Oldest Church in Johor of West Malaysia

Church of the Immaculate Conception ( CIC ) was built in the year  1927 by the late Rev. Fr. C. Saleilles, M. AP. 

The Original Church was built in the year 1883 and was named as the Our Lady of Lourdes.

We chanced upon it when we were at Kotaraya Bus Terminal. We saw it from a distance, and decided to find out more for ourselves without knowing that it was a Catholic church.

We attended the first mass there on Sunday, 19 November 2011.

We learned of the contact details and activities of other sister churches from the many publicity materials made available at the CIC, and plucked up courage to venture further to other churches in the Catholic Diocese of Melaka-Johor, Malaysia.

We missed the early morning Sunday English mass (at 7.00am), and had to settle for the Mandarin mass at 10.30am.   It was celebrated by Father Huan.   

More pictures available from the gallery.   The church is currently embarking on some extension project at the front car-park.

The church is located at Jalan Gereja, and is within walking distance ( 10 minutes ) from City Square.   Look out for the taller Landmark Complex which is located beside the church.

Incidentally, St Joseph High School is located behind of the church.


Click here for Church of St Joseph (Plentong, Johor)

Church of Saint Joseph at Plentong of Johor

On Saturday, 3 December 2011 (Second Sunday of Advent) we celebrated mass away from home at Church of St Joseph, Plentong in Johor (West Malaysia).

Opposite the church was the Cana Christian Church.   Both churches are located within a middle-class neighbourhood.

Although a plaque acknowledged contributors for fund-raising efforts in 2001 for the present church building, research showed that it was first established in 1970.

The kindergarten is just next to the main church building, that is on the left wing as we enter the main gate.

The sanctuary was not full when we were there for the sunset mass.   A parishioner assured us that there would be ample seats for mass.   


Although not indicated on the church website or bulletin, Novena was held at 5.30pm and we were fortunate to be in time for it.   Father Joseph Heng from Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus stood in for Parish Priest Father Anthony Ng  currently on medical leave.

As is obvious from the above picture on the rear of the church, the whole compound was well-maintained and free from clutters.

Identifying the nearest bus-stop for us to alight from public bus service 133 ( you could take 39 and 208 as well) was not easy despite some prior good advice from the parish secretary via email.   Incidentally, the bus fare from City Square, Jalan Wong Ah Fook to the church is MR2.70

Several passengers that we approached for assistance had not heard of  Jalan Bunga Raya that I quoted from the church's official address.   

We now know from hindsight that the above bridge would be a good landmark to look out for on our next trip up there.


The bus-stop is slightly after the bridge, and we took a 50-metre walk-back to enter Jalan Bunga Mawar that leads to the church (make a left turn at the T-junction, and another right turn shortly after to reach the church).

Across Jalan Bunga Mawar is a row of shophouses with 4 eating houses.   There are a sprinkle of Malay eating stalls on the same side of Jalan Bunga Mawar, but we did not find the food to our liking.

It takes about 5 minutes to walk out along Jalan Bunga Mawar to the main road.   It was a pleasant walk-through with terrace houses on both sides, especially with the various types of fruit trees that we hardly find in Singapore nowadays.

A fellow Malay passenger had mistakenly advised us to alight two bus-stops after the overhead bridge, and 'Wow' we suddenly saw the big signboard indicating ' Majodi ',   a retreat centre that I missed during my RCIA journey (SARS epidemic period).   Blessings in disguise !


I had thought that the centre was in some remote area further away from Church of St Joseph, and that I had to make a separate trip on another day for it.


We had a walk-about at Majodi Centre before heading for lunch across the road.

We stumbled across ' Ah Hua Kway Teow ' and decided to go for it (RM6.00 a bowl) as it seemed well-patronised by the locals.

Our orders came, and we realised that we were actually about to savour some abalone soup noodles.

The soup was tasty with two slices of abalone, some slices of liver and minced pork.   My dry noodle was a bit on the sweet side, probably because of the dark sauce used in the mix.

My only regret was Ah Hua does not serve coffee or tea with milk - only chinese tea (a few brews to choose from).

It rained very heavily when we were about to leave the church. Fellow parishioners that we happened to befriend before mass, Johnny Matthew Lim and wife offered to give us a lift to the nearest bus-stop.


