I left town after completing my Form 5 at Temenggong Ibrahim Girls School in 1964. Since then I have returned only occasionally. My last visit was in September 2008. Batu Pahat has changed tremendously over the years, generally for the better.
On my sister's advice, I took the KKKL bus from Bandar Tasik Selatan, Kuala Lumpur. The fare was only RM20, cheaper if you ask for senior discount. The journey was pleasant and took only three hours with a short toilet break mid-way. The bus stops at the terminal above. If you plan to travel back to KL by bus, do take note of the schedule while you are at the terminal. Just inquire at the KKKL ticket counter. |
The town bus service runs at half-hourly intervals. Quite reliable and cheap. This old bus is testimony of the durability of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Note the sliding glass windows. |
The inside of the bus. Note the wooden floor panels and the seats from a bygone era. That's my sister cum tour guide. |
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce built in 1931. It was THE place to hold social functions in the old days. A number of my relatives held their wedding ceremony and dinner here. |
Still standing - the Post Office. Building materials in the old days were probably of better quality, as was the workmanship. |
This is the first and only shop I know that sells firearms. Frank Tan must be doing well to have remained in business since 1926! Wonder who the customers are, and what they want firearms for. |
One of the streets off Jalan Rahmat with many of my favourite makan places, including Ah See wantan noodles shop. |
The Kwong Shiew Association building. Another BP landmark in Jalan Jenang where I would watch lion dances and Chinese operas during festivals. |
The current school building bears absolutely no resemblance to Ai Chun Chinese school where I attended kindergarten in 1953. (see below) |
Ai Chun School as I remember it during my school days. (Photo from http://onlytigersden.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/batu-pahat-old-photos-part-1/) |
These abandoned shop-houses stand out like a sore thumb amid the newly renovated ones in the town centre. Must be due to either legal or financial issues. |
In the old days it took courage to walk along back lanes like this one because of the smell emanating from the buckets of night soil! |
How can I forget this row of dilapidated houses? That's where I had my first kiss - an innocent peck on the cheek from a boy that I liked very much then. |
Shops like this one will soon be a faded memory as progress envelopes the town, and people prefer to shop at the malls that offer everything under one roof. |
One of the last surviving repair shops. The 70-year old shop owner is self-taught. He claims he can fix anything from a typewriter to a washing machine. Amazing! |
A trip to the morning market is a must. One can find all sorts of interesting wares here besides cheap clothes. There's a flea market here too. |
At the vegetable stall. The prices are unbelievable. For only RM10, it is possible to buy enough food to cook a decent meal for the whole family. |
The wet market is still in the same location. Here's where you can buy fish, chicken, beef and mutton as well as vegetables. |
You would be forgiven if you think my sister is walking towards the public toilet hidden behind these walls. |
Windows with wooden shutters and beautifully painted tiles are typical features of pre-war Peranakan shop-houses. |
As a child, I would buy biscuits sold in mom and pop provision shops like this one. The price was according to the weight in katis and tahils. |
I just had to take a picture of this vendor with his multi-container of nuts. I bought a small packet of steamed chick peas for only RM1. In KL, it would have cost me double. |
BP's iconic cendol stall boasts an original recipe dating back to the 1950s. |
Love those prices. One good reason to return to my hometown more often. (Below) Batu Pahat is also well-known for its biscuits. Hup Seng and Hwa Tai biscuit factories are located here. |
By the way, here are some prodigal sons of Batu Pahat that you will probably recognize. Clockwise: Tony Pua, Vincent Tan, Chua Soi Lek and Lim Kit Siang. Have I left out anyone famous or infamous?
My trip back to Batu Pahat reminded me of one of my favourite Beatles songs "In My Life". It was in BP that I spent the best years of my life, made the best childhood friends, and fell in love for the first time. There are people and places I will never forget, and I shall return again and again to visit old familiar places and dearly-loved friends. These are fond memories that will remain forever in my life.
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