Fun Historical Places: Taiping

 

Taiping Location: Perak Location Info Address: Taiping, Perak, Malaysia District » Taiping   Location Taiping is situated in the north of Perak. Taiping is the second largest town in Perak after Ipoh, the capital of Perak. From 1876 to 1937, Taiping took over the role as state capital from Kuala Kangsar and was later replaced by Ipoh. Since then, the development of Taiping has slowed down but has picked up pace in the recent years. Overview Taiping is full of various tourist attractions. Of the many places of interest in Taiping, Maxwell Hill is one of them. The hill is a quiet one with an altitude of approximately 1000 meters. It can only be accessed via a long narrow single track road with the help of a four-wheeled ride vehicle. Other than the Maxwell Hill, there is also the Taiping Lake Gardens which is a garden for the public that was initially an abandoned surface tin mine. If you are nature loving person, do not miss the chance to visit the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve. This is a forty-acre area of mangrove forest reserve. Here, you will get to see numerous flora and fauna in its untouched habitat. Other than these tourist spots, there are plenty of places to find cheap hawker food in Taiping. Transport Taiping can be reached by getting on the North-South Expressway. One can also reach Taiping via express buses that will arrive and depart from the long distance bus station at Kamunting and Simpang. Taken from http://perak.attractionsinmalaysia.com/Taiping.php

Fun Historical Places: Kuala Kangsar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kuala Kangsar Location: Perak Location Info Address: Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia District » Kuala Kangsar Location Kuala Kangsar is the Royal Town of Perak which is peaceful and well taken care of. It is comfortably located at a crook of Perak River. Kuala Kangsar had caught the ruler at the time, Sultan Yusuf Sharifuddin Mudzaffar Shah of Perak who ruled from 1877 to 1887 who had built his palace just beside the riverbank where it was exposed to various threats. The palace was named the 'Istana Sri Sayong'. Overview Kuala Kangsar has developed much since then and has spread across the lands along the river bank to fit the growing number of its people. There are several places of interest in Kuala Kangsar. One of the places worth visiting would be the Sultan Azlan Shah Museum which is just further down the road from the Royal Palace. The museum used to be an older Palace which was named Istana Hulu which was built back in 1903. The palace was built with the Victorian architecture in mind and about five years ago, the palace was made to house the Raja Perempuan Mazwin School. It was just recently that the school moved out and the palace was left vacant. Transformation work then turned the palace into the Sultan Azlan Shah Museum. Right outside the museum gates is a rubber tree. This is one of the two oldest rubber trees in Peninsula that have endured the years. The Resident of Perak at that time motivated the planting of rubber trees as the car industry progressed rapidly in the west. Many jungles were made into plantations to grow rubber trees. In the older parts of Kuala Kangsar is the Ubudiah Mosque. The foundation of the mosque was laid in 1913 by Sultan Idris and Sir Hugh Low. The completion of the mosque was delayed because of World War I and was only completed a year after the death of Sultan Idris' successor.Other places include the Istana Kenangan and the Malay College. Transport To get to Kuala Kangsar from Kuala Lumpur, you will need to get on the North-South Expressway and head towards Ipoh. Kuala Kangsar is about 30 kilometeres from the north of Ipoh. Taken from http://perak.attractionsinmalaysia.com/Kuala-Kangsar.php

Kellie's Castle: A must-place-visit!!!

 

Kellie's Castle Location: Perak Location Info Address: Chalet Mdkb Kellie's Castle, Jalan Gopeng, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia Office Number: +605 3651 336 District » Batu Gajah Location Kellie's Castle is situated near Batu Gajah in Perak. It is about 20 minutes drive from the city of Ipoh, the capital of Perak. The castle is an unfinished mansion that was built by a Scottish planter by the name of William Kellie Smith. The castle was built according to some are either as a gift to his wife or a home for his son. Overview The Kellie's Castle was meant to be the center of the wealthy colonial planters and administrators to socialize. The mansion was built with a six storey tower, magnificent columns and even a wine cellar. There was also to be a rooftop courtyard for holding parties and an elevator which was at that time, the first in the country of Malaysia. Though plans were grand and full of luxury, the building was never completed. Construction began in 1915 but came to a halt in December 1926 with the unexpected death of its owner, William Kellie Smith. After the death of Smith, the estate on which the mansion was located was sold and the mansion, too became part of the deal in the selling of the estate. 70 workers mostly from Madras were hired to construct the mansion. The bricks and marble were all brought all the way from India. Unfortunately, during the period of construction, a mysterious illness broke out and caused the death of many of Smith's employees. Smith was told that he has to build a temple to appease the gods. With that, Smith quickly got his workers to build a Hindu temple nearby. Construction resumed after the temple was done. Unfortunately, the castle was never finished as Smith passed away due to pneumonia during his trip to Lisbon. Today, the mansion had been rediscovered and is now famously known by the locals and the tourists as the Kellie's Castle. The mansion still stands tall through the test of time. This symbolizes the pioneering spirit of the early colonialists and the romanticism of a bygone era. Transport Kellie's Castle is located en route to Batu Gajah town at the Kinta Kellas Rubber Estate. It is approximately 30 minutes by car and about 14 kilometers from Ipoh. Taken from http://perak.attractionsinmalaysia.com/Kellie-Castle.php

