Tag Archives: Malaysia

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 25 – Perak Part 3

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Gopeng
Gopeng was the most important town in the Kinta Valley until 1890, when Ipoh became more prominent. The town was intensively mined by both European and Chinese miners, the latter having significant Hakka representation under Chung Keng Kwee, the leader of the Hai San secret society during the Larut War. He was appointed as the Kapitan Cina after the Pangkor Treaty, and although his main homes were in Taiping and Penang, he maintained his foothold in Gopeng, securing contracts for street lighting there in 1892 as well as building quarters for civil servants thereafter.

For the first few decades after British intervention, Gopeng was run by a tripartite: the Europeans, the Chinese, led by the Eu family, and the Sumatran, led by Assistant Penghulu Imam Prang Ja Barumun. Gopeng is also one of the first places where large numbers of Orang Asli met outsiders in the 19th century.

Seated amidst lofty limestone cliffs, rivers, and historical caves, Gopeng lies approximately 18.5 km south of Ipoh and is known for its lush green rainforests that house the subgroup of Orang Asli called the Semai tribe. The main attractions of Gopeng are its rivers and waterfalls. Guided activities at Gopeng include river boarding and whitewater rafting, caving, wet abseiling, and guided walks to the Rafflesia blooming site. Most of the activities and accommodations go hand in hand at Gopeng and are available as packages. Other prominent sites to visit include Gua Tempurung Cave, Kinta Nature Park and Gaharu Tea Valley.

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A place welcoming spelunkers or cave enthusiasts, Gua Tempurung is one of the oldest caves in Peninsular Malaysia. A part of this 3-kilometer-long cave has been developed as a show cave, complete with walkways and electric lighting. It is quite easy to explore and has a 1.6-kilometer-long river passage running through the hills. The hills above the cave are known as Gunung Tempurung and are about 500 m in height.

Popularly known as the Coconut Cave because of its dome-like structure, it is segregated into 5 different caverns that are stacked with stalagmites and stalactites. The Golden Flowstone cavern rises to about 90 m in height and displays a smoothed stone cascade that dazzles in gold when the river flows. The Gergasi, or Giant Cavern, displays a massive 15-meter-high column, whereas the Universe Cavern massively rises to a height of 72 metres. Another cavern is the Battlefield Cavern, where fallen stalactites and rock formations are littered on the ground. A lot of bats reside in these caves, especially during the mating season between March and May. In fact, even these bat droppings have created some bat guano artwork on the ceilings of the domes.

Entry fees are RM 20 for adults and RM 10 for children. If one chooses to take a guided tour, it will cost RM 40 for adults and RM 20 for children. The cave is open between 9 am and 5 pm on Saturdays and Thursdays, from 9 am to 12:30 pm and then again between 2:30 and 5 pm on Fridays.

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Kinta Nature Park is known for its 1381 aquatic birds in the wetland, which comprise stork-billed kingfishers, baya weavers, otters, and butterfly lizards. Clouded leopards and foxes are also sheltered in this park. Lake Pucung, expanding over 41 hectares, is the largest pond in this aviary and serves as a visitor’s area. There’s an observation tower here where bird enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of herons and egrets that wander above the clear waters. The nature park has free entrance and is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily.

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The Gaharu Tea Valley is a 300-acre agarwood plantation. Agarwood or Gaharu in Malay is an aromatic resinous wood that forms within Aquilaria trees and has medicinal and healing properties. The tea valley is also home to many other small attractions like The Great Wall of Gopeng, Hilltop Viewing Stage, Lover’s Park, and Tree Hugging Park. The Great Wall of Gopeng in the valley allows sightseers to take amazing snaps. The Hilltop Viewing Stage offers a sight of tourists to view the lush green Gaharu trees and the hilly region in the Titiwangsa range. The valley has an RM 10 entrance fee and is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily.

