Although I was born and bred in Johore Bahru, Malaysia, I think I have travelled more widely in England than in Malaysia. Being from Johore Bahru I know that city and neighbouring Singapore very well and I also visited the historic city of Melaka a number of times. Until comparatively recently I had never been to the old Tin Mining Capital of Ipoh- once the second largest city in Peninsular Malaysia.However, A Scottish friend frm Tayport who spends two months in Malaysia every year suggested I visit Ipoh and Kellies Castle which is not far away.Pearl assured me I would like Ipoh.
Well I took her advice and accompanied her, my younger sister and her husband on a day tour of Ipoh. I most certainly was impressed with what we saw. The first thing I noticed was how clean Ipoh appears to be-there was little sign of litter and the streets were not clogged with traffic. The main city centre was well planned and after we parked the car we enjoyed a nice walk around the central padang - field- and saw some lovely old heritage buildings. There was the lovely old Colonial style Ipoh Club and the miner's favourite, the FMS Bar and Restaurant. After a morning cup of coffee we drove round the city and I noticed the gorgeous looking Railway Station. It looked like something out of the Arabian Nights -no wonder it is called the "Taj Mahal" of Ipoh. Then we came across several verdant public parks and the wonderful architecture of several schools founded by the British - Scots my friend Pearl said- such as Anderson's School and the St. Michael's Institution.
We had lunch..buffet style, in the Casuarina Hotel which must be a 4 or 5 star establishment. The food was very tasty and I began to appreciate what many Malaysians believe-go to Ipoh and Penang for good food. In this part of the city there are many luxurious houses including colonial style bungalows- I guess the old tin tycoons were rich men.We also saw the lovely Ipoh Turf Club where horse racing takes place. Unfortunately much to my dismay we didnt get the chance to do any shopping, since my sister's husband felt we should leave departing for Batu Gajah too late.After our really enjoyable tour of Ipoh it was off to Kellies Castle- yes built by a Scotsman again ,as Pearl reminded me.Anyway I do strongly recoomend a visit to Ipoh if you should ever visit Malaysia.
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It sounds lovely - this is what I really enjoy about Ciao, as this is a city I had never heard of until reading this... thanks!
From_The_Continent 26.05.2001 17:20
Good to see you back at writing, it's been quite a while since your last op. Once again you have nurtured my desire for an extensive tour of Southeast Asia, which would take me to Malaysia, Thailany, Singapore and Indonesia. I would however liked to read some more details in this op, which is why I have only rated it helpful this time. Regards, Hans
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May 26th, 2001
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