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| Thank you, Hiap Joo Bakery for hosting us! |
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| Johor Art Gallery, 1910 |
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| Post Office |
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| GE14 fever with Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin |
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| Jalan Tan Hiok Nee's old prewar shophouses |
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| Jalan Tan Hiok Nee's old prewar shophouses |
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| Jalan Tan Hiok Nee's old prewar shophouses |
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| Onn Kitchen |
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| Onn Kitchen |
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| Onn Kitchen |
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| Some sights and sound at JB Car Free Day |
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| Some sights and sound at JB Car Free Day |
Boy, she had almost messed out this morning. Getting up extra early, she had thought she had all the time in the world to get to the city....until she forgot her helmet and had to turn the car around! Playing dress up on a gentleman’s dress code was no help either. It took her awhile to zero in on what is appropriate and then....the hair had refused to cooperate !!!
Flooring the accelerator, she managed to get to Kin Wah kopitiam with 15 minutes to spare. Thank goodness, Paul Eddie had responded to her phone call, making a pre order of tea and toasts for her. Her luck doubled when SK Lai paid for her meal, a genuine treat, refusing any repayments at all.
Meanwhile, James was like a true gentleman, waiting patiently at Hiap Joo Bakery. So gorgeous and generous, he had almost made her swoon when he handed her the banana cakes, compliments of Hiap Joo for all cyclists today!
As the wood fire oven at Hiap Joo was slowly lit up, we embarked on our heritage trail, promising to return for more action later. Leaving Jalan Tan Hiok Nee’s pre war shophouses, we connected with Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Sg Segget’s promenade walk. Along the way, we marveled at the narrow canal and the water level which is governed by the tides. Once a natural river, tongkangs and bumboats could ply this waterway, all the way to where Tropical Inn Hotel stands today!
Turning onto Jalan Trus, we immersed ourselves in different House of Gods. It was amazing how diverging faiths could come together in such close proximity. Such is the religious harmony practiced in this country.
While The Vicar of Immaculate Conception Church, a catholic church built in 1927 stood on Jalan Gereja, not far away is the Chinese temple which lay diagonal to Gurdwara Sahib; both on Jalan Trus. Considered the oldest Chinese temple in Johor, this tiny place of worship has since been dwarfed by modern sky scrappers. It plays a vital role in JB’s annual Chingay festival.
Across the street, Gurdwara Sahib, one of the few Sikh temples in the country has its history dating back to 1921. When the Sikhs were granted a muddy and swampy land for a temple reserve, they defied all odds by filling it up with sand and stones. Today, the temple stood as a testament to their faith and determination to have a place of worship.
Tucked away, around the corner at Jalan Ungku Puan is Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam temple. Built in 1911, this Hindu temple is filled with ornate carvings and devotional artwork. Like most Hindu temples, this one sports a tall and brightly painted gopuram as well.
Connecting with Jalan Dhoby, we had to pass through JB’s “Little India”. Shops selling garlands and sarees were just opening their doors while the few goldsmiths are still with their shutters down.
Jalan Dhoby has of course lost its origins. Left with a single dhoby shop, it is now a favourite haunt with cafe hoppers.
Joining the car free day next, we were welcomed by Stephen, Daisy and Razak. Familiar faces were aplenty while friends came forward to exchange greetings.
Quite overwhelmed with the crowd, we decided to wait out the flag off from the post office. After all, the British era post boxes are always a good backdrop for group photos.
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| Bernard sharing the tale of how Singapore was invaded by bicycle trotting Japanese soldiers, a huge miscalculation by the British Army! |
When the car free day still refused to flag off officially, we decided to try out the route on our own, making our first stop at Sultan Ibrahim Building. The Singaporeans' interest piqued when told the structure of Moorish designs from 1940 has a role to play with the Japanese invasion of Singapore. Following the historical facts, it was turned into a Japanese Imperial Army's headquarters during WW2 where most of the military planning was done!
Still on the topic of military, we made our way to Royal Johor Military Force. A state army and the oldest military force in Malaysia, it was formed by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1886 to protect the interests of the crown. Until today, it still comes under the command of the Sultan of Johor.
After checking out the old prison from 1883, we rode past the palace gardens and made a stop at the high court. Greeting us outside the whitewashed colonial architecture was a student group using recycled instruments to make music. These young boys entertained us with contemporary malay songs while drumming away on overturned pails. Charmed; what melted our hearts most were their sincere handshakes...a “salam” from the hand to the heart!
Returning to Hiap Joo to catch the artisans at work, we were intercepted by Swiss Inn Hotel
staffs who were handing out drinking water to all cyclists. What a simple but thoughtful gesture from a bike friendly hotel that is also equipped with a Rider Corner as well!
Less than 50 m away from Hiap Joo, the smell of burning wood began to permeate the air. Arriving at its premise, their 100 year old oven was glowing red hot embers. While the old artisan sat by the work table, deftly shaping the buns, trays of coconut buns, were left to rise on the rack.
Strangely today, Hiap Joo was packed with staff, some as young as primary school kids! As it was not very conducive to conduct a tour in the tight settings, our curious few weaved their way in to take some photos before leaving.
Done and dusted, we worked ourselves to Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum bumping into some royal staff on duty. Thereafter, Yew Loong let us to the former art gallery, housed in a bungalow, rich in Malay-Chinese influences.
Ending the heritage trail at Onn’s Kitchen, we dined on authentic malay fare. Disappointingly, their famous lontong kering was already sold out, hence we had to content ourselves to roti canai and mee Soto.
As it was too early for the Singapore team to return home, they rode on to Kampung Bakar Batu and Bukit Indah, enjoying durians and Korean bingsu along the way. As for the JB hosts, they rode back to the city to collect their cars, some even collecting summons as well!!!
Photo Credits :
1. KC
2. Janet
3. Yew Loong
4. Richard Toh
5. Singapore Team
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