We have here Chen Seong Yin and his wife to be, Briggita, posing with a trishaw – as part of their wedding photo shoot. This was taken in August 1996 at the Darling Honemoon Villa in Ipoh Garden.
Did you have a unique location for your wedding photo shoot?
This is a licence from the Municipality of Ipoh to Hung Chin Ling, i.c. PK.028579 of K-2, Kepayang, Fair Park, Ipoh who has a coffee shop. The license, of course, was issued in accordance to the Sales of Food and Drugs Ordinance 1952. There were also the following conditions, which had to be adhered to:
I wonder if Hung’s coffee shop is still in business…
This is a photograph of one of the cars which was participating in the London to Sydney Marathon. The drivers were Rick Bates and Jenny Brittan. The cars were gathered in the centre of Ipoh, near the Municipal Building (Dataran Dewan Bandaraya Ipoh) before they took off on the next stage of the rally. One of the sponsors was Trans World Events…..(read more here)
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this one.
Pardon me if I’m wrong…but are those Japanese characters, written above the English words? If so, this picture could have been taken during the Second World War (or a little after).
From what we know, the first control tower at the Ipoh Airport was built in 1938. Hence, with reference to this photo below (from Edwin Seibel), could this be dated somewhere in the 1940s? Or, perhaps later…after the Second World War?
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this picture.
picture source: Star Online
picture source: Star Online
Nothing like a good ‘ol Lion Dance Troupe to welcome Chinese New Year. Speaking of which, has anyone here been part of a troupe at some point in your youth? (maybe you were ‘part’ of the ‘lion’ too?)
This guy certainly wanted to join in the fun! Read more here.
picture source: NST online
No, this isn’t part of a circus troupe. Neither is this a Chinese New Year celebration (yes, I know some of you spotted the ‘lion’ in the background).
This is actually part of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival parade. We thank our donor – Ann Kesselring Hamon – for sharing this with us.
Here’s another picture from that parade.
Looks like a beautiful painting, doesn’t it? This postcard shows the hot springs at Tambun, Ipoh. It was posted to France on 28 August 1913. It shows three men in front of the geyser; behind the geyser are the famed Limestone cliffs of the Kinta Valley. This, of course, is a Kaulfuss postcard 🙂
The month of August is usually known as “bulan Merdeka” (Merdeka/Independence Month). But did you also know that the earliest cinematograph first came to Ipoh in August 1906?
Initially the cinematograph market was monopolized by one company, the Matsuo Japanese Cinematograph Company, who used to hold nightly shows in a tent for 7-weeks running, moving from city to city. The following year however, he had competition in the form of 3 other cinematograph companies, each employing different novelties to attract crowds. (read more here)
This was what the Japanese Garden (sponsored by the Perak Turf Club) once looked like. Of course, this picture was taken back in the 1980s. Sadly, this lovely tourist spot fell under poor maintenance and neglect over the years. It even fell prey to vandals 🙁
I don’t know what has become of this place today.
However, there was another Japanese Garden built at D R Seenivasagam Park (formerly known as Coronation Park). This garden seems to have survived over the years, and has also been given a ‘facelift’ of sorts. (read more about it here)
The people of Ipoh had an opportunity to witness an aeroplane for the first time on July 1 1911! G P Kuller – one of the earliest aviators – staged a 4-day flight exhibition in Ipoh.
Thousands congregated at the race course, with 150 Europeans occupying the 1st and 2nd class seats. The 3rd and 4th class ticket-holders were largely Asian, while an even larger crowd assembled outside on Tambun Road. (read more here)
Do you recall the first time you boarded a plane?
We’ve always featured old photos of this famous bridge. Here’s something new – from V Radnell. Yes, it’s non other than the Hugh Low Bridge (now known as the Sultan Iskandar Bridge).
This is a recent view, probably a year or two ago.
A map of the Ipoh Cantonese heritage trail walkable points. (15th December 2021) — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
According to this advertisement (from 1988), this place offered a “City Day Special”. Does anyone remember where Cowboy’s Inn was? And, perhaps what’s become of the place?
Yes, staycation is a word 🙂 It means “a vacation spent at home or nearby”. Well, now that you know what a staycation is….where do you plan to spend the coming holidays? Here’s an idea (ref. to picture above); why not do what the Jennings’ did?
In the above picture, J A S Jennings and his wife Freda are taking time-off at Rosedale – their cottage at Kledang Hill Station that they used on weekends and holidays. Ok, ok…so maybe you don’t own a cottage. But I’m sure there are some places near your town that offer a weekend getaway?
The Ipoh Bodega was the first European restaurant to open in Ipoh. Its doors opened on the 6th August 1904. Initially catering mainly to the lunchtime crowd, it began serving dinner shortly after and a month later began to stay open until 11pm, with music to entertain the liquor-drinkers. The weather was the death of the restaurant though. Heavy rains in October resulted in the flooding of Belfield Street, the premise of Ipoh Bodega. Accessible only by sampan, Ipoh Bodega was nicknamed the Bog. Less than a month later it closed down and changed hands. The new proprietors faced a different but equally fatal quandary – the night-soil collection carts. These “honey carts” pulled up opposite the Bodega nightly between 8 and 9 pm to engage in their odoriferous task. Angry Ipohites urged for the collection hour to be pushed to midnight but to no avail. The Ipoh Bodega shut its doors for good in early 1905.
The above extract was taken from an article, from the Ipoh Echo (issue 021, 2006). Has anyone heard of The Bog? Where (in Ipoh) would it be….if it were still open today?
Here’s your “homework” for today: Study these pictures carefully. How many of these places do you recognise?
Some clues can be found here. 😉
This press cutting reported that on March 1st 1983, a new $14 million central market (Super Kinta), was expected to be fully opened for business. Also, this was said to be the largest in South-East Asia!
Mark your calendars, folks. Come witness the launching of a unique book by H. Berbar on 21st March 2020, at Tin Alley (3 Lorong Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh).
