Next destination I discovered through #DiscoverPerak2013 event jointly organized by Gaya Travel and Tourism Perak is the famous Charcoal Factory in Kuala Sepetang. Fresh from the exciting boat ride to the Straits of Malacca, we were brought to Kuala Sepetang Charcoal Factory . Our visit was welcomed by Mr. Chuah, the 2nd generation that operates the charcoal factory.
To be honest, all I knew about charcoal before visiting the charcoal factory was limited to the usage of charcoal in BBQ and traditional cooking. No doubt, charcoal adds on to the flavour of the dishes.
It looks as if we were entering a barn. We were hurried to the entrance of the “barn” and then I saw the igloo like object which is known as kiln. Kiln is a thermally insulated chamber used to dry wood for firewood.
We were briefed by Mr. Chuah on the process of making the charcoal; to which I paid no particular attention as I knew I would miss out the opportunity of taking pictures of this unique factory if were to listen attentively. As and when the briefing took place, I disappeared in betwen the kilns.
Any photographers would have love Kuala Sepetang Charcoal Factory . This was even agreed on by the owner, Mr. Chuah. The gloomy environment was best captured on a tripod with ray of sun light protruding from the gap at the rooftops. I did not bring my tripod, so all pictures were captured on hand-held.
The wood are extracted from the nearby mangroves forest which are then stripped off their barks.
A worker stripped naked the tree trunk.
The wood will be arranged horizontally in the kiln.
Then the kiln will be cemented except for few holes including the bottom hole where flaming fire will bake the wood.
After 8 days, the whole kiln will be completely cemented to kill the extra moist in the wood.
Then, the baked firewood will be allowed to cool down before taking them out for packaging.
Outside the Charcoal Factory Kuala Sepetang, there is a man-made cannal which is used to supply the woods. The boats can only dock in during high tide. Although we were there at noon, it was cloudy and misty.
I love taking pictures at Kuala Sepetang Charcoal Factory. I wish we spent longer time there!