Batu Arang
Merdeka Day 2024
6 years had passed so it was time to revisit and see what’s new with this village.
Once upon a time, it was Selangor’s 2nd busiest town. It was once the centre of the country’s coal mining industry.
Batu Arang means ‘charcoal’ in Malay. The town started in 1913 when the British operated their charcoal factory. Mining activities ended in 1960.
This time we met with a Mr Choo, the owner of a 50 year old kopitiam, who sat with us and told us stories of Batu Arang when he was a little boy.
Told us that the roundabout with the column in the middle of town used to be a supermarket and some more shophouses.
The police station used to be across the road from his shop then moved uphill across the road. But there’s only 4 police officers who usually let the village run by itself. I remember walking into the police station 6 years ago asking about the tall kiln of their brick factory. Nobody could answer me!!! Then I read that it was demolished only a year before; I was so mad.
Told us about the coal tunnel that we went to was a real one and that there used to be water on the sides where he went fishing. Today it’s grassland.
Imagine, there are hundreds of underground coal mine tunnels stretching this entire town. The villagers today don’t even know where the tunnels have extended to. No data about the dug tunnels.
He said when he was young, he was not allowed to sleep on the floor; his grandmother would scold him. Batu Arang used to be hotter than other places. Today, no more.
Apart from coal, Batu Arang had a huge brick manufacturing factory. The old houses there were built with bricks. I found an abandoned house that’s fully built in bricks. Gorgeous. Hope they don’t bring that down. It’s still standing; could be made into a museum.
I remembered Batu Arang because of this yellow car that was ‘parked’ in the sky 🤣 6 years ago, it was sitting on a tall pile of planks. Today it sits on a hut with a roof over its top!
Brunch first. Hakka mee.
Hey, never realized that this is a Hakka town. Everyone’s speaking in Hakka!
Traditional Chinese shops
Heyyy, my car is still up there! It’s on a pondok now, with a roof too. Wahhh stylo milo!!!
This mooncake is the pride of Batu Arang
Visited Sin Fatt Bakery
Lady boss was nice. Chatted with her a bit. Her bakery looks small from the frot but inside, it’s huge.
Chapel of St. Michael
2nd coal mine tunnel
Chap Khuan Chinese School 1949
(Photo taken from google)
I would never be able to enter this school for photography but look at the beautiful brick wall.
Teachers quarters
Used to be coal mine tunnels here. Today, the whole field looks like a grassy football field.
Miners quarters
There are 2 houses on the same grounds with the abandoned miners quarters. Security guard is the noisy goose!!!
Galeri was closed on Merdeka day.
Green Avenue
Not sure of the significance of this road but it is sure a beautiful one. Guarded with trees on both sides.
The White House
This tea shop is most confusing to me.
In google, they have 2 names.
Happy Public Home Rescafe and
Pengki Tea Shop
Which is it?
Since the Chinese characters at the front entrance says Kuai Le which means Happy… I guess Happy Tea Shop sounds good!
It’s the most outstanding kopitiam downtown, just by the roundabout. Colourful murals on the side of the building.
Mr Choo showed us his 60 year old charcoal
Grounds of the old brick factory
(Photo taken from Google)
This photo was taken in 2017. I am so mad they brought this kiln down.
