Alone in Thought
A lone passenger in contemplation in the serene and quiet end of one of Kuala Lumpur's International Airport's many waiting area during the slack early hours of the morning before the crowds arrive.
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Geometric design of the fences surrounding the mosque, view from Wisma Muis.
The Sabah State Mosque (1975) is a study in geometry and Islamic building style, simple yet intricate. It's bare concrete struture gives its a rock hard strength signifying the solidy of the Muslim faith while the subtle and intricate decor speaks of refinement and a high standard of geometric art forms, both qualities that are highly regarded in the faith. It is situated along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman within walking distance to the Sabah State Museum and Sutera Harbour Resort and Gold Course. The aurrounding area consists of mostly squatter housing and offices of the Sulaman area. Also the SANZEC school is adjacent to the mosque.
The main dome is honeycombed in design and rests at one end of the building.
The mosque is the state mosque for Sabah while its newer counterpart is more spacious and artistic, the mosque remains a central focus of the religion in the state with most major religious events centering within its walls. The architecture is pure geometry, consisting of a huge gold and grey honeycombed design for the dome while the area surrounding the minaret is in the form of a hexagonal walled area consisting of the abulation pool. The supports are in the shape of a cut off conical ramparts topped with golden miniature domes. Golden khat writings with holy verses ringed the outer walls.
The concrete ballustrades are of a cut off conical make capped with golden miniature domes, islamic verses encircles each pillar.
The outer lying areas are surrounded by a garden and wide open spaces for parking, it would have been better of more greenery was planted since it does look quite barren at times but mosques are not usually known for sculptured gardens so this is not the exception. The central minaret dominates any view of the mosque, rising high into the sky. It is a purely concrete construction with three ringed levels capped with a golden cone top.
One of the entrances leading to the abulation pool and prayer halls, the minaret prominently takes the center stage.
The minaret is multi levelled with three circular floors capped by a golden conical top.
The central minaret is made of sturdy concrete lending it an aura of strength, its off central position also ensures it prominance.
The marble stepping stones leading to the minaret.
The hexagonal form is heavily incorporated in the mosque's design. The central forum is thus designed with the minaret in the middle, encircling it is the abulation pool where the faithfuls wash their extremities before prayers. The site is marbled with stepping stones leading to the minaret for maintenance of the PA systems of for the mufti's use. Decorative lighting are also present in hexagonal shaped circular ornaments.
View of the main prayer hall.
Stone steps leads into the main prayer halls which is situated on the first level, the lower levels are mostly administrative offices as well as lecture rooms for religious studies. The prayer halls can accomodate 150,000 worshippers with another separated alcove for female worshippers to pray in. Atop is the dome with a giant glass chandelier in the center.
Bottom view of the chandelier below the mosque's dome.
The interior design is once again geometric, intricate lattice works with the hexagonal theme are evident all around and khat writting is prominently displayed throughout. Standing there is quite an imposing view with the dome rising high above. Carpets are strewn around to worshipers. Once again visitors have to abide by a dress code before being allowed in.
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A sight when one enters Putrajaya that cannot be missed since it is so prominent in the landscape is the pinkish hued Putra Mosque, one of the biggest mosque in the new Federal administrative center as well as boasting in typical 'Malaysia Boleh' sentiment, the tallest minaret (116 meters) in the region. It was named after our first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj. The mosque can be clearly seen aflot on the man made lake from most direction since little construction has been built that can block its view by the lakeside, adding to its viewing prominence. Crossing the various Precincts and bridges one can view a panaromic view of the mosque and certainly it offers a photo moment no one can resist.
The mosque is divided into 3 distinct areas, the prayer hall, the 'Sahn' or courtyard and lastly the learning center and functional areas. 12 columns supported the prayer hall with the highest point below the dome standing at 250 feet above ground. The courtyard is landscaped with water featured and is surrounded by colannades. The mosque has a capacity to hold 150,000 worshippers at a time. It's architecture is modeled after the Persian Islamic style of the Safavid period with a touch of local Malay flavour. The main entrance is a rectangular gate with arched features and khat writing on the top modelled again after Persian elements.
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The bikes lining up at the starting line before the flag off near the Dataran Desoka and DBKK building.
I was very intrigued with the Sabah Big Bike Association when I first heard about that as I first started studying in Sabah. The first glimpse I had was a gathering they had during the Tamu Besar Kota Belud, whereby bikers with bikes of all sizes and make gathered there and even offered people to take shots with their bikes. I next noted their presence when I visited a hair stylist where Laura went to get her hair done, adorning the saloon were picture of her (yes she is a biker) and her boyfriend with their bike all over Sabah from Tawau to Kudat. I never really had the image of bikers akin to this, a peaceful social club and gathering with activities very conducive in their own right not unlike the noisy, reckless, death defying bikers always appearing in the news, the so called Mat Rempits. I believe this is a better model for them to adpot than their current illegal activities, maybe they should take a page out from our Borneo cousins.
Rear view of the motorcade of bikes during the line up.