We came across this article in the Star newspaper. If this plan goes through, perhaps we’ll be able to see the once iconic Station Hotel back in all its glory.
Here’s a recap of the inside of the Station Hotel, from the early 1920s, when a retirement dinner was given to the 14th British Resident of Perak, Lt. Col. WJP Hume.
Our donor tells us that, Lt. Col. Hume is in white, seated at the head of the table. Seated in the middle of the right row is J A S Jennings, the Editor of Times of Malaya.
Yes, there was a park such as this (pictured above) in Gopeng. Sadly, it is no longer there…
Do you remember this park?
There was a time when parks (such as the one pictured above) were considered ideal ‘dating’ spots 😉
The word Thaipusam is a combination of the name of the Tamil month, Thai, and the name of a star, Pusam. This particular star is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a Vel “spear” so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman.
We at IpohWorld would like to wish everyone a Happy Thaipusam 🙂
We thank Keith Nelson for the above photographs.
In previous blog posts about the former Yau Tet Shin Round Market, many of you talked about the stall(s) you frequently visited. Well, for those who knew the Round Market like the back of their hand….here’s a ‘quiz’ for you: Do you recall what was sold at Stall No. 12?
Anyone here a fan of spelunking? Hmm…maybe I’ve lost you guys for a minute 😉
Spelunking is the exploration of caves, especially as a hobby. So, back to the question in hand; anyone here been spelunking before? If so, have you come across this cave (picture below)? This place is somewhere in Ipoh, by the way…
We have many exciting workshops and experience for tourist to sign up. Some are also free.
Including1) Dine in the Dark (rm15 per pax)
Register via WhatsApp name > 012-4128038Rattan Basket Weaving Workshop [1 seat left]
27 Apr | 4:30pm (2 hours)
https://loka.fun/ft-rattan-basket-weaving-27aprFruit and Vegetables Bouquet Workshop [8 seat left]
27 Apr | 7pm (2 hours)
https://loka.fun/ft-fruit-veggie-bouquet-27aprCultural Dining Experience – Malay | Chinese | Indian [28 seat left]
28 Apr | 6pm (1.5 hours)
https://www.lokalocal.com/tour/3737/cultural-dining-experience-malay-chinese-indianIpoh Echo Food & Heritage Trial with Vivien Lian (Halal and Non Halal) [13 seat left]
28 Apr | 7:30am (5 hours)
https://www.lokalocal.com/tour/3735/ipoh-echo-food-heritage-trial-with-vivien-lian-halal-and-non-halalLiberica White Coffee Roasting Workshop [8 seat left]
4 May | 4:30pm or 8:30pm (1 hour)
https://loka.fun/ft-liberica-coffee-roasting-4mayMalaysia Local Coffee Roasting Workshop [9 seat left]
4 May | 4:30pm or 8:30pm (1 hour)
https://loka.fun/ft-msia-coffee-roasting-4mayBees Wax Wrap Workshop by A Bit Less Bulk Store [7 seat left]
4 May | 4:30pm (2 hours)
https://loka.fun/ft-beeswax-wrap-4mayCoffee Scrub Workshop [10 seat left]
4 May | 7pm (2 hours)
https://loka.fun/ft-coffee-scrub-workshop-4mayIpoh White Coffee Story & Heritage Tour [57 seat left]
4 May | 8am or 4pm (2 hours) | English & Chinese session
https://loka.fun/ft-ipoh-story-heritage-4mayMore info is at Ipoh Food Fest Facebook page
https://m.facebook.com/theipohfoodfest/
click to enlarge
Don’t know what to do the coming long weekend? Well, why don’t you head on out to Ipoh Old Town. Lots of exciting events will be happening on the 19th and 20th of January 2019 – you wouldn’t want to miss it!
Curious? Want to know more? Visit the Sama Sama Perak Facebook page.
No, we’re not being ‘bitter’ about it…but did anyone realise that this beautiful floral clock is no more? For those who’ve never had the chance to see it, here are two pictures for you; both are from Ann Kesselring Hamon. The lady in white (left image) is Ann’s mother Florence Kesselring. As for the right image, it was taken from a 35mm Kodachrome slide.
For those (like me) who have never seen this lovely clock, it was once part of the Japanese Garden along Tambun Road.
Where were YOU back in 1979? Did you witness the Castrol ASEAN Rally? Do you remember seeing this car (picture above) in action?
Although the photo is not too clear, but do you recognise the driver? 😉
Yes, “Visit Malaya” posters existed back in 1961! Here’s one which some of you may have seen… (you can read more about this poster here).
“Fancy travelling down the memory lanes in Ipoh?
Commander Ian Anderson would bring you through the tourist trails of Old Ipoh, to allow you to relive the good old glorious Ipoh.
The speaker will guide the audience along the first published tourist trails of Ipoh in 1914, continuing with a look at the differences created by development in the trail of 1921.The lecture will conclude with a look at the development of today’s Old Town Heritage Trail.”
Mark your calendars, folks. Come by to STG Ipoh Old Town this Sunday 19th August 2018, from 2.30pm – 5pm.
For more details, check out the link below:
https://www.samasamaperak.my/jom/tourists-trails-old-ipoh/
Here’s a picture of the FMSR Locomotiv Class G.
The locomotive was built by R. Stephenson. It was placed in Perak Railway with the name FMSR 47 in July 1901. It was scrapped on November 1931. A series of 34 4-6-0 locomotives were built by Kitson (16), Hunslet (5), Neilson Reid & R. Stephenson.
And just for interest sake, here’s a picture of what the inside of a first class coach looked like 🙂
Left picture: Tinted photograph from 1950 Right picture: Same bridge and street from 1989 (courtesy of Ngai)
No, not our website….but this beautiful icon of Ipoh is said to be turning 100 years old this year!