We ended up having dinner together (generously paid for by the Lim family) before parting our separate ways at the bus-stop, outside The Store.

During the course of conversations, Johnny even offered to take us in for the night at his residence as the weather was not too good for our travelling back.


We witnessed unbelievable hospitality and 'opening of hearts' in practice by fellow catholics.

Click here for First Sunday of Advent at Sacred Heart of Jesus

First Sunday of Advent at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Johore Bahru

About this time each year, Catholics observe the season of Advent, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It is the beginning of the liturgical year and commences on First Sunday of Advent.
For the Roman Catholic, Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before December 25, the Sunday from November 27 to December 3 inclusive.    My wife and I decided to have a refreshing start for the new liturgical year by attending the mass for First Sunday of Advent away from Singapore, 26 November 2011 at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Taman Sri Tebrau, Johore ( West Malaysia ).

The word Advent derives from the Latin word meaning coming, and is commonly used in reference to the second coming of Christ. During Advent Catholics recall the history of God's people, and reflect on how the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament were fulfilled. This gives us a background for the present. Today we can reflect on the past track record of God and so begin to understand what it means to us now for the sake of what is to come, in our own future and that of our world.

The church is located along Jalan Keris, off Jalan Tebrau. I paid MR 1.20 for the bus trip from City Square ( next to the Malaysia checkpoint ), and alighted at the bus stop beside Crystal Crown Hotel near the prominent billboard ( above ). The hotel is beside one Tesco Hypermarket ( behind the 'Rustica' bill board ) along Jalan Dato Sulaiman. The hotel is located before the second major junction ( + junction ) from City Square.

The season of Advent serves as a reminder both of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ's return. The above adoration room at the cathedral afforded us that sense of serenity and inspiration to reflect on the first coming of Jesus Christ as savior and to his second coming as judge.

The theme of bible readings and teachings during Advent is often to prepare for the Second Coming while commemorating the First Coming of Christ at Christmas.

The Nativity (depicting the place, conditions, circumstances, etc of the birth of Jesus Christ) was done up at the cathedral in time for the season of Advent.

There could not be a better place to locate the display other than at the spot where we ask Mother Mary to intercede for us to the Lord. Incidentally, this is also the open space leading to the adoration room at the corner (spot the hanging blue sign ?).

How I wish the church volunteers had temporarily switched the light display to purple for the season. The purple colour is often used for hangings around the church, on the vestments of the clergy, and often also the tabernacle for the season of Advent.

In Advent, the Advent Prose, an antiphonal plainsong, may be sung. The "Late Advent Weekdays", December 17–24, mark the singing of the Great Advent 'O antiphons'. These are the antiphons for the Evening Prayer each day, and mark the forthcoming birth of the Messiah. They form the basis for each verse of the popular Advent hymn, "O come, O come, Emmanuel".

Advent is also observed as a season of penitence, and dancing or other similar festivities are forbidden. Father John Baptist Yoew had added during his homily that parishioners should perhaps make an effort for this year's advent to pray for someone (whom we have yet to make peace with) each day.

From the 4th century the season was kept as a period of fasting as strict as that of Lent. This fasting rule has been relaxed, and we had no problem savouring the food at the nearby centre ( 50 metres away ). The next time round, we would head for the rows of popular Klang Bak Kut Teh (spice-flavoured pork-ribs soup) opposite the centre. The lane that leads to the once-popular Sentosa Complex.

We left the church with very pleasant feelings about the kampung-style atmosphere. Above: Sitting in the sanctuary near the wide and inviting doors on the left-side of the sanctuary was such a wonderful and breezy experience, especially when you have and are in the full view of other parishioners strolling in through the main gate for mass.

Above: Parish hall of the church. The backyard was just as interesting and breezy. It borders on Wisma Tiong Hua (Chinese Chamber of Commerce) which can be seen from afar, and is an easy landmark to identify with if you were lost driving along the Tebrau Highway to the church.

English Mass Times

Saturday Novena : 5.30pm
Saturday Sunset  : 6.00pm
Sunday Morning   : 7.45am
Sunday Evening   : 6.00pm


Public Transport

Bus Service             :   39, 133 & 208
Bus Fare                 :   MR1.30

Social Experience @ Al-Jabar Orphanage, Batam

Research had it that Al- Jabar Orphanage was founded in 1987 with makeshift structures and equipment.   Dwellings and  other support facilities were shabby and dirty.   Roofs, windows and doors were damaged and beyond economical repair.


