Kuala Kangsar eatery draws crowds with unique tube decor
A DESTINATION in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, is gaining attention for its concrete dining tubes nestled amid trees with strings of lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere after dark.
Lepak Kampung Talang was opened by actor and celebrity Mohamad Ridzuan Hasbullah aka Reza Hasbi, 37, in 2018.
It combines a unique idea with nature – a village atmosphere and food stalls where diners can order food such as nasi lemak as well as kampung and Western dishes.
“In Japan, these tubes are used as accommodation because of their structural stability, especially in disasters like earthquakes.
“I saw their potential as a unique space for relaxation instead,” said Mohamad Ridzuan.
As an artiste, he seeks creative outlets and the tubes enable him to express his artistic sense through the “fairy village”, as some people are calling it.
“Our visitors comprise Malays, Chinese, Indians and international tourists, all wanting to experience the serenity of a kampung,” he said.
“Some even think there’s a river nearby.
“From the feedback, it’s clear that what I hoped to convey is exactly what they are experiencing,” said the runner-up of acting reality competition Pilih Kasih.
The father-of-five told Bernama that Lepak Kampung Talang once drew over 1,000 visitors in a single day after going viral on social media.
He said the initiative also benefitted local youth and small traders by creating job opportunities and providing stalls for businesses.
There are challenges however, he said, in upkeep and upgrading, besides limited road access.
Mohamad Ridzuan said daily cleaning was a must because the trees shed a lot of leaves.
He recently organised a “Dua Hari Ngopi” coffee and storytelling event, which he plans to continue hosting.
He is also hoping to extend his operating hours from the current 6pm to midnight, to instead run from 10am until very late.
“If the response is positive, we will maintain those operating hours and even explore tube units for overnight stays during the festive season,” said Mohamad Ridzuan.