Fun Historical Places to Visit in Penang

Penang Hill

Malaysia’s first hill station, Penang Hill is 830m above sea level. Ascend to the top by hiking up or by travelling in the funicular train which has been operational since 1922 and enjoy the cool climate as well as the fantastic view at the summit..

Kek Lok Si Temple Night Visit

The Kek Lok Si temple is a must-visit place in Penang. But have you visited the temple at night? Find out here the night attractions of this iconic temple.

Penang Aquarium

Not a lot of people know there is an aquarium in Penang. Even though it is a small aquarium, there are a lot of things about the marine live to find out here. It’s a great place for a family outing.

Gurney Drive

A favorite haunt for food enthusiasts, this coastal road is famous for hawker foodstalls and restaurants offering a mouth-watering selection of Penang specialties such as asam laksa, hokkien mee, chee cheong fun, pasembor, rojak and various other delicious local delicacies.

Snake TempleBuilt in 1850 and dedicated to the deity, Chor Soo Kong, the temple is a sanctuary for pit vipers said to be “servants” of the deity.

Fort Cornwallis
The fort was built on the site of Sir Francis Light’s historic landing in 1786. Originally a wooden stockade, it is now a concrete structure and currently houses cannons, a history gallery, café, handicraft and souvenir centre as well as an open-air amphitheatre.

Khoo Kongsi
Khoo Kongsi is one of the grandest clan temples in the country. Clustered in its square are an elaborately embellished temple, association building, a traditional theatre as well as several 19th century row houses.

Kek Lok Si TempleReputed to be the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, the temple stands majestically on a hill in Air Itam. It boasts the beautiful “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas” which blends Chinese, Myanmarese and Thai architecture.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Featuring 18th and 19th century Chinese architecture, this stately mansion comprises beautiful bedrooms, libraries, ceremonial halls, courtyards and gardens. It also houses a rare porcelain collection, sculptures, carvings, tapestries, embroideries and antiques.

War Museum
Built around the remnants of a British fort, this 20-acre museum contains several installations above and below ground where old war relics are stored. Visitors can weave through a complex to view barracks, old cookhouses, lock-ups, tunnels and ventilation shafts.

Penang Museum
Hundreds of old prints, paintings, clay, stone and porcelain ware as well as other historical artefacts that highlight the important periods in Penang’s development can be found here.

Kapitan Keling MosqueBuilt in early 19th century, the mosque features an ochre yellow façade and a dome-shaped minaret reflecting Moorish Islamic influence. It was named after the Indian Muslim merchant, the Kapitan Keling (headman), Caudeer Mohudeen.

Acheen Street Malay Mosque
Built in 1820 on land donated by Syed Sheriff Tengku Syed Hussain Aidid, the vernacular-style mosque, also known as Masjid Melayu, features an octagonal minaret and a Moorish arcade.

ChinatownLarge and well-preserved, its numerous clan houses, shophouses and temples provide a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of early Chinese immigrant settlers who came here in the 1800s.

Little IndiaThis quaint Indian town dates back over two centuries and boasts the 167 years old Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Worth browsing here are the pre-war terrace buildings which house restaurants, jewellery and textile shops, dress retailers, music stores, barbers as well as shops selling spices, sundries and cutlery.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Contained in this mansion are elaborate traditional costumes and accessories, lovely porcelain pieces, furniture, works of art brought in from China and Europe as well as artifacts related to the history and colorful lifestyle of the Baba Nyonya people of Penang.

St. George’s Church
The church is one of the oldest landmarks in the city and was named after the patron saint of England. It features a memorial canopy dedicated to Captain Francis Light.