This special heritage building was even mentioned in the Star recently (read the article here).
It’s obvious that the writer of the above article had a good time in Perak recently. We’re glad he and his friends enjoyed themselves. We’re also glad that they visited our Hakka Museum (ref. to the area highlighted in blue).
ps: Have YOU visited the Hakka Museum lately? If not, what are you waiting for?
photo from: Lay Jin Chew
Here’s another river scene, from one side of the Hugh Low Bridge. Can you see the wooden bench near the lamp post? I doubt there’s such a thing there today. Even the bridge is different now. But don’t let all the changes discourage you from enjoying this nostalgic photograph.
Drop us an e-mail at info@ipohworld.org if you are interested in joining our team of part-time guides at Ipoh World at Han Chin Pet Soo
Of late, Ipoh old town has been getting increasingly popular — it’s great, but everyone also goes to the same spaces for the same experiences.
We know there is plenty to learn of Ipoh old town, many more places and stories to explore and uncover. So we’ll be working with Doodle Malaysia to draw out a map — let’s bongkarkan all the secrets the place may hold.Read more here.
So, mark your calendars, folks….this 13th – 20th November 2016 is going to be exciting!
Shocking but true. While we’re busy building new structures, our heritage sites are paying the price. Some are either ignored or just left to ‘fend’ for themselves.
One such place is the famed Tambun Caves which recently fell victim to vandals.
As the Star Metro report states: ” The prehistoric cave drawings are still there, but if nothing is done they are in danger of being overwhelmed by random scrawls of vandals.” We couldn’t agree more.
picture from: Ipoh Guide
picture from: Gogan Singh
According to our donor, he and his friends were part of the few non-Chinese devotees who took part in the 9 Emperor Gods festival back in 1970. If you remember this particular event, did you meet them at the procession?
From past blog posts, we’ve had Readers sharing their memories about some of the many smaller departmental stores in Ipoh. With the coming of hypermarkets and malls, these small businesses eventually folded. On that note, does anyone remember Angel Departmental Store? Do you remember where it was located?
picture courtesy of: Star Online
This photo was taken in the late 1950s / early 1960s. Yes, it’s none other than the Straits Trading Building, in Ipoh!
click to enlarge
Do you recognise this panorama? Can you guess which part of Ipoh this is? While you’re trying to name the buildings and streets, can you also give us a rough date? We look forward to your comments 🙂
On the morning of 30th April 2016, Treacher Street was all abuzz with activity. That day marked the grand opening of the Ho Yan Hor Museum – a museum which tells the story of Ho Kai Cheong, who began as an operator of a humble tea stall and later became a famous entrepreneur and philanthropist.
People from all walks of life were there, some even came from overseas. As can be seen from the picture, many were fascinated with our vehicle collection 🙂 We were happy to have helped in one way or another for the restoration of the Ho Yan Hor Museum. More about this event can be read at this link.
click to enlarge
Do you recognise these panels? They can be found on the four sides of the Birch Clock tower. Still wondering what I’m talking about? Well, the next time you pass by the clock tower, take a closer look 🙂
THE J W W BIRCH MEMORIAL CLOCK TOWER PANELS
The Growth of Civilization.
The following is a description of the figures represented in the painted panels:
PANELS A AND B: Prehistoric Times to the Time of Christ.
PANEL A NORTH.
The Stone Age – A Hunter.
A Fisherman.
A Woman spinning.
The Iron Age – Man and Woman.
The Early Eastern Peoples – A Nubian with gold and ivory.
A Chaldean Astrologer.
A Woman making pottery.
An Egyptian.
An Assyrian.
A Persian.
PANEL B WEST.
The Eastern Meditteranean – Judaism.
Moses.
David
A Phonecian.
A woman representing the Agean civilization.
The Far East – Confucius.
Buddha.
Lao Tzu.
Greece and Rome – A woman representing Greek Art.
Alexander the Great.
A Greek Philosopher.
Augustus.
PANELS C AND D – From the Time of Christ to the Present Day.
PANEL C SOUTH
The Byzantine Empire – Constantine the Great.
Islam – Mohammed (pbh).
The Age of Chivalry – A Crusader.
The Age of Faith – St. Clara.
Gothic Art – A Bishop with a model of a Cathedral.
The Renaissance – Science – Galileo.
Art – Michael Angelo.
Literature – Vittoria Colonna.
Enterprise – Columbus.
The Reformation – Luther.
The Elizabethan Age – Shakespeare.
PANEL D EAST – Modern Science, Art and Social Services.
Physics – Newton.
Medicine – Harvey.
The use of steam – Watt.
Easter Art – Embroiderer.
Music – Beethoven.
Engineering – Stephenson.
Photography – Daguerre.
Social Service – Miss Nightingale.
Natural Science – Darwin.
Electricity – Edison.
Humane Surgery – Lister.
Left picture source = ipohWorld; Right picture source = Star Publication
From what we were told, there used be street processions in Ipoh during the 9-Emperor Gods Festival! Today, we’re featuring a Then and Now photograph. On the left is a picture from 1947, on the right is a recent photograph (from the Star).
picture courtesy of Star Publications
We admit that it was not easy, but through much hard work and determination we managed to restore the Han Chin Villa (Han Chin Pet Soo) and turn it into a museum. As can be seen in the above picture, the restored Villa stands proudly amidst the other shops. Our up-and-coming project is the blue building next to it (a secret we shall reveal in the near future, so stay tuned!).
From what today’s Star newspaper says, restoring / maintaining such buildings can be a burden to the owner(s). What do YOU think? We’d like to hear your views on the matter.
You can read the full Star article here.
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Tapestry performs for the first time in Ipoh at the Event Hall of the Sarang Paloh Heritage Hotel. Come experience an evening of songs in this beautiful and striking heritage space.
