ZHU FAN ZHI : FO LO AN WAS ANCIENT KEDAH!

In the Zhu Fan Zhi (often translated as Records of Foreign Nations or A Description of Barbarous Peoples), written around 1225 AD by Zhao Rugua, the state of Fo-lo-an is indeed frequently identified by historians as Old Kedah (Kuala Muda/Lembah Bujang) or a closely related polity on the Malay Peninsula.

Here is a breakdown of why that connection is made and what the text tells us:

The Case for Fo-lo-an as Old Kedah

While some older scholarship debated whether Fo-lo-an was in Terengganu or even Phatthalung (Thailand), the consensus leans toward the west coast of the Malay Peninsula for several reasons:

• Vassal Status: Zhao Rugua lists Fo-lo-an as a dependency of Sanfoqi (Srivijaya). At the time, Kedah was a primary northern gateway for the Srivijayan empire.
• The Trade Hub: The text describes Fo-lo-an as a major port of call for Arab (Tashi) traders. This aligns perfectly with archaeological finds in the Bujang Valley, where massive amounts of Middle Eastern ceramics and Indian beads have been unearthed.
• Geographic Logic: It was described as being a two-day journey from Ling-ya-si-jia (Langkasuka). Given the overland portage routes across the Kra Isthmus, this puts it right in the neighborhood of modern-day Kedah.

Key Details from Zhao Rugua’s Notes

The Zhu Fan Zhi provides some vivid (if occasionally filtered) snapshots of life in Fo-lo-an:

Category	Zhao Rugua's Observations
Products	Noted for aromatic woods (Lakawood), high-quality ivory, and sandalwood.
Governance	The chief was said to be appointed by Srivijaya to ensure loyalty and trade flow.
Culture	He mentions a Buddhist influence (common in Srivijayan territories) and that the people lived in houses built on stilts (piles).
Diplomacy	It was significant enough to send its own tribute missions to the Chinese court, even while under the Srivijayan umbrella.

A Small Clarification

While the identification is widely accepted, it's worth noting that "Old Kedah" was a sprawling trade complex rather than a single city. Fo-lo-an likely represented the specific administrative or market center that Chinese merchants interacted with most frequently during the Song Dynasty.

The Zhu Fan Zhi remains one of our best windows into this era, especially since local written records from 13th-century Kedah are extremely rare compared to the physical ruins left behind.

LANGKASUKA

In the Zhu Fan Zhi, Langkasuka (referred to as Ling-ya-si-jia) is described as one of the most significant and ancient polities on the Malay Peninsula. While it was a neighbor to Fo-lo-an, it held a distinct cultural and strategic reputation in the eyes of the Chinese.

Historians generally place its center in the Patani region (northeast coast of the Malay Peninsula), though it likely controlled a "trans-peninsular" route that connected the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea.

Key Features of Langkasuka (Ling-ya-si-jia)

• The Royal Court: Zhao Rugua describes a highly organized state. He notes that the king moved about on an elephant, shielded by a white canopy, and was preceded by banners and drums.
• The "Two-Day" Proximity: The text notes that Ling-ya-si-jia could be reached from Fo-lo-an in two days by land—a detail that supports the theory of a well-established overland trade route (the trans-peninsular portage) used to bypass the pirate-infested Strait of Malacca.
• Appearance: The people were described as wearing their hair long and wrapping themselves in sarong-like garments (kan-man), often going barefoot.
• Defenses: Unlike some of the smaller trading posts, Langkasuka was described as having a city wall, signaling a permanent and fortified administrative center.

Comparison: Fo-lo-an vs. Langkasuka

In the 13th-century geopolitical landscape, these two entities served different but complementary roles:

Feature	Fo-lo-an (Old Kedah)	Ling-ya-si-jia (Langkasuka)
Primary Coast	West Coast (Andaman Sea)	East Coast (Gulf of Thailand)
Primary Influence	Gateway for Indian and Arab traders.	Gateway for Chinese and Khmer trade.
Political Status	Heavy Srivijayan dependency.	Ancient kingdom with deep historical roots (dating back to the 2nd century).
Key Exports	Ivory, Lakawood, and Tin.	Aloeswood, Lakawood, and high-quality perfumes.

The "Overland Shortcut"

The relationship between these two is vital for understanding maritime history. Instead of sailing all the way around the southern tip of the peninsula, many traders would unload at Fo-lo-an, transport goods across the jungle and mountains by elephant or river, and reload at Langkasuka to head toward China (or vice versa). This made the Kedah-Patani axis the "Main Street" of 13th-century commerce.

Google Gemini AI

10/2/2026: 9.00 p.m

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC : FLOR DE LA MAR, THE GREATEST LOST TREASURES OF ALL TIME

The Flor de la Mar (Flower of the Sea) is often cited by National Geographic and maritime historians as the "Holy Grail" of shipwrecks. It isn't just a ship; it is a $2.6 billion time capsule sitting somewhere at the bottom of the Strait of Malacca.

Here is why this 16th-century Portuguese carrack remains one of the greatest lost treasures of all time.

The Treasure: "A Billion-Dollar Baby"

When the ship sank in November 1511, it wasn't just carrying spices. It was transporting the spoils of the Portuguese conquest of Malacca—the wealthiest trading port in the world at the time. The cargo intended for King Manuel I included:

 

"The spoils the Portuguese took from Malacca staggered the imagination... it was the largest treasure ever assembled by the Portuguese navy."

