Green Lungs: A Parent’s Perspective

Balik kampung is one phrase that instantly reminds me of late Sudirman, a singer and songwriter. The lyrics would start playing in my mind and it is always hard to resist from singing it out loud. But that’s about all the excitement I get out of this word because of what happens after my bags are packed and car loaded with luggage; the dreaded long drive back to our hometown. Because I know, I will not be the only one travelling on the highways of Malaysia.

Every year during festive season, thousands of Malaysians get into their trusted car and flood the highways of Malaysia. They travel many kilometers and brave the notorious traffic jam which literally turns highways into your neighbourhood roads. The only similarity between your neighbourhood road and highway would be the speed of your drive; almost at snail pace. Why do I do it then? Why join the mad rush of balik kampung? I think you know the answer to that question, because you’re on the road, just like me.

I do it too and I can give you many reasons as to why but that’s not the point of this article. It is also not a place for me to vent my frustration over all the wrongdoing committed by weary drivers (I am no exception to that, I confess) during these holiday season traffic jams.

My family and I have travelled these roads more times than I can recall and it has never ceased to amaze me with its bountiful beauty. I have not travelled much outside my own country but to the few places that I have been, its beauty cannot compete with what I see here on my green highway. Perhaps that’s me just being bias. After all, this is my country;tanah tumpahnya darahku.

Let’s start with North-South Highway which is the longest highway in Malaysia. It pretty much connects most of the the states (West Coast of Peninsular), from Johor to Perlis and the famous Penang and Langkawi Island too.

The drive along the highway from KL to Ipoh is pretty much boring (to me) because it is mostly commercial land with palm oil plantations. That’s rows after rows of me staring out of my window and looking at neatly aligned matured palm trees.

As you get closer to Ipoh (the land of hills and many caves), things start to get exciting and you switch from straight line cruising to driving along a windy highway. Highway that was built along the grid lines of nature instead of a concrete tunnel that cut through the magnificence hills and concealing your sight from beholding its beauty.

If you are going to travel this route, aim to be near Ipoh either at sunrise or sunset and be awed at the beauty this highway has to offer.

I am a true beach bum and enjoy watching the sun paint the sky with different shades of orange and red. Also how these colours reflect on the water as it sets, making it look like a magical display of colours on moving canvas. I get the same thrill (minus the wet sand between my toes and the luxury of reading a book on my beach lounge chair) watching the sunset on this highway. The same display of colours in the sky but instead of a reflection off the water, the sun rays would be peeking through thick clouds and mountain top, which makes it look like a laser show at some big concert. It is a breathtaking sight that no photography skill of mine has ever managed to capture its beauty. Though I try every time I see a beautiful sunset. But this is one of those nature’s bounties that you must be there, be one with the moment, to experience and take it all in.

The drive from Ipoh to Taiping is covered with lush green flora and fauna (though I did not see any fauna but I know they are there, hiding in the thick lush green jungle). Taiping is the wettest part of Malaysia so it is nice to wind down your car windows and let in some fresh air, provided you are not stuck behind another vehicle.

After Taiping, the drive up north towards to the ‘rice bowl of Malaysia’(Jelapang Padi Malaysia) showcases acres of padi fields on a relatively flat terrain. You will get to lay your eyes on splendid hues of green thanks to the neatly aligned, low shrubs of padi trees in raised beds. If you are lucky you may even get catch a glimpse of a flock of storks performing their perfectly synchronised bird flight in the clear blue skies.

Hope you’ve enjoyed my short view of my green highway. I’ve shared only a fraction of the beauty seen on these highways. Head over to Karak Highway or even up to the chilly mountains of Frazier Hills, Genting Highlands or Cameron Highlands for a completely different experience. Be mesmerised by what our bountiful nature has to offer and bask in its beauty. Let’s not let these treacherous traffic jams turn us into monstrous being. Stay calm and drive safe.