A Sudden Escape to Tampin, Negeri Sembilan.

Unplanned trips have always been my favourite kind of outing, as these spontaneous activities require minimal preparation but often result in memorable experiences. One evening, while I was returning home from Amcorp Mall, I called my friend to ask about his life updates, expecting our conversation go as usual. Within seconds and without replying my Salam haha, he invited me to accompany him in sending his staff back to their homes, which were located in Tampin. Of course, I accepted the invitation excitedly.

He picked me up at my house together with three other guys who were sitting in the back. We departed from Kuala Lumpur at approximately 3:30 p.m. and took the LEKAS highway directly to Tampin, Negeri Sembilan. On the road, besides talking with him, who was also the driver for this trip, I truly enjoyed the surrounding views, which were filled with natural elements like hills, trees, animals, and clusters of villages. This moment was something I had been waiting for months after being busy with work, and yes, the view was incredibly therapeutic and nostalgic.

About two hours and 30 minutes later, we arrived at their houses, which were situated inside a construction site. This settlement is known as Rumah Kongsi by the local people. The place and its community seemed quiet, dull, and lifeless, perhaps the workers were resting inside their small wooden houses, their minds occupied with thoughts of the families who lived far away. Fortunately, in the backdrop, there was a plantation that accompanied their days and nights, serving as a best friend during their stay.

After saying goodbye to them, it was time to return to Kuala Lumpur. However, my friend suggested we spend the slow evening exploring some random places. Since neither of us had performed the Asar prayer yet, I promptly suggested that we take a break at a nearby mosque or petrol station. Along the way, we stopped at a petrol station and looked for a prayer room, but we could not find one. We continued the journey in a bit of a rush, but the mesmerizing local architecture captured our interest and naturally slowed our pace. I found myself focusing on the details of the buildings, the colour of the sky, and the calm, patient behaviour of the local villagers.

From afar, my friend spotted a minaret ahead of us, indicating the location of a nearby mosque. We felt relieved by its presence and decided to pause for a few minutes to pray and freshen up. While waiting for my friend, who was in the restroom, I wandered around, and you know what?! I discovered a heritage mosque hidden behind the newer one. The name of the masjid was Masjid Jamek Tanah Datar Chengkau, Rembau, Negeri Sembilan. Its architecture was astonishing, showcasing the unique identity of traditional Malay buildings, known for their intricate wood carving motifs, Meru-style roofs, buah buton, and use of local materials. I explored both the interior and exterior, took some photos, and also found a few old graves in the compound. As my mind was lost in the beauty of this masterpiece, I heard someone calling me, inviting me to join the prayer and continue our journey. I followed the instruction and had already started to miss this heritage mosque.

Fast forward, we finished praying and started looking for a restaurant for dinner, getting ready to head back home. Before taking the toll exit at Pedas, we stopped there for dinner and performed both the Maghrib and Isyak prayers.

Along the highway from Pedas to my house, I felt overjoyed for getting an opportunity to visit a heritage mosque, observe the calm behaviour of the villagers, take in the picturesque view of the sky, and breathe in the fresh air released by the trees, and even by animals like cows along the way. That night, around 10pm, my friend dropped me off at home. I thanked him and joked, 'Next time, jom jalan-jalan lagi!'