History Trip : Muzium Insitu and Bukit Jugra

From a distance, we obviously saw the Jugra massive billboard, right on top of the Jugra Hill, alongside the lighthouse and the tower. Beforehand, we stopped at In-Situ Museum and did a quick snapshot. The admission is free but it is closed at 5.30pm daily.

We then drove towards the hill and the scene was a bit creepy, with ruins of old palace and Chinese cemetery. It is said that this hill full of demons and ghosts with disturbing stories about voices and what not.

I must admit that this hill is too soundless.

So we tried not to state anything obvious.

Once arrived, there were 2 cars parked by the road side. The lighthouse was on our right, but the gate was closed. Right on our left, there was one small pathway, heading up into the bush, where I saw few joggers on the opposite way. 

“Owhkayyyyy…scary.”

We walked towards the famous letters of J.U.G.R.A, where we meet other visitors. There was shaded seated that I believed, built for para-gliding spectators. Looking down the hill was pretty scary coz there was no barriers at all. Hubby tried to get as far as he could to get all the letters in one frame but I warned him not to push of the limit. He was wearing thongs so he might get slipped off easily.

Further down, we saw one bushwalk. I used to read that you can try to take this route (upward, not downward) to reach the lighthouse. Along the bushwalking, you may find beautiful fauna, including snakes. You will also enjoy looking at flora, especially organic dragon fruits.

A bit of history on how this lighthouse is built.

"In the early days, many ships had tried but all of them failed to reach the beach that supports this great Jugra Hill, which locals then called Bukit Kerang, directly translated as Cockle Hill. In the late 19th century, British vessels had been travelling for weeks along the Straits of Malacca and each time they closed in, the shores of Bukit Kerang sneakily moved

backwards further inland, breaking these mighty fleets as they yielded to mounting frustration. Tired and thoroughly aggravated by the situation, the English constructed a lighthouse on top of the hill to guide their vessels. From then on, deep into the night, when all were asleep a beacon of light would part the darkness searching for ships to welcome ashore."

"Violated by the construction of the lighthouse atop its sacred peak, the hill bled continuously for 30 long days. The waters surrounding this great knoll assumed the rusty-red colour of the cockles that resided in the area. Ironically, the cockle population started to dwindle and slowly disappeared not long after the incident." Source: Tourism Malaysia.

Myth will be always be a myth. 

We waited until sunset and enjoyed the breathtaking view of amazing panorama. It would be perfect if it wasn't hazy. I wish the sky was blue, so that it can blend well with green trees and the river.

When we were there, no para-gliding activity being held. I have no info whether this activity is still relevant and do-able at Jugra Hill, but you may contact Captain Ikhwan at 019-3734858/012-281 8032 or paragliding_msia@yahoo.com for more information. The total cost including accessories is about RM1,300 (quoted here, read more for her experience doing the para-gliding). 

 

History Trip : Makam Sultan Abdul Samad and Masjid Sultan Alaeddin Jugra

Before we headed to Jugra Hill (Bukit Jugra), we drove towards the Royal Cemetery where Almarhum Sultan Abdul Samad is buried. (Heard of his name before? Yup, that beautiful building right in front of Merdeka Square.) The upward hill road is infrequently used by public except for joggers. It was already late when we reached the place and the gate was half closed. 

This 5 acres cemetery is actually located on more than one hills. The main tomb is located inside the building, carpeted, covered and decorated with yellow curtains. A bit info from Wiki on how Sultan Abdul Samad was chose as the King.

"Before becoming the Sultan of Selangor, Abdul Samad held the title of Tengku Panglima Raja and held authority over Langat[5]. The third sultan of Selangor, Sultan Muhammad Shah, died on 6 January 1857 without appointing an heir. This started a dispute between the royal court and dignitaries of Selangor to choose the next sultan. To select the next sultan Malay customs dictate that the son of a royal wife takes precedence over the sons of other wives. This makes Raja Mahmud the next legitimate heir but he was too young and was unable to exert his right. Sultan Muhammad's older and more competent sons, Raja Laut and Raja Sulaiman were sons of concubines, the Sultan's sons-in-law, Raja Jumaat and Raja Abdullah, were from the Riau branch of the family, hence they were all ineligible. This left Raja Abdul Samad, the nephew and son-in-law of the late Sultan, as the candidate with the strongest contention[4][6]. Raja Jumaat and Raja Abdullah became convinced that they could become the power behind the throne if they supported Raja Abdul Samad to take the throne. With their patronage and the support of four other state dignitaries, a consensus was made to select the nephew of Sultan Muhammad Shah, Raja Abdul Samad Raja Abdullah.[7]."

"Sultan Abdul Samad died on 6 February 1898 at the age of 93 after reigning for 41 years. He was laid to rest in his own mausoleum in Jugra[8]. He had 12 children, 6 princes and 6 princesses from two wives[19]. Raja Muda Musa, the heir apparent, died in 1884. Due to this the next in line is Raja Muda Musa's eldest son, Sulaiman Shah Musa."

Almarhum Sultan Abdul Samad (source: Google)

Outside the main tomb, there are tombs of Al Marhum Tengku Muda Musa, Al Marhum Tengku Alfiah (puteri Al Marhum Sultan Abdul Samad), Al Marhum Tunku Jaafar, Al Marhum Tunku Yaakob, Al Marhum Tunku Maharum, Al Marhum Raja Berkat dan Al Marhum Tengku Mutih ibni Al Marhum Sultan Abdul Samad.

The caretaker allowed us to have a quick view of the surrounding, where we bumped into an actress, whom we forgot what her name is, but always saw her acting in Malay drama. She came with her family that I assumed, must be related to royalties.

Hubby had a quick snapped on the compound before we went out, and headed to Sultan Alaeddin Mosque. It was actually on the same road, and quite near to the Istana Bandar. I waited in the car while hubby performed his prayer.

This mosque, also known as Masjid Bandar, was built back in 1905 during Sultan Alaeddin time, whom is the grandson of Sultan Abdul Samad. No one knows who the architect of this mosque was, but this yellow mosque is definitely a good-looking mosque, with a great combination of India-Muslim and Middle East design. Moreover, it is also being noted to have a bit of North Sumatera influence, under the command of Deli in Medan.

Though it has covered prayer area like other mosques, the most interesting part of this mosque is the outer portion of the prayer spot, where they have it in an open-concept style. This place was initially an indoor garden, which later being leveled and covered with tiles, to further out the prayer area.

The interior has undergone a major renovation where view inside the main dome wasn’t visible anymore. They covered it with decorative wooden ceiling and Islamic motives. Anyhow, we didn't take any photo inside the mosque, as you have to get inside the mosque, to experience it by yourself.

It is now announced as one of the historical mosques in Malaysia and registered as one of Malaysia's National Treasure in 2008.

"Ok, it's getting late. Let's move on before we miss the sunset."

And off we went to the Jugra Hill, where we had an awe-aspiring moment.