Friday, 9 October 2015 @ 8:30 PM
Tickets are priced at RM35 (free seating), and can be purchased from Sarang Paloh, and also from our website:http://www.wearetapestry.com/index.php/tapestry-events/
or, you can follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1450288048610502/
picture from: Star Newspaper
Recently, there was a report about the public pool (near the Perak Stadium) being closed for renovations. From what I’ve observed before it closed, this pool is rather popular among Ipoh-ites – especially the little ones.
Just out of curiosity, does anyone know WHEN the pool was built?
courtesy of Ruth Iversen Rollitt
Here’s another angle of a once famous hotel. I’m sure most of you recognise this building (and Iversen-design, if I’m not mistaken). Does anyone know what shops occupied the left part of the photo?
We’d like to thank Chin Choon Yau – one of the Instructors at Perak Institute of Art (PIA) – who painted this souvenir for us. Incidentally, PIA did the murals for us at Han Chin Pet Soo.
What murals you say? Well, take a trip to Han Chin Pet Soo and find out!
There was a time when you needed a visiting card to enter the hot springs in Tambun. Besides the pool and egg boiling, apparently there was also a bowling alley! I don’t recall this (probably before my time 😉 ) but I wonder if YOU remember this.
‘As Indians prepare for Ponggal, which falls today, earthen pots were snapped up at Little India in Jalan Lahat recently.’
Shoppers had the choice to either buy the plain pots or those with colourful designs.
Besides the pots, other essential items for the harvest festival that shoppers bought were sugarcane, milk, brown sugar, firewood, cashew nuts, raisins and Indian traditional sweets.
Wooden spatulas to cook the sweet rice were also in demand.
Ponggal, which is celebrated over three days, is a harvest festival marked by Indians all over the world.
The festival is to mark the auspicious month of Thai in the Tamil calendar.
It is held to mark the harvest of crops and also as a special thanksgiving to God, the sun, the earth and the cow that produces milk.
More can be found here.
At one time, you could buy this for 42 cents……of course the coupon was only for ONE dance. However, it came in a booklet of five coupons. This sample here is from Robin James (from London). Anyone remember this Dance Coupon? Did YOU ever buy/use such a coupon at the Jubilee Cabaret?
Imagine having a picnic at such a place! No rubbish about, no unpleasant odour from the river, clean and clear running water…etc. Blissful isn’t it?
This is none other than the Perak River (at Parit). Yes, folks…believe it or not our rivers once looked like this 😉
picture courtesy of: Ruth Iversen Rollitt
Don’t know where to go during this long break? How about Kellie’s Castle?
No, we’re not advertising for this place. Rather just showing you what this iconic landmark looked like – way back in 1957!
This is a photograph of Ho Hoo Wan with his siblings and friends, posing just outside the famed Batu Gajah castle. How many of you have visited this place? Has the place changed much since it was first opened to the public?
On that note, is this place really haunted…or is it just one of those myths? 😉
…the Papan Mosque? Initially I thought this was part of a typical kampung house, but was sorely mistaken! It is in fact a mosque. This Mandailing-styled mosque was built in 1888 by Raja Bilah. It was later restored and reconstructed by the National Museum (Muzium Negara) in 1999. Has anyone seen it?
picture from: Rosemary Palmer
At first glance, I thought I was looking at the entrance of the Ipoh Club. This building however is the Kinta Golf Club, in Batu Gajah! But then again, you can’t deny the similarities, can you? I wonder when this club came into existence…
picture courtesy of Ruth Iversen Rollitt
We’ve featured this Club on our blog before, but here’s a different view of it. Notice the structure on the far left. I wonder what’s happened to it. And if your eyes are sharp enough, note the vehicle on the far right too!
Wendy Lewis tells us that this holiday resort was in Pangkor Island. Back then (probably the 1950s) there was no air-condition – only fans and mosquito nets!
I wonder if this resort is still there….perhaps it has been upgraded with more modern facilities (besides air-condition, perhaps free wi-fi too?).
Any frequent visitors to Pangkor? Do share your experiences with us 🙂
Fellow Foodies will be very familiar with this restaurant. On our food blog today, we’d like to feature an all-time favourite snack – the tasty, crispy Yau Char Koay (or Chinese crullers, as some may call it). Yes, for those who didn’t already know…there is a stall in New Hollywood which sells Yau Char Koay, along with Ham Chim Paeng (salty doughnut) and horse-shoe doughnut.
I personally enjoy Yau Char Koay with some porridge. How do YOU enjoy your Yau Char Koay?
On that note: Does anyone know the origins of these well-loved snacks?
Imagine my surprise when I saw this matchbox….I never knew there was such a place in Kampong Simee. According to the address, it used to be opposite the Perak Stadium. Does anyone remember this place? I don’t remember ever seeing Penthouse Lounge.
Not much is known about this park. We’re wondering if anyone could fill us in on its history. Of course, the Memorial Park is not there anymore – this picture (from Angie Yeow) was obviously taken before the park made way for the state mosque. Does anyone know more about this?
Love it or hate it, this beauty is regarded the King of Fruits in this part of the world. The durian may have a strong odour which puts people off, but once you get past the smell to taste the creamy flesh – well, need I say more? 😉
Leong (our photographer) managed to capture this man in action. He usually sets up his stall along Jalan Canning Estate. Incidentally, Osbourne Street was once known as ‘Durian Street‘; do they still sell durians there? I haven’t seen any stalls there lately….
Yes, you really never know what you might find to surprise you on our heritage trail. This delight was more than a little surprising just after we passed Concubine Lane at the Treacher Street (Jalam Bijeh Timah) end.
Yes it is, it really is – a water meter right in the middle of the pavement! At first I thought someone had thrown it away, but no it is firmly fixed in position. Thank goodness I saw it otherwise my last night’s little jaunt into Old Town and its heritage may have turned out differently.
Dare I ask what are the “authorities” doing to produce such a monstrosity?
