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| Saturday, 26-Jan-2008 15:00 |
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MASJID LANGGAR : Masih Ada Yang Sayang ...
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Masjid Langgar
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Masjid Tiga Tingkat
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MASJID LANGGAR :
Masih Ada Yang Sayang ...
Tak sangka.
Di satu sudut belakang Masjid Langgar, di bandar Kota Bharu, ada tersembunyi satu manifestasi budaya silam yang sudah amat jarang kelihatan pada masa kini.
Bagi mata yang arif,
manifestasi berikut sememangnya tipikal bagi senibina vernakular Melayu Kelantan sehingga awal abad ke-20. Ketika itu, kediaman golongan pemerintah, orang kenamaan dan juga bangunan penting seperti masjid selalu didirikan sebegini rupa.
* Pintu masuk ke kamar dalam, dengan rekabentuk tipikal bagi pintu-pintu di Kelantan sehingga awal abad ke-20. Perhatikan panel dinding " Janda Berhias ", unik bagi negeri-negeri di Pantai Timur, khususnya di Kelantan. Namun begitu, sudah amat jarang kelihatan pada masa kini.
* Nun di atas sana terdapat ukiran panel yang berfungsi sebagai hiasan dan juga pengaliran udara. Di bawahnya pula lubang laluan angin yang dibentuk cantik.
* Bahagian dalam. Perhatikan efek cahaya yang terhasil dan perhatikan juga kaedah penyambungan strukturnya.
* Pintu lama. Tipikal bagi pintu-pintu di Kelantan sehingga awal abad ke-20. Tidak berengsel logam, sekadar dua pasak kayu bulat di hujung atas dan bawah pada setiap daun pintu. Perhatikan juga bentuk penyelak kayu yang terpasang.
Bagi anda yang masih tertanya-tanya dan ingin ambil peduli,
Masjid Langgar merupakan antara masjid tertua di bumi Kelantan selain dari Masjid Lama Kampung Laut dan Masjid Besar Kota Bharu atau Masjid Muhammadi
Apa yang menarik, ketiga-tiga masjid tersebut asalnya didirikan dengan binaan vernakular Melayu ( tiada unsur Barat mahupun Timur Tengah ), walaupun kini, yang masih kekal dengan konsep sedemikian, hanyalah Masjid Kampung Laut sahaja.
Masjid Lama Kampung Laut, iaitu yang tertua di Kelantan dan diyakini juga tertua di Malaysia, terletak di Nilam Puri dalam Jajahan Kota Bharu. Dipindahkan dari tapak asalnya di Kampung Laut, Jajahan Tumpat berpuluh tahun dahulu. Walaupun bahan binaannya telah banyak berubah dengan peredaran masa, rekabentuk asas serta rangka utamanya dikatakan tidak berubah dan dianggarkan telah wujud lebih 300 tahun dahulu.
Masjid Muhammadi atau juga dikenali sebagai Masjid Besar Kota Bharu pula, jika dinilai dari luaran dan bentuk fizikalnya kini, jelas sekali rekabentuknya berunsurkan senibina kolonial pra Perang Dunia Ke-2 dan tidak menampakkan langsung unsur senibina Melayu. Walaupun demikian, struktur konkrit berkenaan hanya mula dibina pada 1922 sebagai tambahan kepada binaan kayu sedia ada yang dibina sepenuhnya dengan ciri ciri tempatan dan telah pun wujud seawal 1867. Binaan kayu tersebut, walau bagaimana pun telah dirobohkan, kalau tak salah, sekitar 1950an. Terus dilenyapkan tanpa sebarang kesan, untuk memberi laluan seluas luasnya bagi kerja pembesaran dan urusan peralihan kepada bangunan baru.
Kalau ada antara kalian yang masih perlukan bantuan bergambar, berikut adalah rupa asal Masjid Muhammadi, dirakam sekitar 1905. Begitu unik dan menarik. Jujur aku katakan, adalah menjadi impian aku untuk melihat ia kembali didirikan, paling tidak pun di sebelah masjid yang ada sekarang .... ha ha mimpi jer lebey :
* Boleh jadi Masjid Langgar dahulu rupanya lebih kurang begini ?
Hingga ke saat ini, tiada sumber bergambar yang dapat aku temukan berhubung rupa asal Masjid Langgar.
Foto di atas menunjukkan rupa asal Masjid Muhammadi sebelum adanya yang sekarang. Klik foto untuk keterangan lebih lanjut.
Tetapi jika diperhatikan pula kepada Masjid Langgar kini,
pastinya ramai yang tidak menyangka bahawa ianya telah wujud seawal Masjid Muhammadi. Binaan masjid dari konkrit, langsung tidak menampakkan sejarahnya yang panjang tambah pula rekabentuknya yang nampak kontemporari menyebabkan ia seolah olah kelihatan tiada berbeza dengan masjid-masjid lain di Kelantan. Masjid Langgar sebenarnya telah wujud semenjak 1871, cuma tidaklah sebagaimana yang kita lihat sekarang tetapi berupa binaan kayu yang telah lama luput ditelan keinginan manusia untuk berubah.
Apa apa pun, sejarah Masjid Langgar tetap panjang dan sekiranya memang benar apa yang aku lihat ini adalah bahagian asal masjid ini dan bukannya replika yang sengaja diadakan ( aku rasa tidak ), dengan bangganya aku isytiharkan bahawa ini adalah penemuan yang paling menarik bagi tahun 2007 selepas Rumah Tengku Bongsu ( atau juga disebut, Rumah / Istana Tengku Fatimah Zaharah ). Bukan sahaja kerana kedua-duanya dibina pada era yang sama bahkan juga kerana pandangan dari sudut berikut .....
.. yang langsung tidak ubah seperti yang aku pernah lihat dari satu sudut ruang dalam Rumah Tengku Bongsu.
Buat seketika, aku terpaku di sudut masjid itu,
termenung sambil tergambar dalam kepala ini akan pemandangan yang sempat aku rakamkan semasa bertandang ke situ tempoh hari :
* Klik foto untuk keterangan lebih lanjut.
