Kellie’s Castle 25 Sep 2015

After we were disappointed with the Gua Tempurung closure for maintenance, we drove to the nearest destination – Kellie’ Castle.

We had heard about this mystery castle for a long time but still do not have the opportunity to see it. After we reached there, there are already a lot of cars were parking outside the car park area.

Before going into the castle, there are some write ups on the history of this castle. From reading the display boards, only then we know the history of this mystery castle…

Kellie’s Castle was built by a Scottish planter his name called William Kellie Smith from a little town in Scotland. He built the building for his beloved wife and the building structure same reason point (a symbol of love)  such as Shah Jahan (Taj Mahal). But the love of the stories was different.

In 1890 (as Malaysia was known at the times), a young Smith at the age of 20 left his home farm in Kellas for Malaya. It is not known why he ventured to Malaya for career opportunities much less when he actually arrived.

However, he integrated in to the community with ease. He bounced around several business opportunities finding some success but it wasn't until he met an estate owner called Alma Baker.

Baker obtained several government projects to built roads in South Perak and had won concessions from the state government to clear 360 hectares of forests in Perak. Their partnership in these projects led to quite a bit of profits.

Smith started planting rubber trees and dabbled in the tin mining industry. In time, he became the owner of Kinta Kellas Estate and the Kinta Kellas Tin Dredging Company and to purchase a 960 acre piece of land for his rubber tree plantation and homely estate in Batu Gajah.

Through various business ventures such as Planting Rubber Trees and the Tin Mining Industry, Smith's wealth grew.

In 1903, he returned to Scotland to marry his sweetheart Agnes. He brought her back to his home in Malaysia and later that year the couple was blessed with a daughter named Helen. He loved his daughter but wanted a son, an heir to his empire. Poor Agnes found it hard to conceive a second child. It was another eleven years before she became pregnant again. In 1915, Agnes gave birth to a son named Anthony. In celebration, Smith began planning the construction of a huge castle.

Because of his fascination of the Hindu religion and India, he incorporated much of the elements in to his new home. Bricks and tiles were imported from India. He even enlisted the help of 70 Indian workers from Madras of South India as skilled labourers for the construction of the mansion. Unfortunate, he ran in to one major setting back. Many of the workers contracted the Spanish Flu and died in the early 1920s.

A temple was built 1500 m from the castle for the deity Mariamman. Some say it was to protect those who lived on the property. Others say Kellie had it built as a way to thank Mariamman for granting his wish to have a son. However, the temple still stands and many continue to worship in it.

The first elevator in Malaysia is located in Kellie's Castle. It travels from the roof down to the underground tunnels. He also planned to build an indoor tennis court. The rooftop was reserved for a courtyard for parties. World War I slowed the process even more. In the end, Kellie's Castle was never completed.

Smith took a short trip to Britain in 1926 supposedly with his daughter. It's unknown why he made a detour to Lisbon, Portugal (some believe it was to pick up a lift for his new manor).

In December of 1926, he contracted pneumonia and died at age of 56. Agnes later packed up and left Malaysia with her children back to Scotland. She sold the castle to a British company called Harrisons and Crossfield.

Anthony Kellie Smith was killed in World War II. Helen never returned to Kellie's Castle. The only thing left of the first home is the covered walkway, an open courtyard and part of a crumbling wall.

Kellie's Castle has been refurbished and appears as if it has never been touched. It was even used as a setting in the 1999 film Anna and the King. A company manages the property as a tourist attraction now. Some believe it is haunted by the family it was built for.

William's spirit has been seen pacing at night in the 2nd floor corridor. Helen wearing a white blouse and curly hair haunts her old bedroom. Phantom smells of incense and spirits have been reported in the horse stables. Adding to its mystery, some believe the mansion possesses hidden rooms and secret underground tunnels.

After we bought the entrance tickets, we walked towards the castle through the connecting bridge. It was built by the side of the river.

The castle itself accommodated 14 rooms which consisted of dining hall, living hall, kitchen, master bedroom with bathroom attached, boy’s and girl’s room with bathroom attached, wine cellar, linen room, guard house, horse barn, guests rooms and secret rooms.

Due to it is public holiday weekend, this tourist spots too are crowded with the tourists from far and near. And, it is a hot day too.

All of us were sweating through the whole journey. But, the breeze was so calming when we were on top of the castle itself. Can have a clearer view looking down the compound of the area. Can see the river flows by just in front of the rooms.