By the way, speaking of heritage trails, there are now a range of printable Heritage Trail Maps available on ipohWorld’s database, including Ipoh Trail Map 1 in English, Malay and Japanese, Ipoh Trail Map 2, Gopeng Trail Map, Batu Gajah Driving Trail map, Kuala Kangsar Trail. Please use then as that is what they are there for.
But my apologies are in order for we failed to include this water meter in Ipoh Trail Map 1.
Happy Trailing.
Deep inside Kampung Tanjung Bangkung (Malim Nawar) was once a Japanese Carbide Factory. The picture above is that of the former guard house. It is said that the factory was part of a complex that manufactured armaments for the Japanese – which were then sent to Burma. All that remains of this factory now is the above guard post and one of the two chimneys (see pictures below).
The chimney is around 6m (at the base) and 3m (top), with 4 arches: of these, 2 are at the bottom for fire (note picture on the right) while the other 2 above are closed to form the kiln. We were told that after the Japanese surrendered in 1945, the communists supporters went to town defacing the Japanese artifacts – they even stole some of the building material for themselves.
We thank one of our friends – Harchand Singh Bedi – for taking us to this place. Incidentally, this former factory was featured in ASTRO’s History Channel (in the episode “Hidden Cities in Malaysia”) back in 2010.
Between the first (curry puff) and second (siew pau) picture, which one is YOUR favourite savoury snack?
Our photographer took these pictures at Jalan Bandar Timah (Leech Street) in Old Town. Besides the ones pictured above, they also sell other treats.
Some years ago this site held two of the original Panglima Lane homes from 1893. Then one literally fell down into a pile of bricks. Fortunately no one was hurt. Then because the second one was considered dangerous it was also taken down.
For a while it became a sort of recreation site but soon the Lalang took over and it became an eyesore.
Just in the last few days a team of contractors moved in and this is what the site looked like this morning.
From the position of the concrete and reinforcement it looks like a double unit is going up but the big question is what will they look like from the Lane? As this is one of the main attractions of the Ipoh Heritage Trail, have the Town Council insisted on an old style matching facia to blend in with the old homes still there or have they approved some monstrous, faceless structure as they have done so often before?
Time will tell but I know what I would like to see.
For today’s food-blog, we’re featuring the ever popular Popiah.
Does anyone know the origins of this delicious dish? Is it uniquely Malaysian?
On that note, do you know the best place (in Ipoh) one might find this dish?
The Ipoh Railway station forecourt underwent a major renovation recently and one of the first things the tourist sees when he arrives is a large round fountain area surrounded by nicely constructed boundaries which hold engraved pictures and words about the delights of Perak. I took friends down there and here is a sample of what I found. They are all as bad as each other.
This is a picture of Cunung Lang and the original colour can be seen at the top.
Now we proudly present Ipoh!
Pasir Salak!
And finally Pangkor Island.
Now I promise you that these were taken this afternoon in the bright sunshine and they have not been meddled with in PhotoShop or in any other way.
Now it is not for me to judge but I do believe that somebody in authority should ask if the money was well spent.
What do you think?
This is one dessert Ipoh has long been famous for……Tau Foo Far for those feeling a little peckish, and Soya Bean Milk for those who want something cold on a hot day.
We wonder if Funny Mountain’s tau foo far is as good as the one Ipohgal’s father used to make 😉
No, there’s no grammatical error in our title 😉 We’re talking about this shop at Panglima Street (click to enlarge pic).
We were told that their Pork Noodles are quite tasty. So, dear Foodies….what’s your opinion?
We were told by our donor (Angie Yeow) that she thought this was part of the Japanese Garden. But, when you take a closer look…it seems to be part of a cave temple. Now we’d like to know which cave temple this is 😉 Anyone care to guess?
From the pictures, we think that this float was one of the many at a Merdeka Parade back in 1967. Does anyone remember this parade? If you do, where was it held – at the Stadium, or along the main streets of the town?
Also notice the old Malay used in the description and the labels on the float.
In previous blog posts, we’ve had Readers talk about the famous ‘Police Station Curry Mee’. I do wonder if this (Restoran Xin Quan Fang) is the place you guys were talking about.
If you answered yes to the above query, then perhaps you know these gentlemen. [And they in turn will know you as a ‘regular’ and probably also know your order 😉 ]
the ‘chef’ and his assistant
the final product!
Anyone remember this parade? Can you guess WHO the children are waving at? I’m sure this was not too long ago…
We thank Alison Caldwell for this photograph.
I’ve never been to Teluk Anson (or Teluk Intan, as it is now called). Wouldn’t know if the market looks the same now, perhaps some of the Teluk Anson folks could tell us more 😉
Special thanks to Alison Cotterill nee Caldwell for these photographs.
(Picture 1: Run Run Shaw)
(Picture 2: Runme Shaw)
We pay tribute to Run Run Shaw, of the famed Shaw Brothers, who passed away in Hong Kong yesterday.
The Shaw Organisation began in 1924, with operations in Singapore screening their own brand of silent movies. Frustrated by local distributors, they set up their own cinema, “The Empire”, to screen their movies. Led by brothers Run Run and Runme Shaw, they began to branch out into Malaysia building new cinemas and operating a mobile cinema for rural areas. However, it was only with the advent of sound that movies began to really launch themselves – by 1933 the Shaw’s had produced the Cantonese opera film ‘Normal Dragon’ which proved a breakthrough for them in both Singapore and Hong Kong. [more can be found at – http://www.hkcinema.co.uk/Articles/shawbronews.html ]
I’m sure many movie-lovers out there remember these famous brothers and their contribution to the cinematic industry. I was not born in that era, but from what I’ve read (and heard) the Shaw Brothers always had interesting ways of advertising the up-and-coming movies. (see sample below)
We received these from Vince Cooper.
Taken in 1948, these are scenes from the Taiping Jungle Pool. Do any of you remember this place? We’d love to hear from you – especially the Taiping folks!
