Perak, despite being Selangor’s immediate neighbor, often felt distant to us. We rarely ventured across its border, focusing instead on exploring the far reaches of our own state. Perhaps it was an invisible boundary in our minds that kept us confined. On this trip, however, we decided to break free from that mindset and cross into Perak. Entering through Sabak Bernam, we set our sights on Teluk Intan, the first milestone of our journey.

Driving through coastal Perak was an absolute delight. The roads were quiet, the air fresh, and the scenery alternated between mangroves and sprawling oil palm plantations. After another 60 kilometers, we arrived at Lumut, a small town nestled in the heart of coastal Perak.

Our first destination was Teluk Batik, a beachside bay I hadn’t visited in nearly 30 years. As expected, the area had undergone a complete transformation. The old familiar sights were gone, replaced by modern developments, yet the place still managed to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. I noticed new accommodations for trainees now perched on the slopes of nearby hills instead of the plains where they once stood. It was a bittersweet feeling—everything was different, but the name “Teluk Batik” still brought back vivid memories.

I spent some time capturing the updated surroundings with my camera. Though much had changed, I felt compelled to document what I could. From Teluk Batik, we made a quick stop at Lumut town center, though we didn’t venture to its famous waterfront or the nearby naval base.

With limited time, we had other destinations on our agenda—Pasir Salak and Pantai Remis. These places required further exploration, and we set off without lingering too long in Lumut.

The drive through the countryside was monotonous, with little variation in scenery to hold our interest. Perhaps the nostalgia from Teluk Batik overshadowed everything else. As a result, we took very few photos during the rest of our trip. Looking back, I regret not recording more scenes and observations from these places.

Lumut at the estuary is known or made busy by the Naval Base. it is also the departure point for Pangkor.

With the upgrading in status and role of the Naval Base, a new township with large hotels and commercial center is taking shape. Nevertheless, with constraints in land, the old Lumut town of 2 streets making up a square remains intact.