Merdeka Challenge : Kuala Kubu Bharu the Quaint Town with a Tragic Past.

This quiet little town has with its own pristine charm and beauty. The man above encapsulate the Merdeka spirit and the uniqueness of t his town. This Pakcik a resident of Ampang Pecah was all prepared to take his ride and head for his ever first Sea Games venue, the Shah Alam Stadium, where Malaysia will be facing Indonesia. It will be an long ride but this determined senior citizen is unfazed. This smile says it all,

THE TOWN KNOWN AS KUALA KUBU BHARU

Kuala Kubu Bharu is little known to many. Those who have an appetite for outdoor activities would be more acquainted with this place that the locals fondly refer to as KKB. This town has its charm as it is strategically placed between Tanjung Malim and Bukit Beruntung. Far from any industrial activities, many locals including the Orang Asli are involved in the agriculture industry. Surrounding Kuala Kubu Bharu are sights to behold, it boasts a beautiful dam, fish ponds, the Chilling Waterfalls and the white water rapids to name a few. The sight of monitor lizards crossing the roads and baby monkeys suckling on their mother's breasts is an everyday occurrence. The air is fresh and invigorating and occasionally if you are lucky enough, you may even catch the sight of the rare white owl.

The first sight that caught my eyes was this funny looking sign that seems to be telling that this town used to host tourists from around the world.

No morning is perfect without a cup of the local coffee. The first step into Kedai Kopi Yoot Loy, the smell of coffee and toasted bread permeates the air. With my local tour guide, a doctor by profession and a farmer on the weekends, he has to be bribed with food. But fortunately it wasn't a costly affair. This is his professional charges.

HISTORY

Kuala Kubu Bharu is in a district called Mukim Ampang Pecah (Burst Dam). This name is a grim reminder of its tragic history. Once upon a time, way back in 1883, there was a river and a dam. The river was guarded and protected by a white crocodile and the locals regard the creature as its guardian. There were no untoward incident until one fine day, an English man like in all Disney scripts decides that the crocodile ought to be killed and the rest is history. Although this sounded like Pocohontas but this is the local folklore. After the death of the guardian of the river, catastrophe befall the village. The dam burst and the entire village was flooded and there was massive death toll. The locals till today blamed the ignorant English man.

source

The new township was moved to a higher ground hence the name 'Bharu' which means 'new' to describe the relocated village. This is the Kuala Kubu Bharu that we knew today. The dam meanwhile was moved to a new location that is safer for the local and it boasts a breathtaking view.

Jalan Kuala Kubu Bharu - Frasers Hill is also has its fair share of history. In 1951, Sir Henry Gurney the British High Commissioner to Malaysia was killed when he was ambushed en route to Frasers Hill.

THE ATTRACTIONS

Kuala Kubu Bharu is like potpourri. It houses many attractions and it is largely attributed to its location which is strategically locally in the midst of hills, rivers and lakes which is the perfect script for a weekend getaway for urbanites like myself. One of the latest attraction is a homestay that is unique. It is made up of containers nicely stacked and it even even has its own pool.

Sarang by the Brook

There is a Kelah Sanctuary at Sungai Chiling where any attempt to capture the Kelah fish is strictly prohibited. Here, one must brave the Chiling River to be greeted by the grand sight of a majestic waterfall. Unfortunately we could not enter as the caretaker has yet to open the gates at 8.30 a.m. There is an entrance fee which is merely a token considering the upkeep of the place and the facility that this place provides.

One thing that one cannot miss in Kuala Kubu Bharu is the sight of old buildings. This is the iconic image of the Catholic Church that sits right at the heart of the town.

Then not far from it is this century old temple that has its own manmade lake that is home to hundreds of turtles, catfishes and koi.

THE MARKET

There is a common saying that the best way to know a place is to act like the locals. There is no better place to blend in than the morning market. The market is a feast for the eyes. Since the main economic activity in KKB is agriculture, the entire market is swamped with all sorts of agriculture produce.

No trip to the Kuala Kubu Bharu would be complete without visiting the jeram or white water rapids. This is definitely not for the faint hearted. The mere sight of the volume of water gushing down from the hills is intimidating enough.

STADIUM SHAH ALAM HERE I COME

Merely being in Kuala Kubu Bharu and breathing the fresh morning air has left me feeling refreshed. I offered 'incentives' to my local tourist guide but he refused. I was hoping for some Raub durian which is a common sight during durian season in KKB, but they are no where to be seen. So, signing off from this small quiet town with richness beyond measure. Happy Merdeka guys.

Steemout.