The unhurried beauty of Yan, Teluk Intan and Bagan Datuk / Nazima Versay Kudus

As age advances, the allure of traveling to far-off lands, to some, tends to diminish. Fortunately, our own backyard presents travel destinations that, if not equivalent, are often more appealing than foreign lands. In this light, I would like to showcase three small towns I recently visited: Yan, Teluk Intan and Bagan Datuk. The trip to Yan was unplanned. It was prompted by a family friend's need to oversee their family homestay. We accepted the offer to accompany them. While it's not uncommon for people to visit Gunung Jerai, Yan is just a town you pass by. Despite its lesser-known status, the charm and uniqueness of Yan unfolded as we explored the town. Their homestay, LamGlay Homes, has the backdrop of Gunung Jerai. The mountain was still misty at the time we reached. Despite the poor transmission signal, we welcomed this as a sign to disconnect from our mobile phones and immerse ourselves in the natural surroundings. The prevailing ambiance was dominated by the soothing sound of silence, accompanied by a refreshing drop in temperature. Many family lands in the area were turned into family holiday homestays and Airbnb suitable for family or company bonding and recreation. Visitors can engage in various activities, including swimming in the nearby river and cycling or hiking into the mountain. Beyond these nature-centric pursuits, Yan proved to be a town steeped in historical connections to Acheh. One notable site was Kampung Acheh, a village that served as a reminder of the town's Indonesian heritage. In a surau (or menasah as it is called there), the Achehnese terms for ladies and gentlemen lavatories were thoughtfully labeled as “inong” and “agam” respectively offering visitors a glimpse into the town's cultural tapestry. I was also informed that the locals still pepper their vocabulary with Achehnese words!