PROLOGUE: Map is not the territory. Which is why GPS really comes in handy!
We continued our journey to Pasir Salak. A place once bloomed as one of the centre of British administration back in colonization era. Now a peaceful kampung area, leaving behind all legacy of blood once garishly coloured the scene...
And I came to pay respect to the one caused everything in the first place, JWW Birch.
Unfortunately his tomb located deep within a plantation. Plus, the road leading to it was bumpy as all hell. On the way, my tire got stuck with some twigs. As I went out to pull it away, howls of unknown primates and canines perilously all over the air.
"Birch, don't tell me you've got your own personal guards...".
Personal safety won over curiosity . We called off the visit and head for the nearest exit.
Whatever you say Birch. Just don't let me change your R with T.
Next we went to the Pasir Salak Historical Complex. Time was already past 5 pm and it was already closed. We took a few pics of the exteriors of the complex, the site where Birch was killed, and the grave site of one of the killers, Seputum, Malaya's very own Ezio Auditore!
Sungai Perak, the only surviving witness of the Birch assassination.
It was getting dark, so me and Razif drove back to Kuala Kangsar. Along the way, we stopped by at Gua Tempurung. It already closed, and we just chatted with the only guard available. He told stories about his 10 years experience with the cave -of course a bit tinge of paranormals.
Interesting, very interesting indeed. It's been a while since the last time I had the speleological adventure. Next time, indeed this cave is a must go!
Next morning, we went to this gallery below at Kuala Kangsar. The gallery storing mementos of the current sultan of Perak. Outfits, antiquities, souvenirs, you know that stuffs. In short, all things glorifying Sultan Azlan Shah!
We were exhausted after seeing all those spoons, plates, pajamas, portraits, jewelries, all things trivial and crucial. We took a nap at the VIP room. Comfy. Cool. Royal. El grande. Only for both of us that afternoon!
Guys, make way for the His Highness and Most Holiness Tun Tan Sri Dato' Amar Diraja Yang Berbahagia Lagi Mulia Razif! Wait,something about the couch...
Yep, a gift from Emperor of Japan himself just for Razif to have a good midday snooze~
Yo king, were busts or statues are meant for fallen heroes and Islam endorse aniconism? Oh I forgot you're the king and kings have exemptions and lot of excuses.
Picture perfect with a princess beside. Oh my darling angel, where were you when I need one.
We prayed at the nearby Ubudiah Mosque, the edifice already covered in my blog before. Then, I paid some respect on the great Sultan Idris, ancestor of Sultan Azlan Shah. He was responsible for the mosque. Responsible for my brother's alma mater Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.
He criticized them during Durbar meeting in 1897 and enjoyed British money afterwards. And responsible for keeping Perak chained under the colonialist administration.
His tomb dominated the Royal Mausoleum beside the mosque. May you rest in peace, brother Idris.
Outside, I spotted one grand tomb. It belonged to the previous Perak Sultan. I concluded that the adjacent empty plot is where Sultan Azlan Shah will be interred. Sorry dear king, I already booked your final resting place :)
Before I head home for good in KL, I stopped by at a junction in Kuala Kangsar with the oldest rubber tree in Malaysia. Such a historical plant that this is the forefather of all rubber trees of Malaysia that turned Malaya into one of the rubber producers in the world and cash cow for the British colonialists. I took a fallen bark as souvenir.
In the end, these lines shall suit them all well:
Two big houses,
One incomplete,
Other turned gallery,
Such void, lifeless,
Not even fit to call home~
The journey was an enlightenment. Even at places so familiar as these in Perak, I always find something to discover. I shall always look forward for more travels in the states of Malaysia, and ultimately, more entries for my blog.
This is no longer just about traveling, this is my spiritual journey, my personal pilgrimage...
... and it has been my true epiphany.