Local Government and Tourism, Selangor

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Concert: “Jom, Piknik & Healing!” with ZUS Coffee — a laid-back, feel-good evening concert to cap off Day 1

Day 2 — Sunday, 26 April 2026

2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Mobile Counter Services by YaPEIM Selangor
• Tour Tram and Sunset Ride

2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• PLATS Food Festival (continuing)
• Cultural Village by SaBDA
• Selangor Heritage Food Exhibition
• Health Screening by KPJ Kuala Selangor Specialist
• Roving Truck ZUS Coffee
• AI Robot Exhibition by Globaltik

2:15 PM

• Drum Circle Performance — an energetic and engaging community drumming showcase

3:00 PM

• Pocket Talk by KDEB Waste Management — sustainability and environmental awareness

3:20 PM – 3:30 PM

• Lucky Draw and Quiz with CelcomDigi

3:30 PM – 3:50 PM

• Pocket Talk with MCMC

4:00 PM – 4:20 PM

• Interactive Session with ZUS Coffee

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM

• Pocket Talk with KPJ Kuala Selangor Specialist

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Cultural Dance and Arts Performances (PADAT) — a showcase of traditional Malaysian performing arts

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Podcast Session with Dari Studio Podcast

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Wayang Pacak — a traditional outdoor cinema screening, a nostalgic nod to Malaysia’s kampung heritage

Highlights of the Sekinchan Paddy Field Festival

🌾 Tour Tram and Sunset Ride

Hop on a tram and glide through the sprawling paddy fields as the golden hour sun casts a warm glow over the landscape. This is arguably one of the most Instagram-worthy experiences at the festival and a peaceful way to appreciate the scale and beauty of Sekinchan’s agricultural landscape.

🏃 Larian Sawah Padi Sekinchan 2026 (Paddy Field Run)

A race unlike any other — run through the paddy fields at sunset with categories suitable for beginners and seasoned runners alike. The 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km categories ensure there is something for everyone. The first edition of this race, held in 2025, was wildly popular and helped draw thousands of participants.

🤝 Voluntourism with MOTAC Selangor

Festival Sawah Padi Sekinchan 2026 introduces voluntourism as a key theme — combining travel with meaningful community contribution. Organised in partnership with MOTAC (Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) Selangor, this initiative allows visitors to give back to the local community while immersing themselves in the destination’s culture and environment.

🍜 PLATS Food Festival & Heritage Food Exhibition

Food lovers are in for a treat. The food festival runs across both days, featuring local hawker stalls and the Selangor Heritage Food Exhibition, where you can sample traditional delicacies that have been passed down through generations. From fresh seafood to time-honoured Selangor kampung recipes, this is a gastronomic journey not to be missed.

🥁 Drum Circle

The Drum Circle performance on Day 2 is a community experience that invites both performers and audiences to connect through rhythm. It is a testament to the festival’s spirit of togetherness and cultural celebration.

🎬 Wayang Pacak (Outdoor Cinema)

Closing the festival on Sunday night is the Wayang Pacak — a traditional outdoor film screening that recalls the golden era of kampung entertainment. Set against the backdrop of the paddy fields under a starlit sky, it is a wonderfully nostalgic finale to the weekend.

🤖 AI Robot Exhibition by Globaltik

Adding a contemporary twist, the AI Robot Exhibition showcases how technology is shaping the future — an exciting contrast to the rustic, traditional atmosphere of the paddy fields.

A Festival with a Bigger Purpose

The Sekinchan Paddy Field Festival is more than just a weekend event. It is part of the Visit Selangor campaign and Selangor’s broader agenda to develop agro-tourism as a sustainable segment of the state’s tourism industry. By spotlighting Sekinchan’s agricultural heritage, the festival helps support local farmers, artisans, and small businesses while introducing a wider audience to the wonders of rural Malaysia.

The inaugural edition in 2025 was described as “Malaysia’s first paddy field festival,” setting out to draw around 13,000 visitors over two days — and it clearly struck a chord. The 2026 edition builds on that success, with an expanded programme and new activities, such as voluntourism and the 21 km run, added to the mix.

