Scenic Drive along the trusty trunk road

By Tharanie Rajendran

To explore the wanderlust in you or simply to avoid the massive traffic jam along the North-South Expressway during the holidays, it is refreshing to take the less beaten track of the trusty trunk road.

This federal trunk road that saddles the length of the country is well-maintained though less used but no less still retains its basic allure.

Along the trunk road, you will drive past small towns, quaint Malay kampungs, rubber estates and oil palm plantations. Your pit-stops may not be a nature’s call but the popular coffee shops, warungs and small restaurants that sell snacks and food that are much-talked about in the social media.

Cost-wise, you would save on toll fares and you should discount the savings as it would likely be spent on food and snacks you find along the way.

Taking a road trip off the highways is a great way to see Malaysia. where2 embarked on a recent trip down from Ipoh and end it at Kuala Selangor before entering the Kuala Selangor-Kuala Lumpur Expressway (LATAR) for the quick drive home. Here’s our list of what to see and do along the way. You may plan your own road trip next!

Stop over at these places for places to visit and food to try.

Gopeng
Places To Visit: Gua Tempurung, Gaharu Tea Valley, Gopeng Heritage House
Eats: Exotic food at Lawang Kuda, Rice Noodles

Kampar
Places to Visit: Kampar Gravel Pump Mining Museum, Westlake Garden, Bronze Sculptures of Confucius and Einstein
Eats: Curry chicken loaf, Claypot Chicken

Tapah
Places to Visit: Taman Eko-Rimba Lata Kijang, Lata Iskandar Waterfall, Kuala Woh Recreational Forest
Eats: Khiong Kee Restaurant, Hainanese Chicken Chop

Sungkai
Places to Visit: Sungai Klah Hot Spring Park, Sungkai Deer Farm, FELDA Residence Hot Springs
Eats: Chicken biscuits at Bidor, Steamed Prawns with egg whites and Chinese Wine

Teluk Intan
Places to Visit: The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, Hock Soon Temple, ‘Batu Tenggek’ (Sitting Boulder)
Eats: Chee Cheong Fun, Mee Rebus

Bagan Datoh
Places to Visit: Paddy Fields, Pagoda Sg Batang
Eats: Fresh coconut, Fried Eel