An Afternoon @ Kuala Sepetang 2 Jun 2016

After our charcoal factory trip, we heading to Kuala Sepetang town itself, at first we were looking for our hotel first as we do not know where is the place.

It was not so difficult to find, a its signature eagle head have showed or already a landmark here in this small town. The person in charge was not there yet.

We just unloaded our luggage in the reception waiting area first, as the time of check in is not arrived yet.  The hotel helper suggested to us that we should have our lunch then only come back for the check in.

We were looking for a restaurant named Xin Kuala Sepetang Seafood Restaurant, as this is recommended by Mr. Chuah. It is not difficult to find either, just the entrance to the restaurant is a bit weird, we entered from the back door.

It was such a nice view as the restaurant just situated at the river side. Thus, the visitors can see clearly the river view, fishing boats just from their dinning tables.

The children were so excited on this! They were running around the restaurant just to see the fishing boats passing by, the small boats which transport the bakau wood to the charcoal kilns, and seeing the eagles flying over the river hunting their food.

Daddy ordered a sweet and sour steamed fish, a vegetable dish and a braised taufu. It was just nice for us.

There was a little misunderstanding on our hotel booking, luckily it was settled with a call and we were able to check in after our satisfying lunch at the seafood restaurant.

After checked in to the hotel and settled down with our luggage, we went out to the town again for a walk. The weather is so hot, everyone of us is sweating!

The town itself is not big, to be exact it is a fishing village, located along the Sepetang River connected to the sea.

We were walking passing by the houses along the river. Some of the units actually are converted to the docks for the fishing boats to park at the ground floor, and the first floor either is a restaurant or their own homes.

We walked in to one of these unit, the families members were busy segregating and categorized the prawns at one side

At the other corner at the dock, they were receiving the caught of the day - unloading the fishes from the fishing boat to the dock.

They were friendly too, as they do not stop us from enter to their working place. We were allowed to walk around and watched how they doing their works without disturbing them. This was the first time, all of us get so close to the real fishing boats at work.

After this, we did walk in to another unit but the fishing boats were parking so far in near the river, that we only able to see their cold room area only.

We can see all the fishes were taken out from the  cold room where they stored and started to load it to a lorry. The fishes were so big and fresh.

Unfortunately, that was not for sale, as the owner told us that it was for wholesale, where they would deliver to nearby city. I think may be for restaurants or the hypermarkets. Or even to Taiping or Ipoh. Well, this time, the owner of the shop was not so friendly, or may be they were in the midst of loading the fishes.

After walking out from the fishing boats docks, we headed to the center of the village where is the famous signage of the “Port Weld” railway station sign are.

We went to the nearby hawker selling ABC and some fried fish ball or fish cakes to rest for a while.

The small stalls in between two rows of shop lots became so packed as it is the location of famous curry mee noodles, ice kacang, fried ‘Loh Bak’ also selling at here.

The curry mee was different from the one we have in Kuala Lumpur as it came with cubes of coagulated pig’s blood, which it is quite alien to us.

Moreover, my man does not like that at all. Thus we just have some fried ‘Loh Bak’

It was such a cooling after walking under the hot sun in the afternoon. Even though the school holiday just started, the visitors or tourists are started crowded to this small little fishing village.

Along the way back, we can see all sorts of fish, shrimps were putting under the sun to make salty fish, dried shrimps, dried squids, etc..

We walked back to the hotel and took a rest before we got ready ourselves for the 5.00pm river cruise trip.

Matang Historical Museum 2 Jun 2016

We were on our way to Kuala Sepetang on the 3rd day of our holiday, and I have noticed this huge looks like government complex just at the road side.

It is a huge house and look different in the middle of a wide green field, and it is located in the middle of the kampung / village. We were sort of curious. Daddy just pulled aside the car and we decided to pay it a visit.

Later on I know that this Kota Ngah Ibrahim Historical Complex had been change the name to Matang Historical Museum.

It is located at Gantang Hill, Matang (formerly known as Permatang), Perak. It was built by Ngah Ibrahim, who carried the title Orang Kaya Menteri Paduka Tuan. He was the son of Cek Long Jaffar, the first Malay who opened tin mines in the Larut, Matang and Selama areas in 1840.

We found out that this is really a big mansion and it is huge. We can see an elephant replica just at the main hall of the ground floor.

