Kuala Kangsar is a small town located in the northern state of Perak, Malaysia. Despite its size, it is rich in history and culture, making it a popular tourist destination. The town is known for its impressive architecture, beautiful mosques, and stunning bridges, among other attractions.
One of the must-visit attractions in Kuala Kangsar is the Ubudiah Mosque. With its gold and Italian marble domes, it is considered one of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques. Visitors are advised to dress modestly when visiting the mosque. Another popular attraction is the Victoria Bridge, which offers a scenic view of Sungai Perak and is a great spot for photography.
In addition to its architectural wonders, Kuala Kangsar has several museums and galleries showcasing the town’s rich history and culture. The Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah is a great place to learn about the town’s royal heritage. At the same time, the Al-Ghufran Royal Mausoleum provides a glimpse into the lives of Malaysia’s royal families. For those looking for a more active experience, the Dataran Lembah Sungai Perak offers boat rides along the river.
Top Attractions
Kuala Kangsar is a charming town in Perak, Malaysia, that offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. From historic sites to palaces to landmarks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some of the top attractions to visit in Kuala Kangsar.
Historic Attractions
Kuala Kangsar is known for its rich history, and several historic attractions are worth a visit. One of the most popular is the Ubudiah Mosque, a stunning mosque built in 1917. Visitors can admire the intricate architecture and design of the mosque, which features a mix of Islamic, Moorish, and Gothic styles.
Another must-see historic attraction is the Royal Museum, which was once the residence of the Sultan of Perak. The museum showcases the royal family’s history and includes exhibits on the state’s development and culture.
Palaces
Kuala Kangsar is also home to several palaces open to the public. The Istana Kenangan, or the Palace of Memories, is a beautiful wooden palace built in 1926. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and learn about its history and significance.
Another palace worth visiting is the Istana Iskandariah, the official residence of the Sultan of Perak, is impressive, with its grand architecture and beautiful gardens.
Landmarks
In addition to historic attractions and palaces, Kuala Kangsar has several landmarks worth visiting. One of the most famous is the Victoria Bridge, built in 1900 and the oldest railway bridge in Malaysia. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy the scenic views of the river below.
Another landmark that shouldn’t be missed is the Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, dedicated to the late Sultan of Perak. The gallery showcases the Sultan’s life and achievements, as well as the history and culture of Perak.
Overall, Kuala Kangsar is a rich history and culture town with plenty of attractions to explore. Whether you’re interested in historic sites, palaces, or landmarks, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this charming town.
Things to Do
Heritage Trail
Kuala Kangsar has a rich history and heritage; visitors can explore it through the Heritage Trail. This trail takes visitors through some of the city’s most notable landmarks, including the Ubudiah Mosque, Istana Kenangan, and the Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery. The Ubudiah Mosque is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Islamic architecture. Istana Kenangan, now known as the Royal Museum of Perak, was once the resting place for Sultan Iskandar Shah after polo matches. Today, it is a popular attraction that is worth a brief visit. The Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery is a museum that showcases the life and times of Sultan Azlan Shah, the ninth Sultan of Perak.
Polo Matches
Polo has a long history in Kuala Kangsar, and visitors can witness this sport in action at the Royal Perak Polo Club. The club has hosted many international tournaments and is a great place to watch a match. Visitors can also learn about the city’s polo history at the Sultan Azlan Shah Polo Academy.
Exercise and Fresh Air
Kuala Kangsar has plenty of opportunities for visitors to get some exercise and fresh air. For example, the Baginda Sultan Azlan Shah Park is great for a morning jog or an evening stroll. The park has a jogging track, a playground, and a lake where visitors can rent paddle boats. Visitors can also walk through the Muslim Cemetery, the final resting place of many prominent figures in Perak’s history. The Bukit Chandan Forest Reserve offers a scenic trek through the jungle for those looking for a more challenging hike.
Architecture
Istana Kenanga
Kuala Kangsar is home to several impressive architectural wonders, including Istana Kenanga. This palace was built in 1926 for the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Iskandar Shah. The palace is a stunning example of Malay architecture, featuring intricate wood carvings and beautiful stained glass windows. Today, the palace is used for official events and is not open to the public.
