A Tale of Two Gardens & Starting A New Chapter in Life
November 11, 2011 | 11,047 views“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.
You changed jobs! Well, best of luck in your new workspace 🙂 🙂
(Long time no see btw)
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Yeah… J, glad you noticed that. So when’s the next session for yum cha?
[Reply]
OMG – the Japanese Garden brings back so much nostalgic memories of my childhood days! Back then, going to the Jap Garden was like the biggest treat – I’d get all dressed up and pose for countless photos on that Red Bridge.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Haha …. Chris.. you sounded like as though that was AGES ago. But then again, maybe decades … yeah. This garden has so much history behind it, yet is not promoted to be one.
Anyway, aside from the Japanese-style hut, there’s nothing much Japanese to it.
[Reply]
The Floral clock is no longer floral.
[Reply]
Great pictures, but I still prefer the eateries.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 4:35 pm
…….. sigh.
Am I ‘doomed’ to only blog about nothing but food?
Haha … sure. Noted with thanks, Mandy.
[Reply]
I have been in Ipoh 10 years but never been to the Japanese garden… hahahaha~
All the best in your leap again! 😉
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Don’t worry …. me neither. I think. Or I could have been there once or twice when I was small.
[Reply]
Embarking on a new “journey”? Wish you every success.
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Thanks Lee. New journey indeed, a complete change in environment.
[Reply]
great for a giant leap and never look back. it will be a journey for a betterment and enjoy the experience
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Yup, keeping my fingers crossed for this one. 🙂
[Reply]
all the best in your new job! and happy 11.11.11!
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
TQ Christine. I sure hope I have lady luck by my side.
[Reply]
Hey there, you no longer in Klang Valley anymore, back in Ipoh again and working near Tambun Road? Wish you good luck, wherever you are!
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Hi ipohgal … nope, I am still working in KL but just going back for the periodic weekend visits. Like a tourist, at home.
[Reply]
Lovely pictures!! And best of luck in your new endeavour 🙂
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
November 14th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Thanks Mei Yee. Yours too … in that leap of yours.
[Reply]
[…] Ipoh’s pride; the bougainvillea blooms 365 days a year, and in abundance in almost every garden in the city. Remember this post on Japanese Garden @ Tambun Road? […]
Oh, change of environment? All the best 🙂
[Reply]
J2Kfm Reply:
November 19th, 2011 at 10:05 am
Thanks Chrys. There must be changes in life, sometimes.
[Reply]
[…] before that detour to Secret Garden for high-tea, we actually visited The Limestone’s since I have heard and read much about this but have yet […]
Alas, Taman Jepun is no longer. Changes not only in life and but in landmarks as well.
[Reply]
L.W. Yeang Reply:
January 18th, 2019 at 11:19 am
Dear Sir,
It’s unfortunate the Japanese Garden is no longer in existence. When I came back to Ipoh in 2015, it was not there anymore. When was it demolished?
I had been there several times way back in the early 70s with my parents then. I was still in kindergarten then. It always brings a tear to my eyes whenever I look at the place in Google Map or my old photos. By now, my parents had passed away.
[Reply]
Wow , awesome pictures and you must be still working here , I am replying on a very old post but I really liked it and I read it so !!
[Reply]