We could imagine what living conditions were like then when we were led around by the daughter of the founding father on our first visit to the orphanage on Sunday, 7 August 2011.   The founder is 66 years old (born in 1945), and the daughter is the current principal of the schools (primary, secondary and post-secondary).   Her four daughters stay at the orphanage too.

Our rendezvous at MacDonald Restaurant, Harbourfront Centre @ 12.30 pm.   Participants brought in card-boxes, denture model, balloons, and other essentials for planned activities and demonstrations.

Some of the 22 participants and expedition leader, Stanley Y that gathered inside the restaurant.

Participant Christine boarding Asean Raider I at about 2.25 pm (Singapore time).

Ferry approaching Batam Centre Ferry Terminal at about 3.30pm.   It started to drizzle when we reached the island.

My wife, Florence had disembarked.   Yes, I could see Gillian and Jane about to disembark too.

We caught up with each other again outside the custom check-point while Stanley's colleague, Pauline went to claim bulky stuff and luggages from the collection counter.   First surprise of the day:  she had to pay a fee to claim the items !

Batam Centre Ferry Terminal is one of the several ferry terminals on Batam island.   It is the first terminal from the left.   Click here for a clearer view of the island.

We decided to change our itinerary, and check into Vista Hotel instead of proceeding straight to unload our stuff at the orphanage as it was raining rather heavily at one stage of the journey.   The serviced apartments managed by the hotel are in the background.

What a sight to behold !   This is a far cry from the Nagoya Town that I knew when I made my first trip to Batam in 1980s when the island was opening up for Singapore investors and visitors.  The whole island had only 1 set of traffic lights, and it was located in Nagoya !

We were in Nagoya Town Mall to buy more stuff to complement our other stuff brought in from Singapore before going back to the hotel for dinner.   Notice that bubbly little girl in white looking back ?   That was Phoebe with mother Lai Ping.

Wow !    Sophia was all excited about demonstrating balloon sculpting to the children.    Lai Ping's daughter, Phoebe was just as interested in picking up the skill from her.    Sophia's son looked on with amazement.   Sophia was right !   Children are all excited about balloons.

We adjourned to our hotel rooms after dinner.   Room was spacious and comfortable.   We could follow all the Singapore  Media Corps' channels in Batam.   Taxi fares are unreasonably high for one to venture into any other part of Batam.   Other modes of public transport are just as good as non-existent.   I did not see or recognise any public bus passing by during my 3-day stay even though services were said to be available.

No complaint against the spread of breakfast choices.   Chinese porridge, fried noodles, noodle soup, breads and eggs, fried chicken parts, kim-chi soup, tempura, etc.

Day 2, 7 August 2011 at about 9.45 am (Batam Time) saw us approaching the main entrance to Al-Jabar compound.   It was about to rain when the principal led us on an orientation tour of the premises.

The back of the mosque opens onto a vast compound that turns muddy when it rains.    We witnessed some work-in-progress in laying concrete over some stretches of the compound.   It is not likely that the newly-laid concrete surface will last long as it was not reinforced with some form of steel mesh.

Adjoining the mosque was a row of shelters and a kindergarten where we used to dig into our lunch packets over the next 2-day.

Located diagonally across from the back of the mosque was the secondary school.   Above:   the former premises of the secondary school. Contrast this with the new wing below.

The newly-installed wing of the secondary school.   The principal-cum-general office took up the last unit of the row (see below photo).

Principal's office is in the background.

Above:  The Junior College for post-secondary education.   Below:  Work-in-progress.

The post-secondary premises will apparently be better equipped and more comfortable for the students.   But, what a contrast in the room next door ( see below photo ).

We held most of our indoor activities at the relatively less well-furnished section of the junior college building.   The children had a hilarious time going through the science experiments (above) and decorating their own storage boxes ( Top ).

Children were all excited about the fun way of blowing up the balloons using water and bicarbonate of soda that Sophia had brought over from Singapore.

Ha !   How I wished someone else had done it.  The denture model brought along by Shann had made my task a lot easier.   It was part of the hygiene lessons that Stanley had proposed for this trip.   The hand-washing part was led by Lai Ping.

