WOULD YOU SKIP LUNCHEON OR THE VENUE?

A journey by train on the 6th of May 2011 saw us arriving in Singapore for a short visit arranged by Badan Warisan Malaysia. We have been interested in its activities but being far from the Kuala Lumpur, never got close to knowing about it except from newspaper reports or its web page. Mid last year we registered as member and therefore the privilege  to join its activities and the first being the trip to Singapore.

As reported earlier it was to see the Tg Pagar Railway Station on the first day soon after arrival. On the second and third day we had other programs specific to observe historical and heritage buildings, understanding and recognizing their influence to the country and directions taken to conserve  for posterity and future generations besides being a pull factor in the tourism industry. 

It was a learning experience while being perhaps the most intensive tour of Singapore as previous visits had been casual and fleeting.

                    'Bumbu' at  Kg Gelam in Singapore

However this is not a report of what we saw during the scheduled programs but more of two places that we halted for lunch. Can't guess which is the better of the two , either the food served or the richness, authenticity and ambiance of the place. 

Firstly we stopped at the 'Bumbu'.

It was a two storey building, one of many in the area, and no different from the others except for  its main door and the name above it. It was still nothing to shout about. However once inside you are made welcome and notice that the tables are occupied or reserved for their customers. Two tables were designated for our group. It has its customers for lunch time and meaning you would have to make reservation otherwise it is waiting time. 

                 A pumpkin dish served with sago . Yum yum

 

            A restaurant or a heritage home? The owner is a collector and we dine amidst such richness and one would tempt to know where he gets them.

 

 

Naturally you could not sit with such treasures in a museum, not with great dishes being served too. Here they are at your closeness and touch.

        

       Imagine the beautiful 'almari' as a divider to the servery behind

                                                     

                    Old lamp shades and mirrors with designed frames 

This caught my eye. I have seen such assemble before. Then it dawn upon me we had such a glass design in our old home but with its missing parts one could not imagine that this was the way it had to be put in place. Imagine my surprise to find a similar piece in an antique shop later with an offer price of S$4000.00

                                

 

Members of the group, made up of many nationalities but Malaysian generally as they have settled in the country and all desiring to know more of history and heritage.

The equally tempting spread served for lunch

                                      

   Sorry no 'Ais Kacang' served here but you are brought back to times when such a machine would prepare you the hot favorite at a cost of 20 cents.

We are sure there are many restaurants of such a nature in Malaysia as well as across the Causeway but here the ambiance as well as the menu was pleasing and naturally it compliments our reason for being in Singapore. It is no wonder that antiques are sought after and period furniture  particularly.

                         

 The view from the club house. As once remarked ' mad English men in the hot sun batting .... away '

here club members are at it on Sunday and with a vista especially like you see above who wouldn't like to be on the field. Soccer, rugby, hockey, tennis are also played here.

        The next day 8th May we visited the Singapore Cricket Club, standing its its prestigious place right in the center of the city fronting the 'Padang' literally true in its sense as such open space where you would have played football or kite in your youthful days are gone. It is magnificent to see such vista preserved and functioning . First established in 1832 it has a story of its own.   

 

caught a picture of two ladies bowling by the side of the tennis court and we were reminded that the Club allowed women as members only in 1938.

 The Singapore 'Noah's Ark' is visible from the Club House. Below the 'Padang' as seen from the veranda of the club house. As a point of interest the wrought iron and the verandah are dated as far back as 1907.

  On the upper deck where one would have a panoramic view of the city

 Lunch in the Club Restaurant.

     0n the upper deck of the Club with part of the Club House in the background

  Would this be watering hole ? Wooden panelling and flooring added lustre to this part of the Club. Timber as used in other parts of the Club added to its richness and of course dated back to days during the Colony/ Straits Settlement period.  

                                          Our serving ... dory dish

                                         Another part of the Club

       The old trees and the Court House become part of the Club scenery continuing its age old position in modern Singapore. It has also served as a hospital in 1942, a restaurant and bar for the Japanese officers during the Occupancy Years.

