Perak Tengah - Pasir Salak

PLACES OF INTEREST Nature and Adventure

Dato' Maharaja Lela's Fortress Situated approximately 50 metres from the Pasir Salak Historical Complex. And close to the original official residence of Malay warrior Dato' Maharaja Lela, the structure of the fortress in its original form was basically square, and surrounded by deep drains. The fortress, along with the official home, was burnt to the ground by British colonial forces in retaliation to the killing of the British Resident Birch in 1875. Plans are afoot by the National Museum and Perak State Government t re-construct the residence and the fortress used by Datuk Maharaja Lela.

James W.W. Birch's Grave According to records, James Birch was murdered on the 2nd of November 1875 while he was taking a bath in the Perak River. His corpse was recovered by the British and he was finally laid to rest at what is now Bandar Baru, 5 kilometres from Pasir Salak.

Kutai Houses Within the Pasir Salak Historical Complex are situated two fine examples of traditional Perak Malay houses, popularly known as the "Kutai" Houses ("kutai" is a vernacular title meaning "old" or "ancient"). The structure and constructure of these houses are original and unique, built using only wood, with special joints and grooves but totally without the use of metal, (nails,etc).

Pasir Salak Cultural Centre The Pasir Salak Cultural Centre offers cultural activities such as cultural performances, poetry reading, demonstration of ikatan tengkolok (tying of traditional headgear), and traditional pastimes like congkak (boardgame), main wau (giant kite flying), gasing (top spinning) and sepak takraw (wicker ball game).

Pasir Salak Historical Complex Time seems to stand still in this little village beside a slow river. Pasir Salak is well-known for its ancient Malay architecture and craft; every wooden house is decorated with intricate traditional designs and nature inspired motifs. Here, too stands the memorial dedicated to the historical incident in which the first British Resident in Perak, J.W.W Birch was slain by the late Maharaja Lela, Dato' Sagor and Si Puntum. There are also two 'Kutai House' (Perak traditional house) inside the complex. These houses would display various local historical and Malay culture artifacts.

Pasir Salak Mosque The original mosque of Pasir Salak was built in November 1929. In May 1964, a section of this mosque was renovated. Renovations were completed in September 19 the same year, with much of its original features preserved.

Perak Darul Ridzuan Warriors' Memorial The monument is actually a gigantic "sundang", type of Malay Sword generally called "kris". It was erected to commemorate the bravery of Datuk Sagor, Datuk Maharaja Lela and their loyal followers who helped to arouse the spirit of nationalism at Pasir Salak. A "sundang" of this type was believed to have been used in the assasination of British Resident James Birch.

Sipuntum's Gravesite Sipuntum was the one who actually carried out the assasination of Resident James Birch, for which he was captured and sentencedto death. His burial site is located about 30 metres from the grounds of the Pasir Salak complex.

The Lela Rentaka Monument "Lela Rentaka" is actually a kind of cannon used by the earlier Malays in their defense against the British in the war that followed the killing of James Birch. There are two such "lela rentaka" on display at the Pasir Salak Historical Complex.

River Terrapin Breeding Project A breeding farm fot 'Tuntung' (river terrapins or Bataqur baska) is located at Bota Kanan, about 40km from Ipoh. Opened in 1967 by the state's Dept of Wildlife and National Parks, the primary aim of this project is the conservation of this species. To date the hatchery at Bota Kanan has released More than 25,000 hatchings into the Perak River. Between November and March, visitors can witness migrating river terrapins laying eggs in the wilds. Accommodation is available in the form of basic chalets.

Cempaka Sari Park Taman Cempaka Sari is a pleasant small park by the Sungai Perak (Perak River). It used to be closely connected to a nearby island but over the years, the wooden bridge linking the island to the riverbank has twice been washed away by flood waters. The island, called Pulau Cempaka Sari, is a wooded and shady haven. From far, a model of Rumah Kutai, a traditional olden Malay house, may been seen on the island. This park took a shot at fame sometime in the 1980s when it was chosen as a location for a French film 'Indochine'. Near the park, there is a rest house located nearby the riverbank. Today, the park serves as a recreational venue for families in the area and a favourite site for festive celebrations and watersports activities.