I barely knew about Kluang too. Until I decided KL was too long a train ride away to plan a proper trip this time round. So I started searching up other ETS train stops. And asked silly, basic questions like, "What's the difference between Kluang and Klang?"
Apparently, Kluang was named the happiest district in Malaysia. So subconsciously throughout this short day trip, I tried "opening up" all my senses in search of answers. I thought I'd stumble upon some secret ingredient to happiness (aside from their coffee?). Instead, I kept noticing the little things that felt... Unhurried. Turns out that was the whole point.
The lack of performative vibes.
Street murals
Street murals here span multiple alleys. I wanted to compare these to what we typically see e.g. in Penang, but then I realised I never took a good look at them back then. They were always surrounded by crowds waiting for their turn to take pictures.
While we were here in Kluang, there was pretty much no one else around. The art felt like they were meant to be appreciated, not as pure photo ops. I ended up snapping less pictures because I acknowledged each one with my own eyes.
Although, according to that cendol stall owner along the alley, there's an influx of tourists taking pictures from time to time. Maybe we were lucky to have this stretch to ourselves, on a Sunday afternoon after a drizzle.
Cats
Stray cats here don’t give off cold, pathetic or guarded vibes like one would expect from those in the city. They seem to carry this zen dignity with innocence.
Against the still backdrop of the town, they stand out as the only living creatures in their surroundings, but also blend in with their quiet presence.
They also seem way more petite.
Unassuming store fronts/ back of house
Entrances left unattended and doors left ajar often pique my curiosity. For some of these, I've no idea what they offer from the first glance. They never screamed for attention.
Maybe that's what I'd been picking up all day - that nothing here seemed interested in proving itself.
I guess happiness isn't always something bursting in joy that I can photograph. Sometimes, it's something that we return to when there's no need to perform.
I think I'll be back someday.