Behind of this castle, is the workers’ house which I think was planned to be connected and form a centre court yard in the middle. There is a well in the centre of the courtyard, for daily drinking water at that point of time I presumed.

There is huge garden behind the castle, but we did not go as the weather was too hot for us.

Daddy and both Issac and Annabelle did see a small bat at one of the hole of the castle. It seems like the bat is still ‘sleeping’ or resting inside the cosy and wet area.

Finally, we were here. And, we headed to home after that.

 

View Full Album

Annabelle Baptism Invitation

It is almost near Annabelle 8 years old birthday. Daddy is waiting for this moment to come, that she could be baptise by him.

Yesterday during at church, Daddy was busy asking Brother Reuben about all the things that we should be prepared for her baptism. All the people whom need to invite to be the speakers, decides on the opening and closing songs etc. Daddy asked mummy to do a invitation card on this event.

I just surfing on the internet and found a few samples which can be follow and come out with the baptism invitation which can post on the Facebook and invites friends through the Watsapp. I had choose a recent photo of Annabelle and put in in the invitation. Daddy too, quite of like it as well.

Annabelle Silly Giggles 25 Sep 2015

Annabelle was so bored that she took Daddy’s hand phone and played. She found something that amused her. The video recording! She was doing all the funny funny stuffs with this new discoveries!

Oh my baby girl

LDS Relief Society ~ Trinity Children’s Home Visit 26 Sep 2015

Today weather really bad as the haze hung heavily over the sky all day. Daddy is not going to work today as both of us have activities at church. He has the Priesthood training which would be conducted by the Mission President and I have the Relief Society Charity Home visit this afternoon. Both of us is almost the same time at church.

We went off earlier from home, because Daddy suggested that we should buy some biscuits from for the children home which I and the Relief Society sisters would be visit. Daddy bought 2 big tins of biscuits – cream crackers and cheese crackers. Then, we went to Citta Mall for both Issac and Annabelle to attend their Teacher Jane’s art class.

We reached PJ Chapel about 3:00pm, the children were together with me as we went up to the 1st Floor Primary Room for our Relief Society activity. All the sisters were encouraged to donate either food items such as instant noodles, rice, cooking oils, canned foods, biscuits, etc ; Or non-food items such as dish washer, shampoo, bathing soaps, body shampoo, floor cleaners, etc.

We started our activity with the opening hymns and opening prayer, then we did the packing for the individual goody bags for the children, so that we can distribute to the children once we are there. There are approximately 20 of sisters and we went there by car pooling.

Trinity Children’s Home is just nearby our church. It is a non-profit organization helping orphans, abused, abandoned and neglected children. During the past 15 years they have provided care and a "home" for over 180 children under the age of 18. Their goal is to provide security, safety and a foundation for the children so they can become successful adults.

Sister Karen told me that our church previously was just next to the Trinity Children’s Home before move to the current location, thus the sisters are familiar with the home. Once we reached there, we were greeted by the committee member at Trinity, Sister Mary Moses. She is the one whom take care of the children. Senior Missionary Sister Mah did a general introduction on our visit, then we sung our songs presentation.

The activity which prepared by Sister Ludi Wong. She taught the children to make paper lanterns from Chinese "red packet", as it will be Mid Autumn Festival tomorrow. Issac and Annabelle too, sitting around together with the children and learned about the art. After, Sister Mariko made beautiful origami paper craft objects and presented them to the children.

The goody bags which we prepared were distributed too to the children. Our visit ended by some refreshments cookies and packet drinks, and we adjourned back to church and met with Daddy after his Priesthood Training too.

During the art and craft activity, Issac and Annabelle were not so happy due to they felt like been left out from the children group, as the sisters were more helping the home children in completing their small lanterns.

After we went back to the church, I told them that, “The purpose today we visited the children home, is because we want to show our caring heart to the children who live there. Most of the children there do not have a proper home whereby they are orphans, abandoned or neglected by their parents. That is why all the sisters trying to help them first,” I continued, “What do you think or feel, if you are the one who live there?”

I tried to make them understand that, we have to be grateful to Heavenly Father of what a huge blessings that He have given to us and our family. Let them feel and see what others might not have the privileges, which they have right now…

To be true, all the children at the home are really obedient, they have manners and polite. Their care taker really teach them very well. I do hope both Issac and Annabelle will leaning something today after visit the Trinity Children’s Home, and the Spirit will continue to guide them in their growing paths.

View Full Album

Concubine Lane Ipoh 25 Sep 2015

Initially we are planning to look for the Art of Old Town created by Ernest Zacharevic, the Lithuanian artist & OLDTOWN White Coffee as a celebration of the heritage and history shared between Ipoh, Old Town and OLDTOWN White Coffee.

