Lone Ranger of Ipoh Airport

Even after extension of the runway and complete facelift of the terminal building, Ipoh airport is still a lonely airport which only one budget commercial flight operator, Firefly landing here. There was another budget airline getting ready to commence flights between Ipoh and Medan few months ago. This was followed by the runway extension which claimed to be capable of handling Boeing-737. However, the plan was last minute being called off for the reason of runway isn't fit for Boeing-737. Wasn't it surprise? No further in-depth explanation to the public, though it is not making sense at all. And the case just left silence since then.

 

Great, It's Raining!!

Everyone is wishing a downpour that could wash away the accumulated heat in the atmosphere. Well, our wish did come true partially this morning. While most people were rushing to work, rain fell at some areas in Ipoh. Although it's not downpour & only last for a short while, it did cool our heart down. Anyway, the morning rain had brought inconvenience to motorcyclist on their way to work.

Heritage of "New Village"

In those years when British colonial government in Malaya still fighting the Malayan Communist, a huge population, mainly Chinese, at rural area had been regrouped to heavily guarded concentration camps nationwide. This was known as Brigg's Plan & these new settlements are called "New Villages". The immigrants had suffered so much for decades, especially the beginning years where they almost lost everything in their live. It has been more than 60 years & situation has completely changed after the Malayan Communist dismissed in 1989. Nowadays new villages are still Chinese community & there are about 10 located within the Ipoh city territory. Pasir Pinji is the largest among all & one of the closest villages to the city. Many houses have been rebuilt but we may still find pioneers like this. By looking at these old houses, I try to imagine how difficult was their live during the unrest period.

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.

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.

Flying To Singapore

This is my first experience of viewing aeroplane taking off from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport. The airport was once ceased operation due to the poor demand of flight between Ipoh & Kuala Lumpur. Anyway, some flights between Ipoh & Medan, Indonesia had brought the airport back to alive. Since 2009, a very strategic air route between Ipoh & Singapore established by a local budget airline, Firefly. It takes only about 1 hour 20 minutes from Ipoh to Singapore at cost as low as less than RM100 (of course, only if booked far advance) and it is now 2 trips available daily. Just for curiosity, I came to the Pasir Pinji riverside garden to witness the take off moment of morning flight. Another trip will be at 4:45pm.