Dari segi struktur ( bertiang enam belas ) dan keunikan sambungannya, jelas sekali memang serupa !
Sekali lagi menyebabkan aku tertanya tanya.
Adakah ianya memang merupakan bahagian asal Masjid Langgar, salah satu masjid yang tertua di Kelantan ? Adakah ianya sengaja dikekalkan di sini, dalam bentuk sebegini oleh mereka yang prihatin akan asal usulnya ? Adakah bangunan Masjid Langgar sekarang dimodelkan dari binaan kayu yang asal ?
Entah, aku sendiri pun masih tidak jelas dengan sejarah sebenar masjid ini.
Bagus juga kalau ada sesuatu untuk dirujuk bagi mengesahkan segala.
Jika apa yang aku fikirkan ini ternyata benar,
terus terang aku katakan di sini, aku cukup berbangga !
Ternyata ..... Masih ada yang sayang !
NOTA :
( 1 ) Masjid Langgar boleh dikunjungi di Kampung Langgar,
bersebelahan Makam DiRaja Langgar, tidak jauh dari Kota Seri Mutiara
( Pasaraya Billion ), berdekatan pertemuan Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra dan
Jalan Dusun Muda, bandar Kota Bharu.
* Masjid Langgar - Januari 2008.
Bahagian yang dimaksudkan kelihatan seperti bangunan tambahan di sebelah kiri ( atau belakang ) masjid.
( 2 )
( 3 ) Sayang sekali.
Kini, walaupun kelat untuk diakui, tidak banyak senibina vernakular Melayu Kelantan
yang masih tinggal di negeri ini, khususnya dari era sebelum kedatangan Inggeris.
Tidak melampau sekiranya aku katakan, hampir tidak wujud !
Apa yang tinggal, hanya menanti masa selera si pemilik untuk beralih.
Tak pun tersorok, jauh dari pandangan umum, di ruang-ruang milik orang perseorangan,
kebanyakannya dalam bentuk sudah dilerai atau telah pun dipunggah ke luar Kelantan.
Akibatnya, generasi kini seolah-olah hilang punca. Tidak kenal susur galur dan asal usul
serta tidak tahu apa yang mereka warisi. Tiada kemegahan dengan keunikan dan
pencapaian bangsa sendiri. Sebaliknya kelihatan terkinja kinja, bangga dengan identiti
minda yang terjajah. Maka, jangan hairan sekiranya ramai generasi kini yang sanggup
mencemuh latar belakang sendiri. Gara-gara kita yang terlalu terpesona, mengejar
kemegahan milik orang.
Betul,
kaki mesti terus melangkah ke depan tapi sekali sekala,
kepala kena juga toleh ke arah bertentangan
takut takut ada yang lepas, datang menikam belakang !
LAIN LAIN :
* Masjid Kampung Laut, Nilam Puri, Kota Bharu - Januari 2008.
* Masjid Muhammadi, Kota Bharu - 1940an.
* Jendela rumah kedai dari era sebelum Perang Dunia ke-2 di Jalan Temenggong, Kota Bharu.
Bandingkan rekabentuk kayu penghadang pada jendela dengan panel " lubang angin " Masjid Langgar yang ditunjukkan di atas.
Foto dan maklumat berkaitan Masjid Muhammadi dan Masjid Lama Kampung Laut
Pelawat Asing ke Rumah Tengku Bongsu ( Rumah Tengku Fatimah Zaharah )
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| Saturday, 19-Jan-2008 19:00 |
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WAK GAPPO TU ? : Koto Barghu, From Dawn to Dusk
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WAK GAPPO TU ? :
Koto Barghu, From Dawn To Dusk
Some shots I took around Kota Bharu.
From early morning to very late in the afternoon.
Of those things that we normally overlooked, or have no idea of.
Even, as a Kelantanese.
* 0800 hrs : Heading to the market by force.
The main gate.
Istana Balai Besar, Kota Bharu, the town.
* 0915 hrs : Promoting the Red ( and green ) revolution.
The octagonal space.
Siti Khadijah Central Market, Kota Bharu, the town.
* 1000 hrs : Checking out new talents.
Candek / Red Whiskered Bulbul ( Pycnonotus jocosus ) Singing Contest.
Taman Seri Cemerlang, Jalan Kebun Sultan, Kota Bharu, the town.
* 1100 hrs : Arguing over homeworks.
Pak Ya's Macaque Training School.
Kampung Pulau Tukang Dollah, near Pantai Kuala Pak Amat, Pengkalan Chepa.
* 1330 hrs : A crash course with an Aviation Engineer.
Haji Ismail Jusoh & Sons aka The Kitemaker.
Kampung Kijang, Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan.
* 1400 hrs : Deciphering old literature.
Islamic Seminary.
Pondok Terusan, Pasir Tumboh.
* 1430 hrs : To be Picasso or not to be.
Nordin Batik.
Kampung Paloh, Jalan Kampung Sireh.
* 1500 hrs : Growing flowers indoor.
K.B. Permai, silvercraft.
Jalan Sultanah Zainab - Kampung Sireh - Jalan Hamzah - Jalan Pasir Pekan junction.
* 1530 hrs : Learning new meaning of " entangled ".
Cik Minah Songket.
Kg. Penambang, Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan.
* 1600 hrs : Carving out the love of his life.
May Kris, woodcarver for Malay blades sheath and handle.
Kampung Atas Banggol, Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan.
* 1630 hrs : Hauling up the day's rezeki.
Fisherman's pier.
Kampung Pulau Gajah, near Sabak, Pengkalan Chepa.
* 1700 hrs : Tending to freshly arrived customers ( and fish ).
Pasar Gok Kapor.
Lorong Gok Kapor, near Kampung Cina, Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan.
* 1800 hrs : Lazing in the late afternoon heat.
Wooden platform.
The Old Masjid Kampung Laut, Nilam Puri.
TRIVIAS TO GO :
These are some notes in relation to some of the above images, depicting them not now but a hundred years ago.