Some call it Perak’s version of “The Leaning Tower of Pisa”. I’ve never been there, but from recent pictures it does seem like it’s leaning a little to one side. However, here is an early 1900 picture of the same water tower in Teluk Intan (see below) – and it seems rather STRAIGHT to me 😉
So, WHEN did this tower start to lean? We’d like to know MORE about this tower – especially from the Teluk Intan folks!
Picture taken from the book 20th Century Impressions of British Malaya.
Yes, this is indeed a beautiful pair of beaded slippers. So, ladies…do any of you own such a pair? Or perhaps, you know someone who (still) makes such pretty footwear?
These Baba-Nyonya style slippers were once a rage – are they still in fashion? You tell us 🙂
The picture may not be that clear, but it’s obvious what it is…yes, even in those days we had pretty girls posing with sports cars!
This was taken from a Triumph Owners’ Club Magazine. The picture is said to be from the 1970s. Can the car lovers out there guess what car this is?
We thank Charlie Choong for lending us the magazine.
Foo Pak Khean (Standard 1 C) and Foo Leong Khean (Primary 2 A) built this model of the Shum Cheong Fook Circus. These students of ACS Ipoh built this as part of a school project back in 1949.
Does anyone remember this circus? Did this circus frequent our shores yearly?
This picture is from Keith Nelson’s collection. It’s not Ipoh, but we thought we’d share it with you all the same. Perhaps, someone out there grew up in or visited a fishing village. We’d love to read about your experiences 🙂
Have you been to the Perak Emporium? Was it one of those high-end places like Whiteaway Laidlaw? Did it have an escalator/elevator? We’ve had Readers talking about this place, now we’d like to know MORE 😉
Picture courtesy of Stex Stev.
As can be seen in the photograph below, the Ipoh Boys are just as stylish!
According to the donor of this photograph (Nick Coffil), these boys were apparently going home for the holidays.
Well, Readers…..are YOU somewhere in this photograph? 😉
One look at this photograph and you will notice that not only were the Ipoh Girls pretty, they also dressed in style 😉
If you look close enough, you can probably deduce where in Ipoh Town these buildings are. But we’d like to draw your attention to the sign behind the lady with the handbag – ‘Dress Maker by Chan”. Is this tailor/dressmaker still around?
[We thank Charlie Choong for this photograph]
Sometime ago, someone mentioned the Green Fern Coffee House as one of the places Ipoh’s (then) youngsters used to frequent. Here’s a little ‘advertisement’ from Stex Stev. Anyone know what’s in place of the coffee house now?
A couple of days ago I happened by chance to meet up with a group of KL tour guides in Old Town. They were with a Perak member of our Tour Guides’ Association and I joined up with them for a while to tell the heritage story as per ipohWorld.
When we were close to Kong Heng they noticed the above buildings, just a couple of shops away, all behind new fencing and asked what was happening. I had to say I did not know but would try to find out. My guess was that they will be demolished! They were shocked and asked why. I have no answer, do you?
The buildings include the old Modern Photo Shop on the left (Market Street) and continue round the corner of La Beaute and the two shops next door in Leech Street.
The signs on the fencing reads RENT!
Can anyone offer me a clue as to the future of this famous old part of the town?
We thank John McAuley – who was once part of the British Military serving in Malaya, back in the 1950s – for this photograph. Yes, folks it’s none other than the Majestic Cinema :). Although it doesn’t show up clearly, but if you zoom in you can actually see some vendors just outside the entrance of the cinema. Anyone remember them? What did they sell?
This is part of a matchbox collection emailed to us by ‘Stex Stev’. Do you remember the Chicago Coffee House? I don’t…perhaps it was gone by the time I was born. Or maybe it changed its name? You tell us 😉
However, as the discussion grew it reached the mystery of a bread also named Chicago and Rosebud sent us the following photo – especially for mano.
Remember this visit? From what we know, this was back in the early 1970s. Does anyone recall Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s visit? Were you one of the fortunate individuals to have met this royal couple in person? Similarly, do you recognise the building in the background?
Here’s a coloured picture of the Ipoh Swimming Club. I do wonder: was the taken before or after they renovated the pool? Our thanks goes out to Ruth Rollitt for sharing this photograph with us.
We’re pleased to have received a nice set of photographs from John McAuley – who served with the British Army in Ipoh from 1956-57. The picture below is from his collection. Take a good, long look at it and tell us if you recognise this place. The only clue John gave us was that many a Saturday night was spent at this restaurant, enjoying Nasi Goreng and Tiger Beer! 🙂 Happy guessing!
This is none other than the Grand Theater & Jubilee Park – before the Shaw Brothers renovated it. From the clues in the picture, some of you may be able to roughly guess the year this was taken. What was YOUR early memory of this famous landmark? Were you a patron of the Cabaret? Did you frequent the amusement park? Or, were you one of the many movie-goers?
We thank Edwin Seibel for this picture.
Want to do something different this year for Earth Hour? How about joining this fund-raising event? (click poster above to enlarge)
Part of the proceeds of the ticket sales will be donated to the WWF-Malaysia. Your generous contribution will also pay for 40 underprivileged children from various charitable organisations – who will be able to participate in 6 “adrenaline-pumping zip line rides”.
For more information, do call Nomad Adventure at 03-79585152 or email them event@nomadadventure.com
We are currently planning to run an exhibition called “A Mining Family” at Falim House. This is not about one family, but an amalgam of more than 200 photographs and a large number of artifacts that show the lifestyle and labours of several of Ipoh’s Mining Towkays. The exhibition is targeted to open on 1st May 2013 and run for at least three months. Entrance will be FOC. We then hope to move to new, permanent premises where more exhibitions will run in what will be known as a Heritage Centre.
Clearly in the longer term we will need several extra permanent staff, but for the Falim House show we simply need an Assistant Exhibition Manager who we hope will advance to Manager of the new heritage centre.