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram
A unique Buddhist temple with Thai, Myanmarese and Chinese architecture, it houses a 33-metre gold-plated reclining Buddha said to be one of the longest in the world. The niches behind the statue house urns contain the ashes of devotees.

P. Ramlee’s House
Originally built in 1926 to commemorate the late P. Ramlee, Malaysia’s foremost entertainer, the house features the life history of the late singer, actor, composer and film director. The various exhibits include his personal memorabilia and also items belonging to his family.

Penang National Park
The park offers excellent hiking trails which lead to secluded beaches at Teluk Duyung, Muka Head and Pantai Kerachut. It also has a turtle nesting site as well as a unique meromictic lake.

Tropical Spice Garden
Visitors can get a feel of plants, birds and insects in a tropical environment at this eight-acre garden which has over 500 exotic varieties of plants.

Tropical Fruit Farm
Spread over 25 acres of hilly terrain, the farm produces over 200 tropical and subtropical fruits including durians, lychees, mangoes, guavas and several lesser known varieties.

Penang Butterfly Farm
The farm spans 0.8ha and is home to 3,000 living specimens from over 50 species of colorful butterflies, frogs, scorpions and other insects.

Penang Bird Park
The park spans 5 acres and houses some 800 birds from all over the world. It is beautifully landscaped and features a walk-in aviary, ponds and ornamental plants.

Penang Shopping Malls, Dining and Entertainment
Penang is a shoppers’ paradise for goods old and new at bargain prices. There is a wide choice of electronic and electrical goods, cameras, clothing, batik, souvenirs and antiques. The island also boasts some of the best food in the country. An exciting choice of entertainment including concerts, dramas, cultural performances as well as sports and recreational activities are available throughout the state.

Do come and visit Malaysia !!!!

Adapted from http://malaysiakini2011.blogspot.com/

The Historical Places: Malacca

Malacca is one the most interesting state in Malaysia for you to come and visit. We, the Time Traveller, suggest this place as we visited here a few times before this. It is a truly unforgettable experience.

A BRIEF HISTORY 

Malacca was founded by a fleeing prince from Sumatra in 14th century, it developed into a major trading port for ships from India and China. As the Melaka Sultanate flourished, the Portuguese conquered Malacca in 1511. Later the Dutch took over in 1641 until much later the British empire ruled Malacca. The state finally obtained independence with the then "Malaya states" in 1957. Today, one will find many remnants of the glorious past dated back more than 500 years ago.

 

HISTORICAL PLACES

A replica of the Melaka Sultanate palace was reconstructed at the foot of St. Paul's Hill. The design is based on the description of the palace from the sixteenth-century 'Malay Annals,' or 'Sejarah Melayu.' It is the only building of its kind in Malaysia, and it provides a rare glimpse of the ancient Malay kingdom that once flourished here. The palace houses the Malacca Cultural Museum, which includes many artifacts of that kingdom.

On top of St. Paul's Hill is the St. Paul's Church, once the prayer house of the Portuguese Catholics, then turned into burial ground for their noble dead by the Dutch. The tombstones have Latin and Portuguese inscriptions on them. St. Francis Xavier was buried here in 1553 before his body was moved to Goa in India.

After the Portuguese captured Melaka, they built a fortress to defend themselves. The fortress, called A'Famosa suffered severe destruction during the Dutch invasion. What's left today is just the entrance walls, still well preserved till today

The Stadthuys (1650) was the official residence of the Dutch Governor. It now houses the Historic Museum and Ethnography Museum which has many traditional bridal costumes and relics on display. Nearby, one will also find the Christ Church built in 1753, another fine example of the Dutch architecture.

During the peak of the Malacca Sultanate, the Sultan was gifted the Princess Hang Li Poh by the China Emperor. Her entourage settled in Bukit China (Chinese Hill). Today, Bukit China is believed to be the largest Chinese cemetery outside China, with many tombs dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Hang Li Poh's followers built a well in 1459 that is said to have never dried up. Today, the well is turned into a wishing well and many believe those who toss coins into the well will return again to Malacca.

The Kampung Keling Mosque is one of the oldest in the country (17th century). It's a blend of Sumatran and Western architecture with a 3 tier pyramid roof, a touch of Hindu influence perhaps. The carved wooden ceiling is supported by elegant Corinthian-styled columns.

Another well preserved building, the Cheng Hoon Teng temple was constructed in 1645 and is believed to be the oldest Chinese temple in the country. The eaves of the temple are decorated with Mythological figures and animation made from broken glass and porcelain. Besides the figures, the wood carvings and lacquer work are almost breath-taking.