Like some of you might have guessed, from no other but the guidebook named " Kelantan : A State of The Malay Peninsula ", written by the former Bangkok appointed British Advisor to Kelantan, William Armstrong Graham ( 1902 ~ 1909 ), and was published by James Maclehose and Sons, in Glasgow, Scotland in 1908.
On Silver crafting :
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" At one time the silversmiths and goldsmiths of Kelantan were famous for the high excellence of their work, and there is still a good deal of old silver-ware to be seen in the houses of the nobility, judging by which the men who made it must have been possessed of considerable skill. Unfortunately, however, this art is now almost extinct, and the work turned out by the few native jewellers who hang about the Court of H.H. the Raja is not to be compared with that of former generations. "
Trade, Commerce and Industries, Chapter XI, page 68 ~ 69
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On Weaving :
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" Weaving is chiefly confined to the capital. In almost every house there are one or more looms upon which the housewife and her daughters weave silk sarongs, the excellence of which is justly famed throughout the Peninsula. In these good times most of the people possess at least one silk sarong for holiday wear, and the value of the silk goods exported is over $20,000 per annum. The pattern of the Kelantan sarongs is all made in the weaving and is not painted on afterwards, as is the case with the sarongs of Java and to a certain extent with those of Tringganu. The best quality are made with checks of different colours something after the fashion of Highland tartan, very handsome effects being obtained by tasteful blending of colours. "
Trade, Commerce and Industries, Chapter XI, page 65
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On Fishing :
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" Some thirty thousand people live by sea-fishing and fish drying. The nets used vary in size, the largest being that worked from a " Payang " a large seaworthy boat with a crew of 20 men. The fish are sought for by divers, one of whom accompanies each boat in a little canoe. On reaching a likely spot, this person paddles off by himself and presently leaves his canoe and goes below. Down on the green depths he can, if failrly expert, both see and hear the fish if there is a shoal in the immediate neighbourhood, and when he has done so he at once rises to the surface and indicates by signs the presence and size of the shoal, and the direction in which it is travelling. No sooner are the signals perceived than every man bends to his paddle, and the great boat rushes through the water, describing a wide circle round the diver and paying out net as it goes. When the circle is complete the drawing begins, and, if a big shoal has been netted, the wildest excitement prevails as the circle narrows. The men haul upon the net like fiends, shouting and yelling with delight as each large fish appears. When a big catch is safe on board, a short dance of triumph precedes the hoisting of the sails and a quick run for home, followed by further ebullitions of joy when the women come down to unload the cargo. Such of the fish as is not eaten fresh, is cleaned, salted, and dried in the sun, thereafter being packed in large baskets for exports ..... "
Trade, Commerce and Industries, Chapter XI, page 66 ~ 67
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On Kite Flying :
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" The kite flying season begins in December and continues until March, when the north-west wind drops and the land and sea breezes begin. At this season large numbers of kites are to be seen flying above the capital on every afternoon, filling the air with a loud humming produced by a bow like arrangement which is fastened to each kite. The kites are flown late into the night, and rows of little lights are then suspended from the kite from the kite strings with pretty effect. "
General, Chapter XVIII, page 132
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On the Market :
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" The market is a large and commodious building, is densely thronged every day, and here excellent fish and provisions of all kind are plentiful and cheap, and beef and mutton are sold twice a week. "
Towns and Villages, Chapter VI, page 28
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On Women and the Society :
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" This being a Mohammedan country one might expect to find the female part of the population confined to the houses or allowed to go abroad only on rare occasions and when carefully veiled from the vulgar eye. Custom, however, has decreed quite otherwise, and, as regards the position of women, the Kelantanese follow the customs of their Siamese, Burmese, Cambodian and other Mongolian neighbours rather than the sterner percepts of their adopted religion. The women move about with perfect freedom, buying and selling in the markets and in the shops, visiting their friends and assisting their husbands in their agricultural pursuits, and except for the wearing of the Kelumbong, which burlesque is the only concession to Islam, their habits and manners are scarcely to be distinguished from the usually modest behaviour of the females of other Indo-Chinese races. "
The People, Chapter V, page 24 ~ 25
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| Friday, 11-Jan-2008 11:11 |
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( 5 ) KELATTE : Jalae ~ Jalae Carghi Makae
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KELATTE :
Jalae ~ Jalae Carghi Makae ( 5 )
Aku cari bukan harta bertimbun timbun,
Aku cari mana dia ROTI TEMPAYAN sedap !!
( The fifth installment of " Kelatte : Jalae ~ Jalae Carghi Makae " series. )
Had been quite a while since I last wrote about this.
Yerp, Roti Tempayan or Naan as commonly known, the leavened, flat Indian bread. More of a hunt ( or craze ) than just a " jalae jalae carghi makae " and all started while I was away in Japan.
I remember the flat bread there, err.. there ... I mean, at the Northern Indian eateries in Japan, being none like that I ever found in Malaysia, with somewhat distinct taste and interesting texture, being both fluffy and crispy when fresh out of the tempayan ( a tandoor or earthen oven ) and never chewy ( rubbery ! ) when reheated, out of the fridge. Every roti that came to the table back then, came dressed with a dab of warm butter on it. Not to mention, the seemingly countless variations to choose from - Garlic, Butter, Cheese, Sesame, to name a few. Oh yes, and the curries ... they really went together very well !
But, that was Japan, where good price always guarantee good stuff.
Well, somehow.
* Celebrating greatness.
Me, enjoying great Roti Tempayan with some dudes at an Indo-Pakistani eatery, somewhere in a cheesy district of Higashi Osaka, some five years ago.
Oh darn, I guess I just got my cover blown !
Sorry kids, you guys should have guessed. Back then, I was Ultraman Taro.
Those puny Earthlings around me were bunch of Malaysian students throwing out a party for me for saving their asses ( * sorry for the intended vulgarity ).
You know, Godzilla attack in Japan occurs like twice a day or so, in day and night working shift. But none was as furious as the attack by Daigaku Sensei as experienced by these guys. Luckily, like always expected, I came to the rescue, got beaten, red bulb flashing on my chest, quickly got my arms crossed in my usual pose and the rest was Roti Tempayan party ! Yatttaaaa ! Those hectic but surely rewarding days ....