Applicants should have an interest in heritage and must be competent to converse in both English and Malay. The ability to speak Mandarin/Cantonese would be an advantage. Own transport will be required to get to Falim. Any relevant experience will be taken into account. Salary is negotiable.
Should you be interested in this position you may apply by sending your Resume/CV and photograph to us at info@ipohworld.org. You should indicate your expected remuneration. We will respond to all applications advising whether we wish to call you for interview or not.
Closing date for applications is Saturday 30th March 2013.-
We look forward to hearing from you.
This arch was put up by the Perak Chinese Celebration Committee (you can vaguely make out the fine print if you zoom in).
Today, there’s still an arch above Brewster Road (roughly the same location as the above picture states). I wonder who decorates it now? Does the Celebration Committee still exist?
Despite Ipoh’s long romance with all things food-related and the abundance of hotels, restaurants and clubs in town, Ipoh has never before taken part in the international tradition of the waiters’ race. On the 25th of May 2013, that is about to change.
Organised jointly by the Ipoh City Council (MBI), Perak Tourism Association (PTA), Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Perak Chapter, and the International Waiters’ Race Agency, Ipoh will be hosting its first International Waiters’ Race in D.R. Seenivasagam Park.
The Waiters’ Race (www.waitersrace.com) is a tradition originating in France, created to exhibit the skills of the famous French garcons by challenging them to race a street course while balancing a tray of beverages on the palm of one hand.
The earliest photographs of a Waiters’ Race were taken in the London Race of 1901, but the French roots of the race are over a century old.
Today, Waiters’ Races are held all over the world, including several held in Malaysia in the past. This is, however, the first time one will be held in Perak.
Demonstrations of ice-carving, flower-arranging, food-carving and a barista competition in coffee decoration will be held, along with a mini-treasure hunt, children’s race, parade of Perak school bands, and cheerleader demonstration for younger participants.
Over one hundred waiters and waitresses from Perak’s favourite eateries will be running the 1 ½ kilometer course through the park in three different races.
Visiting participants will be included from Ipoh’s sister city in Japan, Fukuoka, and Ipoh’s “friendship cities” Medan, Pusan, Hangzhou and Guangzhou.
Each runner will attempt to gain the fastest time while balancing their tray on one hand, without spilling any items. Running alone is worthless; winners have to arrive with a full tray or close to it.
The first race will be a Full Service Waiters’ Race where competitors run in traditional waiters’ attire over a challenging course including the steps leading to the bridge and a turn through the Japanese Garden.
The Quick Service Waiters’ Race will include hotel students as well as professionals and allow running shoes. Both races are open to men and women, prizes to be given separately to the best gentleman and best lady.
The third race will be an Amateurs’ mixed relay with teams comprising two men and two women each, dress code open to any attire.
Organizers hope to make this an annual event, celebrating Ipoh’s waiters, waitresses and culinary heritage for locals and tourists alike.
In June/July 2012, twenty students from University Malaya and the National University of Singapore embarked on a two-week long learning journey…of IPOH!
Their discoveries prompted this much awaited publication – Familiar Spaces, Untold Stories; Encounters with Ipoh – as well as an exhibition. To know more, do visit this exhibition at: Gallery Lim Ko Pi, No.10 Jalan Sultan Iskandar (Hugh Low Street), Ipoh. This exhibition will run from 26th February – 10th March 2013; opened daily (except Mondays) from 12.30pm – 4.30pm.
Here’s a nice one from a family album. We thank Alexander for this gem. According to him, the girl (standing) is his grandmother Madam Ursula. Behind her are her parents Mr Arokiasamy and Mrs Iruthayamary. The little one on the car is Ursula’s sister Kolanda Theresa. Incidentally, Mr Arokiasamy was involved in the textile & liquor business.
Anyone else have similar memories of their childhood to share? We’d love to hear from you 🙂
Try not to be distracted with the pretty ladies 😉 We’d like to draw your attention instead to the large sign on the far left of the picture. It seems to be an advertisement for a cinema. Any idea which cinema this is?
We thank Keith Nelson for this photo (we believe he may be one of the 4 gentlemen walking behind the ladies 🙂
Looks like a fun fair. Or could it be a day at the Farmer’s Market (Pasar Tani)? We don’t know…but we’re hoping someone out there might tell us. Maybe you’re one of the little boys in the picture? 😉
We received this from Stephanie Keenan. She thinks this was taken around 1962/63. She also pointed out the banner hung across the street (where the words appear in reverse). Apparently, the banner is said to be advertising a film. Can anyone tell us what’s written on the banner?
Does anyone recognise the street? Could this be somewhere in Ipoh?
Special thanks to Ruth Rollitt for the one – yes, you read it right….this is none other than the Eastern Hotel. This was taken in the 1940s; according the Ruth, he father (Danish architect B M Iversen) had an office here. Today, the facade seems so different – and the hotel is now known as D’Eastern Hotel (last I checked)!
In one of our previous blogs, a place which we thought was Ipoh turned out to be Tanah Rata/Camerons instead. Well, to our Experts out there, where do you think this place (picture above) is? Ipoh? Another town in Perak? Perhaps another state altogether? 😉
Remember these buses? Wonder what’s become of them. What drew my attention were the unique signal lights – notice the left and right arrows below the windshield! I’ve not come across such a sight before…. 😉
For those of you who rode such buses around town, how much was the fare?
We’ve put up quite a few pictures of Brewster Road in the past. But this one caught our eye – notice the words Lam Looking Building written above the entrance.
I wonder how many building Towkay Lam Looking owned here in Ipoh….
From what the Star tells us, this is the proposed design for the new Yau Tet Shin Bazaar (see picture below).
This new building will be called ‘The Octagon’, and construction of this landmark will be undertaken by One Octagon Sdn Bhd (a private company, which was formed by the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry). ‘The Octagon’ is said to contain 4 floors for parking as well as 14 floors of serviced apartments. More can be read at the Star Online.