There are many other places of historical value well worth a visit. What is mentioned above are just some of the "Not to be miss" sites. If you have more than a day's stay in Malacca, these places are worth visiting too.

OTHER HISTORICAL AND INTERESTING SITES

Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum. 'Straits Chinese' or the Baba and Nyonya , are Chinese of noble descendants that have adopted much of the Malay culture into theirs. The public can now review the heirloom unique to this heritage at private museum run by the Babas and Nyonyas of Malacca. Floral and pictorial motifs grace parts of the front of the house whilst the interior is adorned with intricately carved fittings finished in gold leaf.

 

Hang Jebat and Hang Kasturi's mausoleum. Two of the Malacca Sultanate's well-known warriors and champion of justice. Hang Jebat was unceremoniously killed by Hang Tuah in a duel of honour that lasted 3 days and 3 nights. He was killed in the name of justice to avenge the sultan's hasty punishment against Hang Tuah for a crime he didn't commit.

 

Hang Tuah's well is located in Kampung Duyong where Hang Tuah was born and spent his childhood among four of his good friends who would later become the famous warriors of Malacca Sultanate. The well is said to be the abode of his soul which takes the apparition of a white crocodile. For a commoner to catch the glimpse of Hang Tuah is hardly likely. It is said that the holy among us can ever hope to see the apparition.

 

Jonker's Street, once the richman's street is now a living proof of Malacca's rich baba-nyonya heritage. The buildings are immaculately constructed with elaborate carvings on its pillars and walls. The street is also famous for its antique shops.

Maritime Museum is constructed after 'Flora De La Mar', the Portuguese ship that sank off the Coast of Malacca on its way to Portugal. With its hull laden with invaluable treasures seized from Malacca, the ship was doomed from existence had it not for the efforts to Malacca's heritage. At the museum, visitor can get a closer look at Malacca from the famed Malay Sultanate of the 14th century to the Portuguese era, the Dutch era and the British era. There are exhibits of foreign ships that had once called at the port of Malacca during the height of its maritime hegemony.

Memorial hall (1912), the landmark where the nation's first prime minister announce proclamation of independence from the British empire. It has been preserved with archive pictures of the country's struggle to attain independence.

Portuguese Square has a mild affinity to Portugal and known to be 'Mini Lisbon' in Malacca. Located within the Portuguese Settlement, the square is the culmination of Portuguese culture in its full splendour and colours. One will also find authentic Portuguese restaurants at the square.

Sam Po Kong Temple was constructed in dedication to Admiral Cheng Ho. The temple was named after a fish that miraculously saved the admiral's ship from sinking after it had been hit by a storm enroute to Malacca from China. The fish mysteriously placed itself against a damaged hull preventing the ship from taking on water.

Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple is one of the first Hindu temple built in the country at the turn of the century. It was built on the plot given by the Dutch.

St. Francis Xavier's Church was built in 1849 by a frenchman, Reverend Farve. The Gothic towered church is dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, well-remembered for his missionary work spreading Catholicism to South East Asia in the 16th century.

St. John's Fort was rebuilt by the Dutch during the third quarter of the 18 th century, the fort was once a private Portuguese chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The fort has an interesting feature in that its gun embrasures face inland as during that time, attacks on Malacca came mainly from the land instead of from the sea.

St. Peter's Church was built in 1710 by the Portuguese descendants and comprising an architectural mix of the Oriental and Occidental.

Taken from http://www.melaka.net/must_visit.htm

The Historical Places in Malaysia

As all of you know, this club is focusing on the historical places in Malaysia.
So, here are some of the places of attractions that we suggest and love to visit and travel.
Bon voyage :D

1. Kellie's Castle
2. Gua Tempurung
3. Pulau Langkawi
4. Pasir Salak
5. Melaka
6. Penjara Taiping
7. Lake Garden, Taiping
8. Menara Condong, Teluk Intan
9. Istana Kuala Kangsar
10. Dataran Merdeka
11. Istana Negara
12. Muzium Negara
13. Bukit Bendera
14. Batu Feringgi
15. Cameron Highland
16. Maxwell Hill, Taiping

Hello there!!! Our very first meeting :D

Assalamualaikum and hi to all the virtual time traveller :)

This is the blog of our club that have been established to focus on the time travel.

We are some of the passionate group of people who love to travel to historical places around Malaysia. Here are some of the pictures for our very first meeting.

 

 

the busy colleagues

 

We are discussing the main agenda of the club

 

Hello people hihi