Now, back in Malaysia, the hunt continues but not after many failed attempts and astonishing findings.
When asked for Roti Tempayan, Mamak eateries in Lembah Klang and even in Kota Bharu ( you guess where ) brought me the meaning of " vulcanization " instead. Then, there is a deceitful version of Roti Tempayan, the one cooked on hot plate instead of the usual tempayan, normally sold at Pasar Malams under the name " Roti Nan ". Have to admit that it does taste nice but unfortunately far from the real deal .....
To tell the truth, I did gave up on the quest once.
Doing away with all the thoughts and hopes on heavenly Roti Tempayan, here in Malaysia, especially in my native Kelantan. Everywhere I looked, none suit my ideals.
Thinking that I had been expecting too much, so trying to be fair and at the same time, finding it necessary to cope with the local culinary scenario, ingredients and food quality control issues, I decided to re-adapt my ideas on a good Roti Tempayan.
First and foremost, it must comes out fresh from the tempayan or tandoor not from the hot plate nor supermarket's frozen storage. Secondly, it should be both crispy and fluffy and not chewy. The dipping curry should be thick, creamy, fragrant but not necessarily hot. Much like I expected from what I ate in Japan but with lesser anticipations.
Recently, I found these great eateries that serve great Roti Tempayan.
One a Kedaa Ppati in a Kedaa Kopi ( a coffee house ), the other is a normal restaurant, and another, a Kedaa Ppati in Kota Bharu.
Really glad, as I didn't expect that there are great ones out there, here in Kota Bharu.
So far, these three are the most interesting and highly recommended. Though not exactly like I had in Japan, I would give their Roti Tempayans two thumbs up ( by my own standard, of course ).
These are their pictorial verdicts :
1) ROTI TEMPAYAN NIK YAM BINTI RAJA MAMAT
A wooden, Singhorra roofed coffee shop.
Both the exterior and interior look very aged which is great !
Somewhat antique in feeling and ambiance. Located at Jalan Pengkalan Chepa, behind Rumah Mayat HRPZII, somewhere between Hotel New Pacific and Bank Rakyat.
* The typical servings - the Roti with the Curry ( this one with chunks of beef )
The Roti is thick and excellent but lacking consistency.
I mean, you either get it both fluffy and crispy i.e. just nice or 1st degree burned ! But never fear, most of the time, they come clean. The excellent part reminds me of those I ate in Japan, very very close but not exactly. Only if they could brush some warm butter on it, I would give more merits.
A piece here, cost RM 1.50, with the curry for dipping comes at RM 2.00 / person.
Prices are on the high side compared to the other two, but I would say, fair. Oh yes, and the curry is thick and lovely too, but still below my anticipation as I preferred thicker ones.
Verdict ? 8.5 out of 10 stars. Excellent but not perfect.
2) ROTI TEMPAYAN PASIR PEKAN
A normal restaurant but only starts to operate when the Sun goes down.
Located by the road, at Jalan Kota Bharu - Pasir Pekan, near to the Pasir Pekan roundabout. To reach, one needs to travel down from Kota Bharu.
* The typical servings - the Roti with the Curry ( this one with minced beef )
The Roti is way the smallest I have ever encountered so far. The taste is good, amazingly fluffy but without the crispy side. Unfortunately. Like muching on Roti Pau ( steamed bun ).
A piece here, cost RM 1.20, with the curries for dipping come at RM 2.50 ~ RM 3.50 per serving, is fairly thick and at much more variety than the other two. The only downside is the pricey part.
Verdict please ! 7.5 out of 10 stars. Amazing but not as anticipated.
3) " KEDAA GHOTI PAYYAE CHERGHAE " ( ? )
Kedaa Ppati concept.
A concept which is very common in ( and unique to ? ) Kelantan. Located at Jalan Bayam, Cherang, some distance away from the Jalan Long Yunus - Jalan Bayam intersection.
Have no idea what the place is formally known as there is no visible business name but those who usually frequent the spot call it either " Kedaa Ghoti Payyae Cherghae " or " Keddaa Azae " after the eatery owner's name ( Azam ? ). Please spare me if I got both wrong ....
* The typical servings - the Roti with the Curry ( this one with chunks of beef )
The Roti is thinner but marvelous when hot, newly out from the tandoor but might get really chewy at room temperature.
A piece here cost RM 0.70 which is the cheapest I've found so far ( well, did I say " thinner " ? ), with the curry for dipping comes at RM 2.00 / person. The other downside is the curry. Sorry to say, somewhat watery, lacking viscosity or something that just don't fit my likings. I could easily come up with better than that !
Oh yeah, the verdict, 6 out of 10 stars. Slightly above average.
But to be fair. By overall, it's still great and that explains the eatery popularity as a workmen's stopover for tea ( and roti ! ).
I need more input on places with great Roti Tempayan, especially in Kelantan.
Also want to know how Malaysians define " excellent " Roti Tempayan.
Care to share ?
Just leave your two cents in the comment box, and I will make them a couple of millions if I must.
Ijou de, doumo arigatou !
THE SERIES
( 4 ) KELATTE : Jalae ~ Jalae Carghi Makae
( 3 ) KELATTE : Jalae ~ Jalae Carghi Makae
( 2 ) KELATTE : Jalae ~ Jalae Carghi Makae
( 1 ) KELATTE : Jalae ~ Jalae Carghi Makae
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| Friday, 4-Jan-2008 10:00 |
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Here Comes TISKU !
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Finally ....
after so much anticipation,
the World's third largest retailer opened its doors in Kota Bharu, on the 3 Jan 2008
( oh yeah, not on the rumored 27 Dec 2007 ....... )
Bet that thousands of Kelantanese had set foot there since the opening, well, very typical, much expected reaction on something " new " in this and also every part of the world, of course.
Me ? Emmm .....
I like the interior very much, compact but very lively, and different !
Oh yeah, love the Jawi too .....
could be an another addition to my " uniquely Kelantanese " list, perhaps ?
* Photos taken on the 4th Jan 2008, at 9:30 a.m.