According to Portuguese Chronicles and historical manifest, here is the list of property belonging to the Sultanate of Malacca that was onboard:

1. The 6 Golden Lions - the life-sized made of solid gold.
2. The Jewel-Encrusted Table - the massive ornate table from which the Queen of Malacca took her meals, entirely covered in precious stones and gold.
3. The bracelet of the Rajah of Shahbandar
4. Gold-Plated Palanquins : Ornate, ceremonial litters used to carry the Sultan and Royal family, adorned with intricate gold leaf and carvings. 
5. 60 Tons of Gold: consisted of gold ingots, coinage (the Malaccan calaim and gold coins), and various animal-shaped gold figurined (birds, monkeys and deer) taken directly from the palace. 
6. Silver Currency: an immense quantity of silver coins, enough, according to soe chroniclers, to fund the entire Portuguese nation for years. 
7. The Rare Javanese Maps: world-class navigtional chart that showed the secret sea routes to China, the "Spices Islands" (Moluccas) and other lands yet unknown to Europeans. Albuquerque was devastated by the loss of this intelligence. 
8. Tributes from the King of Siam
9. Textiles and Embroidery : silks from China and luxury cloths from Gujarat. 
10. 200 Chests of Precious Gems:

• Diamonds : Sourced from the mines of Borneo
• Rubies and Sapphires: sourced from the trade routes with Burma and Ceylon.
• Emeralds and large Pearls: collected from the Sultan's vast trade network. 

The Fateful Sinking

The ship was notoriously unstable. Built in 1502, the 400-ton vessel was too tall and top-heavy for its weight, and by 1511, it was aging and leaky.

While navigating the Strait of Malacca off the coast of Sumatra, the ship was caught in a violent storm. It ran aground on a reef, split in two, and was swallowed by the sea. The fleet's commander, Afonso de Albuquerque, famously escaped on a makeshift raft, saving only the clothes on his back and a small child—leaving the vast fortune behind.

Why Hasn't It Been Found?

Despite being lost in relatively shallow water, the wreck has evaded discovery for over 500 years for three main reasons:

1. Shifting Sands: The seafloor in the Strait of Malacca is covered in deep, shifting silt and mud. Most experts believe the wreck is buried under meters of sediment.
2. Low Visibility: The waters are murky with high currents, making traditional diving nearly impossible.
3. The "Looting" Theory: Some historians argue that survivors or local villagers may have salvaged the most accessible gold shortly after the storm, leaving only the heavier wreckage behind.

A Diplomatic Nightmare

Even if a treasure hunter found it tomorrow, they might not keep a cent. The Flor de la Mar is at the center of a three-way legal tug-of-war:

1. Portugal claims it as a sovereign state vessel.
2. Malaysia claims the treasure was stolen from the Malacca Sultanate.
3. Indonesia claims ownership because the wreck lies in its territorial waters.

Current Status (2026)

As of early 2026, the ship remains unrecovered. While a full-scale replica serves as a Maritime Museum in Malacca, Malaysia, the original "Flower of the Sea" continues to sit in its watery grave, waiting for the right technology—or the right diplomatic agreement—to bring it to light.

Other reading:

1. History Bluff: The Real Location of Malacca Palace Found?
2. Wonderful Museums : Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum: Unveilling Ancient Majesty and Malay Heritage in a Reimagined Royal Residence. 
3. Wikipedia: Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum

Google Gemini Ai

10/2/2026: 7.57 p.m

THE BLACK PEARL OF PEIHOO

You've found a copy of "The Black Pearl of Peihoo" by Stanley Portal Hyatt. Published in the early 20th century (around 1914) by The Religious Tract Society, it’s a prime example of Edwardian-era "boy's adventure" fiction.

Here are a few quick facts about this specific book and author:

The Book's Context

• Genre: It is a maritime adventure story, often categorized under "colonial fiction." These stories were incredibly popular at the time, focusing on exploration, danger, and moral lessons.
• Setting: As the subtitle suggests—A Tale of the Malay Seas—it is set in Southeast Asia, likely around the Malay Archipelago.
• The Publisher: The Religious Tract Society (RTS) was a major British publisher known for distributing literature that combined entertainment with evangelical or moral messages.

About Stanley Portal Hyatt

Hyatt was quite the character himself. Unlike many armchair adventurers, he actually lived the life:

• He was an explorer, hunter, and engineer who spent significant time in Africa and Asia.
• His writing is often noted for its vivid (though very much "of its time") descriptions of the landscapes and cultures he encountered during his travels.

Is this a rare find?

While it isn't considered a "high-stakes" rarity in the world of book collecting, original RTS editions in good condition are definitely charming pieces of literary history. Collectors of maritime fiction or vintage children's adventure books often look for these for their cover art (which is usually quite colorful on the exterior binding).

SUMMARY OF THE PLOT

In typical Edwardian fashion, The Black Pearl of Peihoo is a high-stakes adventure story that pits British "exploratory grit" against the dangers of the unknown.

Here is a summary of the plot and the key elements of the story:

The Plot

The story follows Jack Wayne and his younger brother, Barney, who are left in a difficult financial position after the death of their father. Their only hope for restoring the family fortune lies in a mysterious legacy: a secret location in the Malay Seas where a legendary and incredibly valuable "Black Pearl" is said to be hidden.

