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Down South Motoring south from Kuala Lumpur, there are many fascinating small towns. This week, we took a ride south to update ourselves on "whats happening!" A thought - these weekly trips are directing ourselves to consciously focus on scenes of daily life, a special theme and little variations in small places. Interesting happenings that we would have overlooked as a passer-by. So are the locals. They may have something unique in their area. But being unaware or immune to its presence. They do not know that the feature is unusual. This week trip, after our nearest town Kajang, we drove past first - Semenyih - made famous by the Memorial Park. Where? Nirvana in Sungei Lallang. Its about 12 kilometers from town. The town of Semenyih |
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This little town was renounced for its mining activities. That was so ago, doubt anyone ever recalled seeing that activities.. In the late 60's, abandoned ponds left over from the mining days held a good stock of game fishes. Today, the road to Sungei Lalang has regained glory, thanks to the futuristic looking Chinese Memorial Park. Another scenic sight in the same direction is Semenyih Dam. |
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Right in the middle of this single road township, you will meet the signage at the traffic light. The original and old town center of Semenyih is now on to the right, complete with its old main street. Watch the name on the signboard -Jalan Sungei Lalang, i.e. by the picture above, follow the turning to the left. That is the way to the picnic area of Sungei Tekala Waterfall, Nirvana Memorial Park, Dam, Longgan Plantation and Ostrich Farms. Don't be despair as they are not hard to find, assisted by appropriate signage just beside this road! ,After Semenyih, the next township is Mantin, well known for for its durian. Then at last, we were crossed the border into the next State - Negri Sembilan. Not far away is already the state capital of Seremban. The town of Seremban Seremban like all major towns in the Peninsula has transformed itself beyond recognition. |
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Lucky for the die-hard and those who had left town a while back, major landmarks remained intact. The Lake garden continues to provide fresh air to this traffic clogged town. Several ring roads wind around the lake area, that itself almost strangled the Garden! |
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The Town Council had maintained the water in the lake and its surroundings in good shape.
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Nostalgic old timers can still dream of the hawker's food in the Market complex. For a small town, this is an exceptionally large market complex with activities that continued right through the evening. |
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Many of you who have heard of this place and yet to visit- then be there, wasting no time! Modern days living would not tolerate crowded and untidy eateries like this area. It could be upgraded to something that you will not be able to recognize. |
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Folks who have left the town some time back, do not feel despair that you cannot recognize the town skyline anymore. Hidden in the Lake Garden, the good old Sungei Ujong Club is still very much alive! |
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The Town of Tampin This town is very often heard of but little known. Many remembers it by the transmitter Towers that sit on the lone peak that guards this small enclave. Those visitors and travelers using the Federal Route 1 or the North South Expressway still use this landmark, to make a mental note as to how far they had driven. One couldn't help but be pleased to be reminded that they are in the vicinity of Malacca, a mid point in their journey north or south. |
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The Federal Route 1 goes into town makes an inverse left hand "L" loop and out again to the south. This "Roundabout" serves as an interjection, center of town. and traffic dispersant |
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A peculiar feature around this area is the appearance of this billboard. Many of them are seen along the main road! Travelers along this stretch of road that passes by Tampin Hills and the conserved forested lowland area will feel an immediate drop in ambient temperature. In the attached picture, translated the board says " You are now entering TAMPIN GREEN ZONE" We hope more people will be realize its significance. More local councils follow the foot steps of the Tampin council. |
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The Resthouse
Another junction town, another deserted Resthouse
Coming into town from the north, this Rest House is prominently situated on the right side just beside the main road.
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The clearly posted sign boards along the road will inform travelers, this is the Rest house. Typical of Negri Sembilan heritage the roof is that of that distinctive Minangkabau design |
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Now a close up view of the Rest house at its front entrance. There are 2 ways in. First, a loop road that starts as an entrance from the trunk road. A slip road in front of the Resthouse leads to the nearby recreations park. A slip road from here is the 2nd access road. The building and the compound was kept reasonably tidy although the place was deserted. |
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A passer-by informed us the contactor or operator of the Rest House had abandoned the place before the term expires. For the past few months, the district council has been sorting out suitable candidates. The Rest House will be reopened in the near future! As at August 1999---! |
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The location of the Rest house in a choice area. there was the Public Works Department and other offices of the local councils.
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Beside tennis courts, there is a matured park frequented by courting couples. Other features of this park are aviaries and swimming pool. |
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We were glad to have found this Rest House intact and prominently situated. Much to our disappointment, it is yet another neglected inn with lots of potential left untapped! We stayed in the area for a while as the walkers in Tampin Hills attracted our attention. |
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Khong's Travel Guide |
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