Notice the vehicle build-up even though business starts from 10 a.m.
Don't blame them, curiosity die hard.
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| Sunday, 30-Dec-2007 14:15 |
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SEHARI DI BUMBUNG KELANTAN : Tanah Tinggi Lojing ( dan Cameron )
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SEHARI DI BUMBUNG KELANTAN :
Tanah Tinggi Lojing ( dan Cameron )
Berpeluang menjenguk Cameron dan Lojing, dua tempat berbeza dalam masa sehari !
Sebelum kalian meng "gocoh" si penulis, biarlah terlebih dahulu si penulis tegaskan di sini bahawa si penulis sememangnya tahu bahawa Cameron bukannya terletak di Kelantan !
Namun, sekadar perbandingan umum, lebih lebih lagi kedudukan Cameron yang amat hampir dengan Lojing ( bersebelahan ! ) yang juga difikirkan bakal memberi banyak pengaruh kepada perkembangan Lojing seterusnya, maka dirasakan memang wajar untuk turut dinyatakan di sini.
Oh yer, lagipun, did I mention I had been to both ? Hu hu hu hu :
TANAH TINGGI CAMERON :
Terletak di atas Banjaran Titiwangsa, tulang belakang Semenanjung Malaysia.
Secara geopolitik, terletak di dalam negeri Pahang dengan bersempadankan Kelantan ( Lojing ) di utara dan Perak ( Daerah Kinta ) di sebelah barat.
Ketinggian dari aras laut adalah sekitar 1300 ~ 1500 meter
( Hotel Equatorial di Brinchang dilaporkan sebagai puncak tertinggi di Cameron yang didiami manusia, pada 1400 meter dari aras laut ) .
Suhu adalah sekitar 15 C ~ 25 C. Merupakan kawasan pertanian dan agro pelancongan suhu sederhana yang terkemuka di Malaysia, lengkap dengan pelbagai prasarana dan kemudahan asas.
TANAH TINGGI LOJING :
Seperti Tanah Tinggi Cameron, ia terletak di atas Banjaran Titiwangsa.
Secara geopolitik pula, di dalam negeri Kelantan dengan bersempadankan Daerah Cameron Highlands di Pahang dan dan Daerah Kinta di Perak.
Ketinggian dari aras laut adalah sekitar 800 ~ 1000 meter, ternyata lebih rendah dari Tanah Tinggi Cameron. Suhu juga ternyata lebih tinggi dengan julat 18 C ~ 27 C.
Mudah kata, Lojing tidaklah sesejuk Cameron dan juga ternyata agak panas.
Tetapi masih dikira ber "suhu sederhana " jika dibandingkan dengan lain lain tempat di Kelantan dan juga di Malaysia.
Sehingga catitan ini dibuat, Lojing membawa imej kawasan pertanian yang baru dibuka dengan tiada bekalan elektrik, tiada liputan komunikasi wayarles ( juga tiada talian telefon ! ) dan tiada sistem bekalan air dan peluputan kumbahan yang sistematik.
Kesimpulan ?
Tanah Tinggi Lojing dikatakan amat sinonim dengan isu alam sekitar.
Itu kata akhbar, bukan kata si penulis.
Si penulis tidak ingin menegaskan apa apa berkenaan isu ini melainkan bagi si penulis, Lojing adalah Cameron Highlands semasa ia baru dibuka bertahun tahun dahulu. Kalau hendak berbahas isu alam sekitar, rasanya Cameron pun tidak kurang juga isunya. Entah lah, tiada komen !
Yang pasti, setiap tindakan kita ke atas alam ini, sememangnya ada timbal balasnya.
Sejauh mana bentuk timbal balas itu, terletak pada mereka yang menanggung dan apa yang ditanggung ( peti undi juga merupakan sejenis tanggungan ! ). Berkenaan dengan itu, dirasakan tidak perlu dan juga tidak wajar untuk seterusnya diulas di sini.
Okeh, itu saja ! Jemput layan foto pulak !
* Cameron Highlands : Dari " tea shop " bergelar " Bharat ".
Dari bacaan si penulis, perkataan " Bharat " sebenarnya merujuk kepada nama lama bagi " Benua India " dan si penulis mengagak, apabila nenek moyang kita mewujudkan perkataan " barat " bagi merujuk kepada arah matahari jatuh, sebenarnya mereka merujuk arah kedudukan benua India dari Tanah Melayu .... Ada sesiapa yang boleh mengesahkan hal ini ?
* Cameron Highlands : Pemandangan tipikal lereng bukit di Cameron Highlands.
Foto dirakam di satu poin antara Kampung Terla dan Brinchang.
* Lojing Highlands : Laluan baru Lojing-Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands berlingkar menembusi Tanah Tinggi Lojing.
* Lojing Highlands : Pemandangan sebuah lembah di Lojing.
Kelihatan penempatan Orang Asli, ladang sayur dan barisan pokok Longan.
* Lojing Highlands : Ladang strawberi eksperimental.
* Lojing Highlands : Mekarnya kuntuman bunga Epal.
Berkhasiat Untuk Minda Jika Dijenguk :
BumiSepi : Satu Rakaman Perjalanan
Universiti Sultan Idris : Wacana Isu Alam Sekitar Cameron Highlands
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| Tuesday, 25-Dec-2007 12:00 |
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SELINGAN : Pulau Gajah Revisited
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SELINGAN :
Pulau Gajah Revisited
Kampung Pulau Gajah, near Sabak, in Jajahan Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
A traditional fishing village, famous for their ornate fishing boats.
Located some 15 km or so from the center of the nearest major town, Kota Bharu.
Not really typical sights.
Fewer boats seen on the waterway due to the monsoon.
Most are hauled up on land for repairs, maybe new paint jobs too,
while waiting for a calmer sea up ahead, after the monsoon.
My previous note : Jalan Jalan Cari Ikan ~
 
* All photos were snapped by a borrowed Nikon D80.
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| Thursday, 20-Dec-2007 08:30 |
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SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL ADHA 1428 H
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Lembu / Cow / Ushi / Baqaratun ... Laziizatun jiddan !