Ernest Zacharevic completes 8 amazing 3D Murals Wall Art In Ipoh old town city. But, first of all, looking for our breakfast in the old Ipoh town.

We were headed to Yee Fatt Dry Curry Noodles for their famous curry mee, after disappointed with the huge crowds at the main entrance of the Foh San Restaurant which famous for their Dim Sum. This is the second time we were here and cannot eat the Dim Sum ;(

Once we arrived there, there were people even queuing from inside the shop to outside the shop. We just decided to go the coffee shop at the other end of the shop for our breakfast. The coffee shop too, are full of people due to the spills over effect. We had Hakka mee as our breakfast together with some meatballs soup and fried meatballs too.

But, once we arrived at one of the wall mural, we were so disappointed to see the paints of the wall mural is fading off. Then, daddy brought us to the Lorong Panglima, or in the local Ipoh, they called it “Yi Lai Hong” which means Concubine Lane where rich Chinese tycoons were supposed to have kept their mistresses.

Some how some are said that, this was a smokescreen as this area was actually infamous for opium and gambling dens. Somehow it was less disreputable to tell folks you were visiting your mistress than to admit you were smoking opium.

The lane is really a small and tight lane, and in a state of disrepair with some of the houses were left abandoned. From the looks of the exterior, there is some efforts to gentrify the lane while preserving the history for posterity, and the amount of restoration conducted has been minimal.

Many of the houses are being taken over by the vegetation. There are one or two stalls selling foodies. A souvenirs and crafts shop, a eatery shop are among the few shops which are opened here.

We just took a few photos with the children, and we left…

View Full Album

Lost World of Tambun 24 Sep 2015

It is a last minute decide short trip to Ipoh by Daddy, after seeking the opinion of the children. Both Issac and Annabelle are eagerly want to go the Lost World of Tambun. We started our journey early in the morning around 6.00a.m.

We arrived at Ipoh approximately about 8.30a.m. Thinking of want to have our Dim Sum breakfast at the famous Foh San Restaurant, but eventually we just went off due to the huge crowds and a lot of people were queuing waiting for a table. We just went to the opposite Kopitiam to have our breakfast.

After the breakfast, it was almost 9.15a.m and we headed to the theme park. After we bought the ticket, it was almost time 10.00am that we started our fun day in the Lost World of Tambun ^^

We were amazed by the location of the theme park itself, hidden amongst the lush greenery of Tambun, surrounding by limestone cliffs. The park will provide a much-anticipated family leisure attraction for anyone in the area.

The theme park is landscaped with vines, creepers and lush tropical plants to give the illusion of a Lost World.

1. Lost World Water Park

Jungle Wave Pool
The Jungle Wave Pool is Malaysia’s biggest wave pool! You can hit waves that can swell up three feet high!

 

Adventure River
Drift away in a giant rubber tube along Malaysia’s longest man-made adventure river and experience the park in a different light.

Take in the sights of ancient limestone hills and get soaked from above by a giant tipping bucket. It’s truly an adventure!

 

Sandy Bay
Named after its crystal-white sands, Sandy Bay is a perfect place to just bask in the sun with a cool drink in hand!

Or engage in a game of volleyball with your friends.

 

Kids Explorabay
This kids-only zone has kid-sized slides and a large, wet, interactive play area with giant tipping buckets, water cannons, spraying elephants, water curtains and fountains.

Top this off with a pirate ship ride and your little pirates will be back for more!

 

Cliff Racer
This ride is adrenaline-packed! It takes you straight down the coaster at maximum speed!

Then it takes you up like you’re going to shoot right through the jungle canopy! Great for bigger kids – and kids at heart.

 

Tube Raiders
Don’t miss going on the longest inflatable tube ride in Malaysia!

With four different slides to try, the Tube Raiders is a family favourite as you wind your way down from the top of the giant slides.

 

2. Lost World Petting Zoo

Rabbit Wonderland
Surrounded by a manmade river, this place is truly a wonderland for children.

They can get intimate with all kinds of rabbits.

The children can also go fishing at the river. They can catch Longkang fish – and even baby fishes!

Ruby and Friends
Ruby the raccoon is the star of the Lost World Petting Zoo. This nocturnal mammal is very gentle and absolutely adorable.

Tortoise Kingdom
Look out for the Chinese Box Turtle and the Turtle Senterrapin at the Tortoise Kingdom.

