There’s something magical about slow travel, the quaint towns and local coffee shops…. As development tightens its grip and gentrification rolls on there’s a ticking clock on such experiences. That said, with great guilt I often hanker for a bougie latte.
For road tripping Klang Valleyers, Lenggong is far. Once you’re past Ipoh, all places are far but Penang, and Lenggong is as close to Thailand as it is to Ipoh. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage, Lenggong Valley is synonymous with archeological finds that date back to the Palaeolithic era, but it’s scenery — Chenderong and Raban Lakes surrounded my mountains — and abundance of waterfalls and under-the-radar hiking trails attract visitors like me. So to discover this hip little roadside cafe in Kampung Sumpitan in the northwest end of the valley was an unexpected and appreciated surprise.
This inviting cafe’s menu is tiny: 6 coffee and 1 chocolate options, hot or cold, and zero teas are served through a hole in the wall kitchen. Its clientele are predominantly guests of Sumpitan Glamping, with which Pio Kopi shares real estate, and big bikers chasing the curves of the scenic high route to Ijok (travellers headed to and from Grik would need to make a short detour). Payment is strictly online via QR Pay.
There are brownies and cookies for those who drop by at the right moment. But it’s Pio Kopi’s stripped nasi lemak (creamy coconut rice served with a slice of cucumber, strips of plain omelette and anchovy sambal) wrapped in banana leaf that packs punch.
I was able to wander down to the stream at the bottom of Sumpitan Glamping and enjoy my coffee there on my first visit. Access has understandably been curbed as it presents a security risk to glamping and camping guests, but you can always sit on Pio Kopi’s wooden verandah, under the shade of the bamboo trees out front, or take yours to go to a nearby waterfall as I did.
Here’s a sneak peak of Sumpitan Glamping.
Pio Kopi, A6, Lenggong, 33420, Perak. Open: Daily: 8am-6pm; F: https://www.facebook.com/piokopicafe I: https://www.instagram.com/piokopi
Sumpitan Glamping, A6, Lenggong, 33420, Perak. T: 013 857 1561 F: https://www.facebook.com/sumpitanglamping I: https://www.instagram.com/sumpitan_glamping
POKOK KELAPA 