Sungai Batu archaeological site

The Sungai Batu archaeological site is a stone's throw from the Sungai Merbok mangrove forest reserve, barely 2.5 kilometres separate them. However, getting from the forest reserve to the archaeological site by car takes one through a 7.5-kilometre route. However, the place is well worth a visit to learn a bit more about the rich history of the Bujang Valley. 

Here in Sungai Batu, one can see the remains of old stone furnaces that dated back to the Third Century which were used for iron smelting. There is also evidence of an old riverine network from the remains of an old jetty used to load and unload trade commodities that may include iron ore. Although the ancient river has disappeared, these remains showed that Sungai Batu was once part of a maritime network connected to other parts of Southeast Asia, India and possibly China.

Sungai Batu is thus one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. It offers valuable insights into the ancient trading networks, cultural exchanges and technological advancements of the Iron Age civilisations in South-east Asia. And like the Sungai Merbok mangrove forest reserve, it is part of the Jerai Geopark complex.

ADDENDUM: What a coincidence! There's a web story from Channel News Asia today on this very same topic: the sungai Batu archaeological site which can be read here. It mentioned that Sungai Batu is possibly older than Borobudur in Indonesia and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The Malaysian Government must be appreciative of this fact and be brave enough to support the archaeological studies around Sungai Batu and the Bujang Valley fully and not let politics or the past cloud its better judgment.