This beautifully-themed kingdom has a 30-ft waterfall cascading into a natural river which flows into a pond that is home to many species of tortoise.

Bird Paradise
Being the only aviary to be surrounded by limestone hills and lush green forests, the Bird Paradise truly lives up to its name.

You will find your feathered friends – 500 birds from 18 species – in a completely natural setting.

Marmoset Tree House
Come discover the white and black-eared marmoset among the trees. These small, squirrel-like monkeys dwell in yet another completely natural setting in the Marmoset Tree House!

Serpentarium
Be completely surrounded by cold-blooded reptiles as you walk through a transparent tunnel.

See reticulated pythons coiled up in corners. Mangrove snakes slithering on the ground.

There may be serpents above you too!

Rain Forest Trail
Be immersed in the sounds and activities of wildlife, such as Squirrels, Foxes, Monkeys, Deers and more.

You can have the thrill of being surrounded by completely wild animals at the designated area too.

There’s nature in abundance at the Rainforest Trail.

Rock Canopy
Have an educational experience like no other at the five photographic and interactive stations at the Rock Canopies. Get ready to engage all your senses as you learn.

 

3. Lost World Tiger Valley

The Siberian tiger is reddish-rusty, or rusty-yellow in colour, with narrow black transverse stripes and this subspecies rank among the biggest living cats in the world.

They are powerful hunters that travel many miles to find prey, such as elk and wild boar, on nocturnal hunts.

Tigers use their distinctive coats as camouflage (no two have exactly the same stripes) and hunt by stealth.

A hungry tiger can eat as much as 60 pounds (27 kilograms) in one night, though they usually eat less. These cats are also excellent climbers and swimmers and we get the chance to catch our Tiger Feeding Show.

 

4. Lost World Tin Valley

Tin History Walk
There are educational boards, explaining the art of tin mining right down to interesting facts on tin and how it has become such an important commodity in international trade used in hundreds of industrial processes throughout the world.

Tin Trail
Walk in the footsteps of Tin. Learn how tin is mined, from its  first form to tin that can be sold.

Dulang Washing
The dulang was used to scoop up the earth, mixed with water and by careful swirling of the water, the mud was swept away and the heavier tin ore remained. Kids will have the opportunity to experience ‘dulang washing’— the art of using a dulang to extract tin from the earth and sand.

Tin Bearers
Elephants were the only mode of transporting the heavy tin ore to the nearest depot. Tin Valley has recreated life-sized stone elephants so visitors will have the opportunity to climb onto its back to enjoy a birds eye view of the Lost World Tin Valley. This would make an excellent photo opportunity.

Dulang Tea House
Open for tea, Dulang Tea House serves some of the most delectable local favourites that tin workers in days of old used to enjoy. There’s locally roasted coffee, toasted bread with half boiled eggs and other savoury treats.

 

5. Lost World Amusement Park

Storm Rider
Come aboard our pirate ship and experience what it might be like on stormy seas! Sit tight as the ship swings 180 degrees. Annabelle and I would not dare to try on this, but Daddy and Issac so bravely went up and try!

Dragon Flight
Want a swinging good time? Well, get on our Dragon Flight, get seated, belt up and prepare to be swung around in the air! This too, both son and father went up!

Giddy Galleon
Round and round and round it goes! Another perfect family ride that will get everyone giggling with giddiness.

Perak Parade
Get on board the Perak Parade! Round and round you go on miniature trains, its easy, fun and great for kids.

Other than the above which we went, it features Lost World Hot Spring & Spa by Night as well, and the Lost World Adventure Park which is a good venue for family day and team building events for the Corporate.

We had our snack bites after at the eateries street, which was modelled after a typical street in Ipoh town, Ipoh Street at Lost World of Tambun is every bit as charming as the original. There are selling curry puffs, egg tarts, noodles soup, curry noodles, rojak, tau foo fah, etc. I think due to all of us were hungry, the snacks seems delicious to us.

We really had a fun day here, it was almost 6:00pm when we came out from the theme park. And, to our surprise, this is the first time ever we are able to spend whole day long in a theme park!

View Full Album

Our Victoria Station USJ Experience 23 Sep 2015

                   

Well, this is our first time went to the Victoria’s Station. I had been long wanting to go into this famous restaurant.

                                 

The interior is quite nice and different, may be I would say a little bit old already the interior design of it, but still amazed us how they can managed to squeeze a train into the shop house and that include a steam locomotive replica!

       

We found that the food is only so so only… But anyway, it was quite an experience to dine here.The children too, very happy too!