That's the path leading from the junior college to the primary school.   Spot that covered water storage well to the left of the school building ?

That's a close-up of the rain-water storage well ( top and middle photos ), and the cooling tower ( above ) that draws the water from the well.   Notice that canteen in the background ?

That's a close-up view of the canteen.   As it was Ramadan (fasting month for muslims), we didn't have a chance to see the food served or sold to the students.

Above:   That's the front view of the primary school.  It faces the Batam Centre Ferry Terminal in the distance.

Above:   You probably could not see 'Welcome To Batam' in the distance. But, I saw it with my naked eyes.

There was inadequate lighting throughout the whole compound, and we had to conduct our  fun activities in near pitch-darkness as it was raining outside.

Above:   That's a better glimpse of the situation taken with flash-light from another camera by Yong Poh.


Below:  Another shot by Yong Poh on Christine leading the children through some fun activities - ' Where are my shoulders '.

It was less pathetic when the sun was out.   Ventilation was poor as most of the windows were, for some reason, not widely open during lesson.   Schools run half-day sessions only, and there was no apparent outdoor curricular activities after school.


Eileen M and family bought some badminton rackets, shuttle-cocks and balls from the nearby Carrefour Hypermarket on the second day, and the students and some teachers were all excited about the games on the following day ( morning ).

Above:   There was no lighting fixture for the toilets.   It would have been pitch-black without any 'flash' from the camera.

The dormitories were located mid-way between the junior college and primary school.   Above photograph shows the boys' section while the girls stay further down the same row of shelters, separated by the kitchen ( Below photographs ).

Aaron from the 'Muscles' team painting the wall bordering the girls' dormitory.   Notice the new aluminium sheets in the background ?   That was made possible through funds-raising efforts by some participants.   S$1,500 of the total S$3,000 raised went to replacing the roof over the girls' dormitory.


Below:  a glimpse of the girls' dormitory.

Part of the S$3,000 raised by some participants was used to provide several cabinets for the girls' dormitory while the balance was spent on rice cookers, items for the goodie bags, etc (See below photo).

Below:   We continued our planned activities into the third day of our stay, 8 August 2011 - balloon sculpting, dancing lessons, English lesson and quizzes, card-box decoration, badminton and soccer.

Wow, that's Sophia's son showing the way to observe the rules of professional soccer !   I heard him shouting out, ' Hand ball,   Hand ball ' ; and tried to stop the game while the other children wondered what he was driving at.

We ended our fun activities at about 3.00pm as we had to leave for the hotel to wash up, and head for the ferry terminal at about 4.30pm.


Below:   We did our last minute shopping at Mega Mall before walking over the bridge leading to the terminal.

The shopping mall has a Customer Service counter on level 2 for us to deposit our luggages while we went on with our shopping and dining.

Wall clock showed 1806 hrs ( Singapore time:  1906 hrs ) as we entered the waiting lounge of the terminal.

Walking towards our ferry, Ocean Flyte.

We took the upper deck for a better view of the water, and to escape from the diesel smell that pervaded the lower deck on our way to Batam.   Disembarked at Harbourfront Centre at about 9.05 pm.


Despite the occasional discomforts and inconveniences, we did enjoy the great companionship among participants, trip leaders Stanley and Pauline notwithstanding, and the warmth of the orphanage's principal, teachers (some), helpers, children, and others that we did not manage to engage more closely during this trip.


Al-Jabar orphanage is definitely in need of more funding and help in non-monetary terms.   Based on feedback and our own assessment, the following items are worthy of consideration should you decide to help them:

• Desktop and laptop computers, about S$600 for a brand new set of desktop computer.   It would be better to purchase them in Batam for software and other compatibility specifications.   They are readily available in the shopping centre;
• Wardrobe and hangers for the girls' and boys' dormitories;
• Tables and chairs;
• White-boards and flip-charts;
• Fans;
• Lighting.  Need to check on power availability and cost of utilities;
• Stationery;
• School uniforms and other attires.   Shann, Cassandra & Martin, Meixi and Ei-Leen had gone out to some street store to buy some uniforms for the children, but wear-and-tear will render this a perennial need for regular sponsorship; and
• Reading materials ?

More photographs could be found on facebook.