Morib beach reportedly lies low on the totem pole of popular Selangor beaches. LIN ZHENYUAN returns to the coast to catch a glimpse of the sometimes forgotten beachfront.

For almost two decades, the name of Morib has flashed across my mind like a firefly that accidentally flew into my living room. It wasn’t until after I had visited Tanjung Sepat that the decision to visit Morib fossilised in my mind.
That was back in 2008.

A long time ago, Morib had a solid reputation as far as its beach was concerned.

White kites fluttering in the wind at Morib beach.

Since then, it has been overtaken by other beaches that have been classified as being more refined.

Morib is only a 30-minute drive from Klang and about 90 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, so it isn’t exactly on the other side of the peninsula.

Anyway, I had already covered two-thirds of the Kuala Langat district in recent years so it was natural that I zeroed in on Morib beach, especially after some friends had cast aspersions on it.

As a domestic traveller of little repute, it has always been my irritating habit to check out all those places that relatives, colleagues and strangers dislike.

According to historical records, Morib beach made a name for itself when the Allied forces landed here on Sept 9, 1945. The 46 Indian Beach Group was 42,651 strong and it brought along 3,968 vehicles and 11,224 tonnes of supplies.

The mighty show of force marked an end to the long painful years of Japanese Occupation of Malaya.

Decades after the war, Morib, particularly the beach, became a restful spot for nearby residents and others who journeyed from far corners of Selangor.

The places near Morib which are particularly popular for seafood are Tanjung Sepat and Bagan Lalang.

These places are preferred by the hungry hordes and those who like good food to be accompanied by lovely sea views.

On my first visit to Morib four years ago, I was curious about a beach which I have not seen before.

For a long time, Morib beach had been one of those places missing from my “must-see” list.

That goes for Port Dickson as well. I know, shame on me.

Anyway, my first impression of Morib beach was a bit of a disappointment. I recall asking “what is the big fuss about?”

This was followed by “no wonder the visitors have gone elsewhere”.

It wasn’t exactly teeming with people like at some local beaches. Several sections of the cemented pavement had ugly fissures.

Last week, I gave in to an inexplicable urge to get into my car and get re-acquainted with Morib beach.

It was either that trip or another mindless wandering session at the nearest shopping complex.

Sotong bakar remains a big draw among most Malaysians.

A bit of sun and sweat doesn’t hurt anyone, I figured.

Morib revisited turned out to be more than a little surprise. Like some little girl who used to be teased as an ugly duckling, the grown-up Morib has transformed itself into an elegant swan.

This time it took me mere minutes to come to realise that Morib beach could only be appreciated when a visitor detected its elusive rhythm.

The beach area, playground and various other improvements were magnificent in their appearance.

The designers and gardeners had obviously been doing their work as there were some clever additions to the children’s playground.

Eating stalls were strategically positioned so that maximum visual advantage could be attained by customers.

A “mak cik” who was running her own food stall said the area was spruced up about two years ago.

Another stall owner said the busy hours were in the evening.

During weekends, Morib beach would be crowded. Perhaps the sotong bakar stall may have contributed a little to the attraction.

There were some large seagull figures in flight placed on the seafront in contrast to the blue sky above and the white sand below.

A number of white kites on stands sat firmly on slabs of granite facing the sea and against the wind.

It definitely enhances the artistic value of what was once a dowdy beach of no particular significance.

What a wonderful transformation a couple of years have made to the Morib beach. I was most impressed by the makeover.

No motorcycles, bicycles and hawkers are allowed in this part of the beach.

The casuarina trees, swaying palms and other arty objects did much to improve the ambience of the entire area.

I could almost hear some Hawaiian tunes in the distance. That was because my fertile imagination was on overdrive.

There are 19 kampungs within 19km around Morib.

The beach is of course Morib’s centre piece. There are also 11 agricultural estates within an 18km radius.

Morib is presently awakening from its long stupor and has added the Gold Coast Morib Resort to its list of attractions.

The 400-room hotel in Kawasan Kanchong Laut is for city travellers and overseas guests who prefer fine accommodation with a great view.

I was told that those who prefer more rustic lodgings near Morib beach should try Kampung Endah which apparently has homestay residences.

Morib beach has still some way to go before it wins the hearts and minds of fastidious Klang Valley residents and steals some attention away from the other coastal areas.

However, it is certainly much prettier now than what it was years ago.