Getting There: How to Reach Sekinchan

Sekinchan is most conveniently reached by car, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway from Kuala Lumpur. Here’s how:

• From Kuala Lumpur / Shah Alam / Petaling Jaya: Head toward Kuala Selangor, then drive north along Federal Route 5 for approximately 30 km.
• Estimated Drive Time: Around 1.5 to 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur, depending on traffic.
• Tip: Arrive early to avoid traffic, particularly on weekends when Sekinchan can get very busy. If you’re driving back toward KL, plan to leave before 11 AM or wait until the evening crowds disperse.

Public transportation options are limited, so renting a vehicle is strongly recommended to get the most out of your visit.

Venue: Terminal Sekinchan, Sabak Bernam, Selangor.

What Else to See in Sekinchan While You’re There

While you’re in Sekinchan for the festival, make the most of your trip by exploring some of the town’s other beloved attractions:

PLS Paddy Gallery — Visit one of the local paddy processing factories that welcomes the public. A guided tour and short video explain the full process of paddy planting, harvesting, and milling. You can also purchase locally produced rice and rice-based products, including soaps, crackers, noodles, and desserts. A variety of rice types are available, including Pearl Rice, a short-grained sticky rice popular for sushi and rice pudding.

Nan Tian Temple — A Taoist hilltop temple with a tower offering panoramic views over the paddy plains — perfect for photography.

Ah Ma House — A nostalgic display house recreating a traditional Chinese grandmother’s home, complete with vintage furniture and antique appliances that illustrate the simple, modest lifestyle of early Sekinchan settlers.

Pantai Redang (Redang Beach) — Not to be confused with Pulau Redang in Terengganu, this is a quieter, rustic local beach ideal for an evening stroll or some kite flying.

Kuala Selangor Boat Cafe – This is one of the unique cafes that makes this entire area very interesting. An old wooden boat, turned into a beautiful and arty cafe, suitable for anyone leaving Sekinchan, as it is on the way out. The Kuala Selangor Boat Cafe is open in the evenings, and you can stop for a drink, tea time or even some food.

Sky Mirror (Pantai Cermin) — A sandbank near Sasaran Beach that appears during low tides, creating a mirror-like reflection of the sky — often called “Malaysia’s Salar de Uyuni.” Best visited with a guide.

Local Seafood — Sekinchan is equally famous as a fishing village. Don’t leave without trying the fresh seafood, from succulent grilled fish to squid rojak at the local stalls around the Bagan area.

Overall, I am quite frequent here because, right after the Covid-19 Pandemic, I used to organise Sekinchan photography trips for local and visiting photographers.

Tips for Visiting the Sekinchan Paddy Field Festival

• Bring extra clothes — some activities, especially the voluntourism and outdoor runs, can get muddy or sweaty.
• Arrive early on both days to beat the crowd, especially for the popular runs and food stalls.
• Check the paddy field calendar — in late April, the fields are typically in a transitional state, so expect a mix of green and golden patches across the landscape.
• Stay overnight to absorb the peaceful rural atmosphere fully. There are several homestays, glamping options, and guesthouses in and around Sekinchan, some of which offer stunning paddy field views. For enquiries, contact Tourism Selangor Sdn Bhd at Tel: 603 5513 2000 or check out the official VisitSelangor website.

Conclusion

The Sekinchan Paddy Field Festival 2026 is a celebration that beautifully bridges Malaysia’s agricultural past with its vibrant, community-driven present. Whether you come for the paddy field run, the sunset tram ride, the heritage food, the live concert, or simply the breathtaking views of one of Malaysia’s most iconic rural landscapes, there is something for every kind of visitor at this festival.

Set against the lush and golden expanse of Sekinchan’s legendary paddy fields, this two-day festival is a reminder that some of Malaysia’s most compelling experiences are found not in its glittering city centres, but in the quiet, sun-drenched towns where the country’s heart truly beats. Add Festival Sawah Padi Sekinchan 2026 to your travel calendar as it promises to be an unforgettable weekend in Selangor’s green countryside.