I can see Cathay Hotel, and almost opposite is the Ritz Hotel. Yes, this part of Ipoh is STILL as busy as ever – even back in the 70s.
Notice the building complex on the left of the picture? Does this complex have a name?
Ko-chi Wai sent us this one – showing his aunt (back in 1964) posing with one of the mini rock pagodas at the Japanese Garden in Ipoh.
Are these pagodas still there? I admit I’ve not seen one since I last visited the garden…maybe someone out there could tell us more!
Since this fountain was erected, many Ipoh-ites have posed for pictures at this very roundabout. I suppose it was possible back then when there wasn’t much traffic – imagine doing photo shoots here in this day and age!
And what about those buildings in the background? Any idea what they are?
Yes, you read it right!
The above picture, taken in 1973, shows a couple at D R Seenivasagam Park. Through email, Ko-Chi Wai tells us that:
the rocks at the far side of the lake are still there today. however, the wooden platform where they are standing, and the wooden zigzag bridge across the lake are long gone. when I was a kid in the early 80s, my cousins and I used to feed the tilapia fishes from the very same platform.
Have any of you been fishing at this lake?
Does this street look familiar to you? Can you spot any famous buildings? Is this Ipoh town…or some other town in Perak?
Familiar? This is the Taiping Bus Station, back in 1959. Has this place changed much over the years? Taiping folks, we’re hoping YOU could tell us more 🙂
This was sent to us by Keith Nelson.
Are those government quarters in the background? If so, where is this place?
We’ve noticed that the past few blogs have prompted our fans to talk about the good food in Ipoh.
Artistic angle aside, if you look at the above picture closely you can see some ‘work’ in progress – yes, folks….the man is making Popiah!
There isn’t much background in the picture, but perhaps someone recognises this stall? As for the Popiah lovers, has your favourite dish changed over the years?
Our thanks goes out to Alan, for sharing this picture with us!
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EU TONG SEN – A PERAKIAN PIONEER
A public exhibition in conjunction with Visit Perak Year History & Heritage at the lobby of Syuen hotel from 30 August till end of October
Eu Tong Sen was born in Penang 23. July 1877, the year of the Ox. In 1898, at the age of 21, he took over his father’s estates and business in Perak. At 30 he was one of the richest men in South -East Asia. For more the 3 decades Eu a leading business man shaped the development and wellbeing of Perak, mainly in Ipoh, Gopeng and Kampar.
He transformed the business his father left him, originating from a single dispensary in Gopeng, in to a chain of traditional medicine shops.
At the peak, Eu’s businesses owned a total of 11 mines and employed 12’000 miners.
In 1908 he commenced planting rubber trees, until his rubber estates covered more the 283 hectares of land.
Eu Yan Sang shops in Gopeng and Kampar extended to providing remittance service, allowing Chinese miners and plantation workers to send their earnings home.
In May 1912, Eu was appointed a permanent Unofficial Member of the Federal Council of the Federated Malay States. Later, he would become the first non -European commoner to be admitted to the Royal Ipoh Club.
Eu and Chung Thye Phin, the Kapitan China of Perak, were “blood” brothers. They went through Chinese ceremony to become oath brothers. Eu and Chung had common interests – motorcars, racehorses and country houses both of them decided to enter their horses regularly in the Ipoh races. They jointly built the weekend retreat, “Forest Lodge” at Gopeng road with a large stable. Eu took keen interest in horse-racing, motoring and rifle-shooting. He imported the first motor car to Perak.
A description of Eu’s residences in Perak, written by H. Norden in 1923, goes as follows:
“Eu Tong Sen is notable with his twenty-five millions of gold dollars. He has two palaces in Ipoh; one more in Kampar and a castle with garden and lake in Singapore. Art treasures selected in Europe by himself fill the various residences of the great Chinese tin magnate, nick name King of Tin, the marble was brought from Italy.”
By 1914 just before the war, he moved his business head-quarters to Singapore and later to Hong Kong. Eu Tong Sen died of a heart attack in May 1941 at the age of 63.
Eu man who practiced European lifestyle. Was he too Western? Not Chinese enough.
The exhibition was possible with the support of Syuen Hotel, Eu Foundation and Kinta Heritage group.
We thank Ruth Rollitt for these pictures.
The first picture (top) shows the quarters, back in 1931. The bottom picture shows the stables.
I’ve never seen the inside of the turf club, but I’m sure those of you who have can tell us if much has changed.
We thank Keith Nelson for this gem.
Just a thought: these young men were obviously checking out the sites of Ipoh Town during that time…..where were YOU back in 1959? 😉
This photograph is marked 1966 on the reverse but,
When was this hotel built?
Who owned it?
What’s become of it now?
Yes, we have SO many questions about this place……that’s why we’ve turned to YOU – our Readers – to help us out. 🙂
This is Mano, with part of the cast from the movie ‘Anna and the King’. (Mano played ‘Moonshi’ in the movie)
This picture was taken on location, back in 1999, and we were wondering: WHERE are the ‘Royal Children’ now? Recognise any of them? Or maybe you recognise yourself here?
We’d love to hear from you!
In 1999 the Perak State Government published a very nice heritage trail map of Ipoh. It was produced by our good friends from Penang, Lubis and Salma. One of the buildings featured was in Kampong Jawa and clearly the Government thought it had some heritage value as they included it in the map. It was abandoned then, but still looked good:
Today it is still published on the Internet by Perak Tourism (http://www.peraktourism.com/places/place_view.cfm?id=8A1F8B4D-5BA0-412C-8444ABE654D29B1A) as one of the “Places to Go” but now it looks like this:
I have to ask the following questions:
What on earth are they doing bringing people here? Do they really think this is heritage tourism?
And secondly,
If they thought originally that it had heritage value, why didn’t they do something about protecting it?
I look forward to your answers/comments.
