Charcoal Factory, Kuala Sepetang

After visiting Zoo Taiping and grabbing a bite at Mee Udang Mak Jah in Kuala Sepetang (daymn, those prawns were BIG), my dad decided to make a quick detour to a charcoal factory in the area.

My siblings and I weren't exactly enthusiastic about visiting what sounded like a less-than-stellar place—I mean, going to a CHARCOAL factory for fun? You know how people tend to act differently around their parents than when they're with their peers? Well, we were pouting a little and all that; plus, I was developing a headache from all the heat. 

Our demeanour took a 180-degree turn as soon as we saw the factory, though; the place was surprisingly beautiful.

It almost felt like we weren't even in Malaysia; that's just how out-of-place the factory seemed like to us city-babies.

You would've thought the place would be all black and sooty and noisy, wouldn't you? Surprisingly, the surroundings were really calm and clean that day.

It's an incredible opportunity for an impromptu photo shoot, no? We were being careful and looking out for any fire that might be going in the furnaces, of course.

If you're ever in the area, I suggest you arm yourself with a camera and try looking for Galeri Arang Kayu Kuala Sepetang, owned by Khay Hor Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (a Mr. Chuah's number is listed on the right banner behind us so give him a call if you need info; if you can't read the number, give me a holler in the comment box down below!), and just have fun taking photos.

If you have the time to learn about the charcoal-making steps (which we didn't, except for my dad), do so too; this place offers tours from what I've read. I myself would consider going back to this place just for the learning experience—and for another round of photo shoot, of course.