Parking Coupon Everywhere

Since few years ago when Ipoh City Council removed all parking machines and replaced the parking payment system to coupon, we always see used coupons thrown everywhere on the street. Despite strong objection from the public, the systme has been implemented several years and no improvement of citizen's habit while more and more paper wasted everyday.

Driving to Work in The Rainy Morning

This is a rainy season. The city is always hit by thunder storm in the afternoon in recent weeks. However, the rain this morning falls right on the time when many people rushing to work. Cars are crawling on the road while motorcyclist struggling to rush to destination in between cars. Looking towards the airport from Pasir Pinji only see the blur outline of limestone hills but not mountains at the background.

Finally It's Open To Public

When the signboard was put up about half year ago, we all thought the KFC and Pizza Hut of Tasek would open very soon. However, the progress seemed very slow and it's only officially open to public last week, without heavy advertisement at the neighbourhood. Anyway, it is still attracting big crowd to enjoy to this very first fast food outlet in Tasek. And it's drive-through should be the first among all Ipoh's KFC branches. With more commercial shop lots going to be constructed adjacent to it, this area will potentially grow up to be a hot spot in Tasek.

Little India in Old Town

This portion of Lahat Road at Old Town used to be hub of Indian trading & businesses. In recent years, they continuously extending their business to Leech Street & Belfield Street. Last year the city council has put up an arch for the Little India.

The triangular shape open space used to be a small park that stood the famous E.W. Birch Fountain. The local Chinese named the park as "sui king" (水景, water scenery). Unfortunately, Ipoh City Council had destroyed the all-marble fountain and replaced with another ugly fountain, which did not survived long until this stage is built exactly on the same site.

Earth Day 22-April

Earth Day is day to create awareness & appreciation to the Earth's natural environment, which was founded by a United States Senator, Gaylord Nelson, in 1970. To preserve the environment is not a one-day job for a particular organization but it should be part of our daily life. The cohesion of everyone contribute will result great change. We are enjoying the beautiful blue sky and green planet at present days. Nevertheless, we shall also put our effort to preserve it for our future generations.

The Site of First KFC

Earlier there were discussions about the first KFC in the post of 25-Mar-2011. Based on the information from Ian and Superyusrie, the first one was here at upstream of Kampar Road which is just opposite to the existing AIA building. I have never been to this KFC although I realized its existance. Unfortunately the restaurant had closed and I have no idea when it happened.

Quiet Monday in Greentown

The center of Greentown is always a crowded & busy spot during weekdays. However, it is so quiet today. That's because today is a public holiday for the Birthday of Sultan of Perak. Government & private offices in this area are off and there are plenty of parking lots available in front of Greentown Square.

Occupants Are Needed

Ipoh is not an economically strategic city. The economic grow is at slower pace compare other major cities in Malaysia. Therefore, demand for office space is relatively low. Many shops & commercial buildings are having vacant floors and looking for tenants. The dilemma is not only restricted to old building but also modern high rise office block. That's suppose the reason we don't see new high rise commercial office block being constructed, only new hotels & condominiums are added to the city skyline.

Well Done in Preserving

Instead of five-foot way, front yard is a typical shophouse design around the area between Cowan Street & Anderson Road. I believe these are developed in later years after the establishment of New Town, my wild guess would be 1930's. And being located at the town boundary during that time, both floors are occupied as residential, unlike shophouses in town center, ground floor was meant for commercial. Anyway, we can see many of it have been converted for business and these are the few renovated & maintained in good shape. Although the original appearance is no longer remain, the quality and effort of restoration is still encouraging.

Most Ipohites Never See These Shops

While many old shophouses in town are being restored or demolished & rebuilt, the number of shophouse that maintain at its original shape is getting lesser and lesser. Most of it can't tell us how Ipoh looked like in those old days. However, while walking along Kinta River west bank from Hugh Low Street towards Brewster Road, there are few shophouses under poor condition seem to be very little changed. It is an isolated session of Old Town where people seldom reach here; the block in between end of Market Street & Panglima Street. The empty land beside should be the Old Town market in early 20th century. Looking at these shops, I believe the windows & doors are the original one, or at least have not been changed for many years.

