Lost and Found (sort of)

When you thought you've lost something forever, somehow it comes back or resurfaces, sometimes.... errr... has Angelina turned into a philosopher now? Not quite.

You see, Mama and Dad went back to Dad's home town a couple of weeks ago. It was a day trip, for work, not pleasure. And so the cats stayed home with no babysitter either.

While there, Mama and Dad visited a friend and made a startling discovery. You see, many many years ago, there was an old palace by the name of Istana Kolam (istana = palace, kolam = pond) in Kuala Trengganu. It was said to be the birthplace of gamelan music in the state of Trengganu, it was the reign of Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alam Shah then. Read all about the gamelan here.

Anyway, back to the old palace. It was demolished many many many moons ago to make way for some modern flats.  Uncle Awang Goneng mentioned it in his book Growing Up in Trengganu (read here). You can see an old picture of the palace here as well.

OK...back to Mama and Dad's visit. I'm really beating around the bush here, eh? Tucked behind some shops along Jalan Kelantan, is a house that is being built the traditional way. Traditional means no nails and using materials that are of norm in olden days' architecture.

The house even has large urns at the front. In olden days, such urns, called tempayan, would contain water to wash your feet before you enter the house. Humans (nor did cats) those days didn't wear shoes...hence the requirement.

What is most interesting, there are bits and pieces of Istana Kolam being used in the construction as well. Apparently, the owner of this house, that he's named Teratak Warisan (teratak = cottage, warisan = heritage), managed to acquire the materials at an auction. We didn't ask him which are the Istana Kolam materials but upon closer inspection, there's quite a lot of antique looking carvings, window panes, door leaves, and pillars. You be the judge.

The main entrance has a double tier staircase.

Take a close look at those carvings on the wall. Aren't they old?

More of the front walls.

Another "salvaged" looking wall.

An example of the no nail technique.

Another no nail part. This is the staircase, I think.

The structure holding the facade.

Pillars are supported by carved concrete.

Madam Pawpawrazzi inspecting the property....maybe imagining herself as the Queen of the palace.

Angelina's note: In our opinion, the house is about sixty percent ready. The original plan was to open it for tourists, to stay, like a boutique hotel of sorts. Asked if he's willing to sell, the owner's reply was: if the price is right. So, next time you find yourself in Kuala Trengganu, ride along Jalan Kelantan and look for signage that says IlhamCipta Advertising. This fine looking house is behind the shop. Oh, be sure to ask for permission before visiting. Trespassers will be shot clawed and scratched. purrr...meow!