September 11, 2025
KUALA LUMPUR – Sometimes all it takes is one experience to change the course of our lives. For Malaysian videographers Ash Raja and Jonathan Dexter, both 35, one trip transformed the way they viewed Malaysia’s small towns forever.
Ash and Dexter met in college and connected through their shared passion for photography. The duo today runs a full-fledged business called J&A Productions.
For a little over five years now, the passionate duo has been travelling across the country, documenting their visits to the many charming, old towns, which often go under the radar.
What kickstarted their journey of exploring small towns around the country was the Covid-19 pandemic. A 10-day work trip to Kampung Air Batang on Pulau Tioman in Pahang turned into a three-month stay when the nation went into lockdown.
Stranded on the island, Ash and Dexter began to explore the place through a new lens. “We were moved by the warmth of the community and the slower pace of life there,” said Ash.
“We got close to the local folks and were fascinated by their spirit,” he continued, adding that in times of need, they never hesitated to help each other, whether it was something big or small.
That passion for exploring small towns truly blossomed when Ash returned to his hometown in Bestari Jaya (formerly Batang Berjuntai), Selangor.
“I began to see the place where I grew up in a whole new light,” Ash shared. “I learnt to appreciate its food more and its people.”
Since then, Ash and Dexter have set foot in about 130 towns in Malaysia. And they plan to continue with more visits.
Be present
The casual chit-chats and the chance to be part of each other’s daily lives are things city dwellers rarely get to experience. Ash said, “That’s what makes these places so magical.”
In a small town in Terengganu, he recalled how they were once invited to wade into the mud with locals to collect crabs.
On another trip, they even tried their hand at helping fishermen haul in their nets.
Every small town, Ash said, has its own character that makes it special. “Think of these towns like a plate of nasi lemak. Despite essentially being the ‘same dish’, they have different elements – some with fried chicken and some with chicken rendang.”
Dexter said, “The town itself is the attraction.”
He added that in these towns, the chaos of the “outside world” simply does not exist, allowing you to really connect with what’s around you.
Unlike in the cities, where tourists typically hop from one landmark to another, small towns make you slow down and appreciate a particular spot more by indulging in the simple pleasures of life.
Ash and Dexter can cover between five and eight towns every month. “Since we are usually there to film, it is not unusual for curious locals to wander over and check out our gear,” Ash shared.
Their frequent trips have also turned these towns into personal getaways for them to unwind and relax.
In small towns, communal spaces are free, as opposed to the cities, where people have to pay to enjoy leisurely pursuits, explained Dexter.
“You can go for a walk in the jungle or enjoy the refreshing breeze on the beach, all without spending a sen,” he said.
Additionally, the cost of living in these towns remains affordable, even amid today’s rising expenses. For example, enjoying something as simple as a cup of coffee in a city like Kuala Lumpur can easily cost a small fortune.
After years of exploring these towns, Ash and Dexter have found themselves falling deeper in love with the country.
“It has opened our eyes to life beyond city walls, to the harmony between different races, to people who see you for who you are,” Ash said.
“We want to reshape the public’s mindset (on these oft-talked about places) by sharing our experiences with them in the form of videos.”
These visual stories are shared on their Instagram (@smalltownsmy), which has gained nearly 80,000 followers. In fact, many of the towns they have gone to were recommendations from the people who follow their journeys on social media.
Beauty of townsizing
More and more people have begun to appreciate the charm of small towns. They can enjoy experiences that are truly unique and authentic when travelling to these places.
The term “townsizing” was coined to describe this growing travel trend, which simply refers to the preference for quaint locations, rather than busy cities when travelling.
When it comes to townsizing, our own backyard has plenty to offer, as proven by Ash and Dexter’s adventures.
Malaysia’s landscape is as varied as its culture, with towns located near coastlines and at the foothills of mountains.
Some of these towns grew during the 18th and 19th centuries out of agricultural activity (like rubber plantations), trading activity and the mining of tin and gold.
Taiping, Perak is one such example. It flourished as a mining town in the late 1800s. The discovery of tin drew many Chinese migrants into the quaint town. Kapitan Chung Keng Quee, a philanthropist from China, was a prominent figure here, according to the Tourism Perak website.
The beautiful Taiping Lake Gardens, originally a tin mining site, is among the last vestiges of the town’s former glory. Perak Museum is another interesting place to visit here, especially for those who want to learn about Taiping’s extensive mining heritage.
Dexter noted a positive shift in the way people travel, saying, “More and more are yearning for authentic experiences. International holidaymakers want to experience local life.”
Here are a few suggestions for you to start your own townsizing adventure in Malaysia.
Bundu Tuhan is a peaceful highland town worth visiting in Sabah. PHOTO: SMALL TOWNS MALAYSIA/THE STAR
1. Bundu Tuhan (Sabah)
Sitting at the foot of Mount Kinabalu over 1,100m above sea level is Bundu Tuhan, a lesser-known treasure in the Ranau district waiting to be discovered.
On a recent trip, Ash and Dexter found that this tranquil town is more than just a scenic stop; it is “the homeland and ancestral land of the Dusun people”, where generations of stories lie.
Interestingly, according to Ash, many of its residents work as guides and porters who help climbers conquer Mount Kinabalu. The most well-known is Gunting Lagadan, who was the first guide to ascend the mountain, as stated on the Ranau Tourism Association’s Facebook page.
