Kuala Kangsar

PLACES OF INTEREST Nature and Adventure

Istana Hulu Also known as the "Istana Kota", this former palace is situated on Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar , not far away from the famed Ubudiah Mosque. It was built in 1903 during the reign of Sultan Idris Mursyidul Azam Shah, the 28th Sultan of Perak. In 1916, the palace was occupied by his son and successor, Sultan Abdul Jalil and two years later, by Sultan Izzuddin Shah. In 1954, the palace was taken over by the Education Ministry and was subsequently turned into the Istana Kota National School, in 1970, it was converted into the Raja Perempuan Mazwin School, named after the wife of Sultan Idris Shah.

Istana Iskandariah (The Iskandariah Palace) This palace is the official residence of the Sultan of Perak and is situated at Bukit Chandan, a hilly terrain that used to be known as Changkat Negara. A magnificent and imposing architectural structure, it was designed around the northern Indian Muslim motif which accounts for its strong "Saracenic" or "Moorish" features. In 1984, an extension was built, adding an annex to contain a banqueting hall and a ceremonial function hall, also known as Dewan the Santapan and Balai Rong Seri, respectively.

Kampung Hulu Kenas Waterfall Situated about 16 kilometres from the Royal town of Kuala Kangsar, this waterfall boasting clear, clean waters empties 7 metres down into a pool. The lush surroundings are a sight to behold and it is said that visitors can often get creative inspiration just by being there. The area is surrounded by bamboo, and the twisted roots of old trees add a special visual flavour to the environment. This recreational spot is often visited by people of all sorts, young and old alike, seeking rest, peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

King's Pavilion (Sekolah Menegah Raja Perempuan Kalsom) What used to be a house owned by one Che' Midah in 1877, had to make way for the King's Residence during the British Colonisation era. Among the first few to have stayed here was the third British Resident, Sir Hugh Low, who planted some of the 11 rubber seeds he acquired from the Botanic Gardens in Singapore as an experiment. His experiment was a success, but the trees grew too large until they were obstructing the pavilion from the public's view. It was not until 20 years later that another British Resident, Sir Frank Swettenham, ordered them to be cut down. Sometime in 1905, the first Residency building was replaced with the present one. This new building named the King's Pavilion continued to be the home of the serving British Residents of Perak until national independence in 1957. It was later handed over to the Ministry of Education and then converted into a school. Among the first to study here were the First Formers from the Malay College. They later moved to a new hostel that was much closer to the main school. The word 'pavilion' also was used to refer to this new hostel. In 1960, this very same building was transformed into a girls' secondary school, the Sekolah Menengah Raja Perempuan Kalsom Secondary School, a name that took after the mother of the reigning Sultan.Other than the school building, the staircase leading to the school fields has also its own history. According to the locals, the staircase acts as a water gauge during the rainy season. If the water rises above certain level, people within the vicinity need to be evacuated to higher ground. Located in the heart of Kuala Kangsar town.

Kuala Kangsar Clock Tower The historical clock tower stands at the roundabout at the heart of Kuala Kangsar town.

Kuala Kangsar Town Located just 50 kilometres to the north of Ipoh, the state capital of Perak, Kuala Kangsar is Perak's royal town and has been the official residence of the sultans of Perak since the 15th century due to the town's fresh, beautiful and serene environment. At present, the state's ruling sultan resides here at the palace named Istana Iskandariah. Here you can see and experience the real history of Perak. There are historical sights such as Istana Iskandariah or iskandariah palace, The First Rubber Tree that still stands today, Istana Hulu or istana kota - a former palace, the prestigious Malay College, the Royal Museum, masjid ubudiah - one of malaysia's most beautiful mosques, the keris memorial, pavilion square tower, Kampung Hulu Kenas Waterfall, the handicraft centre and the list goes on. There is also Labu Sayong earthenware jug making and the Perak River Safari to make your visit a truly memorable one.