It seems like Long Jaafar had an elephant as a pet. He called this elephant, Larut. One day, Larut went missing for two/three days. He kept on looking for Larut and finally found it few kilometers away from his house. He was happy when he saw Larut, but he was puzzled with sparkling mud that covered Larut’s front legs. He later knew that it was actually Cassiterite or also known as tin. And so he named the area as Larut (in remembering his elephant), which stays as Larut Tin.

Knowing the limitation of Malay people in tin mining, Long Jaafar went to Penang and imported two Chinese groups, known as Gee Hin and Hai San. Gee Hin was led by Chin Ah Yam, while Hai San was led by Chung Keng Kwee.

They worked professionally but unfortunately, they envied each other. With this mentality, these gangs had caused not one, not two, but three Perang Larut, with each war came with specific reason. Mostly, one killed another and one in loved with another.

Ground floor mainly is the permanent display collections consist of all types of artifacts related to the chronology of events leading to the establishment of the museum itself.

From  the building’s construction and the building’s usage beginning from Cek Long Jaffar’s family, Ngah Ibrahim, English Rule, Japanese Occupation.

We then walked up the wooden stairs to the first floor and saw row of well-painted paintings, each with its description.

Pandak Indut, Dato Maharajalela, and Dato Sagor, three Malay heroes who were behind the great astonishing history of the death of J.W.W Birch, a British resident in Perak.

Pandak Indut was the mastermind, while Dato Maharajalela and Dato Sagor were partners in crime, who killed Birch by the river. All three of them were judged in this building, where British turned the first floor of this mansion as a court. Though they had plenty of time to get escaped, they remained in the prison till the judging day, and that showed how brave they were.

Dato Maharajalela and Dato Sagor were sentenced to death while Pandak Indut was outcast from Perak. Meanwhile, Ngah Ibrahim and other 40 Malays were also outcast to Seychelles Island, for conspired with the killing.

The museum’s first floor permanent exhibitions displays artifacts related to the chronology of from British Rule, Matang Malay Teaching College and the Malay School.

This museum also doubled as a home, fort and administrative center and covers an area of 0.8094 hectares. This building was constructed using only rock-based materials.

After Ngah Ibrahim’s death in Singapore on February 4, 1895, the building was put under the English administration until it was converted into the Matang Malay Teaching College (1913-1922).

During the Japanese occupation in the Malay States (1941-1945), it functioned as the Japanese Army’s headquarters.

After Japan surrendered and the World War II ended in 1946, it was transformed into a Malay School (1945-1984).

The fort was converted into the Matang Historical Museum beginning in 1985 and was handed over to the Department of Museums and Antiquities (Now, Department of Museums Malaysia).

On the way out from the main building, there is a Japanese memorial monument, in remembering the late officer who used to turn this house as one of the Japanese operation center later after World War II.

We decided to walk around the museum before we left the museum to Kuala Sepetang. At the end of two corners, there were zinc sheds with information board. We had no idea how to reach the area, for there was no pedestrian walk heading to these two places.

We later got the information that these two sheds were sheltering two old wells found by the archeologist. We were also being told one of these platforms served as “beheading spot” by Japanese army.

At the other side of this building, we saw one gated old and high-raised grave, with super clean pergola and tiles. It is the late Ngah Ibrahim’s grave, the man behind this noted fort. He passed away on 4 February 1895 and was buried for 110 years at Singapore, before being brought back to Malaysia by his heir, on 9 September 2006.

It was quite an informative trip we got here. Last but not least, we have a group picture before we left to Kuala Sepetang.

Taiping War Cemetery 1 Jun 2016

The Taiping War Cemetery is actually on the way we went to the Taiping Zoo and Night Safari and the Bukit Larut.

We can see clearly see two lush fields lined with neatly-organized grave align themselves at opposite sides of the road.

It did give a feeling or sense of serene and peaceful here to whom ever is passing by this area.

This Taiping War Cemetery, was erected by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission sometime after the War.

During the Japanese Invasion, many soldiers from British and Gurkha regiments perished during a short but intense battle, culminating in a hasty retreat to Singapore.

When the war was over, a British major and his team were tasked with collecting the various dead buried across the country in forests and villages.

With the help of Aborigines (Orang Asli), about 900 soldiers were located and exhumed from their burial plots to be interred here.

