If you’re looking for a short road trip not far from Kuala Lumpur, consider Batu Arang. It’s only about 45km away via Rawang or Ijok. Upon arriving at Batu Arang town, you’ll find a peaceful and quiet place. Little that you know that, it was once one of Selangor’s busiest industrial hubs.

Today, Batu Arang preserves the remnants of its coal mining heritage. You’ll spot traces of railway tracks, chimneys, old buildings, and other industrial relics that tell the story of its past.

Batu Arang: The Coal Mining Town

Coal was first discovered here in 1908 by Haji Abdul Hadi, sparking rapid growth that led to the establishment of a mining town in 1915 when the British began large-scale mining operations.

At its peak, Batu Arang produced 15 million tons of coal annually and had a population of around 12,000. This made it Selangor’s busiest town after Kuala Lumpur. The town also had a railway line connecting to Kuang to transport coal across the Malay Peninsula.

Beyond coal, Batu Arang was also known for its brick factories. Among the most modern of its time, one factory had a production capacity of up to 450,000 bricks per month.

As coal gradually gave way to diesel as a power source, Batu Arang slowly declined, until mining operations ceased in 1961.

Landmarks You Must Visit in Batu Arang

When entering Batu Arang town, you’ll drive through a roundabout. At its center stands the Batu Arang town landmark, marking the town’s heart.

Nearby, you’ll find a row of 1920s-era shop buildings, dating back to the town’s heyday as a coal mining hub. This area is ideal for Instagram or Facebook posts. While you are at it, try to imagine the hustle and bustle of the past.

Before continuing your journey, stop by a local food court for breakfast. Batu Arang’s breakfast spots are popular among cyclists and motorcyclists exploring the area. A local favorite is the “Roti Leleh Batu Arang”, a toasted bread topped with two soft-boiled eggs.

From the roundabout, head into Jalan Pekan, then Jalan Yap Voon Choong to find the former miners’ club house, located in front of Batu Arang Square. Continue southward toward Galeri Batu Arang.

Before reaching the gallery, look out for a marker that reads “Tapak Tinggalan Terowong Arang Batu”. You can pause here and explore the entrance to the old coal mine.

Finally, continue south along Jalan Stesen to reach Galeri Batu Arang, a former workers’ barracks converted into a space available for events.

When visiting Batu Arang, remember that it is not a commercial tourist destination. Expect some buildings to be neglected and signage poorly maintained. But these quirks are part of the adventure, creating memorable experiences.

For those seeking more exploration, try to find the old Brick Factory located on an unpaved road near Jalan TM 2. For easier navigation, ask the locals. Back in its heyday, it was one of the most modern brick factories of its era.

Bateriku Ijok

After an enriching visit to Batu Arang, don’t let car troubles spoil your trip. The nearest Bateriku outlet is in Ijok. We operate at No.65-g, Jalan Sejati 1, Taman Sejati, 45600 Ijok, Selangor, welcoming walk-in customers from 7 AM to midnight.

In case of emergencies, contact +60193001249 or +601116006008.

Bateriku offers car battery installation anywhere across Malaysia. With our comprehensive database, we can identify your car type and recommend the right battery.

Beyond on-demand battery delivery, we also provide roadside assistance services, including jump-starting your car, refueling if stranded, unlocking your vehicle, repairing or changing tires, and towing to a workshop if needed.

See the full range of services at Bateriku.com.