Palace
abandoned and left to rot
Forgotten
beauty: Believed to be between 100 and 200 years old, the abandoned palace of
Tanjung Sabtu in Kuala Terengganu is attracting visitors from within and
outside the state. — Bernama
KUALA TERENGGANU: “Beautiful
but forgotten” is the first thought that comes to mind when one visits Pura
Tanjung Sabtu in Kampung Tanjung Sabtu, near here.
The word “pura” means “palace” in Sanskrit and in its heyday this stately home – which is an amalgamation of seven wooden homes of local origin – would have made quite an impression.
The word “pura” means “palace” in Sanskrit and in its heyday this stately home – which is an amalgamation of seven wooden homes of local origin – would have made quite an impression.
However, since its custodian
Tengku Ismail Tengku Su passed away in 2011, the palace which was established
some 30 years ago, has been abandoned and left to rot.
Located some 14km from Kuala Terengganu and occupying 5.6ha of land near Sungai Nerus owned by the royal family, Tujuh Rumah Putera (its other name) was once well-known among tourists, dignitaries and royals from inside and outside Malaysia.
The
traditional homes – among them Rumah Seberang Baroh, Rumah Rhu Rendang, Rumah
Kuala Ibai and Rumah Atas Tol, with one believed to be the old palace – are
between 100 and 200 years old.
“They were named by Tengku Ismail after the places they came or were bought from.
“The interesting part is they were built without nails, instead using a wood joinery technique,” said Md Fauzi Mustaffa, the Tanjung Sabtu village community management council (MPKK) chairman.
Tengku Ismail, a member of the Terengganu royal
family, was also involved in making songket and turned one of the houses into
an atelier with creations by the putera songket (songket prince) sought after
at home and abroad.
Since last September, visitors were able to access the place to learn about its intriguing tale of mystery.
“Before this, it was difficult to enter the area because it was like a forest.
“When villagers were allowed to grow bananas on 3.2ha of the land, they started to clear the overgrown area.
“I’ve also been informed a tahfiz centre will be opening next to the banana plantation.
“As a result, the area surrounding Pura Tanjung Sabtu will no longer be overgrown,” said Md Fauzi.
Since the place was cleaned up, visitors from within and outside Terengganu have been coming to admire and take pictures of the unique architecture, with bloggers and vloggers triggering renewed interest and making the palace popular again.
“Nearby is Lubuk Aji, an eddy which people in the olden days believed was guarded by a penunggu (spirit) linked to mystical events which also affected Pura Tanjung Sabtu.
“But villagers have yet to encounter any strange phenomena,” he said.
However, since the palace is near the river, anyone can enter the grounds to steal things such as pots and furniture. Some sets of steps leading to the palace are already missing.
“We do not know who comes and goes,” said Md Fauzi, adding that he hoped someone, including the state government, would consider taking over Pura Tanjung Sabtu to let it regain its glory days.
“This Malay architectural heritage looks forlorn and forsaken as nobody is looking after it.
“The restoration may cost a lot but I believe if it is resurrected or turned into a museum, it will generate good returns,” he said. — Bernama
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