N 1* 29'12.48" E103*41'0.96"
Not many Suraus have three entrances. This one has. The main entrance would have been from the west but because the gate is off the centre, this Western entrance is hardly ever used since it opens straight out onto the fence. The Northern Entrance faces a gate which leads onto the street. The Southern Entrance is off the main gate and opens into the parking area.
In the South-Westerly direction there is a small pedestrian gate leading from the sizeable (perhaps 0.5 acres in size) playground
The outhouse is connected to the Surau complex via a covered walkaway from the South. This is the perfect solution for toilets for any Surau or Masjid. This covered walkway leads into the Southern Entrance.
You are greeted by a semi-circular tiled steps akin to Malaccan houses of centuries ago. A farily wide verandah ringed the main prayer hall but ends before the pulpit. It is wide enough to accommodate three abreast.
Upon entering via any of the three main entrances you will be awed by the loftiness of the main prayer hall after leaving the low ceilinged verandah. It has a total of three tiers - reminiscent of pagodas. The underside is finished with nyatoh tongue and grooved boards. Above each ring beam are fixed window panels, a pity really as it would have provided perfect natural ventilation since hot air rises. Along the ring beams are attached fluorescent tubes affording additional lighting.
Two pairs of rather large antiquated chandeliers are hung from the lowest ring beam. Two smaller pairs of simpler and smaller chandelier is hung just two rows away from the pulpit and two rows away from the Eastern Entrance along the inclined tie beams.
A number of fluorescent tubes are unceremoniously laid flat on the inclined nyatoh boards presumably to increase the lighting level
The extravagant use of varnished nyatoh gives the rich atmosphere providing an aura of a traditional Malay house or that of Balinese houses. WIndows, doors, diamond trellis, cupboards...even the puplit employs nyatoh.
The cross ventilation afforded by the axial entry points - especially North - South orientation is further enhanced by very tall windows (leaving only two feet at the base of each window, diamond trellises framing the window sides and tops. All in all, a very airy hall indeed. Despite the axial flow of air, vast expanse of ventilation modes...fans are still needed. Even its location on a small hillock is not enough to provide the much needed breeze.
These are simple wall mounted 14 inch fans. The window panes uses tinted glass. Perhaps using patterned stained glass windows would have been too much,
Maximum congregation? I have not had the pleasure of attending the Eid prayers yet. Too few times have I congregated here for Maghrib and Isyak for me not to notice the number of rows. If memory serves me 15 abreast and perhaps 8 rows deep.
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/58471107
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