Transformation from Old Rubber Plantation to Health Centre, Tampin

The transformation of an old rubber plantation into what is now Aenon Health Care is nothing short of remarkable.

For first-time visitors, the location—tucked within undulating terrain and far removed from the city center - can seem both remote and challenging. From a construction perspective, the site posed formidable obstacles. In addition to the hilly topography, the land was strewn with massive boulders scattered throughout, making site leveling an impractical and costly endeavor.

Yet, what stands out as truly extraordinary is the ingenuity and determination of Aenon’s developers. Without removing a single one of these colossal boulders, they successfully designed and constructed the entire facility. The result is not only a functional healthcare retreat, but also a stunning example of how thoughtful planning and respect for the natural landscape can harmoniously coexist.

Sunrise in days of good weather is an awesome sight.

The huge boulder at the back reminds me of
"Ayers Rock" in Australia!

The designer and builder displayed remarkable ingenuity by incorporating some of the massive boulders into the very fabric of the building structures, seamlessly integrating them into the design without the need for removal.

This area has an unusually high concentration of Baya Weavers. I first encountered these fascinating birds in Cape Town, South Africa, in May 2013 (Read here). They are easily recognized by their intricately woven, hanging nests shaped like retorts, crafted from strands of grass and reeds. Two common nest designs observed here include one with dual openings at the base, and another with a long, cylindrical entrance that serves to deter potential predators. Interestingly, it is the males who construct these elaborate nests as part of their courtship ritual to attract female partners.

Freshly made green nest to attract potential female partner.

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Each morning when we did our morning walk, we saw an old Chinese couple tapping rubber in the adjacent estate.

Much of the land is now planted with fruit trees and durian trees. Rubber plantations are likely to slowly disappear especially with the shortage of rubber tapers.

"Indulgence" in Aenon Health Care

It's not entirely wrong to say that spending a couple of days in Aenon for a health program is a form of indulgence. 

Beside food and daily exercise, one will be assigned a series of treatment recommended by the in-house doctors daily. These treatment are prescribed based on whatever abnormalities or health issues both past and present made known to the doctors.

All treatments are non intrusive and without prescription drugs. Natural ingredients are used for all the treatments. Some of the prescribed treatments for guests are:

• Infrared shoulder & neck with gentle massage for shoulder and neck pain.
• Infrared knee & charcoal poultice for knee for knee pain.
• Salt glow and steam bath.
• Hot foot bath & chair massage.
• Garlic hot foot bath.
• Warm vinegar sit bath and the list goes on.

Attendance to any of the program is not compulsory. Many simply sign up and go there to relax! We signed up and joined with an open mind and participated in all the activities offered. Beside spending  significant time with old friends together for almost two weeks, the experience has been worthwhile and life changing!

Steam bath.

Health talks.

"Graduation"

The participants.

A Journey to New Eating Habits

Aenon Health Care in Tampin advocates NEWSTART in all the programs they offer - Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunlight, Temperance, Fresh Air, Rest & Trust in God. 

Our very first experience in nutrition started with our first meal in the form of a vegetarian lunch immediately after we checked into Aenon on 27 July 22. The meal looked impressive and balanced. It was delicious.

We decided to sign up for this Health Camp after being introduced by our good friend Jenny during our trip to Singapore in May this year.

Our journey to revamp our eating habit began that very evening starting with the dinner. It was nil solid food but a mere half-litre bottle of mixed fruit juice - this is what they called therapeutic juicing. For the next three days, we were rationed with half a litre of mixed fruit juice for breakfast, then lunch and dinner. This was in preparation of a detox for the liver. The process was rather torturous whenever we saw our friends sitting next to us enjoying their sumptuous meal!

Left: Carrot, spinach and cucumber. Right: Beet root, carrot and celery.

At the Dining Hall.

With Jenny and her husband, Patrick.
The awesome ambient during outdoor breakfast in a way
helped to make our therapeutic juicing program easier!

Sumptuous lunch enjoyed by our friends next to us!

We celebrated our final bottle of fruit juice - guava,
apple & aloevera after three days!

The liver cleansing process ended with drinking a concoction of olive oil, lime juice and epsom salt two hours after our final bottle of fruit juice. That was not a very pleasant experience.

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We had expected solid food for our next meal after the detox process. However, it was not the case. It was just a bowl of potato soup - at least we had something salty finally!

Our first proper solid meal for lunch!

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Of the three meals provided daily, portion for lunch is the highest. Fruits are provided at every meal - at least three variety with nuts added sometimes.

There was no meat, no coffee and no snack provided. There was also no tea break in between meals. Though coffee is not encouraged because of the caffeine content, I believe it's more to do with the religious reason. The Centre Operator, members of Seventh-Day Adventist has a list of prohibited food items.

BREAKFAST

The kitchen staff took great effort to prepare breakfast in terms of nutritional value and appearance. The many dishes we had enjoyed deserved to be documented. They all look fabulous.

LUNCH

Among the three meals daily, quantum for lunch was the largest. 

Occasional additional side dish after cooking lessons!

DINNER

Dinner was rather simple and of lesser quantity. They do not advocate heavy meal in preparation for bed time.

The 10-Day stay at Aenon is a life changing experience. Beside gaining significant new insights and knowledge about food, spending time together at this Centre with long time friends since my university days in the 1970's is truly enjoyable and memorable!