Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Perak, Papan Village stands as a ghost town that whispers tales of past riches, radioactive mysteries, and the resilience of a small population. Our recent visit to this charming village revealed a captivating blend of history, abandoned shop houses, and a few remaining residents who still make this eerie place their home.
Papan Village, with its crumbling shop houses and empty streets, transports visitors to a bygone era. As we stepped into the heart of Papan, the eerie silence and abandoned buildings created a surreal atmosphere.
For those exploring the remnants of Papan, a surprising treat awaits – a quaint coffee shop located at the beginning of the village. Sipping a well-brewed coffee against the backdrop of decay and history is an experience unlike any other. It’s a chance to reflect on the village’s past while savoring the present.
Once a thriving mining town, Papan witnessed prosperity during the heyday of tin mining in the early 20th century. The village was flush with wealth, however, this prosperity disappeared as tales of radioactive materials being stored here emerged.
We found it intriguing and couldn’t help but be captivated by the stories of the village’s mining glory and the subsequent abandonment due to the environmental hazards posed by the radioactive materials… even though these materials have now been shifted much further away from the town.
Despite its ghostly appearance, Papan is not entirely abandoned. A small population remains, choosing to maintain a connection to the past. As we wandered through the streets, we encountered a few residents. Such a living testament to resilience.
The town is a visual spectacle of ruins. As we strolled through the empty streets, the growth of tree roots entwined with the decaying structures made me think of the movie Temple of Doom. Nature’s reclamation of the village creates a surreal and captivating landscape and we found ourselves wondering if this was reality or fantasy.
Of course the story of Papan would not be complete without reference to Sybil Kathigasu who was such a courageous woman. She played a significant role during the Japanese occupation of Malaya in World War II. Living in Papan, Malaysia, she worked as a nurse and, despite immense danger, secretly treated and aided resistance fighters and civilians who were victims of Japanese brutality.
Kathigasu’s bravery knew no bounds, as she risked her life daily to provide medical assistance and gather intelligence for the resistance. Unfortunately, her actions were discovered by the Japanese, leading to her arrest and brutal torture. Despite enduring unimaginable suffering, she never disclosed any information about her activities or fellow resistance members.
After the war, Sybil Kathigasu’s remarkable story of resilience and heroism gained recognition. She became a symbol of courage and hope, inspiring generations with her unwavering determination to help others in the face of adversity. Her legacy lives on as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to surrender to tyranny.
Kathigasu’s house in Papan still stands as a testament to her bravery and serves as a reminder of her selfless acts during a time of great adversity. (I didn’t take or perhaps mislaid a photo of her house, but brother-in-law Ananda was with us on this trip and he assures me that he snapped it, so please send to me Ananda…when you can)
Here we stopped on the side of the road to buy delicious and tasty durian on the way home, fresh and creamy… a tropical delight:
Papan may be small, but its whispers carry far. A special stop, and well worth it. ♡ Janet
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