Accompanied by a loyal Chinese cook and bodyguard named Ah Lung and a Malay guide named Mahomed, the brothers set sail for the Far East. Their journey takes them through the treacherous waters of the Malay Archipelago to the mysterious island of Peihoo.

Along the way, they face a gauntlet of classic adventure tropes:

• Pirates and Villains: They are pursued by ruthless "half-caste" antagonists and rival treasure hunters who want the pearl for themselves.
• Natural Perils: The group survives tropical storms, treacherous reefs, and the dense, dangerous jungles of the islands.
• The Discovery: After a series of skirmishes and narrow escapes, they eventually locate the ancient temple or hiding place of the pearl, leading to a final confrontation with their pursuers.

Key Themes & Style

• The "Plucky" Hero: Much of the book focuses on Jack Wayne’s internal development—moving from a state of exhaustion and doubt (as seen in the opening chapters) to becoming a capable leader.
• Colonial Perspective: Like many books from 1914, it reflects the "White Man’s Burden" ideology. The British protagonists are portrayed as natural leaders, while the local characters are often depicted through a lens of heavy racial stereotyping common to that era.
• Authentic Detail: Because Stanley Portal Hyatt actually traveled these regions, the descriptions of the sailing vessels (prows and luggers) and the atmosphere of the Malay coast are more detailed than your average "armchair" adventure novel.

Why it was written

Published by the Religious Tract Society, the book wasn't just meant to be a thriller; it was intended to model "manly Christian character." It emphasizes virtues like perseverance, loyalty to one's brother, and maintaining "civilized" British standards even in the wildest corners of the world.

Google Gemini AI

10/2/2026: 2.20 p.m

FUKAMI (2010) : PIZONG (PULAU PISANG)

The reference to Fukami (2010) likely points to research regarding the early "Maritime Silk Road" routes. The mention of Pizong (皮宗) in the Hanshu (Book of Han) is widely debated among historians and archaeologists, as it represents one of the earliest recorded Chinese naval expeditions into the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Key Contextual Breakdown

• The Timeline: The records appearing after 111 BC is significant because that was the year Emperor Wu of Han conquered Nanyue (modern-day Guangdong and Northern Vietnam). This gave the Han Dynasty direct access to the sea and prompted the emperor to send out envoys to trade for pearls, glass, and exotic stones.
• Identifying Pizong: While "Banana Island" is a common translation or association, scholars often debate its exact location. The most frequent identifications include:
• The Malay Peninsula: Specifically areas around the Isthmus of Kra or the western coast.
• Pulau Pisang: Located in the Strait of Malacca (the name literally translates to "Banana Island" in Malay).
• The Route: According to the Hanshu, the journey started from Xuwen or Hepu, passed through various kingdoms (like Huangzhi), and used Pizong as a critical stopover point for supplies or navigation.

Historical Significance

The inclusion of Pizong in the Hanshu serves as proof that the Han Dynasty wasn't just a land power; they were actively mapping the maritime world over 2,000 years ago. These records are some of the oldest written accounts of Southeast Asian geography in existence.

PIZONG AND PISANG?

The linguistic connection between the Chinese term Pizong (皮宗) and the Malay word Pisang is one of the most significant pieces of evidence for early contact between Han China and the Malay Archipelago.

Historians, notably Fujita Toyohachi (1914) and later Fukami (2010), argue that Pizong is likely the oldest recorded Indonesian/Malay word in Chinese historical texts.

1. Phonetic Transliteration

The core of the connection lies in historical phonology. In modern Mandarin, Pizong and Pisang sound somewhat different, but ancient pronunciations align much more closely:

• Old Chinese/Middle Chinese Reconstruction: In the Han Dynasty (approx. 2,000 years ago), the characters 皮宗 (Pí-zōng) would have been pronounced roughly as *bia-tsuŋ.
• The Malay Match: This matches the phonetic structure of Pisang (banana) remarkably well. The "P" or "B" sound at the start and the "ng" nasal ending are consistent across the two millennia.
• The "Banana" Meaning: Pisang is the Malay/Indonesian word for banana. Finding a place named "Banana Island" in a region where that fruit is native—and finding a Chinese transliteration that mimics the sound—strongly suggests the Chinese were recording the local name rather than naming it themselves.

2. Geographic Evolution of the Name

The identification of Pizong as Pisang is supported by the fact that the name appears to "evolve" or reappear in later Chinese records as the language and seafaring knowledge grew:

Period	Term Used	Reference	Likely Location
Han Dynasty	Pizong (皮宗)	Hanshu	Pulau Pisang / Malay Peninsula
Sui Dynasty	Bisong (比嵩)	Tongdian	Transliteration update
Ming Dynasty	Pisong (毘宋 / 披宗)	Zheng He's Charts	Pulau Pisang (Strait of Malacca)

3. Historical Significance

If Pizong is indeed Pisang, it tells us two things:

• Direct Interaction: The Han envoys weren't just passing by; they were interacting with locals enough to learn and transcribe the local name for the island.
• Linguistic Continuity: The word Pisang has remained largely unchanged in the Malay language for over 2,000 years, making it a "linguistic fossil."

Why "Banana"?

In maritime navigation, islands were often named after their shape or a prominent resource. Pulau Pisang in the Strait of Malacca remains a key navigational landmark today. Its distinctive profile and the abundance of bananas in the region made it a natural "waypoint" for ancient sailors.