                               

                                        

     For the privilege to have a guided tour of the Cricket Club, a member of BWM presented a souvenir to the representative of the Club

Two smiling ladies grateful that they had a peek at two wonderful sites both managing to keep the endearment of old time which quite easily would be erased and forgotten. We would remember that even in the early years after Merdeka, there were many Club and Rest Houses in Malaysia. Even in smaller towns like Baling, Kulim, Mentakab and Alor Setar there were club houses with facilities for their members but sadly all died a natural death taking away some traditional buildings.

Hoping this trends towards conservation as seen here and particularly in Penang and Malacca would help in the long run to keep what are dear to our hearts intact and surviving and a sure way educate person to care for their heritage.

                                                                     

                                                    

OUR RAILWAY STATION TILL 30 JUNE 2011

IF YOU CARE TO SEE KTM'S  ( Kerate Api Tanah Melayu) LAST POST BEFORE THAT DATE THEN TAKE THE MALAYAN RAILWAY EXPRESS TO TANJUNG PAGAR IN SINGAPORE SOON.

Because from 1st July 2011, the southern most station on the north south railway system that has been running since the early 20th century will cease to function. It will be closed down though the station building and hopefully all other features will continue to stand with the hope that preservation and heritage consideration will take the upper hand. The Malaysian and Singapore government have come to an agreement to settle the long standing issue of properties and rights through the meeting of both Prime Ministers late last year. Meaning that the station and all the land that stretches alongside the track from Singapore side of the Straits of Johore till the station at Tanjung Pagar will be transferred to Singapore no doubt with agreement for development and concession etc.


We were on a visit specifically to view the station and discover its features recently as members of Badan Warisan Malaysia. No doubt we have seen the station several times during our visits to Singapore before but frankly never had a closer look or bothered to understand its historical, economic, tourism, political etc contributions to the country. This opportunity comes however at its closing end.

There is no doubt a feeling of nostalgia and regret but then seeing the existing conditions of the station building and its abandoning features it is like fate accomplished as though we have expected that mission.  


In one respect we go all out to convince UNESCO for the support and upholding of Malacca and Penang as heritage cities or centres, here we forget the treasures that exists within. Political exigencies and long standing agreements no doubt clouded the issues, but not maximizing the existence of an outstanding and fully featured building like the Tanjung Pagar Railway Station is an injustice. It would have attracted tourists many folds as our first base to Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh Railway Stations remain two other historical buildings which must not be left to suffer the same fate. Existing but without functions and care would only deteriorate their conditions.

The full agreement of the transfer of the station and the land stretching from the Singapore side of the Johore Causeway till Tanjung Pagar has yet to be disclosed  but already there is an agreement to develop the properties by both government.


Be that as it may, what can you see at this railway station built with inputs from overseas and locally and declared opened on 3/3/1932? Two marble based reliefs at the entrance and in the hall designed by an Italian architect Rudolfo Nolli depicting Agriculture, Industry, Commerce and Transport stand out plus several panels  reliefs. Two long station platforms gave allowance for long KTM coaches to halt there for the convenience of passengers. Once there was a hotel at the station just as there were at Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh. It has been closed down. Cafeterias and a surau added to the existing features found at the station.       

 The long platforms on both side of the tracks, able to take the longest coaches that KTM train can organized with protection for the passengers from sun and rain.

A section of the railway building that you see as you disembarked from the train and walked towards the exit.

Don't know what the pail is used for but the 'stopper' with its red marker was once used to halt the locomotive should it moved forward even after halting.

   Notice the wording F M S R on the marble based relief in the high pitched foyer of the station. The Malay hut is a recent addition as a  promotional piece. Never realizing that the mural earlier on commissioned and done by an Italian architect have depicted Malayan

( Malaysia's) early and even current activities

                  Rubber industry           Padi planting

I would not like to guess how much such a drawing would cost if they are so desired knowing that they are one of a kind.

  The frontage of the Tanjung Pagar Railway Station as it is today.

 Come 1st July KTM coaches will halt at Woodlands where all passengers will disembark and the custom as well as immigration inspection will be carried out. Later KTM trains will not cross into Singapore and will halt at the Johore Bharu station only.  

   At Tiong Baru our walkabout took us to the prewar terrace houses which as seen afford space then and now. No wonder the area is much sought for.