Among the dead were soldiers of British, Australian, Scottish, Chinese, Malay and Gurkha origins. The graveyard is only one of two such memorial graves in Malaysia, the other being in Labuan (Borneo).

There are separate entrances to the two parts, the plots of Christian graves lying on the south-eastern side of the road and the Muslim and Gurkha graves on the opposite side.

In the Muslim and Gurkha section the Stone of Remembrance stands in front of a high bank which forms the north-western boundary.

The two small shelters in the cemetery have been constructed of local stone, and a low stone wall flanks the road on each side.

There are now 864, 1939-1945 war Commonwealth casualties and 1 Dutch casualty commemorated in this site, more than 500 of whom are unidentified.

We walked into the Christian graves and snap a few photos.

I can not imagine the family behind those soldiers whom were sacrificed in this cruel war back their homeland and waiting for their sons to return home. It must be heartbreaking. I did notice from the date stated on the tombstones, most of them were young, really young at their early 20s.

This was our last destinations of the day, which after this we went to town again to hunt for our dinner.

Taiping Old Clock Tower 1 Jun 2016

After our lunch at the Larut Matang Hawker Center, we just stopped at the road side to snap a few photos of this historical landmark of the Taiping old town.

The Clock Tower of Taiping is the iconic landmark building of the town. It was under threat to be demolished before being conserved as an important history of Taiping colorful past.

The Old Clock Tower of Taiping was built in the year of 1881. Originally made of wood, the structure was rebuilt with bricks nine years later, in the year of 1890. The actual building of the Taiping Clock Tower was in the shape of a square fort, part of which has since been demolished.

Between 1908 and 1950, the Taiping Clock Tower building as used as the town police station as well as the fire brigade. After that, it was left abandoned until recently, when it was converted into the Taiping Visitor Information Centre.

Red telephone booth at the entrance is standard public feature during the British Colonial days.

We did walk in to the Visitor Information Center, and did ask for the local map. I was so happy that I managed to get a Matang and Kuala Sepetang map which indicated places of interests.

All Saints’ Church Taiping 1 Jun 2016

After our visit to the Perak State Museum, we decided to go the All Saints’ Church. When we arrived there, the gate was wide opened.

I guess it is because this church had been gazetted under the National Heritage Building. The church allowed any visitors come in to visit this historical building.

The All Saints’ Church is one of the few churches located in the sleepy town of Taiping.

As one of the oldest towns in Malaysia, Taiping has one of the richest history among all the towns and states of the country. The All Saints’ Church is one of them.

The original church was actually built in 1887 which has since become a National Heritage Site.

In Taiping, the All Saints’ Church is actually one of the renowned 33 ‘Firsts’ here like its first railroad and others.

Belonging to the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia, it was actually the first English church to be built in the Malay states during that era.

The All Saints’ Church has a unique design and architecture which was the works of an Australian architect, Mr. George A Lefroy.

It opened its doors in 1887 by the Bishop of Singapore and Sarawak, Right Revd. G.F Hose.

Located in the heart of Taiping town, it is still very much in its original form which was built using timber. The All Saints’ Church would then become the Parish Church of North Perak in 1907 and it would grow to become one of the prominent places of worship for its members ever since.

Located not far from the church is the All Saints’ Church (New Church) which was built in 2012. I think is to accommodate more people and mass or services at a time.

Just beside the old building, there is a small graveyard with some uniquely crafted headstones at the tombstones. Some of it was beautifully crafted, such as angels, roses ornaments, etc..

All these contains the graves of early colonial settlers, most of whom died of tropical diseases or failed to achieve the colonial pension needed to return home to Britain or Australia.

We were unable to walk into the Church itself as it was locked, we can only took the photos from outside the building. I was wondering how great it is at its previous time, the Church itself have been the place to His saints to worship Him for more than 100 years.

There is a bulletin board at the new church building showed some activities and services provided. We left to the town for our lunch after that.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Puchong Branch Primary Activity Days ~ Water Splash Day 4 Jun 2016

The kids are out of school, the weather is perfect, and it is time again for the Primary Activity Water Splash Day.

Well, this is not the first time we are having the swimming activity here at our house, but just this time more kids joined with us.

This time around we have the pretty girls from Sister Jing Jing: Livia, Hazel and little Vera; Brother Lynard’s Keifer and Jairuz; Sister Vivian’s Jesse and Jojo; Sister Jennifer’s Miguel and our Issac and Annabelle.

