Broga - A Blissful Place To Be

I think this is not a familiar name to many. Recently, more and more people get to know the place, as there’s a new university campus (University of Nottingham) located in Broga. And probably that’s the reason for the discovery of new attraction at Bukit Lalang, Broga.

Broga (武來岸) a small town that sits on the Selangor and Negri Sembilan border, 50 km from Kuala Lumpur. This town has history of more than 140 years. Dominantly are Chinese - Hakka clan. Most are working in their family’s plantation – rubber, palm oil or orchard. Long before the development of the university campus and the trend of Broga Hill sunrise viewing, Broga is categorized as remote and quiet. Some people may know the Sak Dato Temple. The temple has many followers either locally or internationally (From Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong, Thailand, etc). And many local film producers also like to use the temple for Chinese New Year productions or MV filming place.

Sak Dato Temple (玉封石拿督廟)
A must visit place for any visitor to Broga. This temple is rated are one of the top three most beautiful temple in Malaysia. This place is much more than a worshiping place. Inside, there are landscape gardens (The Kindness Fruits Garden 善果園 & Dragon Gate 龍門), replicas of local fruits, Chinese folklore characters & 12 Chinese zodiac. If you follow the stairs up to the “Dragon Gate” Arch, you’ll able to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Broga.

The history of this temple can trace back to more than 100 years ago. Why is it called Sak Dato? Dato is actually a salutation (similar to Duke or higher). Who is this Sak Dato? The local there will tell you that “Sak Mun” (石滿), an aborigine adopted by Chinese family in Broga. He was very helpful and kind hearted. One day, he went to meditate and never came back to the village. And one day, his friend dreamt of him and informed that he was assigned by the God of Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝) to be Dato (拿督) and protect the land. And he told his friend the place where he gained immortality. His friend found his remains at the location he mentioned. As many people received his kindness and assistance before the people there worship him. The locals also believe Sak Dato protected them in many many incidences ever since, especially during the time of Japanese Occupation. Just ask around the locals, I’m sure they are willing to tell you the story.
Besides, there also a Foundation - The Kindness Fruits Garden 善果園基金, setup by the temple committee. All the donations collected for the foundation is carefully managed by 14-member committee. They channel the fund to needy people from all over Malaysia. Part of the funds is channel to further develop Broga and promote it as a local top tourist attraction. In the plan is building of facilities like jungle tracking trail, suspension bridge and children’s playground.

Address: No 42, Jalan Besar, Broga, 71750 Negeri Sembilan.
Open: Every day, 7.30am-11pm

Bukit Lalang, Broga (茅草山)
Bukit Lalang or Broga Hill is a renowned hiking spot in Broga. Usually hikers will choose to go before sunrise or during the morning. All the higher land of Broga is plain grassland, so it provides superb view of the village below. If you climb in the morning, it’s easy to see clouds below the peak. You can also see fog rising up the hill and open up the whole panoramic view to the village. A mere 45 minutes to 1 hour walking up the hill is definitely worthwhile.

It attracts many photography lovers to capture the sunrise and beautiful scenery around. If you prefer to experience the tranquil moment, I suggest you choose on normal weekdays compared to the weekends or public holiday.

The King & Queen Fruits of Malaysia
June – July of each year, Broga will have many local fruits from the orchards around. During these months are durian, mangosteen and rambutan season. If you like these fruits, visit Broga during these months and you'll be able to taste the fruits fresh from the orchard.

You may also see people working at the rubber & palm oil estate.