Autumn Color at Mount Takao

Ever get to experience beautiful and colourful Autumn colors in any 4 seasons nation? For my case yep! Approximately 1 year ago in the month of November 2011, I finally got to go for ‘Momijigari’ (紅葉狩り) which is loosely translated as ‘hunting of autumn colors/leaves’ at the Mount Takao (高尾山) which is a mountain in the city of Hachioji in Tokyo, Japan. With a height of 599 meters, it is a popular hiking spots especially during the Autumn season with more than 2.5 million visitors annually. Visitors to Mount Takao can choose to hike or take the funicular train but my recommendation is to hike up. It is not hard at all actually and while hiking, you enjoy the nature even more.

This is what you will see as soon as you step down from the Takaosanguchi (高尾山口駅) train station 

At the lower right, it is believed that by rubbing the Octo's head, you will be blessed with good fortune

There were many visitors to Takao san especially during the Autumm Season

This is a sign asking us not to feed the monkeys or any animals in the park

At the middle of the mountain, you will come across a temple called Takaosan Yakuōin Yūkiji 

(高尾山薬王院）

Mount Takao is closely associated with tengu (天狗)a minor kami (神)or deity from Japanese folklore,

After reaching the top, the best way to enjoy the colorful autumn is to get a good spot and enjoy your meal there 

view from the top

at the entrance there everyone can enjoy traditional Japanese performance 

The rivers there are very clear and clean

A must try at Takao San...Sakura flavored ice-cream

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The Hidden Gem of Penang: The P. Ramlee House

After about 1.5 month hiatus, I’m back again! Not from any overseas related travel but nevertheless I am going to blog about this little known place but famous nationwide especially among those who were born before the mid 80s. Yes his name is none other than P. Ramlee with his museum/house Rumah P. Ramlee or known as P Ramlee House.

Here’s a little note about our famous national star:

Born Teuku Zakaria bin Teuku Nyak Puteh, Tan Sri P. Ramlee was born on the first day of the Eid festival (or better known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri Pertama), which fell on 22 March 1929. His father, Teuku Nyak Puteh, was a sailor from Aceh. He attended Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Melayu Kampung Jawa (Kampung Jawa Malay School) and Sekolah Francis Light primary schools. Next he went to the famous Penang Free School secondary school. Both Sekolah Francis Light and Penang Free School were my alma mater as well.

P. Ramlee was an all rounder which include film actor, director, singer, songwriter, composer, and producer. Due to his contributions to the movie and music industry and his literary work, he is often considered the icon of Malay entertainment in Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra (especially in Aceh due to his ancestry). Some of his famous work includes ‘Pendekar Bujang Lapok’, ‘Hang Tuah’, ‘Anakku Sazali’ and ‘Nujum Pak Belalang’ which won him best Asian Film Award.

Sources: Wikipedia, 2012

Situated at Jalan P Ramlee (formerly known as Caunterhall Road), the P. Ramlee House is was actually built in the year 1926 and was several times been renovated and restored by the National Archives. Exhibitions include his diary, personal memorabilia, boat, bicycle and other personal belongings such as musical instruments which were part of his stardom life.

This is the house whereby I walked passed by nearly every day during my years in primary school, SRK Francis Light, which was also the alma mater of P. Ramlee. Nostalgic!. 

That's me during my countless visit to this traditional wooden house of P. Ramlee..on the left is my friend from Singapore.

This is an old sampan used by the late P. Ramlee to move around the river perhaps or during the flood as the place of his residence often hit by flood during heavy rain and monsoon season. Yes I have experienced that as well.

An old bicycle belong to the late P. Ramlee which was used as his mode of transportation at that time

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