Tree of Democracy

Many of us are familiar with the tree which Ipoh was named after, Ipoh / Upas Tree. However, recently, Ipoh discovered a new tree which very closely related to Ipoh nowadays, if not Perak.

Let me introduce to you, our latest celebrity in town, the Tree of Democracy aka Rain Tree. Due to some political uproar in Perak, The Rain tree has now become the not-to be-missed tourist destination.

This new-kids-on-the-block Rain Tree is located somewhere 200 meters from the State Secretariat Building, Bangunan Darul Ridzuan. Within Medan Istana, Rain Tree is planted in front of a house, off Lorong Istana.

The majestic tree which is like a multi-storey tall umbrella providing shade and comfort to all and sundry who gather underneath it. It is a common road side tree in Malaysia. According to botanical accounts, the rain tree is a native of South America but this is hotly disputed.

Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyt
Family: Fabales
Genus: Albizia
Species: A.saman

Its common names include rain tree, coco tamarind, saman, and monkey pod. The Malay name for it is hujan hujan (rain)

Did you know?

The rain tree is also called pokok pukul lima (five o'clock)?

First Car in Malaysia

1896 Quadricycle

The first car to appear in this region was in Singapore in 1896. They were the rich men's toy back then and it was no long before the tin barons in Perak got hand on automobilism, the act of motoring. Those day, automobilism was seen as something luxury, an act of the rich.

1902 Mercedes Simplex

Cars came to rule road in the 20th century and Kinta with its affluence and good roads quickly became advance motoring society. Eu Tong Sen is reputed to have been the first man to bring a car to Ipoh in 1902. Eu Tong Sen is the owner of the famous Eu Yan Sang Chinese medical hall which has plenty of franchise all over the world.

1901 Mercedes

According to a history record (written record from a perak local paper, Perak Pioneer 28 June 1902), the 'Towkay Eu Tong Sen's motorcar accomplished a journey of 12 miles in 35 minutes" which means the average speed of 20 miles/hour.

1902 Mercedes Simplex

Did you know...?

Earlier car was registered 'PK' (Perak) but it was replaced with 'A' registration in 1945 when registration letters were reallocated after the WWII. It was registered as 'A' because Perak is the first state to have a car, and later Selangor with 'B' and so on.

Malaysia registration plate:

A- Perak
B- Selangor
C- Pahang
D- Kelantan
J- Johor
K- Kedah, KV- Langkawi
L- Labuan
M- Melaka
N- Negeri Sembilan
P- Penang
R- Perlis
S- Sabah
T- Terengganu
Q- Sarawak
W- Wilayah Persekutuan (Kuala Lumpur)

H- Taxi (HA- Perak, HB- Selangor & etc...)
Z- Military

p/s: The pictures are for illustration only as it may be Towkay Eu Tong Sen's first car based on the year and the favourite vehicle brand of Perakians.

Keng Nam Curry Mee

Ipoh Curry Mee

Located in Jalan Yang Kalsom, Kedai Kopi Keng Nam is one of the best in town which serves tasty Ipoh Curry Mee. Usually busy on the weekend, it is advisable that you come early to get a place. Be quick as curry mee will be sold out by 11am usually due to overwhelming response.

Sticky Kaya Glutinous Rice

While wanting, perhaps one can try the sticky kaya glutinous rice as a starter. This little appetizer may look simple but it will land you in cloud nine as you take your first bite.

'Kedai Kopi Keng Nam' is situated at the end of Jalan Yang Kalsom. It is very near to the Ipoh City Hall Complex at Greentown.

After a sumptuous meal, perhaps a short visit to the distance missionary school Main Convent, Ipoh will be a good way of discovering the legacy left behind by the missionaries? MC is just few blocks away from Kedai Kopi Keng Nam.

Restaurant Keng Nam

Name: Kedai Kopi Keng Nam.Location: Jalan Yang Kalsom.Operation Hour: Morning until Afternoon.