1. ruins of the iron ore mine in Bukit Besi, Dungun
As a child of Kinta Valley, I have always been fascinated with mining operations. I love visiting tin mines here in Perak and was delighted when I had the opportunity to visit the former iron ore mine at Bukit Besi in Dungun, Terengganu.
2. the 50 m tunnel that allowed wagons carrying iron ore to pass through the hill
I do not know how accurate this information is but it is believed that the mine, the largest then in Southeast Asia, was discovered around 1916 but mining only began in 1927 by the Japanese. The iron ore was exported to Japan to be made into weapons and armaments.
3. storage room for iron ore
The iron ore mine was closed following World War II around 1941. The operations of the mine were then taken over by the British sometime in 1945. Apparently, the mineral was also exported to Japan.
4. storage room for iron ore
This mine was closed for good in 1971 when the mining company (EMMCO) found a better mining concession in Australia. From what I was told, the taxes imposed on them here were just too high.
5. iron ore was transported from this spot to the structure opposite via a pulley system, to be loaded onto trains and shipped to Dungun Port
While at Bukit Besi Iron Ore Mine, what should you look out for?
6. the present office of Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH)
The first thing that greets you upon entering the mine area would be a tall chimney. That should be your landmark indicating that you have arrived at Bukit Besi Iron Ore Mine. Too bad I do not have a photo of it.
7. History Gallery of the former iron ore mine in Bukit Besi
After checking out the History Gallery, you should drop by the ruins of the mine manager’s house. It makes a great backdrop for photographs.
8. framed photographs of old equipment
Next up would be the crushing plant. Go in a group as it had been abandoned and therefore, quite scary. Nearby is the tunnel where ore was conveyed by wagons out of the hill.
9. various minerals and ores
Within walking distance from this spot is the stockpile area.
10. clockwise from top left: exhibits of granite, magnetite & marble
Apart from these, there are more structures which were used in the process of mining iron ore. I feel that having a good guide to explain the history of the mine makes a world of difference to your visit.
11. ruins of the mine manager’s residence
For more information on Bukit Besi Iron Ore Mine, contact the Central Terengganu Development Authority (KETENGAH).
12. ruins of the mine manager’s residence (side view)
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7 Comments
At December 2, 2015, FiSh wrote:
That's gonna be a great discovery trip for me if I were to visit Terengganu ;) nice to gain knowledge on this
At December 2, 2015, Aliza Sara wrote:
I love archeological sites! I wonder if it's haunted :p
At December 2, 2015, Hui Ying wrote:
i like the historical building!!! Another discovery place for me to explore!!!
At December 2, 2015, Miriam wrote:
Such a historical post! Great to know the history of the places we visit
At December 2, 2015, Syafiera Yamin wrote:
those rockss macam senang dijumpai je !! hehehe
At December 2, 2015, Geng Qian wrote:
wow nice, didn't know there is such place in Terengganu! thanks for writing this
At December 2, 2015, Cheryn wrote:
I actually went there for a photoshoot once! But not for myself unfortunately. Would love to go back there with some of my outfits one day for a photoshoot!