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Nestled amidst the most picturesque views of Gopeng, the Kampar River is a whitewater rafting site. It has some 22 rapids ranging from grade 1 to grade 3. Here, the rafting activity lasts for about 3 hours and is guided by experts. During the rafting activity, sight-seekers are accompanied by breathtaking natural beauty and Rajah Brooke butterflies. Many companies are offering this river rafting package, of which some allow visitors to stay overnight followed by a fun activity. The rafting timings are 9 am trip and 2 pm for the afternoon trip.

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Located along Jalan Eu Kong, the Gopeng Museum narrates the history of Gopeng. Among the 300 antiques are some vintage objects like old-school sewing machines, watches, clocks, radios, gas lamps, typewriters, cameras, and gramophone records. Visitors can also peep into the lives of the original natives in Gopeng with a wall covered with beautiful old black-and-white pictures. The museum is open on Saturday and Sunday between 9 am and 5 pm and has no entrance fees.

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Serving as the annexe of the Gopeng museum, the Gopeng Heritage House is filled with artefacts, antiques, old furniture, and calligraphy paintings that give visitors an insight into the lives of those who lived more than 125 years ago. It has two floors dedicated to unique and traditional exhibits. The ground floor is filled with Chinese furniture, ornaments, and ceramics. The exhibits arranged upstairs include old fur stoles, hats, old radios, clocks, suitcases, beer bottles, vintage cigarette packets, musical instruments, and gramophone records. Entry is free and the heritage house is open from 9 am to 3 pm every Saturday and Sunday.

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Kuala Kangsar
Kuala Kangsar is the royal town of Perak, located downstream of the Kangsar River where it joins the Perak River, approximately 25 km northwest of Ipoh. The name Kuala Kangsar is believed to be derived from Kuala Kurang-Sa, which means 100 minus one, usually interpreted as ‘the 99th small tributary to flow into the Perak River.

The Sultan of Perak officially resides in Kuala Kangsar, and it has been Perak’s royal seat since the 18th century. It is one of four towns that play a role in Perak’s complex succession system. The town is also known as the site where the first Conference of Rulers of the Federated Malay States, the Durbar, was held in 1897. By the 1890s, the growth of the tin mining towns of Ipoh and Taiping had eclipsed Kuala Kangsar. The town is also the site of the first rubber tree planted in Malaysia. The first Malaysian scout troop was established in Kuala Kangsar. Consequently, its squad number is 001.

Kuala Kangsar’s signature dish is Kangsar-style laksa, which are wheat noodles dipped in a coconut and tamarind broth. The other must-try dish here includes cendol, or shaved ice, topped with green noodles, coconut milk and toppings.

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Istana Iskandariah, or Iskandariah Palace, is the royal palace of the Perak Sultanate and the official residence of the Sultan of Perak since its completion in 1933. All the Sultans of Perak have been installed in the palace since its completion. The palace is named after Sultan Iskandar Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Murshidul Azzam Shah I Rahmatullah, who initiated its construction.

The royal town of Kuala Kangsar was said to have had a strange effect on Sultan Mudzaffar Shah of Perak, who ruled from 1877 to 1887. Unlike many rulers who protected their royal places and strongholds by selecting their vantage points carefully so that they could detect enemy approaches from afar, the Sultan had his first royal palace built beside the riverbank and named it Istana Sri Sayong. Apart from being exposed to the impending threat of invasion, the other problem was the force of monsoon seasons, which led to numerous floods as water gushed down from the jungles above through the many tributaries. One flood was so severe, it almost swept the palace away. Finally, after the Big Flood or Air Bah, in 1926, it was decided to move the place further up onto the knoll where it stands today.

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Istana Iskandariah is located at Bukit Chandan on the left bank of Sungai Perak upstream from Hilir Perak on the site of the former Istana Negara or State Palace, which was built in 1895 by the late Sultan Idris Murshidul Azzam Shah I Ibni Almarhum Raja Bendahara Alang Iskandar. It occupies an area of 10,435 square meters.

The design of the palace combines colonial European architecture with the pointed arches and onion-shaped domes of the Middle East and Central Asia. The building is rectangular and faces the sunrise and the river. The roof is designed with one main dome in the centre and four subsidiary domes, one on each of the palaces. The palace is three storeys high. Above the second floor and under the main dome is a minaret. The hall measures 9.8 square meters and is used by the Royal family as a family hall.

