Jungle City

"The city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo."

Desmond Morris (b. 1928), British anthropologist. The Human Zoo, introduction (1969).

Take Me To The River

Take me to the river, drop me in the water

Take me to the river, dip me in the water

Washing me down, washing me down

Take Me To The River

by Talking Heads

Many cities around the world have developed around rivers and estuaries as historically these waterways used to be the main method of transportation. Unfortunately many rivers have become severely polluted by the rapid build up of population and industry in these areas, the rivers being used as a dumping ground for raw, untreated sewage as well as toxic industrial waste. It's only in more recent years that efforts have been made by city governing bodies to clean up their rivers. This has been successful in many places and the River Thames for example in London now has salmon back in the river after decades of poor water quality. Examples like this are encouraging and set an example for other cities where rivers remain extremely polluted.

Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia also developed around the confluence of two major rivers. These two rivers, which meet in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, are the Klang River (Sungai Klang) and the Gombak River (Sungai Gombak).

The Klang River is a river which flows through Kuala Lumpur and the state of Selangor in Malaysia and eventually flows into the Straits of Malacca. It is approximately 120 km in length and drains a basin of about 1288 square kilometres. Klang River has 11 major tributaries and used to be called Sungai Seleh.The river's confluence with the Gombak River gave rise to the name of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital city. Kuala Lumpur means "muddy estuary". It is also thought that Klang town is named after the river.

The Gombak River flows through Selangor and Kuala Lumpur and is a tributary of the Klang River. Gombak River used to be called Sungai Lumpur.

Given the fact that these rivers flow through Klang Valley, which is a heavily populated area with more than four million people, it is considerably polluted. Heavy development has narrowed certain stretches of the river until it resembles a large storm drain. This contributes to flash floods in Kuala Lumpur, especially after heavy rain.

For all the talk about the beautification of the River Klang and the much publicized Klang River Rehabilition Project, also known as the River of Life programme, there has been little action and the pollution of this river is still bad and the riversides are certainly not attractive to the eye. Being in such a central location in the city the river could potentially be a scenic and beautiful tourist attraction if planned properly with scenic walkways, parks and leisure areas. Having said this there are some beautification works ongoing at the present time in the area next to the Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Kuching interchange, with grass and trees being planted, which is an encouraging sight.

Lost Legacy - A Photo Exhibition of Disappearing Malaysian Architecture

I will be exhibiting a themed set of photographs entitled "Lost Legacy" at the Guerrilla Photography Exhibition arranged by PhotoMalaysia and PhotoSafari http://www.facebook.com/events/369540713116873/ in Avenue K Shopping Centre, Kuala Lumpur from 8th September to 15th September. 

These photos highlight the disappearance of many prime heritage buildings which exemplify the unique Malaysian architectural style. 

If you are in the area please drop by the Ground Floor of Avenue K - it would be great to meet up with you and there are many other photographers exhibiting there also. If you time it correctly there are informal sponsored "teh tarik" sessions where you can have some drinks and snacks and meet many of the exhibiting photographers to discuss their work.

Bukit Nanas Heritage Buildings

Right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and under the shadow of the KL Tower at Bukit Nanas are a variety of wonderful old heritage buildings which have been left to decay and rot in the hot tropical heat and humidity. On the main Jalan Raja Chulan road is a row of houses which in their day probably represented the very best and elite accommodation in the city. These 8 houses in a row have an elaborate crest on the wall with the letters OES and the date of 1931 but there is little else I can find out about them.

Amazingly there are some people still living in one or more of the houses but no doubt these wonderful heritage buildings will eventually disappear and this prime land be re-developed.

Walking behind this row of houses I came across another magnificent old house right below the KL Tower. This house was habited by an Indian family who were more than welcome to me taking photographs of their house and even their dog posed for the photo! This location is rather unique being on the Bukit Nanas hill surrounded by jungle trees and foliage but yet it is right in the middle of the city.

There were also a number of other rundown and decaying buildings I discovered close by which similarly in their time must have been prime real estate.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Xmas

Bangsar Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur, one of my favorite haunts, has made a great job this year of their Xmas decorations as you can see. Shot with my i-phone using the 360 app which stitches a number of individual images together to create a large panorama.

Pest Repellant

It's iPhone Friday and here is a brief snap I took in a local Japanese store close to us where almost everything for sale is RM5.00. It is a treasure trove of useful (an not so useful) Japanese gadgets, and is an interesting visit just to see what bizarre things you can find. I particularly liked this section of the store which had an away of animal repellants including flies, mice, rats, centipedes, cats, dogs, ants, slugs, and snakes. So if you have a problem with any of these animals .... then you now know where to go.

KLCC Park

Today's i-phone image of KLCC Park is taken from the mid level (Floor 41) of Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on a rather cloudy and hazy day. The park was designed by Roberto Burle Marx. It is said that it was the last work undertaken by the Brazilian architect. When the park was designed, the aim was to "leave the world a little more sensitive and a little more educated to the importance of nature".


