Pengkalan Kempas Megalith Complex

Pengkalan Kempas Megaliths Complex

I love visiting historical places like this; full of stories. Learning more about our Malaysian history that’s not in our school books. This is one part of history that even historisns are confused about. Yet, they managed to find evidence snd artifacts to tie in into our olden days. Fascinating!

This is a keramat (sacred) site, megaliths and an historical gravesite in Pengkalan Kempas. 

The grave belonged to a Sheikh Ahmad Majnun with a majestic tomb marked by a carved inscription pillar. Top part bears ancient carvings in Jawi and Kawi text. 

(Kawi = Jawa Kuno = old Javanese Pallava script).

The tomb is estimated to have been built between 1463-1467 AD ~ oldest Muslim tomb in Malaysia. 

Sheikh was believed to be a Muslim missionary who died during the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah of Melaka. 

The megaliths here are “living stones” whereby villagers believe they are still growing!

There are especially 3 mysterious menhirs (standing megaliths) known as Kemudi (rudder), Sudu (spoon) and Keris (sword) ~ from left to right.

In addition to this complex, there’s:

~ Stone table and stool ~ megiths from Nias Island, Sumatera. 

~ An old well

~ Arca batu (stone sculpture) ~ Megaliths from Tegur Wangi, Indonesia 

~ Tempayan batu (Stone urn) ~ Megaliths from Laos

 

Chin Joo Huat

Chin Joo Huat

Convenience shop

Look at this beautifully preserved old school Chap Foh Tim (kedai runcit) at Pengkalan Kempas. The villagers were eager to get us into this shop and they eagerly share their stories with us. 

Everything in that shop is original from over a 100 years ago. 

Even this cabinet is original

Old rattan school bags

Section of the roof above the well is open; free for the rain to pour down

Old well

Still use this water to drink and for daily use!

Old school titbits

Tea leaves

I bought this old China version of ajinomoto for rememberance!

 

Pengkalan Kempas

We explored the sleepy town of Pengkalan Kempas in Linggi, Negeri Sembilan. 

Only 2 rows of shophouses, 2 beautifully painted murals and a very muddy Linggi River. 

They are in the midst of getting some homestays ready at the moment.

The people? 

Beautiful. Friendly. Made us felt right at home. 

Imagine I had a glass of herbal tea and the boss refilled it for me when I was half finished, then told me it was free cos it was such a hot day!

We visited a 100+ years old convenience store that is still dedicated in serving the community. Lady boss was so nice. She even invited us to behind her store to see their old well. Each shop has a well coz in the olden days there was no tap water. And, above the well, was a section of a roof that’s opened so rain water could pour in. Fascinating!

🦐🦐🦐🐊🐊🐊

Pengkalan Kempas (Port Kempas)

Linggi, Negeri Sembilan

The population of Linggi as of 2020 is 1322 people. I could not find the population of PK but seeing the town itself, sure feels like a couple of hundred people only.  It is a little quiet town indeed.

However, back in the 1400s, PK was a busy inland port for Sungai Linggi (Linggi River). It was the only “waterway” that connected Seremban and Rembau to Melaka. 

In addition, PK was one of the early landing points of early South Chinese migrants (mainly from Fujian, China) to Negeri Sembilan. They came here in work in the mines, rubber and rice fields. 

Believe it or not, this muddy Linggi River is well known for Giant Freshwater Prawns. Unfortunately, and crocodiles 🤣

My free herbal tea! 

Such kindness

 

The Hakka Lion

Hakka Cultural Museum NS

Master Huang Chu Hai / Bong Tsu Hoi 黄楚海 specialises in the art of Hakka lion dance and is one of the main producers of Hakka lion heads. He's based in Lundu, Sarawak.

Master Huang and his team 砂拉越倫樂和順龍獅體育會 Sarawak Lundu Foshun Dragon Lion Dance Sports Club were in Seremban yesterday. He gave a talk and demonstration of the Hakka Lion and we were there to learn more about this unique lion head.

It was enjoyable to meet and chat with Master Huang. He is in the Malaysia Book of Records for creating the biggest Hakka Lion head. It is people like him who keep this old Chinese cultural heritage alive, among our youngsters today. 

An enjoyable talk with lots to eat! Lunch and tea time!!!

 

Taman Megah Night Market

SUNDAY

is Taman Megah Night!

I can never remember the venues of night markets around here so it was happiness for me when I bumped into this. 

I just love watching the vendors set up. I’m not so much into purchasing as I feel they are expensive… unless something really catches my tummy!

People are nice here. Nice to chat with some too. 

This market has a nice variety of food. 

This young man was a friendly chap. I bought fried cempedak from him. RM10 for 5 pieces but he gave me 1 more biji free. Nice of him. 

Siput Sedut or Balitong or Mud Creepers

Smelt soooo yummy!