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Kandungan dari beberapa SMS yang diterima beberapa hari lepas :
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Kalau terima berita ini
harap disebarkan untuk kepentingan ummah
Seru kepada semua umat Islam
siap sedialah dengan parang, kapak dan pisau dari sekarang.
Biar mereka semua tahu !
Pertumpahan darah akan berlaku di seluruh negara
bermula pagi Khamis, 20 Disember hingga Ahad 23 Disember !
Kita mesti bangkit angkat senjata kerana agama !
Untuk menyembelih ternakan buat korban ...........
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SALAM AIDIL ADHA 1428 H
* Lembu Tesco ! RM 0.29 seekor !
Lembu - lembu baka Kedah-Kelantan kelihatan sedang bersantai di satu sudut di tapak pembangunan Lembah Sireh, Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
Takde lah, bukannya milik TESCO ( at least, for the time being .. he he he ). Boleh jadi dibawa ke sini oleh penduduk dari penempatan tradisi berhampiran, Kampung Sireh, sebagai korban buat Aidil Adha kali ini.
Tersergam nun jauh di belakang, tak lain tak bukan, bangunan Pasaraya Besar TESCO yang sudah siap sepenuhnya. Pembinaan yang bermula sekitar Mei 2007 ( tak sampai setahun ! Ada duit semua jadi ! ). Dari sumber yang dirasakan boleh dipercayai, TESCO Kota Bharu akan dibuka ( soft launch ) pada 27 Disember 2007.
Yang membawa kepada persoalan berikut :
Adakah kocek warga Kelantan dan periuk nasi peruncit kecil di Kelantan akan terkorban dengan kehadiran gergasi runcit dunia ini ? Tungguuuuuuuuuuuuuu .... dan lihat.
Sesambil Tu, Jenguk La Yang Ni Jugak :
Kelantan : Aidil Adha - Dec 2006 M / 1427 H
Kelantan : Aidil Adha - Jan 2006 M / 1426 H
Kelantan : Aidil Adha - Jan 2005 M / 1425 H
Kobe / Osaka : Aidil Adha - Feb 2004 M / 1424 H
SIRI MAKLUMAN : Watch Your Wallet !
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| Monday, 17-Dec-2007 00:00 |
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AMPAT TAHUN LAH ! Dan aku masih tercongok di sini ...
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AMPAT TAHUN LAH !
Dan aku masih tercongok di sini .....
Empat tahun.
Dirasakan terlampau sekejap.
" Kouin ya no gotoshi " kata orang Jepun.
" Umpama melepaskan panah cahaya " jika di Melayu kan ia.
Pejam celik pejam celik, sudah 1461 hari
atau 35,064 jam atau 2,103,840 minit atau 126,230,400 saat
telah berlalu semenjak itu.
Andai kata kerajaan tidak jadi memutuskan kenaikan harga minyak tahun depan dan sebaliknya memutuskan agar umur setiap warga Malaysia wajib dihitung dalam saat, kelak dialog berikut akan menjadi satu kebiasaan :
" Umor Awae berghapo lonih ? "
" Umor sayo 378,691,200 saat pokcik, oppss bukae, 378,691,215 saa ... oppss saloh saloh, hok betul nyor, 378,691,230 saat ... opppss .......378,691,240 errrr ............ "
kata seorang budak lelaki berusia 12 tahun.
Ha ha ha ... tak mustahil !
Kerana manusia selalu taksub dengan masa yang telah pergi,
tetapi tidak pula dengan masa yang berbaki ...
( Eh ? Bagus juga begitu ! Sekurang kurangnya nanti kita akan tahu dengan mudah betapa begitu pantas umur kita berdetik pergi ! Orrait ! Aku sokong ! Okeh, bila nak mula ni ? )
Uhuk .. uhuk ... ehhemm ... ehhem ....
Before I stray too far,
TODAY marked the 4th year I am here, at raykinzoku.fotopages.com
which I started exactly 4 years ago on 17th December 2003.
While all of my friends who started it along with me decided to do away with it years ago, I decided to stay put mainly for the following reasons :
1) the Webmaster or Admin guys let me stay ....
2) Kelantan
3) my passion for observing and journal keeping through photo-documenting
4) the support ( though never monetary ) that I earn from my regular visitors *
* some left me wondering.
It's Fujifilm F420 for God's sake ! Not a Nikon D40X or something !
And now, I am still at it.
Will there be the fifth, sixth, seventh and so on ?
To tell the truth, I care less ....
...... as long as I am still aware why I am at it.
HAPPY 4th ANNIVERSARY TO RAYKINZOKU.FOTOPAGES.COM !
( Great God ! Four years ? What am I doing !!? What have I done !!? )
* Four years ago, I was there. Had it started.
* Four years later, I was here and still at it .... so do some personal belongings.
Kata Pak Lah :
* Utusan Online : 16 Dis 2007. Klik imej untuk ke sumber asal.
" You can observe a lot
by just watching ! "
Yogi Berra
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| Monday, 10-Dec-2007 15:30 |
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BANJIR Bagi Orang Kelantan
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BANJIR
bagi Orang Kelantan
BANJIR
bagi Orang Kelantan
tak macam perkataan " banjir "
dalam " banjir kilat Lembah Klang "
atau " banjir Utara 2005 "
tak pun " banjir Johor 2006 "
tapi macam perkataan
" banjir " bagi " roti banjir " !
BANJIR
bagi orang Kelantan
macam banjir beribu ribu lemon
dalam iklan cecair penggonyoh pinggan mangkuk
yang pernah buat aku terlopong zaman muda belia dahulu ..
Lemon memang masam
tapi kalau dah beribu ribu lemon dapat percuma
kalau diusung pula ke pasar, buat berniaga
akan tak ke mana
melainkan ke dalam Lemon Chicken akhirnya .... emmm ..
Banjir bagi orang Kelantan
mudah kata
macam Lemon Chicken
Sedap .....
* Pssssst :
Pohon ampun seandainya ada warga Kelantan
yang melihat keadaan banjir di Kelantan sebaliknya ....