The park was designed to showcase a heritage of tropical greenery by integrating man's creation with nature. The park itself contrasts as a calm environment in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. The park features many combinations of man-made design such as cements, water features and also natural features such as trees, shrubs, stones and wood. Elements of shape and topography were created to give an illusion of space. The combination of trees, shrubs and sculptures were arranged to provide color and form to the park.

Conservation and bio-diversity was a major influence in the creation of the park. 23 of the mature and rarer specimens were saved from the old Selangor Turf Club and transplanted into the park grounds. 1900 indigenous trees and 66 species of palms were planted in the park to promote bio-diversity. The trees were deliberately selected to attract local and migratory birds.

A man made lake was built in the middle of the park, directly in front of Suria KLCC mall and Petronas Twin Towers towards the middle of the park. A 43 meter elevated bridge that cut across the lake provides a vantage view of the park and the twin towers.

Neroteca

Yes it's iPhone Friday again!

Neroteca is a lovely small Italian restaurant in central Kuala Lumpur which is different from many of the local Italian restaurants in that it is distinctly non-halal. The menu abounds with pork products and they have probably the largest selection of imported Italian pro products in the city. A great spot for lunch or dinner. This shot was me experimenting with my iPhone and the wonderful Snapseed post-processing application which produced this textured and framed finish.

Death For Drug Traffickers

This sign painted on the walls of the infamous Pudu jail in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia very clearly points out the penalty in Malaysia for being caught in the trafficking of drugs.

Capital punishment in Malaysia applies to murder, drug trafficking, treason, and waging war against Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the King). Recently, the law has been extended to include acts of terrorism. Any terrorists, and anyone who aids terrorists, financially or otherwise, are liable to face the death penalty.

Only High Courts have the jurisdiction to sentence someone to death. Juvenile cases involving the death penalty are heard in High Courts instead of the juvenile court where other juvenile cases are heard. Appeals to the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court are automatic. The last resort for the convicted is to plead pardon for clemency. Pardons or clemency are granted by the Ruler or Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor) of the state where the crime is committed or the Yang di-Pertuan Agong if the crime is committed in the Federal Territories or when involving members of the armed forces. Death sentences are carried out by hanging as provided in Section 281 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Pregnant women and children may not be sentenced to death.

Between 1970 and 2001, Malaysia executed 359 people. As of 2006, 159 people remain on the death row. Malaysia also uses Sharia law.

Graveyard Greenery

This old Christian graveyard in the center of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia lies overgrown and run down providing an atmospheric environment of tropical crumbling, decay. It's fascinating to explore these types of abandoned urban areas which provide opportunities for HDR photography. 
Urban exploration (often shortened as urbex or UE) is the examination of the normally unseen or off-limits parts of urban areas or industrial facilities. Urban exploration is also commonly referred to as infiltration, although some people consider infiltration to be more closely associated with the exploration of active or inhabited sites. It may also be referred to as "draining" (when exploring drains) "urban spelunking", "urban caving", or "building hacking". 

The nature of this activity presents various risks, including both physical danger and the possibility of arrest and punishment. Many, but not all, of the activities associated with urban exploration could be considered trespassing or other violations of local or regional laws, including—but not limited to—invasion of privacy and certain broadly-interpreted anti-terrorism laws.

Selamat Hari Raya

Selamat Hari Raya to all my muslim friends here in Malaysia and elsewhere.


Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr, or Id al-Fitr (Arabic: ‎عيد الفطر ‘Īdu l-Fiṭr), often abbreviated to Eid, is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (sawm). Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity," while Fiṭr means "breaking (the fast)". The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the thirty days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. The first day of Eid, therefore, falls on the first day of the month Shawwal.

Eid-ul-Fitr Salat (Namaz in Persian) is a Wajib (obligatory), Sunnah muak'kad (strongly recommended, just short of obligatory) or mandoob (preferable) – depending on which juristic opinion is followed – Islamic prayer consisting of two raka'ah (units) which is generally offered in an open field or large hall called an Eed-gah. This salaat or prayer, can only be performed with Jama’at (i.e., in congregation) and has an additional extra six Takbirs (raising of the hands to the ears while saying Allahu Akbar (God is Great), three of them in the beginning of the first raka'ah and three of them just before ruku' in the second raka'ah in the Hanafi school. Muslims are commanded by God in the Qur'an to complete their fast until the last day of Ramadan and pay the Zakat al-fitr before doing the Eid prayer. 

The photo here is the Federal Territory Mosque or Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan which is a major mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is located near MATRADE complex and the Federal Government Complex off Jalan Duta. The mosque's design is a blend of Ottoman and Malay architectural styles, heavily influenced by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It has 22 domes made from a composite material of glass fibre fabric mixed with epoxy resin to make it durable and light.