May be it is due to our home that have a wide range of water recreational facilities which made the adults and kids too feel very fun!

Such as adult swimming pool with gooseneck nozzles and Jacuzzis, a water reflexology path, a double loop water slide and a water playing area or lap pool with shower umbrellas. And, the children were so excited and eagerly jumped into the pool after our opening prayer!

Besides that, they love the safari theme which all the animals sculpture such as giraffe, elephants, crocodiles, deer and lions scattered around while they were walking through the lazy river float water.

They love the ‘dancing water’ which jump out from the floor nozzles too, and get themselves wet with the water splashing around!

They love the sand playground which have a little slide and swings, and even a gazebo too! There is a wooden bridge which connected the sand playground and the greenery strolling path surrounds the swimming pools.

We started the activity around 10.00am, after one and a half hour, we gathered all the children and came up to our home to take their bath, changed and had a small snacks which prepared by the sisters, together with all the children parents.

It is a fun activity with the Primary kids!

Perak State Museum 1 Jun 2016

After our visit from Bukit Larut, we went to visit the Perak State Museum. This was the only place of attractions which we did no manage to go during our last visit at the year of 2009.

This museum is the oldest museum in Peninsular Malaysia. It is located in the town of Taiping, about 85 km from Ipoh, the capital of Perak. It is also near the Taiping Jail and about 3 km from town.

Most of the museum’s earlier collections are ethnological and anthropological items. Geological, botanical and enthamobological collections make up additional specimens.

The Perak Museum is rich in ethnological, historical, archaeological and ethamobological collections. Some of them are classified as rare collections over a hundred years old such as animal species like the "binturong" and "pulasan", skeletons and scores of animal skeletons and smoked clay which are either extinct or extremely hard to find.

Most of these collections and artifacts are displayed in the museum’s four main galleries housed in an almost 120-year old building. It was built in 1883 and maintains an ancient British architectural concept of the Art Dico kind.

The Nature Gallery exhibits all kinds of animal, bird, fish, snail and herberium species, all of which are housed in unique exhibition cases aged over a hundred years old.

They are also placed in various kinds of dioramas which records a British-style presentation method while retaining a wild habitat environment that is both interesting and full of great ecstatic elements.

The Cultural Gallery displays collections and artifacts from various types of handiworks, handicrafts and weavings of the Malaysian people, especially from Perak, such as a unique weaving made by the Sultan of Perak’s mother.

Weavings of the "tudung saji" (food cover), "tikar pandan dan mengkuang" (pandan and mengkuang mats) as well as baskets reflect the artistic finesse in these handiworks. They are also unique, fascinating and full of ecstatic values that are increasingly hard to find this decade.

The Clay and Indigenous People Gallery is an abundant source of collections and artifacts.

Perak is one of the states which is home to a lot of indigenous people from the Proto Malay, Senoi and Negrito tribes. The Indigenous People Gallery in this museum is a window to displaying the great handiworks skills of the aforementioned tribes.

Of note is their astonishing display of creating clothes from wood pulp, their traditional musical instruments as well as their great sculptures and crafting arts such as mannequins and masks, adapted countless times in medical and magical ceremonies.

Clay works displayed by the museum are traditional industrial products such as "labu", "geluk", "belanga", "pasu bucung", "buyung", "kukusan" and "perasapan" all of which are well over 100 years old.

The museum also organizes moving exhibitions, especially to schools around the Taiping township and nearby towns, usually upon request by schools who are interested. Among presented topics are Glorious Taiping and The Perak Sultanate.

Currently the museum is having exhibition of Weights and Measures at their main hall. Varieties of measuring tools and weighting tools are displayed here.

In the grounds of the Museum there are a number of vintage cars on display.

Namely, a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud 1964, Rolls Royce Phantom 1972, Alvis TD21 Tourer 1960, and a more classic model made by the Star Motor Company in Wolverhampton, probably dating from the late 1920s.

There is also an Outdoor Exhibits outside the building.

It is include a carriage of the Perak State Railway Company, a 19th century steam engine used to power high pressure hoses in open cast tin mining operations, a Malaysian air force jet fighter and an old anchor reclaimed from the Straits of Malacca.

The weather was so hot and we left the museum. Not far away from there, is the Taiping Jail just across the road.