* Apabila Sungai Kelantan menguap .....
maka bertempiaranlah rakyat jelata menyambut Sunway Lagoon percuma di depan rumah !
Setakat ini, sudah enam kematian direkodkan di Kelantan, dan kesemuanya adalah berpunca dari apa yang aku panggil, hidrofilia complex !
Bagi mereka yang berniaga pula, mereka ada cara tersendiri " bermain air ". Di mana orang bertumpu mengagumi banjir, di situ akan dipasang gerai menjual barangan dapur dan segala macam makanan ringan dan segera.
Jalan yang menghubungkan bandar Kota Bharu dan Pantai Cahaya Bulan ini, memang tersangat sinonim dengan banjir. Pendek kata, indicator pertama banjir di Kota Bharu adalah di sepanjang laluan itu.
Ketika foto ini dirakamkan ( 10 Dis ), di sepanjang jalan sejauh 8 km itu sahaja, tak kurang tiga tempat sedang digenangi air - satu di sini iaitu di Simpang Tiga Kedai Buloh, satu berhampiran Kem Kijang dan satu di Penambang.
Manakala di Tambatan DiRaja ( Jeti Kastam ) pada tika yang sama,
penyukat banjir menunjukkan sukatan 5.38 meter, iaitu 0.38 meter di atas paras bahaya. Tak ada peliknya kerana pada hari sebelumnya, bacaan adalah 5.61 meter.
Itu pun jauh lebih lekeh jika dibandingkan semasa " Pesta Air Perdana " yang berlangsung selama tiga hari, tiga tahun lepas ( 11 ~ 14 Dis 2004 ), iaitu 7 meter ! ==> kata seorang jurutera JPS, " rekod yang tertinggi dalam sejarah banjir di Kota Bharu ! ".
KEMAS KINI 12 DIS 2007
Air Sungai Kelantan di Jeti Kastam ( Tambatan DiRaja )
meningkat kepada 5.95 meter pada 12 Disember 2007, jam 2100.
Foto berikut dirakam ketika paras air sekitar 5.86 meter.
* Istana Balai Besar dan banjir.
Antara kawasan yang pertama dilanda banjir di Kota Bharu adalah Istana Balai Besar.
Kelihatan di sini, penghadang khas dipasang pada pintu masuk bagi menghalang air dari masuk ke kompleks istana. Air yang meresap masuk pula akan segera dikeluarkan semula dengan pam dan sistem perpaipan khas. Teknik yang sama digunakan semasa banjir besar 2004 dan dilaporkan begitu berkesan sekali.
* Mercu tanda Kota Bharu dan banjir.
Ini baru banjir kecil kecilan.
Tak sah kalau banjir di sini tidak sekurang kurangnya separas ini setiap tahun !
* Hanya ketika ini, motosikal dizalimi dengan kejamnya ....
Yang aku lihat bermaharajalela di atas jalan raya dan laluan yang digenangi air bukannya pejalan kaki mahu pun kereta tetapi motosikal ! Bayangkan, pesta rempit anak anak muda ..... dalam air !
* Bila banjir di Kota Bharu, ramai pula yang ambil peluang berniaga.
Si penjual aiskrim dikerumuni pembeli yang terdiri dari mereka yang mengidap hidrofilia complex peringkat awal. Pengidap peringkat akhir sindrom berkenaan boleh dikenali apabila mereka mula meredah air paras pinggang, pada waktu maghrib, dengan motosikal !
* Putu Halba.
Kuih tersohor pada musim tengkujuh. Ubi kayu parut dibubuh inti gula melaka lalu dikukus. Malangnya, aku tak tergolong dalam kalangan peminat kuih ini.
* Gambar " Real Time " penyukat banjir bagi Sungai Kelantan di Tambatan DiRaja / Jeti Kastam.
Foto di atas di " link " terus secara " real time " dari kamera banjir JPS di Tambatan DiRaja / Jeti Kastam, bermakna setiap satu jam, gambar akan dikemas kini atau berubah ( malangnya, tidak ada lampu disediakan pada waktu malam, maka jangan terkejut sekiranya apa yang dilihat hanyalah skrin hitam ! ).
Untuk makluman,
bagi bandar Kota Bharu, paras 3 meter adalah paras berjaga-jaga, 4 meter bagi amaran dan 5 meter bagi bahaya. Pada Disember 2004, paras tertinggi yang dicatat adalah 7 meter dan paras normal bagi Sungai Kelantan adalah 1 meter ( luar musim tengkujuh ).
Klik imej untuk ke laman JPS yang dimaksudkan.
Nota tambahan :
Klik di sini untuk imej " real time " penyukat banjir JPS di Tangga Krai
( Sungai Kelantan di Kuala Krai, 80 km ke selatan dari pusat bandar Kota Bharu )
Klik di sini untuk imej " real time " penyukat banjir JPS di seluruh negara
DIARI BANJIR KELANTAN 2004 ~ 2007
Dec 2004 : BANJIR BESAR !
Hari Pertama ( 11 Dis ) , Hari Kedua ( 12 Dis ) , Hari Terakhir ( 14 Dis )
Nov 2005 : Banjir pullok doh wehh ~ !
Feb 2006 : The Strangest Day
Dec 2006 : When Everyone Gets Their Share ~
Jan 2007 : SEMOGA HADIRMU BESERTA RAHMAT DAN KEBERKATAN ILAHI
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| Saturday, 8-Dec-2007 00:15 |
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KELANTAN & WW2 : The Pillbox of Pantai Kundor
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The quiet & secluded Pantai Kundor or Kundor Beach
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Hidden in a nearby coconut grove is a WW2 pillbox
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This is no Guadalcanal or Iwo Jima but Kelantan, Malaysia
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KELANTAN & WW2 :
The Pillbox of Pantai Kundor
Naminori Senshi.
Chi darake ano sunahama ni
senshi.
It's 8th of December 2007.
And today, like I always did every year,
again, I dedicate the day's entry to this nearly forgotten episode of a Great War.
