This golden city has loads to offer — including the hidden gems along the unbeaten path less travelled as revealed by local born and bred Photographer and Storyteller Kim Boon
When it comes to travel off the beaten track to discover the hidden gems of Batu Pahat, who better to look up than Kim Boon who was born and bred there until he left the sleepy hollow to seek his fortunes in the big city of Kuala Lumpur once he hit his late teens.
After many years of irking a living in the hectic city of Kuala Lumpur, he made it a point to head back to his idyllic hometown which has become a huge source of inspiration for him as he rediscovers old gems and finds new discoveries hidden to him even from before.
At this juncture of his life, he is now spending precious treasured hours exploring the hidden gems of Batu Pahat on an adventure of a lifetime that has seen him journeying deep into the unbeaten path of his hometown, capturing photographs of amazingly beautiful images for posterity while recording amazing stories along the way.
“Whenever I am back in Batu Pahat, and need to get some inspiration or spend some quiet moments on my own, I find these hidden gems are just the right places for me to venture to in order to derive some rejuvenation and inspiration. In most instances, I walk away with the reward of having obtained some nice photographs and amazing stories.
“Come explore with me some hidden gems and the unbeaten path in my hometown of Batu Bahat that may give you that little rejuvenation of the mind or some inspiration to appreciate beauty in its simplest form and experience what separates the extraordinary from the ordinary.”
Hidden Gem 1: Batu Pahat River
The 12km Batu Pahat River that originates from Sungai Simpang Kiri and Sungai Simpang Kanan near Tongkang Pechah, and flows through Batu Pahat snakes its way until it reaches the mouth of the river in Pantai Minyak Beku. This is where the seaside village lying on the West Coast of Johor fronting the Straits of Malacca is situated in full splendour.
Prior to 1968, before a bridge was built on this site, people from both sides of the Batu Pahat divided by the river needed to use a ferry to get to the other side of the river.
This river was once a very important sea and trade route that helped develop and prosper Batu Pahat town. This is the river where barter trade junks from Indonesia would bring products in to barter with the locals and then make their way back to Indonesia with goods and produce from here.
Most amazing is the fact that this Barter Trade system and route are still functioning and in practice until today!
I used to take a boat ride or more accurately, a sampan ferried by an old Pakcik, bringing along with me my trusted touring bike. A fee of RM1 would take me from the left side of the river which is less developed across to the right side of the river. This is where the newer developments including the morning market was situated. I would spend a good part of the day there before continuing my ride home come evening time. For me, this river is more than a waterway or trade route. In fact, it also speaks of a place or space which is divided yet connected, where between both divides are two different and separate ways of life.
This is a memorable shot I took of the sunrise over the Batu Pahat River. This is where the local small-time fishermen of Kampung Muhibbah dock their fishing boats at one of many “parking lots” situated along the Batu Pahat River.
[rml_read_more]
Hidden Gem 2: The Old Town of Batu Pahat
The old town of Batu Pahat beckons one and all. This is the place where I have retreated back to after the lockdown — to embrace the slower, more leisurely pace of life where I can indulge in delicious local food and coffee. It is a place filled with wholesome memories where I spent time with loved ones, some of whom are no longer around.
It is indeed a place I can connect with and connect to. And, most of all, it is a place I identify with as being a Malaysian — where people from different walks of lives and diversity reside harmoniously and peacefully together and are more than happy to share a table at a kopitiam for their breakfast or afternoon tea!
These stretches of quaint buildings which were recently repainted with a striking blue hue make for great photo opportunity for those keen on visiting this part of the town.
Hidden Gem 3: Kampung Segenting
Situated just about 20 minutes away from town lies an interesting Chinese Fishing Village, where you will be able locate a Lover’s Bridge in Kampung Segenting. Take a stroll along this 262 ft long Lover’s Bridge which was originally a wooden structure that was eventually upgraded to a concrete pier after it was ironically badly damaged by a passing barge.
The bridge was originally a fishermen’s pier which they would use to transport and bring in their catch of the day. With the advancement of time, and due to such a magnificent view offering, it eventually became a dating place for lovers. Hence, the name Segenting “Lover’s Bridge” was minted from then on. Personally, this bridge means a lot of things to me. The story of how this bridge is being rebuilt after it was partly destroyed relates to a lesson in life — where, after we have lost something dear or important, it may not necessarily be a bad thing but can also mean the rebirthing of new opportunities and embracing of a new way of life.
Hidden Gem 4: Kampung Parit Simen
Moving north along the coastal road towards Muar town situated a mere 20 minute’s away lies a small scenic village named Kampung Parit Simen. The village is surrounded by a lush mangrove forest fronting the Straits of Malacca. This is also where small-scale fishermen will dock their fishing boats during high tide where one can view them going in or out for or with their day’s catch. This is also a great photogenic spot for shutterbugs. This place which faces the Straits of Malacca is definitely one of my favourite places to visit to get inspiration.
This is… A place adjacent to my home and my heart. And, a place that never fails to always surprise me and get me inspired.
… A place where there are high and low tides.
… A place that blesses me with great images and many special moments.
… A place where I can learn and impart, where I can share and receive.
… A place where I witness love, I love and learn to love.
Hidden Gem 5: Tanjung Labuh, Batu Pahat
This is a place that to some — feels lonely and isolated. But, for others — this has come to denote a place filled with serenity, peace and calmness. To me, this place is special because not only because it is beautiful and peaceful. But it is a place that also brings me back to my childhood memories spent with my family. I was also so moved that this place helped a dear friend relate a place back in time of which his heart is longing for.
This place that gives me a sense of serenity and calmness and is reminiscent of life whereby sometimes, we need to just be alone and have our own quiet space to reflect.