Ubudiah Mosque
Another must-see architectural wonder in Kuala Kangsar is the Ubudiah Mosque. This mosque was built in 1917 and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia. The mosque features striking gold and Italian marble domes and intricate Islamic calligraphy. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque’s exterior, but it is closed to non-Muslims.
Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is a prominent landmark in Kuala Kangsar. It was built in 1939 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. The tower is 25 meters tall and features a clock face on its four sides. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.
Ihsaniah Iskandariah Mosque
The Ihsaniah Iskandariah Mosque is another impressive example of Islamic architecture near Kuala Kangsar. The mosque was built in 1993 and features a striking blue and white color scheme. The mosque’s interior is adorned with intricate Islamic calligraphy and beautiful stained glass windows.
Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery
The Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the late Sultan Azlan Shah. The museum is housed in a beautiful colonial building and features a collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to the Sultan’s life. Visitors can learn about the Sultan’s contributions to Malaysia and his passion for education.
Pavilion Tower Kuala Kangsar
The Pavilion Tower is a modern addition to Kuala Kangsar’s architectural landscape. The tower is 21 meters tall and features a unique design inspired by traditional Malay architecture. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for stunning views of the surrounding city.
Kuala Kangsar’s architecture is a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. From stunning mosques to beautiful palaces and modern towers, there is no shortage of impressive architectural wonders to explore in this charming city.
Museums
Kuala Kangsar is home to several museums that offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. Here are some of the must-visit museums in Kuala Kangsar:
Perak Royal Museum
Royal Museum of Perak
The Royal Museum of Perak is housed in a former palace of the Perak royal family. Visitors can see the traditional architecture of the palace and learn about the royal family’s lifestyle. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, including furniture, clothing, and artwork. Visitors can also see a collection of vintage cars that the royal family once owned.
Overall, the museums in Kuala Kangsar offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the city. Whether you’re interested in the history of the Perak royal family or want to see traditional architecture and artifacts, there’s something for everyone at these museums. Admission to the museum is free.
Al-Ghufran Royal Mausoleum
The Al-Ghufran Royal Mausoleum is the final resting place of the members of the Perak royal family. The mausoleum is located on a hill overlooking the city and is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors can pay their respects to the royal family members buried here and learn about their history and contributions to the city.
Getting Around
Entrance Fee
Most of the attractions in Kuala Kangsar are free to enter, however some places may charge a small fee for maintenance. For instance, the entrance to the Royal Museum (Istana Kenangan) costs RM 4 for adults and RM 2 for children.
Perak River Safari
A popular way to explore the Perak River is through a river safari. Visitors can take a boat ride and enjoy the scenic views of the river and its surroundings. The safari also allows spotting local wildlife such as monkeys and birds.
Getting around Kuala Kangsar is relatively easy, and visitors can choose from several modes of transportation. The town is small enough to be explored on foot, and walking is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the place. Alternatively, visitors can rent a bicycle and cycle around the town.
Taxis and Grab rides are readily available for those who prefer motorized transportation. Visitors can also opt for a trishaw ride, a fun and unique way to explore the town. The trishaws are decorated with colorful lights and designs, making them popular for tourists.
Food and Drink
Laksa
Kuala Kangsar is known for its delicious laksa, a spicy noodle dish with fish broth. One of the best places to try this dish is Cuisines Restaurant, rated on TripAdvisor. Another option is Michelangelo’s Pizzeria, which serves laksa and Italian cuisine.
Labu Sayong
Labu Sayong is a traditional water pitcher made from clay. In Kuala Kangsar, visitors can find Labu Sayong being sold at the Labu Sayong Cultural Centre. Visitors can also try drinking from a Labu Sayong at some local restaurants, such as Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken.
Other Food and Drink
In addition to laksa and Labu Sayong, there are plenty of other food and drink options in Kuala Kangsar. Jeff’s Cellar is a highly rated restaurant that serves international cuisine, while Pusing Public Seafood Restaurant is a great spot for seafood. Visitors can also try the famous salt baked chicken at Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken.
For those looking for a more casual dining experience, Yut Loy Coffeeshop is a popular spot for Chinese and Malaysian cuisine. And visitors can’t miss out on trying Ipoh white coffee, a local specialty.
