AMAN RIMBA

It was Friday evening on the 2^nd October 09. We arrived at Aman Rimba - Private Estate, before dust.

Sabri & Wati were on hand to receive us.

Before we could finish our eidfitri greetings Sabri had already 'jockeyed' my car to a small parking space close by.

Next follows the welcome drink, all in the tradition of a luxury hotel.

The dinner invitation includes an overnight stay at their vast private estate. We were immediately checked in to a posh villa overlooking a big fish pond, instead we opted for a smaller chalet by the swimming pool.

Shortly after jemaah maghrib prayer at the newly built surau we were ushered to a specially laid out private dinner table for 10: 'the menu of complete western cuisine to be presented by our new chef.'

Over the years Aman Rimba had transformed to be an exclusive private estate in the green luster of Janda Baik. It was a mixture of traditional and modernity outlook. Sort of an up-market private resort. It took them 13 years to realize a dream, putting in place their personal touches - I believe inspired by their holidays in Bali sometimes early 1997. Honestly I remember having a glimpse of their proposed rough drawing concept some 13 years ago. (Mind you, this old man rarely forget).

It was customary for the guest to give a speech after a sumptuous dinner. I felt honoured to be allowed to. In my short thanksgiving speech, I reminiscenced how we stumbled on Aman Rimba piece of property.

It was on a hot afternoon in 1996*. Sabri was taking me for a round trip to this rustic corner tugged in a hilly remote Bukit/Genting Sempah of Selangor/Pahang border– some 30 kilometers away from the bustling Kuala Lumpur.

Enthusiastically Sabri drove me to almost every nook and corner of Janda Baik. He showed me a couple of vacant plots he loved to own, but failed in all his bits. Like a child craving for a play toy, Sabri narrated his bitter feelings. I was hooked and sympathized with him.

At a point, while we were at our last stop by a running stream Sabri eagerly wanting to check with the owner of a house on the opposite bank for any vacant plot nearby for sale. The house looked empty, but Sabri was convinced the owner was around as there was a thin burning smoke at its compound. It was already late and I felt tired and thirsty. Out of desperation, I pointed to a nearby connecting lane running west parallel to the river. I said; ' Sabri, trust me, your piece of property is at the end of that lane.'

Called it fixated or possessed, Sabri quickly reversed the four wheel drive and drove up the trail to the end. We stopped at a blockage. Right in front was a green meadow.

It was a 'rezeki jatuh keriba'. ALLAH's willing, on that very evening we struck a deal with its owner. Weeks later Sabri & Wife owned the said property which they affectionately named AMAN RIMBA.

Selamat Hari Raya.

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*Note: On the 3rd or 4th week Shawwal 1417 - exactly 13 years to this date.