    The tug boat moves on the Singapore River by the side of the former Post Office which has become a Fullerton Hotel

Our visit to Singapore took in also some of the historical and heritage sites and certainly Singapore Heritage Society and the government have not spared to make the island worth a visit for those who wished to walk back into the past while helping to escalate property and land cost. Many public buildings too have been converted into  commercial centers with added features and beautification.

FROM LAGENDARY LANGKAWI TO CAPITAL CITY PUTRAJAYA

 Several hotels on the island of Langkawi offer choicest accommodations.  One here, wooden chalets right in the sea will give you traditional as well exclusiveness. Imagine throwing your fishing line from your veranda. while seeping tea and being surprised by your catch. You will be surprised to see how old Malay houses have been restored on the island and have become 'luxury' homes especially for foreigners and visitors.

White pristine beach exclusive to the hotel complex gives the guests the relaxation and rest they look for plus peace and quiet with the closeness of nature close by.                

BEAUTY IN ALL ITS SPLENDOR

Back in 2007 I posted a story of Putrajaya with several photos of the capital city. Since then we have visited the place quite frequently and never tire of seeing the development on going. It has also become an icon, a touristic center with busloads of local as well as foreigners arriving daily. Happily you see them clicking their cameras or framing their best frames as reminders of their visit to the city, naturally with the background of their choice. The Putra Mosque and the Prime Minister's office complex seems to be the focus right now with the panoramic view of the lakeside added in. Thanks to the tourist guides or the bus drivers who prefer to halt near the Putra Mosque area. Maybe the food kiosks nearby would allow the visitors to have their lunch or tea break. Last week I was surprised to see a group of tourists from China celebrating their stop here and at the 'Nasi Kandar' stall especially having a whale of a time enjoying size-able plates of oven fresh succulent crabs and king prawns. Perhaps our tourist industry people need to observe the culinary choice of our visitors  and as such offer the best in this direction. Whereas the other food kiosks at the mall begged to be visited the 'Nasi Kandar' server was kept busy dishing out the favorites of the visitors. 

I believe observation of the visitors especially the foreign tourists at favorite spots would help the industry in many ways. Firstly where would they like to be photographed? What became their favorite background? Did they linger there much longer than usual? Souvenirs? What are their choices? Did they have enough time, besides the food break to take in the offers at sight. e,g a boat cruise on the lake? brief walk to other spots around the area where they had stopped earlier? At Putrajaya, the show case of the nation there's plenty to see, to know and admire.


As a regular visitor to the capital city, due to the exigency  of work routine surprisingly there are many that still escape my eyes. Firstly due to its size and secondly the constant growth and development.  Nevertheless let me share, several that hit me during the recent visit.




There are more visitor friendly and like-able places to visit at Putrajaya. One would be the new 'iron' mosque and since named as 'Masjid Tunku Mizan Zainal Abidin' since it was officially opened by the Yang Di Pertuan Agong himself 11 June 2010. The  mosque and the other touristic locations at Putrajaya guarantee that it will continue to be  a tourist hub. 


We were here earlier when the international hot air - balloon was on show or when the landscaping fraternity turned one corner into a garden. I believe the residents at Putrajaya and the nearby Cyberjaya will never be short of activities planned in the twin cities through out the year.

The imposing Perbadanan Putra Jaya office that undertakes control and development of the city with an arch that extended the view from the east to the west i.e from Istana Kehakiman ( Palace of Justice) to the Tunku Mizan Mosque at its western end encapsulate the thoughts,planning and strategy that has gone into the planning of Putrajaya as our capital city. Added to that several other Ministry buildings close by deserve scrutiny and attention too. Even if you are no artist, architect, planner, developer or engineer whose work naturally called for such review the existing  development deserve a close look and our pride for the nation.  

Three flag posts stand as sentinels. From the frontage of Istana Kehakiman you focus the view right through the arch and on to the Masjid Tunku Mizan at the western end.

 It can accommodate 25,000 jemaah or more. No fans, no air conditioning points or conduits to be seen.Yet it is cooling. Many factors and strategies have gone into the building of the "Iron Mosque"  Your view is extended to the outside as no walls blocked the frontage. 

You make like to refer to  http://en.wikipedia. org/w/Tuanku_Mizan_Zainal_Abidin_Mosque. 