Malay College Officially declared open in 1905, the original name of this college was the malay residential school and was allowed only to the children of the royal family and those of higher ranking malay dignitaries and officers of the royal court. The name 'maktab melayu', or Malay College, was adopted by the school in 1909 and has remained unchanged since then. Built in the classical architectural tradition that was so popular among the designers of the early colonial days of malaya, the building displays grand columns, decorated pediments and other features typical of its neo-classical design. Set amidst rolling green grounds, it has the atmosphere of an english village setting. During the second world war when the japanese occupied colonial malaya, the Malay College was turned into an administrative office for the japanese imperial army. People who were suspected to be against the army were interrogated here and many subsequently beheaded.

Pavillion Square Tower Located close to the Kuala Kangsar Town Council field, it is considered by some to be one o the most beautiful of this Royal town's old buildings. It has a unique and reflects some of the elegance of early Malay architecture, with a special charm totally its own. Built in 1930 under the reign of Sultan Iskandar Shah, this structure has occasionally been referred to as the "Pagoda of Malaysia". It was originally used as a recreational and entertainment venue for the wives of court officials and other important people, especially for ceremonies and special celebrations. Having undergone some renovation, it is now part of the public park.

Raban Lake Tasik Raban is perhaps the most sought after recreational lake in Perak. It is actually a chain of pools enveloped by rich natural vegetation, totally unique in its natural beauty. The local authority has envisaged it as a potential long-term place of attraction. Hence, a golf driving range, chalets and caravans will soon make its presence within the vicinity.

Royal Museum Previously known as istana kenangan, istana tepas and istana lembah, the Perak Royal Museum is an amazing achievement in architecture. It was built without any architectural plans without using a single nail. Situated near the Istana Iskandariah, the sultan of Perak's official palace at Kuala Kangsar, the museum houses the royal regelia, photographs of the royal family, illustrations and artifacts of the past and present monarchy in Perak. Opening Hours :9.30am to 5pm (Monday, Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays) 9.30am to 12.45pm (Thursday) Closed on Friday Admission is Free Tel : 05-776 5500

Taman Persisiran Sungai This is a recreational park located at Bukit Chandan. Every evening, local villagers and their kids would interact with each other at this park. Occasionally, there are community service campaigns staged here by the local authority.

The First Rubber Tree Located near the Kuala Kangsar District Office stands a single rubber tree which is the only, remaining one of nine rubber trees that were the first to be planted in this country. H.N Ridley was the person responsible for making Kuala Kangsar the first rubber planting district in the country, an industry which eventually became one of the nation's major sources of income. Mr Ridley (sometimes refer to "Crazy Ridley") obtained rubber seeds from the Kew Gardens in London and brought them first to Singapore, and the n to Kuala Kangsar. These seeds were planted in and around Kuala Kangsar in 1877, while Sir Hugh Low was British Resident in Perak A memorial plaque stands at the base of this sole remaining tree, commemorating the importance of this ordinary looking tree in the eventual development of the state of Perak as well as the entire nation. The Keris Monument This monument in the shape of a keris, a sharp-bladed Malay knife, was erected in 1963 to commemorate the installation of the 33rd Sultan of Perak, Sultan Idris Shah. It is situated on a hill near the government rest house in Kuala Kangsar. The importance of the keris in the lives of the early Malay community as well as those of royalty is evident even today, and can be seen as an important part of the attire and regalia of the present day Sultans, especially during presentations and ceremonies in the Royal Court. Ubudiah Mosque Located at bukit chandan, Kuala Kangsar, the Ubudiah Mosque is reputed to be one of the most beautiful mosque in the country and a symbol of pride and faith for all muslims in Perak. The mosque's magnificient to the beauty of islamic architectures.the construction of the mosque began in the reign of sultan idris murshidul adzam shah 1, the 28th sultan of Perak, but was interrupted a number of times. Once, when two elephants belonging to sultan idris and raja chulan ran over the imported italian marble floor, and again during the first world war. The mosque was officially opened by sultan jalil karaamatullah shah in 1917.