A HISTORICAL SITE IN MALAYSIA

Historical sites in Malaysia are places which have been famous in the eyes of many local and foreign people. Malaysia, situated in the South East Asia region attracts large sum of tourist from all over the world because of its rich history and interesting stories that shapes the uniqueness of the place itself. It has to be said that the historical site that we have chosen to discuss is the Bukit Puteri Fort in Kuala Terengganu. The fort which was found on 1839 has been the pride of local Terengganu citizens as well as Malaysians as a whole. We believe unfolding the interesting facts will show proof that the site has actually molded the country's progress since independence. Our group came into a conclusion that promoting a historical place where we are living now, Terengganu would give a different perspective towards our rich history as well as bringing awareness that there are many more historical sites all over the country.

The entrance of the Bukit Puteri Fort

Bukit Puteri fort or Princess hill, covered an area of 0.688 hectares and is 200 meters in heights, is situated just beside the Istana Maziah and the General Post Office in Kuala Terengganu City Centre (William, 2006). Based on research carried out by our group through all possible sources, the Bukit Puteri Fort is covered with history and legends revolving conflicts between the royal rulers then in the early 19th century. Baginda Omar, who interested of the throne, got hold of the strategically placed fort after 3 attempts overthrowing his cousin Sultan Muhammad Baginda Omar was rumored to believe in prophecy and finally ascended the throne after an astrologers advice pointing that the mole on his chest is the lucky charm that points in the chart of his destiny. He spent much of his early days as the ruler of Terengganu discussing war strategies with his generals on a raised platform called a 'singgahsana' as seen still at the fort. Here, a large bell named Genta sits comfortably on its hold.

The bell known as Genta

It was commissioned during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III in the year 1908 and was used to sound alarm in times of emergency such as enemy attacks, fire and even people running wild in the streets. A cave known as Gua Puteri can also be found here. It was used as a place to keep the gun powder, stone and iron bullets. The flag pole that is on top of Bukit Puteri was used to raise the royal flag when there were any royal ceremonies held. According to the Cuti Malaysia official website (2008), the weight of the flag pole was around 18 meters high. The lighthouse on the peak of Bukit Puteri functioned as a guide for fishermen and sailors that sail into Kuala Sungai Terengganu. During the reign of Tengku Umar, he built a palace called the Green Palace at the foot of Bukit Puteri but was burned down in 1882. He built a new palace near the site of the Green Palace and was named Istana Maziah which still exit until today.

The light house and the flag pole nearby Istana Maziah

Apart from the remains mentioned, there is not much to see except that the hill has a nice view of the waterfront and is a good place to rest under the shady trees during hot afternoons. Nowadays, Bukit Puteri Fort is used as a firing range for cannon when royal ceremonies are held. Besides that, Bukit Puteri Fort has been developed into a tourist attraction. It is a simple place yet its rich nostalgic aura sites will surely enhance one's understanding of Malaysia in the yesteryears.

The canons used in the 19th century

REFERENCE William Zhuo (2006). Interesting Place in Terengganu. Bukit Puteri. Retrieved from http://interesting-place-in-terengganu.blogspot.com/2006/05/bukit-puteri.html on 2nd November 2012 Cuti Malaysia (2008). Terengganu. Bukit Puteri. Retrieved from

http://www.cuti.my/Sub/Terengganu/guide_bkputeri.html on 2nd November 2012

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