We were here on Friday and being early thus the empty hall. It had its share of full jemaah at prayer time however. The two, 13 meter high imposing glass walls on each side of the mihrab have scribes from the Koran: one quote from Surah 2 Al Baqarah and the other from Surah 14 Ibrahim  

The exceptional exposure of the Surah on the glass frame as photographed. You may refer to Al Baqarah (ayat) 148 - 153 for the choice and meaning whereas the other side of the mighrab refers to Surah Ibrahim (ayat)  40 - 47.

   "Istana Kehakiman'  Palace of Justice which stands at the eastern side of the extended mall to the Tunku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque at the western end. Yet another architectural structure that make up the complex.

We move from one corner to another. One moment at the legendary island of Langkawi  and the next at the capital city. Like many others due to the exigencies and nature of our work giving service in consultancy we have moments to observe and share. The contrast of nature as to design and development each makes an impact. The off- shore fishing boats basking in the twilight at Pantai Kok in Langkawi and a bowl of 'ulam' salad as you prefer with 'sambal belacan' closes with a reminder that tradition die hard.  

DISCOVERING TOURISM POTENTIALS

COME VISITING KUALA KEDAH

                 The fishermen and their boats returned in the early morning after a night out in the open sea.Their single outboard engine confined them off-shores. They are ready to transfer their catches to those waiting.

            

A good catch for the night and now the waiting crowd can make their collections. Grab any and weigh them for the price you have to pay. At this corner it is fishes; at another you can get prawns, crabs or cuttle-fish

              Or you can buy from these ladies with your choice already weighed . Imagine a kilo of good sized 'ikan temenung' for RM 2.00

 Having come home with their catches, they would be getting ready to go out again in the evening subject to the weather and tide.

Why do we need to think of tourism only when we refer to places and attractions around us? There are countless places, activities and happenings which color our lives and not necessary those focused in brochures, magazines or in the news.Maybe the desire to share and attract make us want to reveal the hidden secrets. Business ventures, marketing and opportunities creep in with the hope some economic ventures would flow when people gather in large numbers. With influx of visitors from overseas, foreign to our culture and way of lives, wanting to see those inherent here unfamiliar, strange and opposite to their life styles, almost everything become major attractions. Similarly when we visit countries or even districts outside our country and home, we too seek to find such attractions. 

A visit to Kelantan, at any time would propel you go for the 'batik' culture or  its culinary delicacies; in Malacca its historical site and a boat trip on the restored Malacca River, while of course the tea plantation and the greens of Cameron Highland when you are in Pahang. 

Come to Alor Setar Kedah, many would ask for Pekan Rabu and make a beeline to the shopping centre which open all days of the year of course, once a training ground for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his younger days as a trader.

So we open up our country side, our homes and our attractions in pursuit  of tourism potentials, no doubt  pumping million of ringgit for the venture beforehand . The more diverse, the more unique and incomparable the better.Sarawak now offers native music festival; Johore kite flying and Penang usher in bird lovers who rejoice at the musical sound of birds' chirping and melodious tones while offering sale and reward too. Langkawi seeks you to cool in the 'Tasik Dayang Bunting' or dive and snorkel into the water of Pulau Payar, the former close at hearts for maidens wanting motherhood and the latter sights of corals and sea-creatures  in clear sea waters. 

The restless footloose person of course is propelled to move either singly or in group. His or their tour made much easier by numerous economy flight trips, travel discounts and good internal transportation.


It was a huge surprise when we came upon an activity recently; delightful to the eye as as well as pleasing the gastronomy. More so when it is near home. Kuala Kedah being the estuary of the Kedah River is a fishing harbour as well as the gate way to the island  of Langkawi by a regular ferry service. For all the activities that you may want to discover at any fishing harbor plus the historical perspective, you would naturally look for the unique and most natural. What more when we came upon fishermen unloading their catches at a tributary of a river and a large crowd ready to buy what were for offers. The fishermen had just returned from their previous evening sea journey and were as anxious to get their rewards. A quick sale at the jetty specially built for the off-shore fishermen by LKIM would be preferable. It was by all means a beautiful sight seeing the colorful boats tied together alongside the narrow stretch of the tributary with mangrove palms on the sides; what more with the excitement of  the crowd waiting to collect their choice of fishes ,prawns, cuttle-fish, crabs or other sea products as they were hauled up together with the nets that hours ago were plunged into the sea  to reap the harvest. Either you wait for the products to be gathered by the fisherman or his assistant or you grabbed them as they fall off the net. Now isn't that exciting? Comparing buying them off the shelves or counters. Fresh and not iced. We had a good choice of 'ikan temenung' or 'ikan kembung' as known in the south for an extraordinary price of RM4.00 for two kilos.