Google Gemini AI

9/2/2026: 3.43 p.m

ARYSO SANTOS - "ATLANTIS: THE LOST CONTINENT FINALLY FOUND"

Arysio Santos was a Brazilian nuclear physicist and professor who spent decades championing a provocative theory: that the "Lost Continent" of Atlantis wasn't in the Atlantic Ocean, but was actually Sundaland—a massive landmass in Southeast Asia that was submerged at the end of the last Ice Age.

His 2005 book, Atlantis: The Lost Continent Finally Found, is a deep dive into geology, linguistics, and mythology. Here is a breakdown of his core arguments and how they stack up.

Santos’ Key Arguments

Santos argued that the Mediterranean and Atlantic theories failed to account for the sheer scale of the civilization Plato described. Instead, he pointed to the Indo-Pacific region:

• The Submerged Continent: During the Pleistocene, sea levels were about 120 meters lower. This exposed "Sundaland," a continent-sized area connecting the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. When the ice caps melted (around 11,600 years ago), this land was flooded—matching Plato’s timeline for the destruction of Atlantis.
• The "Pillars of Hercules": While most associate these with the Strait of Gibraltar, Santos argued that in ancient contexts, this term referred to the Strait of Malacca, the gateway to the "true" ocean (the Pacific).
• Volcanic Activity: Plato mentioned earthquakes and floods. Santos linked this to the massive volcanic activity in the Indonesian archipelago (the "Ring of Fire"), suggesting a Toba-scale eruption could have triggered the cataclysm.
• Agricultural Origins: He believed the "Garden of Eden" and the birth of agriculture happened in Sundaland, with survivors spreading their knowledge to Egypt, India, and Mesopotamia after the flood.

Scientific and Historical Perspective

While Santos’ work is incredibly detailed, it falls into the category of fringe archaeology. Here is the reality check:

• Geological Timeline: While Sundaland did exist and was submerged, the flooding was a gradual process over thousands of years as sea levels rose. Plato’s account describes a single "terrible day and night of misfortune."
• Cultural Evidence: There is currently no archaeological evidence of a high-tech, metal-working, empire-building civilization in Southeast Asia dating back to 9,000 BCE. Most findings from that era in the region point to hunter-gatherer societies.
• The Plato Problem: Most historians believe Plato created Atlantis as a philosophical allegory to warn Athens against imperial hubris, rather than as a literal historical record.

Why the Theory Persists

Santos’ theory remains popular because it treats Plato's "Large Ocean" as the Pacific and Indian Oceans, which actually fits the geographical descriptions better than the smaller Mediterranean. It also taps into the very real "Meltwater Pulse 1B," a period of rapid sea-level rise that would have been a foundational trauma for early human populations in the region.

Google Gemini AI

9/2/2026: 10.58 a.m

DOWN MEMORY LANE - PULAU BIDONG

The images I shared provide a poignant look at Pulau Bidong, an island off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia, which holds a significant place in 20th-century history. For nearly two decades, this small island was the primary sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees.

The "Little Saigon" of Malaysia

Following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, a massive wave of people fled Vietnam by sea, seeking safety from the new communist regime. These people became known globally as "Boat People."

Key Historical Milestones:

• The Arrival (1975–1978): The first boat carrying 47 refugees arrived in May 1975. As the numbers swelled into the thousands, the Malaysian government officially declared Pulau Bidong a refugee camp in August 1978.
• Peak Population: Although the island is barely one square kilometer, its population peaked at over 40,000 people in 1979. It became one of the most densely populated places on earth at the time, complete with its own schools, hospitals, shops, and places of worship.
• The Role of the Navy: As seen in your photo of the KD Sri Negri Sembilan, the Royal Malaysian Navy played a crucial role in patrolling the waters and managing the humanitarian logistics of the island.
• Closure (1991): The camp was officially closed in 1991, and the last remaining refugees were either resettled in third countries (like the US, Australia, and Canada) or repatriated to Vietnam.

Visual Breakdown of the Photos

My photo capture the transition from a bustling "city of hope" to a silent memorial:

Feature	Description
The Boats	The black-and-white photos show the overcrowded, rickety wooden vessels that refugees used to cross the South China Sea, often facing storms and pirates.
The Infrastructure	The shots of the longhouses and crowded hillside dwellings show how the "Boat People" transformed the island into a functioning society.
The Monuments	The stone carvings and Buddhist statues (shown in the bottom panels) serve as memorials to those who died at sea or while waiting on the island.
Natural Beauty	Today, the island has returned to a quiet state, with the clear blue waters of Terengganu hiding the heavy history that took place on its shores.

Legacy

Pulau Bidong is often referred to as the "Island of Human Compassion." For the Vietnamese diaspora, it is a sacred site—a place of both immense suffering and the beginning of a new life. In 2017, the island was opened to the public as a heritage site, allowing visitors to explore the ruins of the camp and the memorials.

THE BOAT PEOPLE

The term "Boat People" refers to the hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese refugees who fled their country by sea following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Their journey is one of the most harrowing chapters of modern migration history.

Why did they leave?

