Motormouth From Ipoh – Malaysian Food & Travel Blog

“What’s the significance of 11.11.11 to you?”

For me, the date will be forever etched in memories as my last day of work in the current workplace. Remember that huge leap of faith; departing from an undeniably comfort zone last December? (read THIS POST to find out more)

That was a marginally braver step; leaving my beloved hometown of Ipoh and the 4-odd years of contribution in the civil service.

Today’s no difference either, but I believe that I can cope with the swift changes in environment just as well. If not better. So dear readers, pray for me.

On this very significant Friday, allow me to tie all loose ends at work, skip the incessant ramblings Motormouth’s usually good for (or bad at) and present you with a slightly different story; one that presents Ipoh in a more flattering light …. (LOADS of photos after the jump)

Japanese Garden, or “Taman Jepun” in Malay language is a quaint, serene garden situated on Tambun Road (Jalan Raja Di Hilir) in Ipoh. If you’re a local Ipoh folk, and have never heard of or visited this garden in the heart of the city, I don’t blame you.

Not entirely marketed as a tourist hot-spot in Ipoh, or even featured in most guide books (aside from a few tourist maps I have browsed through before), you could have zoomed past this luscious landscape opposite of a private hospital, and mistakenly assumed this was somebody’s garden if you did not pay much attention to the details.

And the unflattering signboard that mimics a road sign more than gate to a traveler’s paradise.

My parents had their wedding photographs taken here, at this very garden more than 30 years ago. I had this initial urge to scan those priceless shots with fainting shades of brown and share them with you here.

But … I guess not today.

I was the first person to trudge on the grounds of the garden that morning. The air was crisp and the sun was still hiding behind the looming clouds in a bashful manner; resultant of the consecutive raining spells throughout the week.

**Japanese Garden is located on Tambun Road (Jalan Raja Di Hilir), directly opposite of KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital and next to Perak Turf Club. Very near to Heritage Hotel (walkable distance), and further up the road would be the famed Indulgence Restaurant & Living, before reaching the roundabout that connects to Ipoh old town and beyond.

Secret Garden – And then, off we ventured to another “garden” …. A high tea session at Secret Garden (because the initial plan to try the high tea at The Limestone was thwarted, they were closed for tea on Mondays). For RM18.00/USD6++, you get a platter of two types of sandwiches (eggs and chicken ham), a piece of pizza, and a small slice of cheese cake (or cake of the day), as well as a cup of coffee or tea.

The place has improved leaps and bounds, from the previous mess it was in (judging from the many unfavourable comments and feedback I have gotten from various enraged readers). The service was better, the finger foods were passable, and the high stools have been substituted (thankfully) with chairs of normal heights and sofas. The place was so much brighter yet managed to retain that mystical charm of a cozy diner beyond the facade of a bungalow set against the green foliage of plants and trees.

Prices have gone up though, as a serving of coffee can set you back at almost RM20 (with Irish cream or Bailey’s) and latte at about RM13 or so. Did not bother to browse through the list of savouries and mains, but in the realms of RM30+ for most. 

**Full review with contact details and address in this post – Secret Garden – A Respite for the Jaded Soul

“BRIDGES MAY BE BROKEN, BUT NEVER BURNT”

#Dedicated to the people that have collectively made my transition from Ipoh to KL so much easier, and adapting to life in the private sector more bearable. Wait ….  Make that enjoyable.