Exactly 66 years ago,
the Imperial Japanese army ( Dai-Nippon Teikoku Gun ) declared war on the British in Malaya.
It all started with a midnight invasion through the shores of Kuala Pak Amat in Jajahan Kota Bharu, State of Kelantan, on the northeast coast of the Malay Peninsular, just an hour before the famous ( well publicized ! ) Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor.
So, I was out again looking for another relic from that war, to add to my list of those already found. This time, to to Pantai Kundor ( Kundor Beach ). I knew from available sources that there should be one on Pantai Kundor, only that I have no exact idea where.
From what I learned, the actual battle didn't come to the shore of Pantai Kundor.
The exact landing point 66 years ago was some five kilometers south, at Kuala Pak Amat, which was located very close to an airfield of strategic value. Nevertheless, Pantai Kundor then was as important as Kuala Pak Amat during that decisive moment in history, very much probably had served as one of several crucial, heavily guarded defensive points in WW2 Kelantan.
I first stepped foot there only during " Hari Beruk Sedunia 2007 " ( and no, I am not one of the Beruks .. Never ! ) which was held there some months ago. The relic thing was beyond my sight then. So, I went down the route once again and had my car parked at the very same spot where I parked during the event. Hoping to find something from there. Trying my luck on my own judgment ( rather than asking the locals ), I managed to find it, a 66 years old or so British pillbox, perfectly intact and preserved albeit naturally, hidden in a coconut grove.
So, they say a photo is worth a thousand words and therefore, I concluded my findings with the following shots and ( less than a thousand words each ! ) descriptions :
Pantai Kundor in Daerah Badang, Jajahan Kota Bharu, Kelantan.
A secluded and quiet stretch of sandy beach, facing the South China Sea.
Few people really know how to get here but it is actually located just next to the famous Pantai Cahaya Bulan or dearly known among the locals as PCB. However, getting here is quite tricky. Well, not really if I told you how. From the town centre, take the usual route to Pantai Cahaya Bulan ( Jalan Pantai Cahaya Bulan ) but head towards Kuala Besar ( take a left turn at a T-Junction, pay attention to roadside signboard for direction ). Halfway to Kuala Besar, a signboard bearing the word " Pantai Kundor " with an arrow pointing to the right, will further show the direction to the beach - a distance of 4 km on narrow village road, over narrow bridges, through Malay kampungs and coconut groves.
Kampung Pantai Kundor on the map.
Notice its proximity to the more well known Pantai Cahaya Bulan ( this is an old map, Pantai Cahaya Bulan is written as " Pantai Chinta Berahi ", the former name. Name changed, but the acronym stays, the P.C.B ). Just next to P.C.B is the actual battle site, the small and quiet estuary of Kuala Pak Amat, located next to Pantai Dasar Sabak.
Somewhere in the Pacific ......
Well .... not really. Surely not like what most might think of.
Sure, with sight like this, one would immediately feels like being somewhere in the former pacific theater of the World War 2, either on Iwo Jima or Guadalcanal or even Midway. But such sight is still common in Kelantan. Maybe there is one in your own backyard. This one in Pantai Kundor is surrounded by tall coconut trees and Nipah palm bushes with simple and rustic kampung houses in the background. The pillbox stood in eerie silence - with only warm salty sea breeze to remind visitors of its former purpose.
It is amazing that while much of the former wartime landscapes surrounding the remaining pillboxes throughout Kelantan, had long lost to the elements, human activities whatsoever, this landscape on Pantai Kundor, seems to be exactly like it was 66 years ago. The pillbox itself, being obviously non-cared for and neglected, remains like it was built a year ago.
In battle, knowing where your foes are, is the first step in securing victory.
But, still doesn't mean that you would be the victor.
It is interesting to note that almost all remaining WW2 pillboxes in Kelantan were built to face the sea, proving that the British already knew where and how the Japanese invasion would take place.
Though the Japanese, being made aware of such British preparation through their spy networks in the then Malaya, could simply choose an alternative route through land from Pattani and Singhorra ( their troops landed on both places a day earlier ), they chosed to face the British head to head, instead. I am not sure why but I do know that the attacking force was lucky enough as the defending party were ill equipped as the British decided to pay more attention to the defense of Singapore.
Step in and make yourself like home !
Or maybe not.
The inner cavity of the pillbox seen through one of the loopholes.
What was once stocked with munitions and nervous defenders, is now filled with decaying palm fronds and empty drink cans. This small space is used to be manned by several soldiers on guard during the critical hours, perhaps poking their rifles and machine guns, through loopholes available on each corner. The shoreline itself was probably lined with barb wires and mines at every vulnerable point and the pillbox itself must be the most important point of defense for the troops stationed there.
Reading the tense of pre-invasion through workmanship.
Concrete mixture for everyday constructions is prepared with fine grain of sand to ensure strength and overall quality to the end result. But in wartime, time and material are too precious to be wasted on things that would be blown apart anyway. The tense atmosphere of the time, just before the invasion could be felt through the material used and the outer finishing of the pillbox such as this one in Pantai Kundor. Notice the embedded, seem " out of place " pebbles and small stones ( machine gun loophole ).
OF RELATED STUFFS :
These are my previous entries on World War II in Kelantan and those related :
WORLD WAR 2 PILLBOX IN KELANTAN : Jubakar, Tumpat
WORLD WAR 2 PILLBOX IN KELANTAN : Jalan Tok Hakim, Kota Bharu
WORLD WAR 2 PILLBOX IN KELANTAN : Jalan Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Bharu
WORLD WAR 2 PILLBOX IN KELANTAN : Pantai Melawi, Bachok
WORLD WAR 2 PILLBOX IN KELANTAN : Pantai Irama & Pantai Pulau Belongan , Bachok
WORLD WAR 2 BATTLE GROUND IN KELANTAN : Sabak Beach
WORLD WAR 2 IN JAPAN : A visit to Yasukuni Shrine & Yushukan ( Japanese War Memorial )
WORLD WAR 2 IN JAPAN : Hiroshima ~ The Beginning Of The End
IMPERIALISM : What did we learn ?
Meet The Guillemard !
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