However, one place that shouldn’t be overlooked is the state’s royal town of Kuala Kangsar. It has a quaint, albeit understated, charm and a quiet elegance that is hard to miss once you’ve explored the town.
Apart from being rich in history and traditions, there are various stunning, well-preserved architecture here.
And after spending considerable time in this tranquil town, you’ll likely leave with the realisation, “Wow, I never knew how special Kuala Kangsar is!”
FMT Lifestyle takes a look at five of Kuala Kangsar’s unique attractions and with this year being Visit Perak Year, how about considering this town for your next holiday?
1. Ubudiah Mosque
The Ubudiah Mosque is a sight to behold, with its elegant golden domes reaching for the skies.
Standing tall in Kuala Kangsar for over a century, it is believed that construction for the mosque started in the early 1910s. It was officially opened in 1917.
Fun fact: it is said the construction of the mosque was delayed by two elephants who fought with each other and destroyed precious Italian marble in the process! And because of World War 1, it took longer than usual for a new shipment of tiles to arrive.
2. Iskandariah Palace
The Iskandariah Palace, located on a rolling hill with a tranquil view of Perak River, is undeniably a magnificent sight in Kuala Kangsar. Since the palace’s completion in 1933, it has been the official residence of all of Perak sultans.
It is believed that there are strong colonial European as well as Middle and Central Asia influences in the palace’s design. And with its sprawling grounds, this structure certainly lives up to its status as a royal residence.
3. Kenangan Palace
With its traditional Malay design, the Kenangan Palace is another impressive sight in Kuala Kangsar. There are woven diamond-shaped motifs on its walls, and it is said that from the top, the shape of the palace resembles that of a sword in its scabbard.
The palace, which was also previously known as Lembah Palace and Tepas Palace, is believed to have been constructed in 1926. It was built as a temporary abode for Sultan Iskandar Shah as the Iskandariah Palace was in the midst of construction.
Uniquely, it is said that the palace was built without using a single metal nail! Today, it houses the Perak Royal Museum.
4. Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery
The Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery may be located less than one kilometre away from the Ubudiah Mosque, but upon walking onto the manicured grounds with its fountains, one may feel as though they’ve been transported to another country.
The gallery, which was restored from the Ulu Palace, showcases highlights of the life of the late Sultan Azlan Shah. For the unfamiliar, the illustrious former ruler of Perak was also a prolific figure in the legal field.
The architecture of the gallery bears both local and colonial influences. It is believed that some building materials were imported from France and Italy, while others such as cengal and meranti wood, were sourced locally.
(At press time, the Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery is closed for renovation).
5. The first rubber tree in Malaysia
Did you know that the first rubber tree in the country was planted in Kuala Kangsar? It is believed that one J H Murton brought the first rubber seedlings to Kuala Kangsar from the Singapore Botanic Gardens in 1877.
Locals later planted these seedlings, and the first tree is said to have started flowering in March 1880. It produced fruits the following year.
The tree, estimated to be more than 140 years old, still stands strong against the changing tides of time in Kuala Kangsar.