Ipoh City Hotel

Yes, another budget hotel. Ipoh City Hotel is located in Kampung Jawa, right in the heart of city center and many would find it convenient as there are restaurants, money changers, shopping complex, etc at walking distance. The red neon sign on its top is iconic and noticeable from different corners in the city. Although I have not been in the hotel but I have read many positive comments about the hotel that gives me good impression on Ipoh City Hotel.

Ipoh City Hotel
18, Jalan Dass, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Tel: +605-241 8282
Fax: +605-241 1119

Wallet Court Flats

Wallet Court is one of the oldest flat in Ipoh that managed by city council. Since its establishment in 1962, the low-cost flats have gone through almost half a century. There are so many blocks lining up in 2 rows making it looked like a train when seen from higher spot. It used to be highly populated despite the very narrow houses. Waller Court does not looked to be well maintained where I can see clogged drains, litter on the floor and stainful wall. There were several proposals to upgrade the flat, among those there was one planning to transform it for commercial purpose. Somehow the plan was turned down due to strong objection from the public, especially the residents of Waller Court.

Sun Rise From Mount Korbu

It's a start of the day. Before the sun appear in the sky, the clouds already been shined brightly like flaming.

Pasir Pinji Riverside Park

If I am not wrong, Pasir Pinji is the biggest Chinese new village in Ipoh. It is just adjacent to the city center that can be accessed from several entrances. It probably should not be called "village" anymore as it is consider part of the Ipoh urbanized area. Many other new villages are having an arch at their main entrance, but Pasir Pinji is having its landmark arch at a riverside garden. Under the extremely clear blue sky, the arch become so outstanding.

Board for Movie of Today

What movie is on today? A board standing at road side used to be displaying poster of the movie of a particular day in this cinema, Lido Cinema. However, the cinema is no longer operating and has been converted into a Chinese restaurant. The board is, therefore, lost it's purpose. Luckily it still exist to the present day despite the closure of cinema many years ago. Anyway no one can guaranty its existence in future especially when its condition further deteriorate and endanger passing by pedestrian.

Protected Signboard

Signboards and trees usually complete to occupy the road shoulder. But sometimes they can coexist in harmony. Just like this signboard, it seems like well protected by the neighbouring tree :-)

Old Commercial Complex

I believe many people in Ipoh, including myself, cannot name this building, right at the junction of Yang Kalsom Road, Chamberlain Road & Pasir Puteh Road. This junction used to be a roundabout and replaced with traffic light system many years ago. Only when I came to visit it I figure out it's called Kong Wah Building. There are not many occupants at upper floors. I think the high vacant rate is due to lack of car parking and the surrounding traffic system is not favor to visitor to enter this building.

The Haven Lakeside Residences

Luxury, refreshing & beautiful is to describe The Haven Lakeside Residences. A latest luxury condominium in Ipoh surrounded by beautiful limestone hills & natural lake is under construction. The project consists of three 26-storey condominium blocks, which will be highest building in Perak. My visit to the show units was interesting and I believe it is dream house for many people. Anyway, being one of the highest value properties in Ipoh, those affordable would be very limited.

Dragon In The Sky

You may or may not agree with me about this image looked like a dragon. Even I did not see any specific pattern at the beginning, this scene in the sky attracted me so much. The mountains & everything on ground became so tiny while looking at this great picture.

Wearne Brothers Was Here

Wearnes is a big name Southeast Asia in automotive distributor industry. I used to hear this name when my parents talking about their history of living in New Town. The local Chinese pronounce it as "Wen Gong See" (温公司) and I was confused that is a Chinese company, but only later I realize it was translated from the name Wearne's, as seen on this building. Wearne Brothers was the agent for many European cars such as Austin, Morris, MG, Opel, etc. which was established more than a hundred years ago in Singapore. Ipoh was one of the key towns that housed its branch. Anyway, Wearne Brothers had moved out and the building is occupied by a famous textile company, Eastern Decorator since many years ago.

New Skyline at Upper Pasir Puteh Road

The 7-storey hotel building changes the skyline of upper Pasir Puteh Road. Although its complete structure has been completed since few months ago, some detail works seem progressing slow. The hotel still not opened today and the front yard is still seen with working machines.