So two weeks ago before my finals and semester break, we were assigned to create a blog and talk about PRAMLEE house and to promote about it. It was a fascinating experience we had to go to the house for a visit, take pictures and create our blog to persuade tourists to visit the place. So I guess, why not copy and paste my hardwork over here so that I can share with everyone?
By: Lim Xin Yi (0189199)
Penang, with multicultural values and different races lives in harmony, beautiful in its own way. Penang, a place with fascinating colonial past that filled with wonders, an exotic food capital of Malaysia. Penang has always been the perfect island for food hunt, sea views, and especially for tourists to discover a whole new summer paradise. Penang just has so much to offer. Nobody stays in shape when they’re in Penang, not when you have all the cheap and famous food here. George Town is also listed as an UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Like how all Penangite would say:
"You can take me out of Penang but you can't take Penang out of me."
What I like most of Penang besides of its colourful uniqueness and famous tourist attraction spots, but also the history that made and mould this island into the place it is today. How it came across all the colonial times and how people survived when the British and Japanese took over the place. Many great warriors were made during that time. And what I want to write about today isn't anything about the history you read from text books, but a person that was forgotten by the new generations, the person that everybody should know about, a legend that filled Penang with colours which inspires me that much and most importantly, a place to visit.
- PRamlee
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. Teuku Zakaria Teuku Nyak Putih, commonly known as P. Ramlee (22 March 1929 – 29 May 1973) was a Malaysian film actor, director, singer, songwriter, composer, and producer. Due to his contributions to the movie and music industry and his literary work, he is often considered the icon of Malay entertainment in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Sumatra, Indonesia. He created arts, music and shows which are still playing on the television now. They say the legend never dies, and for me it’s true. I’ve heard so much about this amazing artist that I decided to visit his gallery and house. So I came across this place at 4 Jalan P. Ramlee, Georgetown.
- Map View of PRamlee's house
- Street View of PRamlee's house
It was known to be as P. Ramlee's Birth House, or to be exact, P. Ramlee's grandmother's house. It was however misleadingly called the P. Ramlee House.
The replica was opened by the Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Datuk Seri Sabbaruddin Chik on December 13, 1991. Adjacent to the house is the P. Ramlee Gallery at the Pustaka Warisan Seni Complex. Opened in 2000, the gallery showcases P. Ramlee's personal artefacts, photographs and movies. It is opened daily from 10.00am to 5.30pm, Tuesdays to Sundays. Admission is free. To get in touch with the gallery, call 04-281 7484.
Today, I'm going to be your online tour guide, to show you around P. Ramlee's house. So your job is to sit back, relax and imagine that you're right here at P. Ramlee's house. Cool? Let's begin!
- PRamlee's Birth House
This is the original birth house of P. Ramlee back in the 20's. It shows the culture of the Malays back in the old days.This house must be protected for the historic value.This nipah roofed house with wooden flooring was built by P. Ramlee’s father, Puteh bin Karim and his uncle, Rejab bin Hussain in 1926. This house was built using wood from the old house located at Lorong Yahudi, which was demolished to give way to the government quarters. His father then had it built at Caunter Hall (now known as Jalan P. Ramlee). In 1948, his uncle renovated the house during the Japanese occupation. It is now restored by Malaysia National Archive, preserving its original design and structure. P. Ramlee was born in this house on 22 Mar 1929. He was brought to his parent’s house in Kg Jawa after 44 days when the confinement period is over. Nevertheless, he continued to visit this house every now and then until he left Penang for Singapore. Nothing is more breath taking than this mighty wooden house, isn't it?
- View from PRamlee's house
Beside P. Ramlee's favourite mirror are located a few old photos taken and there is introduction to each photo.This section takes the viewer on a journey through P. Ramlee's life from childhood up to the time he left for Singapore. These photos represented P. Ramlee's life journey and his biography. While reading through these photos along with the introductions, you'll feel like living in the life of a legend, from his primary school to his high school to his achievements. It's an experience you'll never want to miss.
- PRamlee's Favourite mirror
It was said to be as P. Ramlee's favourite full body mirror. He stood in front of the mirror every day for about two to three hours just to set his hair up nice and neat, especially before his performances. This is a famous usual spot for visitors to take a selfie!
- PRamlee's parents bedroom
This is his parents' bedroom. The bedroom has an old-fashioned iron bed, table and mirror, and items of daily use in the life of P. Ramlee. There is also an iron trunk used for storing clothing. This room reflected the Malay culture and their daily basis.
- The kitchen
This is the kitchen that P. Ramlee and his parents use every day. The kitchen is set-up with different types of utensils for daily use. It wasn't fancy as the kitchen we're all using now but it consume of their daily use. By looking at the kitchen you'll understand how Malay cooks from the old times and their culture. I bet most of you would love to understand more, why not pay a visit?
