As Merdeka (Independence Day) and Malaysia Day approach, Malaysians everywhere will once again pack their cars, set their playlists, and take to the highways. For many, the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KLK) and the East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1) are simply convenient routes to go back to their hometowns or balik kampung and enjoy short getaways.
But beyond their asphalt and toll plazas, these highways are lifelines. They do more than connect destinations. They connect us to our history, our heritage, and the very idea of unity in diversity. Managed by AFA PRIME Berhad (a part of AFA Group), KL-Karak and LPT1 quietly power journeys to some of Malaysia’s most meaningful cultural treasures, waiting just a short turn off the road.
This Merdeka and Malaysia Day, why not let your drive be more than a commute? Take a detour into the past, step into stories of artistry and resilience, and rediscover what makes Malaysia unique. Here are some heritage-rich stops along the highways worth exploring.
Sungai Lembing: Echoes of tin and time
Once known as the “El Dorado of the East,” Sungai Lembing was once a global leader in tin mining in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, its restored tunnels, miners’ quarters, and the Sungai Lembing Museum transport visitors back to an era when migrant workers from China and India lived alongside local Malays, forging the multicultural fabric that still defines Malaysia today.
Sultan Abu Bakar Museum, Pekan
Housed in a stately colonial building, this museum offers a curated journey through Pahang’s royal and cross-cultural history. Visitors can see heirlooms from the Pahang royal family, traditional Malay weaponry, and ancient Chinese porcelain. It is a rare window into the cultural exchanges that shaped the East Coast.
Perkampungan Kraf Diraja Tunku Azizah
This craft village in Pulau Keladi champions Pahang’s artisanal legacy. Visitors can watch Tenun Pahang Diraja silk weaving in action, try their hand at batik and woodcraft, and explore traditional kampung houses. It is also the birthplace of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak, making it a stop rich in both craft and history.
Sri Marathandavar Aalayam Maran Temple
Over a century old, this Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is built around a sacred tree believed to have divine powers. Its colourful gopuram and vibrant festivals, especially Panguni Uthiram, draw thousands of devotees each year. More than just a religious site, it is a testament to the Tamil Hindu community’s deep cultural roots along the LPT1 Expressway.
AZA Cartoon Gallery
For a lighter yet equally cultural experience, stop by the AZA Cartoon Gallery. Founded by renowned cartoonist Aza, the gallery celebrates the nation’s cartooning heritage through exhibitions, caricature workshops, and over twenty thousand archived works. From political satire to everyday Malaysian humour, the gallery is a reminder that art, too, is part of our national story. It is a refreshing way to celebrate Merdeka’s spirit with laughter, reflection, and creativity.
Highways of heritage, destinations of unity
As we mark Merdeka and Malaysia Day, there is no better time to rediscover the places that shaped us. From mining towns and royal museums to sacred temples, craft villages, and even cartoon galleries, these stops remind us that Malaysia’s beauty is not only in its skylines but also in its roots, stories, and people.
Along the KL-Karak and LPT 1, the road quietly tells its own story, one woven with the threads of Malaysia’s diverse heritage. Every stop along the way offers a glimpse into timeless traditions, vibrant cultures and stories waiting to be retold. Pause along the journey and you might just find a piece of Malaysia waiting to welcome you!
This article was written by AFA PRIME Berhad, the company managing the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (KLK) and the East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1) in Malaysia.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of NHA – News Hub Asia. 