Six Feet Under

These rows of old headstones are in an Christian graveyard in central Kuala Lumpur known as the Birch Road Cemetery. This cemetery has a very large Chinese section but this older part of the cemetery was retained as a Christian burial area. I like the rundown and delapidated feel of this graveyard which adds a very atmospheric feeling to your photos particularly with all the overgrown, lush undergrowth and tropical plants which are obviously thriving on the rich nutrients of the soil!

Moorish Architecture of KL

This building is part of the administration headquarters of KTM Berhad next to the main KL railway station. The architecture exhibits classic moorish design.

Moorish architecture is the western term used to describe the articulated Islamic architecture of North Africa and Al-Andalus.  Al-Andalus was the Arabic name given to a nation and territorial region also commonly referred to as Moorish Iberia. The name describes parts of theIberian Peninsula and Septimania governed by Muslims (given the generic name of Moors), at various times in the period between 711 and 1492, although the territorial boundaries underwent constant with constant attacks from the Christian Kingdoms.

KTM Berhad Building

Opposite Kuala Lumpur main railway station is this wonderful old moorish style building which is now headquarters of and administration building of KTM Berhad. 

The building is a fine example of Moorish architecture reflecting the Ottoman and Moghul glory of the 13th and 14th Centuries blended with Gothic and ancient Greek designs of the 14th Century. The ground floor is adorned with 97 large frontal Gothic arches and 4 smaller arches. The high and wide verandahs skirting the building create a cooling effect and are suitable for the constant high climatic temperatures in Malaysia. 

The first floor has 94 large arched windows of Gothic design and 4 circular arches of smaller size. The second floor has 171 Gothic arches and 4 large and 12 smaller circular arches. Five domes sit majestically on top of the building, each surrounded at four corners entwined columns. They are of orthodox Greek design typical in the 14th century. 

This historical building suffered serious damage twice in its lifetime, firstly during the Second World War when its North wing was bombed and secondly when the same wing on the second floor was gutted by fire in 14 November 1968.

Islamic Light

This ornate light was seen in the entrance of the Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia houses more than seven thousand artefacts, as well has an exceptional library of Islamic-art books. The art objects on display range from the tiniest pieces of jewellery to one of the world’s largest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The aim is to create a collection that is truly representative of the Islamic world. Instead of concentrating on works from the heartlands of Persia and the Middle East, IAMM also puts the emphasis on Asia. China and Southeast Asia are especially well represented. The third component of the Malaysian melting pot is India, which is also given special status. India, China and the Malay world are in an exceptional category.

Kampong Kuala Lumpur

This traditional malay kampong style wooden house sits right in the middle of the city in Kuala Lumpur on Jalan Raja Abdullah. The stark contrast between buildings like this and the high rise development around it highlights the rapid development that has taken place in Kuala Lumpur over the last few years.

Islamic Arts Museum, KL

The Islamic Arts Museum in Kuala Lumpur is situated in the Lake Gardens and close to the central mosque. The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia houses more than seven thousand artefacts, as well has an exceptional library of Islamic-art books. The art objects on display range from the tiniest pieces of jewellery to one of the world’s largest scale models of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. The aim is to create a collection that is truly representative of the Islamic world. Instead of concentrating on works from the heartlands of Persia and the Middle East, IAMM also puts the emphasis on Asia. China and Southeast Asia are especially well represented. The third component of the Malaysian melting pot is India, which is also given special status. India, China and the Malay world are in an exceptional category. Other parts of the collection are displayed according to type rather than geographical origins in the museum’s 12 galleries.

Rain Tree

This magnificent rain tree is situated in central Kuala Lumpur in the small Christian Birch Road Cemetery. It is so nice to see some mature trees like this still standing and has probably only been spared from development due to the burial ground it sits in. These trees with their large spread of branches and foliage provide welcome shade from the tropical sun.

KL Railway Station

Kuala Lumpur Railway Station (Malay: Stesen Keretapi Kuala Lumpur) is a train station located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Completed in 1910 to replace an older station on the same site, the station was Kuala Lumpur's railway hub in the city for the Federated Malay States Railways and Malayan Railway (Malay:Keretapi Tanah Melayu), before Kuala Lumpur Sentral assumed much of its role in 2001. The station is notable for it architecture, adopting a mixture of Eastern and Western designs.

The station is located along a road named Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, previously known as Victory Avenue, which in turn was part of Damansara Road. The station is located closely to the similarly designed Railway Administration Building, as well as the National Mosque and Dayabumi Complex. The Pasar Seni LRT station is located 400 metres away, across the Klang River.

The Walls Come Tumbling Down at Pudu Prison

Last week the walls of the infamous Pudu Prison in Kuala Lumpur were eventually knocked down to make way for a new development as reported by the The New Straits Times and The Star newspapers. Luckily I had been there in January and took photographs of all the famous wall murals and can be seen in my previous blog and an article published on Demotix.