The town, surrounded by lush greenery, is just a stone’s throw from Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site.
Visitors from near and far come to Bundu Tuhan to hike or to simply escape into nature.
For instance, the Bundu Tuhan View Trail is a relaxed hike that rewards its visitors with the verdant surroundings of the park.
While you are in Bundu Tuhan, stay in one of its many cosy homestays, which lets you wake up to the breathtaking views of the majestic mountain dominating the horizon.
Before wrapping up your trip, Ash suggests swinging by DumoWongi, where you’ll find an aromatic mix of locally-grown herbs and edible flowers.
You can rent a car – preferably a 4WD – and drive 90km from Kota Kinabalu to Bundu Tuhan.
Bario is a picturesque town in Sarawak. PHOTO: SMALL TOWNS MALAYSIA/THE STAR
2. Bario (Sarawak)
Every morning, buckets brimming with milky, mineral-rich water are hauled up from the depths of an underground salt spring. The water is harvested to make salt.
This is a cherished tradition of the Kelabit people, who call Bario – tucked in the lush heart of Sarawak’s Kelabit Highlands – their home.
Much like Bario rice, Bario salt has long been a commodity, sustaining generations as both a staple and trade item for the highlands folks. Visitors can also see the locals in action at the town’s salt factory, where traditional techniques are still preserved and practised today.
To fully experience the Kelabit culture, plan your trip around Pesta Nukenen.
Also commonly called the Bario Food Festival, this celebration goes beyond feasting, as it is also about honouring local farming tradition and cultural heritage.
Bario is a great place for outdoor adventures, too. For instance, there are several hiking trails that you can tackle here, from leisurely walks to demanding multi-day treks like Gunung Murud, all within the peaceful embrace of Pulong Tau National Park.
Gunung Murud is the tallest peak in Sarawak, where breathtaking panoramas unfold before your eyes.
To round off your journey, spend a night (or two) in a traditional longhouse. You will be welcomed by warm hospitality, as Bario is nicknamed the “land of the hundred handshakes”.
During your stay, you will be spoiled with delicious Kelabit delicacies. Ash recalled being especially intrigued by nuba laya, or rice wrapped neatly in leaves.
To get to Bario, you have to take a 50-minute flight from Miri.
Your accommodation host will then pick you up at the Bario airport.
Penaga in Seberang Perai is perfect for a day trip. PHOTO: SMALL TOWNS MALAYSIA/THE STAR
3. Penaga (Penang)
If you want to avoid the chaotic tourist crowds, Penaga in Seberang Perai might just charm you with its serene atmosphere.
The small town is perfect for a day trip. Start your morning at the Pekan Ahad Penaga – people come here to shop for their daily essentials, but of course, there is plenty of local fare to sample as well.
Now that you’ve had your fill, you can set off on your adventure.
Wander along the streets and marvel at the rustic beauty of wooden shophouses along the way.
According to Ash, Penaga’s proximity to the sea gives the town a lot of birding opportunities, too.
“Birders will rent a boat just to catch a glimpse of the migratory beauties that take place from October to February.”
The townsfolk here spend a large chunk of their time in agricultural activities, tending to the padi fields.
If you want to enjoy the lush vista of padi fields, take a quick drive to Kampung Agong.
Not too far from the kampung is Kebun Nipah Pak Man, where you can try fresh nipah drink.
Penaga is about 38km from Penang’s capital city, George Town.
Kelantan’s Machang is home to the country’s second oldest railway bridge. PHOTO: SMALL TOWNS MALAYSIA/THE STAR
4. Machang (Kelantan)
The famous Siti Khadijah Market is probably the first place that comes to mind when you think of Kelantan. But Machang’s Pasar Isnin (locals call it Pasar Sena) is just as lively.
Now, for the adventurous palate, Ash recommends “colek perut” – a spicy soup made with beef intestines. You might – or might not – like it, but either way, let it surprise you.
Sitting over the town’s Sungai Kelantan is the Guillemard Bridge, Malaysia’s second oldest after the Victoria Bridge in Perak. While the latter was retired from rail service in the early 2000s and repurposed as a pedestrian walkway, the Guillemard Bridge remains in use today.
Built more than 100 years ago, the old truss bridge was proposed as a Unesco World Heritage Site by the state government last year. The scenic landscape (framed by expansive padi fields) makes the area a popular photo spot with visitors.
About 45km from the state capital Kota Baru, Machang may not be the first stop when visiting Kelantan, but it is definitely a place worth discovering.
Perak’s Bidor is a charming former mining town. PHOTO: SMALL TOWNS MALAYSIA/THE STAR
5. Bidor (Perak)
Though Bidor is often considered “just a rest stop” (en route to Ipoh or KL), the former mining town has plenty to offer out-of-towners.
The town takes pride in its rich food heritage, with the delicious herbal duck noodles and springy wantan noodles being the stars. The food alone is worth the trip to Bidor, some would say.
Apart from these mouth-watering delights, you can also take a “taste” of Bidor home with you. The town’s signature souvenir is its traditional chicken biscuits. These aromatic, sweet and slightly savoury cookies do not contain chicken, despite the name.
Faded signboards and weathered walls – the old shophouses here exude old-world charm. These buildings are now merely a shadow of Bidor’s past mining glory.
For a change of pace, take a short drive to the Kuala Woh Recreational Forest. This scenic nature reserve is a favourite picnic destination – families come to unwind and cool off in the river.