- The violin
Look further inside the house for more information about him. Outside his parents' bedroom is where all his achievements were placed. The centre space (ruang tengah) showcases various musical instruments as well as photographs relating to his involvement in the world of arts and sports. Call it the Sports and Arts section.
P. Ramlee was born with an ARTISTIC FLAIR. That was an undeniable fact and it was obvious even in his early youth.
- PRamlee's School Band
"Where lies the heart of a star. Every genius has his roots. Each marvel springs from a source."
Ramlee was under the tutelag of the brass band head of the Penang Free School, Encik Kamaruddin, when the Japanese invaded and he was forced to stop schooling. He soon attended the Kaigun, a Japanese navy school, where while picking up Japanese songs he was trained in violin, piano and ukulele under the tutorship of Hirake San.
Intriguingly enough, Malaysians could do well to thank none other than their Japanese occupiers of the Second World War for refining the talents of the boy who would someday became the country's greatest screen idol.
Nobody could resist such talented person, could you?
- PRamlee's own band
Ramlee's own first band was Teruna Sekampung – a collection of young eager beavers who were only too happy to jam away at wedding receptions and other festive occasions with their violin, drum set, saxophone, double bass and a couple of guitars. P. Ramlee is the one with the violin.
- Trophy of PRamlee
Besides of musical achievements, P. Ramlee is also a famous football player and participated in many competitions and won a few prizes.
- PRamlee and teammates
He was active in sports and had a liking for football and sepak raga in 1939, he represented his school in the football team. When the war ended, he resumed his studies in the Penang Free School and was very active in sports, excelling particularly in badminton, sepak takraw and football.
Sepak takraw is a Malay traditional game which you might want to find out more about it because it is fun.
There are many photos hanged around the walls in the house which aren't included in this posts. So if you're curious about what those photos are and about, do pay a visit to the house for more information!
Let's go outside the house, shall we?
- PRamlee's Bicycle
The most interesting item on show is the old bicycle P. Ramlee rode before his rise to fame, preserved in all its timeworn splendour. Thankfully, no attempt has been made to spruce it up. One can almost imagine Ramlee whistling and writing tunes in his head as he rode it around.
#FunFact: It was said that the right side of his bike's break is broken because he used to play and create music through the beating of the break handle that forms into a rhythm. His bike was one of his source of inspiration of music while he is on the road.
There is a mini resting spot just outside of P. Ramlee's house where you can have a sit, drink or chit chat before you continue your journey. It looks pretty old but it is definitely a spot for photo taking lovers!
Done with P. Ramlee's house and off we go to his gallery where all his achievements, products and sovenirs were found!
The walls are filled with his past and achievements and journey of his glorious days.
Within the same compound is the modern yet traditional "Kompleks Pustaka Warisan Seni" which houses the P Ramlee Gallery. The gallery displays memorabilia of all kinds – Ramlee's old flute, his violin, his favourite shirts, his sunglasses, even the suitcase he brought along to studios and during shoots
- The Typewriter
Back in the old days when there isn't any fancy technology existing yet, P. Ramlee used this typewriter to compose his music. When I first saw this I was so shocked because who knew a typewriter and can type out music notes when it's so complicated back in the old days. At least I thought it's very complicated.
- Film Reel
This is the film reel that created so many legendary movies back in the old days which made people laughed and cried. There are also many old photographs, posters of his movies and the actual film roll casing that contained some of his movie reels too.
- The violin
Along with his favourite flute, these instruments help to create his music.
- The suitcase
These are the things that was used by P. Ramlee back in the old days, the feeling you get while looking at those things cannot be describe. I got to say, you have to go and visit this amazing place!
- Movie Poster
These are the posters from the famous movies made by P. Ramlee.
- movie theater
There is also a mini movie theater placed at the back of the gallery for visitors to enjoy his creations fro free. Limited couch was provided with the coolness from the air conditional.
- souvenir site
Souvenirs related to P. Ramlee were sold here at a very cheap price. If you're interested, please do drop by for a visit!
He is the man whose films consistently topped box office charts, whose songs were on everyone's lips, and whose photo covered every girl's wall. Perhaps it is out of respect or simply a feeling of awe, but an unmistakable hush descends when anyone steps into the gallery and the house. The legend never dies, and may his creations live forever.
That's the end of our tour. Is P. Ramlee's house one of your bucket list to visit yet? Why not pay a visit to experience and appreciate what this talented man gave to us? Do visit this place for further information about him, you know you want to! Thank you for following me around the place, have a nice day!
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