The excitement of pricing, plus the variety of choice did not end there. As we walked away from the jetty, leaving other customers to make their choices, we halted at a cafe close by. Its speciality fresh cooked curry or fried  ikan temenung' served with rice, 'salad' (ulam) and 'sambal'. Service is opened while fresh fishes is available from the jetty nearby. The aroma plus the excitement of customers at the cafe and the jetty made the morning an unforgettable experience.You had your breakfast here as well as a load of of fresh seafood at more than half the price you would pay at the local market. The excitement, the color and the tasteful hot breakfast dishes served here would make your visit deserving as well as knowledgeable.  

Stray further up the road you would come to the old fort of Kuala Kedah once  the fighting ground for the British, Siamese and the Selangor Sultanate in the earlier centuries. If you would care to go across the sea, then an hour and half later you would be on the holiday island of Langkawi.

ENTWINING NATURALLY

Blazing through the rocks as the water from upstream flow through the park

A 'Book Village' in a park created by nature is one of a kind exceptional in our world

ENTWINING NATURALLY ON THE LEGENDARY ISLAND OF LANGKAWI

Nature helps to curve many features. These photos of roots and branches are striking. I suppose as  a beholder it brings many ideas to mind.Do they initiate you to reflect of anything? For one they initially  entice me instantly a  word: reflective or a representation. Foremost I get a definite "entwining' or 'linkage'. Surprisingly you are reminded of such compliments or good relationship not while in the community at large but while thrashing in a park. You would of course see loving and dear couples strolling with arms twine between each other.Nature has its secrets too.

Langkawi being an island offers all the ingredients tourists or visitors look for.Yet there are many undiscovered treasures waiting. One is a park just outside the city of Kuah with a natural captivation of its own. Once it housed the international 'Book Village' since remained closed for upgrading. Locals and visitors however make a beeline here during weekends. Children especially having the best time of their lives.

We were here recently and such the discovery. We would vouched that the 'Book Village' or the reading facilities here as initiated earlier would be a treasure trove since it is located in the most beautiful natural park.No amount of money would be able to create such beauty.It is a loss and a crying shame if such beauty, peace and tranquility is not shared and enjoyed by many.

Hopefully the intention to revive and make this part of the island visitors' favored spot will be a reality soon.

Meantime we share the secrets with you.

 

Loops and circles yet they never get entangled. 

  Verdant treasures of Langkawi. The forest and the greenery will mesmerized you

Can a fish be above water? It takes many forms. Here the roots encircled to produce what it is.

There are many more of such creations if you care to walk right round the park           

THE DEEDS OF A FATHER

The large open space of a Malay home minus the furniture allows for a gathering of neighbors and guests for functions especially religious do. The windows open wide guarantee cool flow of air.

 A gathering of guests especially friends and neighbors for a 'khenduri aruah' and reading of Surah  Yassin at the home.

   The ladies 'Marhaban' group came to add their participation. 

The two staircases as always attracted guests to have their photos taken there. It was as such before and now still. 

 The greens and the river in front of the home lend a homely   atmosphere

 It has taken a year to rebuild this traditional home, taken from its original site piece by piece and reassembled as it is now. On site a friend lent his old motor-cycle to add to the age of the home.It is now known as "Teratak Warisan" ( A Heritage Home).

 This young nephew gazes out, perhaps wondering what it is all about. The 'deeds of the father' he understands since he is lovingly cared by both parents. Hopefully he will continue to do so when he grows up.

REMINISCING THE YESTERYEAR AND GRATEFUL FOR IT ALL

Many years have passed by. Many an experience have been tested and involved. We too have had our share of our own breeds: sons, daughters, grand sons and grand daughters etc. Over the years, since we have ourselves  touched the status of a sexagenarian or even an octogenarian maybe we want to focus and recollect what we have acquired since. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in his latest book, an autobiography 'The Doctor in the House' did not fail to have an account of his father detailing how much he benefited from him. Maybe that spurt this topic too.

