KLUANG - Whether hot or cold, black or with milk, coffee has countless variations that fans can't resist. For true coffee lovers, no day feels complete without their daily cup.
For coffee enthusiasts, Kluang district is a must-visit destination, offering a diverse range of coffee shops. Here, you’ll find not only well-known coffee chains but also local establishments that can rival even the most popular brands in taste.
One such fan, Ika Shakilah Syawal, 36, from Johor Bahru, was so intrigued by the buzz around Kluang’s coffee that she and her family now make it a regular weekend ritual to visit and explore its many coffee shops.
"My husband and I are serious coffee enthusiasts. After just a few visits, we’ve already found our favourite spots. The coffee here is exactly what we love - bold, aromatic and reasonably priced.
"The craftsmanship here is truly something special. We miss Kluang’s coffee whenever we’re away too long, which is why we don’t mind the two-hour drive just to enjoy it," she said while relaxing at a coffee shop at Laman Kreatif Kluang recently.
Ika added that her career as an insurance agent also provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in her cravings for hot coffee and kaya-butter toast in the district, whenever she has business with clients in Kluang or nearby areas.
"Each coffee spot here has its own charm. While new hipster cafés are popping up, I still prefer the traditional brew, it just hits differently. But everyone has their own taste," said the mother of four.
Wong Min Hang, a 55-year-old financial manager, was equally drawn to Kluang after hearing rave reviews from family, friends and social media. Eager to experience the district’s famous coffee culture, she chose it as a school holiday getaway.
Coming from the capital city, Wong hopping from one coffee shop to another, soaking in the rich flavours. She even toured a well-known coffee factory, picking up coffee to take home as both souvenirs and her personal stash.
"Every cup we’ve tried has been fantastic - rich, not too sweet and offering unique flavours. We’ll definitely be back, maybe when it’s less crowded. There were a few shops we couldn’t even get into because of the holiday rush," Wong shared, already planning her next visit.
Tan Lee Seng Kopitiam, a popular coffee spot in the town centre has been packed with customers since its doors opened at 6.30 am and owner Linda Tan, 78, expects the hustle to continue, especially with the upcoming Mahkota state by-election.
Known as Auntie Linda, the charming 78-year-old proudly maintains the classic, old-school vibe her late mother established back in the 1940s. The kopitiam is famed for its charcoal-toasted bread and hand-ground coffee beans, offering a taste of tradition that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
A steaming cup of coffee here costs less than RM2. In addition to the iconic toast, the shop serves a variety of Malaysian breakfast favourites, including half-boiled eggs, nasi lemak and kuih, all prepared by local Malay traders.
The Mahkota by-election, held following the death of incumbent Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain on Aug 2, is a straight fight between Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah and Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Mohamad Haizan Jaafar.
The Election Commission (EC) has set Sept 28 as polling day, while early voting takes place on Sept 24. - BERNAMA