Arches in downtown Johor Baru

 

Once Upon a Time in Johor, was one of the pieces I documented in My Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now, where I listed a few interesting things that I considered uniquely Johor.

 

The Jubilee Arch marks the entrance
to the Istana Besar at the Istana Gardens

Among them are the quaint arches in the heart of the Heritage Quarter, situated between Jalan Tan Hiok Nee and Jalan Dhoby and one each along Jalan Trus and Jalan Segget. 

 

We may have walked pass or driven pass these places but remained oblivious to these structures because they have always been there.

 

I learnt that in the early years when the old town was developed, roads were used by pedestrians and early vehicles like bullock carts, bicycles and trishaws, that were the taxis in a bygone era.

 

Quaint old arch at Jalan Trus
in downtown Johor Baru

The paths where the arches were built across were narrow – just a lane – which reminds us that these routes were not designed for cars.

 

These quaint structures give us an idea of the way old Johor Baru was divided into various enclaves because each archway marked the entry into another section of the town. 

 

In 2011, this arch along Jalan Trus was painted a vintage Brown colour but recently, many parts of the Heritage Quarter were given facelifts with colourful wall murals.

 

While I was on a downtown Heritage Walk recently, I saw that this same archway was repainted in psychedelic shades along with the distinct feature of Johor’s iconic pepper and gambier motif.

 

The same old arch but in bright colours

Its bright colours caught my eye but personally, I am not sure if I liked the idea of painting this ancient arch with motifs.

 

Since the olden days, the setting up of arches, whether temporary or permanent, was a way for the community to commemorate certain celebrations.

 

To commemorate the Silver Jubilee of the rule of Sultan Sir Ibrahim, the Jubilee Arch was built at the entrance to the Istana Besar in 1925.

 

Sultan Sir Ibrahim, who ruled for 64 years from 1895 to 1959, was the longest reigning Johor Sultan in history.

 

The Coronation Arch is now a popular
destination for visitors to Johor Baru

Fast-forward to our present-day Sultan Ibrahim and his majesty's coronation in 2015.

 

To mark the occasion, the Coronation Arch that features a jewel studded crown on top, was built at the entrance to Istana Bukit Serene, the Sultan’s official residence.

 

Designed with adjacent landscaped gardens, fountains and a parking area, the Coronation Arch is now a popular destination for visitors to Johor Baru.

 

Arch at the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk,
facing the HSBC Bank in Johor Baru

Meanwhile at the official opening of the Johor Baru Chinese Heritage Museum in 2009, the then Johor Menteri Besar declared Jalan Tan Hiok Nee a Heritage Walk and was named, the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk.

 

The Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk committee was formed to organise and curate interesting weekend cultural events at the Heritage Walk and the nearby streets gradually transformed into a heritage destination which became popular with both local and foreign visitors.

 

To celebrate its identity as a significant heritage destination in the city, the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) endorsed the plan to build two arches at opposite ends of the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk.

 

Completed in 2013, the twin arches beautifully complimented the paved road while the charming heritage identity of this quarter, attracted self-motivated young people to start businesses here.

 

Under the archway at the OCBC Bank
end of the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk
with a group on my Heritage Walk

I was, however, deeply disappointed to observe the bad attitude of recalcitrant drivers who deliberately parked their vehicles – cars, 4WD and lorries – on the pavements, causing damage to the tiles and paving while blocking the paths that were rightly prepared for pedestrian use.

 

In early 2024, the work was completed on the road for the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk, re-paved for pedestrians to enjoy a more comfortable walk through this area.

 

I was pleased that this time, the pavements were designed to deter drivers from parking on the pavements. I remain hopeful that the authorities at the Johor Baru City Council will continue to be vigilant in towing away indiscriminately parked vehicles in downtown Johor Baru.

 

Now these two arches at both ends of the Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Walk proudly stand sentinel to welcome visitors to explore Johor Baru’s heritage quarter.

 

#ancientarches #myjohortoriesheritage