The exodus wasn't just a flight from war, but from the aftermath of the North Vietnamese victory. Several factors drove the crisis:

• Political Repression: Former soldiers and civil servants of the South Vietnamese government were sent to "re-education camps"—hard labor camps where many suffered from malnutrition and disease.
• Economic Collapse: The new government nationalized businesses and moved city dwellers to "New Economic Zones" to perform grueling agricultural work in the jungle.
• Ethnic Tensions: A large portion of the boat people were Hoa (ethnic Chinese Vietnamese). Following the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979, the Vietnamese government systematically expelled or pressured them to leave.

The Perilous Journey

The refugees typically left in secret at night, using small, wooden fishing boats that were never intended for the open sea.

• The "Death Toll": It is estimated that between 200,000 and 250,000 boat people died at sea.
• Piracy: The Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea were infested with pirates who targeted these vulnerable vessels. Refugees were frequently robbed, raped, or killed.
• Environment: Many boats were so overcrowded that they capsized during storms, or engines failed, leaving refugees to drift for weeks without food or water.

Life in the Camps (Pulau Bidong & Beyond)

Upon reaching land (often in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, or Hong Kong), they were placed in camps.

• Malaysia's Role: Malaysia was one of the first countries of "asylum." Pulau Bidong was the largest camp, but there were others like Sungai Besi and Pulau Tengah.
• International Response: In 1979, an international conference in Geneva led to the Orderly Departure Program (ODP). This allowed people to leave Vietnam legally and safely, rather than risking their lives at sea.
• Resettlement: The goal for most was to reach "third countries."
• The United States took the largest number (over 1 million).
• Australia, Canada, and France also accepted hundreds of thousands of refugees.

The Stats at a Glance

Metric	Detail
Total Refugees	2 million people fled Vietnam (by land and sea).
Arrivals in Malaysia	Over 250,000 landed on Malaysian shores.
Peak Density	Pulau Bidong was once the most densely populated place on earth (40,000 people on 1 km2).
Final Closure	The last Vietnamese refugee camp in Malaysia closed in 2005.

A Shared History

Many former boat people—now successful professionals, artists, and community leaders in the West—often return to Pulau Bidong to pay their respects to those who didn't survive the journey. It stands as a reminder of a time when the world came together to manage a massive humanitarian crisis.

Google Gemini AI

9/2/2026: 10.25 a.m

MALAYSIAN HERITAGE BUILDINGS (2)

 

The Coliseum Hotel & Cafe (above), was established in 1921 by Chua Cheng Bok, located in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (formerly Batu Road), right next to iconic Coliseum Theatre. It was famous for its "Western Hainanese" cuisine, a favourite haunt for colonial officers, tin miners and plantation owners. The British author, W.Somerset Maugham was a notable regular during his travels in the 1920's. The original cafe had been closed in 2021 and moved to Mid Valley Megamall, IOI City Mall and Plaza 33. 

While the Coliseum Theatre was built in 1920, one of the oldest cinemas in Malaysia. Today, it is operated by Lotus Five Stars (LFS) Cinemas, maintaining its original purpose while many other heritage theaters have been demolished or repurposed. 

The SMK Maxwell School was founded in 1917 and named after Sir William George Maxwell, a high-ranking British colonial official. It officially opened its door to studen on 1 June 1922. It was officially gazetted as National Heritage site. 

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall building was built in 1923 and the grand opening of the hall was officiated the Sultan of Selangor on 29 October 1934.The building was completed after a massive fundraising push from community leaders like Cheong Yoke Choy and Alan Loke. 

The Cheong Yoke Choy Mansion was built in 1923. Located at Jalan Sultan Idris Shah in Ipoh, Perak was built for Cheong Yoke Choy, a famous philantropist and co-founder of Kwong Yik Bank. 

Badan Warisan Malaysia heritage Building located at No.2, Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur was a 1925 British-Colonial style bungalow, was a private residence during the colonial era.

Badan Warisan Malaysia restored and adapted the building in 1995 to serve as their Heritage Centre. 

The "Rumah Degil" (Stubborn House), built in 1926 at it's original location at Jalan Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur.It was built by Haji Jaafar Sutan Sinombar, a descendant of Sutan Puasa. The final resident, Normah Manjawali refused the sell the land to developers for years, despite being surrounded by high-rise construction, that's given the house nickname of "Stubborn House".

However, it was eventually sold in 2013 and the house was dismantled piece-by-piece and was rebuilt to its current location in 2018. 

The Institute of Medical Research Building located at Jalan Pahang,Kuala Lumpur was built in 1928. Located next to the Hospital Kuala Lumpur. 

Present day, this heritage building houses the Biomedical Museum. It was gazetted as National Heritage Building in 1983, while the research Institute has moved to Shah Alam, Selangor. 

The Royal Museum, formerly the National Palace located along Jalan Syed Putra in Kuala Lumpur. It was built in 1928, originally a mansion for a local millionaire before being converted into the official residence of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (the King of Malaysia) in 1957. 

After the New Palace was completed in 2011, this site was converted into a museum and opened to the public in 2013. 

Sin Seng Nam Restaurant, located at Medan Pasar was built in 1928 by Hainanese immigrant Choong Yoo Ting and his two brothers. It reopened in April 2014 as Cafe Old Market Square. 

The Telecom Museum located at Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur was built in 1928 as the Central Battery Manual Telephone Exchange. By 1938, it made history by housing British Malaya's first mechanical (Automatic) exchange.

In 1984, the building was actually slated for demolition to make way for a 26-story skyscraper. It was saved at the last minute by then-Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who recognized its heritage value.

