Ulu Yam

Ulu Yam is a small village town at the foothills of Genting Highlands, in the district of Hulu Selangor. Most of the population are ethnic Chinese, who dabble in farming and small-time trading. Within its vicinity are several waterfall spots, mostly along the trunk road that leads to Genting through Gohtong Jaya. Sungai Sendat is the nearest waterfall, accessible through a back route from the first bridge. Further up, more exciting rapids await at Batang Kali. The town is divided into Ulu Yam Bharu, which visitors will pass through along the way to Genting, and Ulu Yam Lama, the original settlement area that founded this destination.

When Peninsular Malaysia was once linked by trunk roads instead of highway, Ulu Yam Lama was one of many backwater towns along the route through Selangor. When a new road was built from Rawang, traffic was diverted towards the more recently built Ulu Yam Bharu, which was adjacent but bypassed the old village entirely. Today, the original narrow trunk road through Ulu Yam Lama still remains, but travellers heading to Rawang prefer the quicker way through Ulu Yam Bharu. However, the old still receives a hefty amount of visitors on weekends thanks to its famous 'Loh Mee' dish, a Chinese specialty made from thick egg noodles braised in starchy soy sauce.

In contrast to the more modern Ulu Yam Bharu, Ulu Yam Lama retains its rustic charm complete with fruit orchards, wooden shophouses and pedestrians on rickety bicycles. Another popular dish is 'Yee Peng', a type of squarish fish cake with a chewy, almost rubbery texture. Finally, both sides of Ulu Yam town stock a good variety of tropical fruits for sale, including rambutans, starfruits, papayas and custard apples. To get to Ulu Yam Lama, visitors need to head straight instead of turning at the junction towards Genting Highlands, once over the bridge into Ulu Yam Bharu from Batu Caves/Selayang. Alternatively, you can travel from Rawang using the Batang Kali route and exit at the right signboard.