My father Mohamed bin Abdul Raoff died when I was still a teenager; not having completed my Senior Cambridge Certificate or the Standard IX in the school ranking. Now of course the fifth form or the SPM examination. I mentioned the word "acquired' just now meaning in all senses a huge contribution in all its conglomeration and specifically dear to our hearts of course 'knowledge' .

The 'old man' a terminology quite often used in reference to our dad seems to relish his seniority even though the referrer himself maybe younger still. Yet it puts him already on a high pedestal. Recognizing him as a senior person, a doyen already. A sage. Of course learned in all his wisdom.


I am often distressed at disclosure such as " The sins of the father" which suggest the misdeeds leaving many to believe and yet never discovering the natural and grandeur contributions heaped by him. Could be our own failure too, never or least writing or mentioning the better sides. I would like to make amends and put on record my own story with the hope it will spark awakenings.

The 'Teratak Warisan' is a case in point referring to the heritage home we have managed to rebuild and on another piece of land. It has been sixty years and more when my father as a school clerk built a wooden home as a shelter for the family.Whereas many of his friends, then bought motor cars popularly known as Austin, he invested his money on a home; replacing the older one standing on the plot of land at 9 Jalan Sekerat off Jalan Baru ( Jalan Putra). Alor Setar. I remembered the two Malay carpenters or house-builders to be specific and especially Pak Said a former prison personnel who toiled days and months to build the house. It was no easy task lifting and erecting the heavy pillars and allocating the beams in their positions via brute strength. Mind you no machinery to assist. The chosen hard timber such as 'cengal' or 'tembusu' which father acquired from Baling and Changlun withstood the test of time and remained perfect till today. Even the 'meranti' boards for the floors and walls  were perfect. Extraordinarily ninety percent of the timber were reassembled again to make the house that we rebuilt.  Yes they succeeded in giving us a beautiful home. My father enjoyed his home for only a few years but my mother lived to her senior years comfortable in the home her husband and my father had built. We treasured the time we grew up there.


With the completion of the rebuilding of the old home recently, it struck upon me how fortunate and blissful we have been all these years. Yes the good deeds of our fathers hunt us; hitting hard our tepidity of never valuing their innate contributions. Our fathers left us treasures, heritage, peace of mind and above all a wonderful shelter. No we never realized their worth. maybe we were searching for something else. Never discovering yet it was there.  They must know and endure hardship having lived through the depression years, the war and the emergency. Not us we live through years of rebuilding and comforts. They saw the urgency and need.


The good deeds of our father, speaking of course of the bread earner who has left us are many folds. As a public service person he left his pensions to the wife. Our mother in all her endearment used the financial assistance to bring up the family. The house standing where it was guaranteed shelter and safety for decades later. Wisely and passionately adjusted the property and whatever trusted upon us would remain lasting gifts. Grief and regret only when heritage goes with the wind; sold off, mortgaged and unredeemed. 


Having rebuilt the old home, in all its originality excepting the roofings and the heights and positioned in a rural setting by the side of a river with several mature fruit trees on site, it could only mean success. We could imagine both father and mother smiling at the thought that their home lives on.

It was thus at the 'khenduri aruah' that we had recently on the occasion of moving into the 'new' home that I mentioned of the fortunate who were left with treasures but sadly failed to see its very existence and yet lamented over the lacks of things. Maybe they too have forgotten the education and training they have acquired; all the characteristic traits of a good man and woman and all the wisdom of growing up. Many of the elders at the 'khenduri' concurred. Much as they too have received 'treasures' from their parents they too have invested and dedicated many for their children. They are intangibles of course for the moment. Many would hope that their homes too would be cared as we have done for 'Teratak Warisan'.

It has taken us on a course of rebuilding  and yet it has reshaped us to realize the magnanimity of our parents: father and mother. Truly they have given us richness beyond calculations. No ringgit but intangible assets in all their glories. Wishing that this outburst of sentimentality, regret or overjoy will make the reader wants to discover the treasures that he or she has acquired or would acquire later. InsyaAllah.