The Muzium Telekom was officially opened to public in 1994.It's now Malaysia's first interactive museum, tracing over 120 years of communication history, from early Morse Code to Modern satellite. 

The Victoria Institution (VI), Kuala Lumpur's oldest secondary school, It was officially opened on 26 March 1929, by Sir Hugh Clifford. 

On September 13, 1945, the school was the site where the Japanese 29th Imperial Army officially surrendered to the British. 

In 2009, it was officially declared a National Heritage site by the Malaysian government. 

The Lee Rubber Building was completed in 1930, designed by Arthur Oakley Coltman. It served as the HQ of the Japanese Kempetai (Secret Police) during the World War II. 

Today, it is now home to Else Kuala Lumpur, a luxury boutique hotel that opened in 2022. 

The Sulaiman Building located at Jalan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur was built in 1926 and completed in 1930, was officially opened in 1933. It was originally built as the New Railway Offices for the Federated Malay States Railway.It was named after Sultan Sir Alaeddin Sulaiman Shah, the 5th Sultan of Selangor. 

At present, it is the HQ of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC). 

The Oriental Building, the historical landmark located at the corner of Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Melaka, was completed in 1931. Designed by Arthur Oakley Coltman, a key figure in shaping KL's pre-war skyline. 

For many years, it served as the HQ of Radio Malaya until late 1960's. It was built for the Oriental Government Security Life Assurance Company. 

In August 15, 1932, Hotel Majestic opened its doors in Kuala Lumpur.  Designed by Dutch firm Keys and Dowdeswell, it was commissioned by the estate of Loke Wan Tho (son of Loke Yew).

After WW2, the hotel played a pivotol role in Malaysia's birth. Leaders like Dato' Onn Jaafar and Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia's first Prime Minister) held regular meetings here to discuss independence from Britain. 

The hotel was closed in 1984 and was converted into the National Art Gallery, howerver, in 2012, it was reopened by YTL Hotes as The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur featuring the original "Majestic Wing". 

Bangunan MATIC (Malaysia Tourist Information Complex) building was built in 1935. It was originally built as a private residence for Eu Tong Sen, a legendary tin mining and rubber tycoon. 

During the World War II, the building's purpose shifted drastically:

• 1941: served as the war office for the British Army
• 1942-1945: became the HQ for the Japanese Imperial Army
• 1959: hosted the very first meeting of the Malayan Parliament.
• Coronation of Yang di Pertuan Agong
• 1988: refurbished and renamed the Malaysia Tourist Information complex (MATIC).

The Tung Shin Hospital, a landmark that truly does date back to 1935, the building was donated by the famous Aw Brothers (Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par), the philanthropists behing Tiger Balm and the Sin Chew Jit Poh newspaper. 

While the building is from 1935, the hospital itself is much older. It was founded in 1881 by Yap Kwan Seng, the last Kapitan of Cina of Kuala Lumpur. 

Built in 1936, the Central Market building was designed by Y.T. Lee, it was a bustling wet market before its 1980's transformation into the arts and culture hub as we known today. 

Originally known as Anglo-Oriental Building, the building was completed in 1937, served as the HQ for Anglo-Oriental (Malaya) Ltd. the world's leading tin mining and management company. Designed by Arthur Oakley Coltman,the same visionary behind the Lee Rubber Building and the Odeon Cinema. Situated at the corner of Jalan Tangsi (formerly Barrack Road) and Jalan Parlimen (formerly Club Road). 

It was renamed Wisma Ekran in 1995 after being acquired by Ekran Berhad. 

The Odeon Cinema building, opened in 1936, located at the intersectionof Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (formerly Batu Road) and Jalan Dang Wangi, it was designed by Arthur Oakley Coltman. Commissioned by Cathay Organisation (founded by Loke Wan Tho). 

Today, the building has been revitalised as ODEON KL, no longer functions as a cinema but has been repurposed into a multipurpose heritage event space. 

The OCBC Building, built in 1937 and was designed by Arthur Oakley Coltman of the firm Booty & Edwards. It sits right at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, just a stone's throw from Masjid Jamek. 

The Agnes Keith House, located at Sandakan,Sabah was rebuilt in 1946 to replace the original house which was destroyed during World War II. Agnes Keith was an American author who popularised the phrase "The Land Below The Wind" for Sabah. After surviving the internment in Japanese POW camp, she write a book "Three Came Home", where she and her husband rebuilt their house that was destroyed during the war. 

The Federal Hotel, located at Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur opened its door on August 28, 1957, just three days before the declaration of Independence on August 31, 1957. It was specifically commissioned by Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, and was built by tycoon Tan Sri Low Yat. The hotel restaurant was actually used by Tunku Abdul Rahman to host early cabinet meeting and official government functions before Malaysia had a formal Parliament House. 

Compiled by :

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

7/2/2026: 10.02 a.m

MALAYSIAN HERITAGE BUILDINGS (1)

 

The Stadhuys in Melaka, one of the most recognisable landmarks in Malaysia. Built by the Dutch in 1650 as the office of the Dutch Governor and Deputy Governor.Believed to be the oldest remaining Dutch colonial building in the Southeast Asian region. The building weren't always red, it was painted by the British in 1920's. 

The Clock Tower infront of the building, the Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower was built in 1886 by a wealthy Chinese family in honor of a philanthropist. 

