SI BONGKOK (THE HUNCHBACK)
The story is about Si Bongkok (the hunchback), who faces discrimination because of his deformity.
Despite his handicap, Si Bongkok becomes a great warrior during the rule of Temenggong Abdul Rahman.
Historians say that Si Bongkok was a brave patriot who stood up for his beliefs.
Based on research by a Malaysian History Society member Abdul Latip Talib, it is said that Si Bongkok had fought against colonialists who were slowly gaining strength in Johor and Singapore during the 19th century.
He was an able seaman who spent most of his life living on a boat at sea and fought many
battles around the waters off Johor and Singapore.
It was said that Si Bongkok did not agree with the policies of Johor's ruling court when it came to matters pertaining to the colonialists.
The Hunchback tomb on a hillside of Tanjung Belungkor
Picture taken (2007)
KOTA JOHOR LAMA (OLD JOHOR)
Picture taken (2007)
KOTA JOHOR LAMA (OLD JOHOR)
Before the emergence of Johor Bahru, the current state capital for Johor, Johor Lama (Old Johor) held the seat of power. Johor Lama first arose under the rule of Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah circa 1540. Its strategic location right by Johor river, the clever use of the natural terrain and the construction of fort walls, enabled Johor
Lama to become a secure trading post for the region. Its elevated
location allowed for a strategic view of the river estuary. But around
1587, the settlement was attacked and destroyed by the Portuguese
invaders.
If you happen to visit Johor
Lama today, you will still be able to see remnants of the historical
settlement, though not as impressive as it once must have been.
Surrounded by earthen walls, some 10 to 25 feet high, the fort managed
to fend of marauding enemies until the defeat to the Portuguese. Two
tombs can be found near the fort, which are believed to be of Sultan
Alauddin and his warriors'.
WORLD WAR II BUNKER, TG.PENGELIH
Tanjung Pengelih is a popular entry point among visitors from Singapore,
but it also has its fair share of history. On a hill behind the
Immigration and Customs checkpoint, stands a historical relic which once
served as the British Operation Centre built by the British during the
World War II. This operation centre was reputed to have housed an
underground hospital, barracks, tunnels, communications post, naval
guns, anti-aircraft installation, command post, and artillery post. The
old pillboxes are visible on the ground here.
