Exploring Malaysia Truly Asia : An Al-Idrus Clan’s Wedding @ Kedah. Savouring Historical, Regal & Cultural Hearts Of Perak.

One week prior to the 1st semester school break, I made northern rendezvous along with Dagny. With an intention just to get myself accustomed with the idea of driving back to Northern Region, I make use of the opportunity to attend my Next-Cousin’s wedding, Dek Qah at Alor Star. So, pushed off from Serendah, Hulu Selangor circa 8.30 P.M. and off we go to The Land of Paddy Field Vista! The journey was Alhamdulillah, a smooth-flowing without any glitches.

Happy Newly-Wed : Zaidy & Dek Qah!

Anyway, around 12.30 P.M., I pushed off to Alor Star and simply drove to Ween’s grandmother house – the place where Ween got married 2 years ago. I didn’t get to see the wedding invitation card as it was posted to Jitra and I just strongly believed that Dek Qah’s wedding must have taken place at the very same spot, wouldn’t it? Alas to my horror, the moment I arrived at the house, it was deserted with nothing but bushes and greenery! I was like – “OMG! Shit! Where the hell it could have been?!!” Tried to call Ween but she off the handphone; understandably as her sister was getting married, Ween’s probably busy ushering people here and there! I was clueless and dumbfounded! How am I supposed to know the venue??? Tried to call Ween 7-8 times but, prove to no avail!

Me & Distant Cousin, Kak Bujie.

Me & Next-Cousin, Ween.

Then, I remembered Kak Niah, my cousin who is married to Ween’s cousin (of which how we are cousin-related)! Called her and I just learned that she is in her confinement period after giving birth to her second child! Geez! Reluctantly, I asked her about the Dek Qah’s wedding venue- but Kak Niah being the cool and poised woman simply said it was no biggie and told me that the wedding is held at WHS Homestay circa Alor Star. I was clueless because I am not Kedahan native- but since Kak Niah said it is near Kedah Stadium, I drove there. Kak Niah gave me Watih’s number (Ween’s 3rd sister) and Watih gave me instructions with Syam (Ween’s husband) clearly gave the direction. And voila! I arrived there safe and sound. Hahahaha!

The Morroco-inspired Ubudiah Mosque- the landmark for Kuala Kangsar, Royal Town of Perak.

Perak Waterfront.

Arrived there and met Kak Bujie! Miss her so much! Ween, Syam, Watih and all were so ever busy entertaining guests and Dek Qah & Zaidy were looking radiant. Congratulation for both of you! Muah Muah!

The delicious & sumptuous luncheon comprising roasted catfishes, sourish juice, cockles (main course) & of course, Laksa Kuala! *drool!*

Anyway, around 4.00 P.M., pushed off from Alor Star to the Central Region. Spontaneously, I decided to take a tour to explore Perak because I never really take time to visit Perak and savor the state cultural heritages or scenery. Make a de-tour to the Royal Town, Kuala Kangsar (because I’ve never really spend my time there; merely for wedding or brief visit. Arrived at the town around 6.30 P.M. and had the chance to see the famous Ubudiah Mosque – which is a Morroco- arts-inspired building. Having the chance to perform prayer inside was a blessing and the mosque itself confines a very ethereal Ramadhan-feel. Serene, I say. Alhamdulillah.

Old Palace “Istana Ulu” which has been turned into HRH Sultan Azlan Shah’s Gallery.

The next morning, went to breakfast at Perak Waterfront and it was an immensely a congested place- full with people relaxing and enjoying “hair-down’ moments. I was most captivated by the morning scenery; there were few hills seen at the blue yonder-sights and Perak River flowing serenely, soothing troubled minds and hearts. For breakfast, I tried the famous Laksa Kuala – which initially I have skeptics since I am an ardent fan of laksa and all I know, Penang’s Asam laksa and Kedah’s laksa is the best. But how I was wrong! The laksa is said to be hand-made and the taste was simply DELICIOUS! And guess what, I even ate the laksa for lunch; right after the real main course lunch – roasted catfish and sourish juice! Hmmmm! Alhamdulillah! My stomach was indeed FULL! The Perak Waterfront is a must-visit place for authentic cuisines-lovers!

The sun dial at the front of main historical complex of Pasir Salak.

Then, a quick dash into the Old Palace “Istana Ulu” which has been turned into HRH Sultan Azlan Shah’s Gallery. Unfortunately, cameras are not allowed. But I can tell, it was cool to witness the chronology of the life of this Sultan. An educated ruler who was groomed to be a lawyer, he wedded a Penangite teacher-commoner who was schooled at the prestigious St. George’s Girls School (my sister’s school) and later known as HRH Permaisuri Tunku Bainun. HRH Sultan was an excellent hockey player and played important role in shaping the laws of Perak state as well as Malaysia on whole!

The porcelain remnants.

Diorama depicting the hanging procession of Malay warriors including Dato’ Maharajalela for killing the arrogant English Resident, J.W.W. Birch at Pasir Salak. What an uncivilized decision!

After 1.30 P.M, made the journey to Pasir Salak where the Historical Complex is located. Pasir Salak is a well-known spot for being the place where the arrogant and snobbish English Resident, J.W.W. Birch was killed by the Malay warriors led by Dato’ Maharajalela whilst taking shower in bathhouse at the brink of Perak River. The historical place is indeed a great place depicting the chronologies and dioramas of the historical sequences and I honestly was too immersed with the historical vibes! Throughout my visit at Pasir Salak, my head kept spinning the traditional song from Noraniza Idris, entitled “Pasir Salak” itself. Hahahaha!

Leaning Clock Tower of Teluk Intan.

After that, pushed off towards Central Region and arrived at Teluk Intan where the famous Leaning Clock Tower is located. The tower was built by a Chinese entrepreneur in 1885 and served as a water tower to supply for the usage of Teluk Intan’s residences. There seems to be a well at the centre of the ground floor base of the tower. I could see a lot of gold coins thrown inside- perhaps as a wishing well. The tower still has a functioning clock that rings the alarm and virtually, we can see the whole Teluk Intan from an elevated level at the topmost floor.I felt as if I was like Quasimodo in “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Amazing!

Gold coins in Wishing Well at the base of Clock Tower.

Spiral wooden staircase and the old bell.

Pushed off to Serendah around 6.45 P.M. and arrived at Serendah, Hulu Selangor circa 8.30 P.M. Above all, it was a satisfying weekend for me! An experience-enriching to travel locally. (,”)