Bukit Berapit

The world is revolving fast and with that comes new technologies and mode of transportation. Gone are the days of  slow moving 'Choo Choo train '.Some have fond memories of the good old days where taking a locomotive  is not a rush for tickets because not many wants to take the slow ride and enjoy the sceneries.

Currently Malaysia have fast moving electric  trains  that will take passengers to their destinations in a short span of time.Going to Kuala Lumpur  from Ipoh is only two hours by the new ETS (electric train service ). Choo Choo train is outdated.People are buying time and most are not keen to watch sceneries through the window of a slow moving train.We have yet to experience the bullet train in Malaysia.

However,everything in life has its pros and cons.Going at the speed of light may be good for those who are travelling on a working trip but as for the oldies who are only going on a trip to visit their grandchildren, they would prefer to take an idyllic train rides.

Nostalgia often hit us as we reminisced and we wished to go back in time.Alan Bligh, former Radio and TV  Announcer recalled his special train rides to Penang from Ipoh with his grandmother when he was in Primary school.

"I can still remember those happy days when train rides was a treat for the kids.At that time we do not bother about the long hours spent on a train ride because of the sceneries. My favourite was the ride to Butterworth from Ipoh." said Alan with a chuckle.

"I look forward to those train rides to Butterworth because of the tunnels at Bukit Berapit.I remember feeling excited when the train reached Bukit Berapit and the train would move slowly as we entered the tunnels and as it crossed the Bukit Merah lake."

"It was so beautiful, the water was so close to the moving train on both sides because the track was at ground level and sometime the water would rise and cover the track."

Although the sight was magical, it was not safe and reliable. So the latest electric train uses a new double track on a high bridge that crosses the lake.

The new bridge called the Marine Viaduct is a two lane railway track that is higher than the old bridge.It is safer and more convenient in case of flood.

According to the group members of 'Jom naik Keretapi ' on Facebook  which includes Datuk Lat and Alan himself, the old rail track had made way for the new ETS track that goes to Padang Besar.The new tunnel is the longest tunnel in South East Asia and it was built  below the old tunnels. The old tunnels are still there,a reminder of the past.It was where the Japanese and Communist used during the war.

The old railway bridge which looks like the ones in the movie 'Indiana Jones ' is no longer there but the Bukit Berapit station is still there.Those who are game for adventure can still go to the old track and take a walk to the old tunnels.It is advisable to go in a group because it is a lonely place and some say that the tunnels are haunted.

Ex workers claimed to see ghost and 'pontianak' at the old Bukit Berapit tunnel but then again this is normal for any abandoned building especially tunnels.

The  railway track from Bukit Gantang to Taiping was built in 1902 and it began operation in 1903.There were four tunnels and a high bridge along Bukit Berapit. From the bridge, passengers of the train could see the beautiful surroundings ,ravines and the waterfalls.The train had to run at a low speed here because of the winding track and the height of the bridge.

Trains could only go at 40 km per hour  along that stretch of old track therefore the new ETS that is in operation now are a blessing for travellers to Perlis and from Perlis to Singapore.

"The old track had seen tragedies of train falling off the bridge into the ravine  during the old days.One was a train that carried boxes of medicines and stuff in the 70s." said a member of 'Jom naik Keretapi.'

History has it that the fort of Long Jaafar,the first Malay tin miner and his grave are situated along the vicinity of the old railway station of Bukit Berapit.There were suggestions of having the Bukit Berapit station be preserved but it has yet to see the light of day.The station was shut down  during the year 2000.

The old railway track was dismantled sometime in 2013 but people can still walk along the the site for photography and adventure.'Jom naik Keretapi' group is a platform for all train lovers to discuss and exchange views regarding the past and the latest.

Rumah Kutai

Raja Khalidatul Asrin 
12 / 5 /16
Kampung Gajah.

There are moments when people forget their roots which is a crying shame because our ancestors have left behind so much beauty to be unfold.

Rumah Kutai which can only be found in Perak is one good example and the management of iGrow has done a good job by showcasing it and their desa warisan is an eye opener.

There are two rumah Kutai at the desa warisan iGrow. One has become a home for the management and another one is a show house.Kutai means old,though some believe that is an Achinese word.The oldest Rumah Kutai in Perak is about 200 years old and is still standing strong in Pasir Salak.It is said that the house was built in 1800 by Penghulu Anjang Padam Pelita.

The Rumah Kutai at iGrow is 150 years old and it was left behind in a  village about 5 km from the desa warisan complex."We bought it from the ancestors of the house and we rebuild it at our place in order to preserve our heritage.Everything about the house is as it was.Nothing was removed or changed. " said Nordin Abdul Malik, Executive Chairman for iGrow.

The house is made from bamboo and tepas and  are pegged together without using nails. Inside the house is just like how it was.Walking up the tiny stairs and stepping inside seems magical.The kitchen with the wooden stove and everything seems surreal.

The complex are used by students of architecture from Uitm and other universities to study the structure of the old house.

The other rumah Kutai  is used for students to spend the night so as to let them get the feel."The students were taken back on a journey back to their grandparents era.They love the idea of sleeping on  matresses on the floor in a group." he said.

"When we dismantled the house to move it to our complex we found a shilling dated from 1870 underneath the pole of the house.That was their identity so to speak and that's how we know their age."said Nordin

The chalets at the complex are made of woods that are more than a hundred years old and they try their best to preserve the Malay heritage for the new generation.It is also part of   a history lesson for students that goes to iGrow.

"The woods that are used for the chalets were taken from Bukit Tunggal a long time ago.Back then the woods were down by buffaloes. "he said

The chalets are simple kampung style,with wooden floor and a double bed and a single bed.It is really a Malay heritage sort of place.The guest will be shown around by the students.Food are served by students too.

There are about 400 students at iGrow and they learned about culture and hospitality.  Some of the students are from Sabah and Sarawak and so tourist gets to see the traditional dance from Sabah and Sarawak which is very impressive. The students are mostly  from form four and above that has taken lessons in vocational studies.

The farms at iGrow have herds of goats and of course they are surrounded by palm oil trees.Everything  about the place is naturally beautiful and the chalets and 'rumah Kutai ' are true Malaysian identity . International tourist should visit and stay in this place in order to get to know and learn Malaysian culture.

Ends