The Stamp Museum at Bandar Hilir, Melaka, there is no exact record of the specific day the foundation was laid, historical records generally agree that the building was constructed in 1660 during the Dutch colonial era. 

For decades before it became the Stamp Museum in 2007, locals simply knew it as the Malacca State Museum. It held that title from 1954 until 1982, when the main collections were moved to the larger red buildings of the Stadhuys. 

St.Peter's Church in Melaka, the oldest functioning Roman Catholic Church in Malaysia. Built in 1710 during the Dutch occupation of Melaka. It was built on a and donated by a Dutch gentleman name Maryber Franz Amboer. 

The Dutch who were Protestant intially suppressed Catholicism after taking over from the Portuguese in 1641.

Right next door to the Stadhuys sits the iconic Christ Church Melaka built in 1753, the oldest functioning Protestant Church in Malaysia. 

The Church of St.Francis Xavier in Melaka, built in 1849 under the direction of Father Peter Farve, a French priest from the Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP). It was built on the site of the former Portuguese Dominician Convent of Our Lady of the Rosary (built in 1553). It was name after St.Francis Xavier the "Apostle of the East" and co-founder of the Jesuits, who used Melaka as a base for his missionary work in Japan and China during the mid-16th Century.

In front of the church, you'll se the statues of St.Francis Xavier and Yajiro (the first Japanese convert to Christian), commemorating their meeting in Melaka in 1547.

Tung Shin Hospital, established in 1881, one of Malaysia's oldest and most respected healthcare institution, located at Jalan Pudu, KL.It was founded by Yap Kwan Seng (the last Kapitan Cina of Selangor).  

Perak Museum located in Jalan Taming Sari, Taiping, Perak is the oldest museum in Peninsular Malaysia. Founded in 1883 by Sir Hugh Low (the 4th British resident in Perak).

The Building was built in 1888, originally house the Chartered Bank of India, Australia dna China until 1965. It was converted to the National History Museum in 1996, the second National Museum after the Muzium Negara. As November 2007, it is closed and the entire collection has been moved to National Museum. The building was designed by A.C.Norman. 

The Building of Klinik Kesihatan Tanglin at Jalan Cencerasari, Kuala Lumpur has been a cornerstone of public health in the city since 1889. Originally established as the Tanglin Government Hospital, it was built by the British to provide medical services and the local community during the colonial era. 

The Cathedral of St.Mary the Virgin, located at Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur, was built in 1887 on Bluff Road, completed in 1894. It was designed by A.C. Norman the same architect responsible for the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building located just across the Dataran Merdeka. 

The Buddhist Maha Vihara located in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, one of the most significant Theravada Buddhist landmarks in Malaysia. Founded by the Sinhalese community from Sri Lanka. Founded in 1894 by its first resident monk, Ven.Patthalegedera Dhammananda Thera. 

The Sultan Abdul Samad Building built in 1894 and was fully completed and opened in 1897. Primarily designed by A.C. Norman and R.A.J. Bidwell, with later touches by A.B.Hubback. 

Located along Jalan Raja, standing directly opposite the Dataran Merdeka, it has witnessed the most pivotal moments in Malaysian history.

On August 31, 1957, the Union Jack was lowered for the last time in front of this building, and the Malayan flag was raised, marking the end of British rule in Malaya. 

It was renamed in 1974 after Sultan Abdul Samad (the reigning Sultan of Selangor when construction began) and has served as a courthouse and currently houses the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

The Panggung Bandaraya (City Theatre), located at the junctionof Jalan Raja and Jalan Tun Perak in KL. It was built in 1896 and completed in 1904 it was originally built to serve as the Old City Hall.

Designed by the renowned British Architect, Arthur Bennison Hubback (A.B.Hubback) who was also responsible for other famous KL landmarks like the KL Railway Station and the Masjid Jamek. 

The Loke Mansion, located at No. 273A, Jalan Medan Tuanku, Kuala Lumpur. It was the home of Loke Yew, a Chinese-born businessman who became the richest man in British Malaya through tin mining, rubber and various industries. 

While the site originally belonged to another miner, Cheow Ah Yoke (built around 1860), Loke Yew bought it in 1892 and spent 12 years expanding and renovating it into its current grand form, which was completed in 1904. This mansion is credited as the first private residence in Malaya to have electricity. 

Located in Taiping, Perak, the Nawab Din building is a significant heritage landmark that represents the early entrepreneurial history of the Indian Muslim community in Malaya. 

The founder, Nawab Din (1858-1943) was a Punjabi migrant who originally arrived in Taiping in 1886 as a member of the British Army or police force under Coloner R.S.F. Walker. 

After retiring from the force, he established his business in 1892. He used this building as a factory to produce military and police uniforms. 

Nawab Din's descendants became notable figures in Malaysia, for instance, his son, Dr. Abdul Karim bin Nawab Din, was a pioneering dentist in British Malaya. 

Carcosa Seri Negara was built in 1896 as the official residence for Sir Frank Swettenham, the first Resident-General of the Federated Malay States. However, the Carcosa final touches were completed around 1904. Designed by A.B.Hubback, in a mix of Neo-Gothic and Tudo Revival styles. 

As December 2025, Seri Negara has officially reopened to the public as Galeri Seri Negara, featuring immersive exhibits on Malaysia's journey to independence. 

Established in 1899, Convent Bukit Nanas is one of the most prestigious and oldest all-girls schools.  Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, it is celebrated for its distinctive English Gothic architecture and its long-standing history of academic excellence.

