A Short Driving Tour of Johor, Seremban & Malacca in May 24 - Segamat

The last time we went on a driving tour in West Malaysia with my mother-in-law was back in October 2016 - more than seven years ago (Read here). That journey had taken us through the states of Terengganu and Kelantan.

Earlier this year, when it became known that my sister-in-law in Batu Pahat was planning a trip to China from 22.05.24 to 31.05.24, my wife decided to take the opportunity to fly down to Johor. She wanted to spend a few days with her mother during that period and perhaps fit in a short trip or two around Batu Pahat. Since my mother-in-law, now 93 years old, is no longer likely to embark on long journeys, we planned instead for a modest 4D3N tour covering nearby destinations - Johor, Seremban, and Malacca.

It turned out to be a journey shadowed by reminders of life’s fragility. During the span of just eight days in West Malaysia, I received two sad pieces of news: first, on 27.05.24, the passing of my cousin Ellen’s mother at the age of 84, and two days later, the passing of the mother of one of my CG members, Hyen Siong who lived to the remarkable age of 104. Against this backdrop, our own trip with my mother-in-law carried a bittersweet weight. We could not escape the feeling that this might well be the last time she would be able to join us for an overnight, out-of-town adventure.

Our first stop, on Day 1 (26.05.24), was Segamat. Along the way, we drove through Parit Sulong, Pagoh, Lenga, and Bukit Kepong. My mother-in-law was especially delighted to revisit these small but historic towns - places she had known and remembered fondly from decades ago

Day 1 Route.

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A trip to Batu Pahat without tasting some of its famous local delicacies would be unthinkable. To start off our Day 1 journey, we stopped for breakfast at Local Aroma Cafe along Jalan Jelewat, Batu Pahat - a cozy spot well known among the locals for its hearty offerings and authentic flavors.

Lontong at the Local Aroma Cafe.

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From Batu Pahat to Segamat, we had our first stop at Pagoh for an early lunch at a newly opened coffee shop, Ang Xiang Kopitiam.

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Not long after passing through Lenga, I came across a rather picturesque little park located right by the main road and along the banks of the Muar River. It is called Taman Rekreasi Lim Pei Tiam.

The park was the brainchild of Lim Pei Tiam, a native son of Lenga who later moved to Kuala Lumpur to build his career. Rising to success as a banker and eventually serving as a director of numerous companies, he never forgot his roots. A plaque at the park describes him as a man of “endless and deep affection” for his hometown, someone who has continuously devoted himself to its well-being despite his achievements elsewhere.

As a gift to the community, he donated RM500,000 to transform a 500 m stretch of the Muar Riverbank into this leisure park, complete with footpaths and sports facilities. It now provides a welcoming space for residents to walk, exercise, and enjoy nature - contributing to both their health and quality of life.

It is not often that one encounters such a strong sense of pride in humble origins, especially from someone who has found success on a larger stage. Lim Pei Tiam’s gesture in creating this park stands as a truly commendable act of generosity and love for his hometown, leaving a lasting legacy for both the community and its visitors.

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Before checking into our hotel (VIP Hotel) in Segamat, we stopped for a late lunch at a well-known bak kut teh shop - Teo’s Bak Kut Teh along Jalan Sultan, overlooking the Segamat River. Though the dishes are a little on the pricier side, the portions more than make up for it. The steaming claypot was brimming with large, tender chunks of meat, accompanied by generous servings of taufupok, enoki mushrooms, and fu chok. What makes Teo’s stand out is its option of yam rice, served alongside the usual white rice - a hearty twist not often found in typical bak kut teh outlets.

Even close to 2 p.m., the place was still bustling with customers. Judging from the crowd, I had the impression that many were not locals but travelers in transit or visitors making it a point to stop by this popular eatery while in Segamat.