About a month ago, the Borneo Big Bike Assocation in conjunction with DBKK and Visit Malaysia Year campaign decided to organize a rally of bikes from all over Borneo here in Kota Kinabalu. I stumbled upon them and after walking about give it a thumbs up for positiveness. Truly the Borneo Big Bike Festival could add a colourful element to the festivities and liven up the town a bit. With bike exhibitions consisitng of large scale motors, Harley Davidsons, modified bikes and other from the familiar to the truly amazing machines. People were all seen taking pictures with the bikes some dwarfing the kids that weren't any taller than the seats.
Bikes parked at the side of the square for onlookers to see.
Another image I had shattered was that of the biker, looking at them they are not the thuggish and rough people that I would've imagined to associate with such a culture. Most were normal people with jobs ranging from the professional to store workers but all shared the love for their machines. Most are even married and their spouses were there with them, sharing the same passion, I wouldn't have thought there were many woman riders before this. They looks all geared up for the event and the camaraderie was infectious, many joking about, jealously comparing the bikes, stores were set up to sell accesories such as jackets and branded gear. The atmosphere was liven up with music playing from the DBKK building and food served to the participants.
The riders parking their bikes along the road before the flag off.
Walking through the start line the bikes were fantastic, many of differing make. There were the usual American roadster such as the Harley emblazzoned with their shiny eagle symbols and brand prominently displayed. There were the gigantic bikes that even I would have to straddle to get onto. Racing bikes were also seen among the throngs.
Several of the racing models.
Like I said the effort our local politician are trying to impose on the local Mat Rempit culture would not suceed not without the ethuistic cooperation of their participants, most of which are disrespectful of the law and holds a don't care about what others think attitude. From what I see here is genuine love and interest that is needed to make such a culture exists without the need of force or imposition. That's why my opinion that forcing Mat Rempits to clean mosque and graveyard will not inculcate them into turning into lawful citizens and respective road users since that such activities have no dealings with their interests not does it give them the thrill they are seeking. I believe if they really want to promote their cause they could do it in a better fashion or at least within the law, the image they are generating to the public is one that tarnishes and make enemies out of those that have to put up with their dangerous antics on the roads as well as sleepless nights from their brazen attitude.
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I recently stumbled into this quaint little shop while walking about aimlessly in Wisma Merdeka. I must be forgiven for not finding this little treasure sooner even as I knew they had opened a branch from their previous ground floor lot because the entrance was a little hidden away way back in a corner past several shops where the people traffic was often less. But truly it is a great bookstore cum art gallery cum used and rare book depositary. What makes it unique from all the other bookstores in Kota Kinabalu is that it has taken the concept of reader's comfort and needs as espoused by larger chains such as Popular, MPH and Kinokuniya in KL and made it a tad more personal and welcoming without sacrificing on privacy, also a first in KK. Look at what their brochure offers; their mission is stated as allowing readers a more intimate setting apart from the crowds and making them feel at home, they offer a lounge area with free coffee for readers and book shoppers. Not only that their dual mission is to help promote local artists offering space to display their work and also provide avenue to attract buyers. In addition to being a comprehensive supplier of books on all matter in Borneo, they offer second hand books for sale as well as rare hard collector first editions for sale. To add sugar to the deal, tourists and visitors from abroad can have their purchases sent via mail to them to avoid carrying heavy luggage. Sounds unique, I bet you it is.
The book store consists of two different lots, the nearest one to the entrance holds the rare book collections with various first printings and titles spanning back more than 50 years old, a look through showed several rare books I don't usually see in many more common bookstores with a lot of foreign titles not sold locally. There are also the used books, selling at a fraction of their original price and while some people may scorn over hand me downs, their conditions are mostly well kept. I found a three book set for Lord of the rings from a 1981 print here to replace my lost omnibus volume and for RM44 it was a steal rather than buying a newer version at RM100 plus. a look at the picture below and you can see an old printing of A.A.Milne for several Winnie the Pooh title, illustrated. Even though pricey I think any serious book collector would want to have it.
Scattered around are various artworks as can be seen in the pictures, the store takes a community service by allowing local talents to display and popularize their works, these are in various forms such as oil and watercolur paintings, wood carvings, metal works and art prints. Truly the fusion of these pieces adds to the atmosphere and enhances the homely feel as you browze through the aisles while making purchases. There are a few workers there that are knowledgeable of the store's contents and are ever more than helpful to guide you to a purchase. Besides that anyone looking for old magazines such as reader's digest, penguin hardcover classics and National Geographic can find them here as well.
The second part of the shop houses the more current books with a large sellection of their specialty book on Borneo concerning such topics as natural sciences, travel books, historical publishing, cultural writings and many more contemporary fiction and non fiction books. Also in their collection are rarrer government archives and old editions of books some dating well over a century which are freely made available to anyone wishing to use them for research or viewing. It was nice to be greeted by a giant stone head sculpture as one entered the main entrance and the theme of art is still present throughout. To the left is a small niche furnished with sofas and coffee freely served for patrons. Reading here with a nicely airconditioned atmosphere with a view of the city and Signal Hill leaves one feeling traquil and relaxed if you ever need to escape the weekend shopping crowd. Well if you ever wish to visit it they are open all week and you may just find some nice surprises awaiting you if you're diligent enough to go through their vast selection. I certainly recommend a look from any serious biblophiles.
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