The Church of the Holy Rosary,located at Jalan Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur was officially opened in 1903. Founded by Father Francis Terrien, a French missionary, to serve the growing Chinese Catholic community in the early 20th century. 

Vivekananda Ashrama, located at Jalan Tun Sambanthan in the heart of Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1904 by the Ceylonese Tamil Community, it stands as a tribute to the Indian monk Swami Vivekananda, who visited Malaya in 1893. The bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda in the foreground was unveiled in 1983 to mark the centenary of his famous speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago. 

The St.John Institution Kuala Lumpur, located at Jalan Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur was founded in 1904 by the De La Salle Brothers. It is one of the oldest schools in Kuala Lumpur and has produced many of Malaysia's prominent leaders. 

The Malay College Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia's first fully residential school. Officially opened on January 2, 1905, was a brainchild of R.J. Wilkinson, a British colonial education officer, who wanted to create a school for the sons of Malay Royalty and nobility to prepare them for government service. The building was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. 

The Ipoh High Court, (formerly Ipoh Supreme Court), located at Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab. Offcially opened in 1906 and was officiated by E.W. Birch (the British Resident), it was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. 

The Loke Hall / Loke Chow Kit Mansion located at Jalan Tangsi, Kuala Lumpur, built in 1907 by Loke Yew for his close friend and partner, Loke Chow Kit. It later served as the Empire Hotel and the HQ for the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM). 

The Gian Singh Building, located at Jalan Tun Perak, Kuala Lumpur was constructed in 1909,serves as a gateway to the city's colonial-era business district. It was named after Gian Singh & Co. a Punjabi textile trading firm. 

Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Opened in 1909, the mosque was designed by the British architect Arthur Benison Hubback. It was renamed as Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad in 2017, honoring the 4th Sultan of Selangor who reigned when the mosque was built. 

Old Federated Malay State Survey Office, located at the intersection of Jalan Tun Perak and Jalan Raja was built in August 1909 and was completed in late 1910. Designed by A.B. Hubback, is one of the longest heritage facades in the city.  

The Royal Selangor Club, located at Jalan Raja, KL was built in 1910. It is one of the oldest in Asia and sits right at the edge of Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square). Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, the same architect who designed the famous KL Railway Station. 

Penghulu Abu Seman House  at Jalan Stonor, Kuala Lumpur was built between 1910 and the early 1930's. It is originally stood in Kampung Sungai Kechil, Bandar Baharu, Kedah. It was the residence of Penghulu Abu Seman bin Nayan, local village headman. 

In 1996, Badan Warisan Malaysia dismantled the house piece-by-piece and relocated it to its current site at Jalan Stonor, K.L. 

The Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, completed in 1910 and was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. 

For decades, the station housed the Station Hotel (later Heritage Hotel), allowing travelers to sleep just steps away from their platforms. 

While KL Sentral took over as the main rail hub in 2001, this station is far from a museum, it still serves as a key stopfor the KTM Komuter lines. 

Old Post Office located at Jalan Panggung in KL's historic Chinatown, was built in 1911. A unique blend of Mock-Tudor and traditional Malay influences. It served as a sub-Post office for the Federated Malay States Postal Authority. 

Today it's operated as a popular heritage-themed eatery, the Kafei Dian, serving as a traditional Kopitiam. 

The Proclamation of Independence Memorial in Bandar Hilir, Melaka, was completed in 1912. It first served as the Malacca Club. It became historically significant on February 20, 1956 when Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman,arrived at the field right in front of this building to announce the date of the Federation of Malaya's independence after returning from negotiations in London. It was converted to the Memorial in 1985. In the courtyard you can see the 1957 Chevrolet with license plate BE 52, used by the Tunku during the proclamation. 

The Gap Resthouse, located at Fraser's Hill, the building is older than the Fraser's Hll itself, appearing in travel guides as early as 1913. It is also mentioned in Henry Fauconnier's "The Sould of Malaya" and F.Spencer Chapman's "The Jungle is Neutral". Chapman reportedly stayed there while observing Japanese troop movements during World War II. 

The Ipoh Town Hall, built in 1914 and was completed in 1916, was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. A classic example of Neo-Classical architecture. The building shared space with the Post and Telegraph Office for many years. As of early 2025, it is being repurposed into a performing arts center. 

Methodist Girl's School was established in 1896.The school building in the photo was completed in 1916. In the earlier year, the school was operating in a simple wooden bungalow at the corner of Kampung Attap and High Street.

Today the primary and secondary schools are located nearby at Jalan Cenderasari(formerly Young Road). 

The KTMB Headquarters (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd), completed in 1917 and was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, who was also responsible for the KL Railway Station right across the street. 

Built in 1917, the Ipoh Railway Station, was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, the same visionary behind the KL Railway Station and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur. 

The RRIM Building at Jalan Ampang,Kuala Lumpur was officially opened on 4 May 1937. It was designed by the profilic British Architech Arthur Oakley Coltman (of the firm Booty & Edwards), a mastermind behind several KL's Art Deco icons including the Odeon Cinema, the Lee Rubber Building and the Clock Tower at Old Market Square. 

Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia was established in 1925 to modernise rubber production, this specific building at 260, Jalan Ampang became its permanent home in 1937. 

Compiled by :

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

6/2/2026: 3.36 p.m