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Istana Kenangan, or the Palace of Memories, is the former residence of the royal family of Kuala Kangsar. Made of wood without a single metal nail, the exterior of the museum is breathtaking. Today it houses the Royal Museum of Perak. It was built in 1926 for Sultan Iskandar Shah and was previously known as the Valley Palace due to its location. The palace had been the official residence between 1931 and 1933. However, upon completion of Istana Iskandariah, the Istana Kenangan was used to host royal receptions and where the palace guests stayed.

Istana Kenangan is two storeys high, with the top floor consisting of bed chambers, family bedrooms and a dining hall. The ground floor was once used as the official royal office, and its original floor was made out of solid wood. The wooden floor, however, had been replaced by marble.

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Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, the former royal palace, is now a heritage museum. Also known as Istana Kota and Istana Hulu, it is designed to showcase the essence of Renaissance, neoclassical and Moorish styles of architecture. Established in 1903, the museum celebrates the life of Sultan Azlan Shah and houses his items like gem-crusted watches, his Rolls-Royces, and items from his school days. The most fascinating part of the gallery is Malaysia’s largest recorded fungus, which is still preserved.

The gallery building was originally built in 1898 and completed in 1903 to be used as the residence of Perak Sultan Idris Shah I and the gallery was officially opened on December 9, 2003. Housed at the Ulu Palace building, the building was made from wood carving inspired by the natural plants within the surrounding region. The architectural design of the building has common features from the National Palace, Ipoh High Court and Ipoh railway station buildings, along with elements from Moorish, Neoclassical and Renaissance architecture. The gallery is closed on Sundays and from Saturday to Thursday, it is open from 10 am to 5 pm, while on Fridays, one can visit the gallery between 10 am and noon and then again between 2:45 and 5 pm.

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The Sultan Iskandar Bridge, or the Iskandariah Bridge, is the longest steel arch bridge in Malaysia, constructed over the Perak River. It was designed in London and constructed by a company based in Klang. It is a beautiful scenic destination that ferries both pedestrians and vehicles. It can be best experienced from the river bank that oversees it, especially during sunset and sunrise. The 308-meter bridge made out of steel is one of four major bridges in Kuala Kangsar. Traffic on the bridge, however, was greatly reduced when the Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Bridge or the Sayong Bridge a little further downstream was opened to traffic in 2003 in conjunction with the completion of the North-South Expressway.

The bridge was constructed in 1932 to replace the Enggor Ponton bridge which was washed away during the big flood in December 1931. The Iskandariah Bridge has 7 steel arches mounted on concrete piers with a maximum span of 45.11 metres. Its total length is 308 metres and it has an overall width of 10.2 metres.

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Victoria Bridge is a single-lane railway situated in Karai, about a half-hour drive away from Kuala Kangsar, to serve the local tin mining industry. Encompassing the Perak River, it is one of the oldest railway bridges and was given a gazette of national heritage. The bridge remained in use until 2002 when a wider concrete girder bridge built parallel to the old bridge was completed to take over the role of handling rail traffic. The new bridge is significantly wider, with room to support a second track, but in its early life, it was only required to handle a single track until double tracking and electrification were conducted between the Ipoh-Padang Besar line during the late 2000s and early 2010s. While the old bridge is closed to rail traffic, its adjoining footbridge is still publicly open to motorcycles and pedestrians. Victoria Bridge has become a minor tourist attraction, with signage set up to inform visitors about its history. It is a popular spot for photoshoots.

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The Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Bridge is one of two bridges that cross the Perak River in Kuala Kangsar. The other bridge is the Iskandariah Bridge. The bridge connects Kuala Kangsar with the Sayong village, spanning 330 meters across the river. It was officially opened by the late Almarhum Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak in June 2002. This bridge has five 60-meter spans and is an integral arch bridge without expansion joints and bearings. It is thus a state-of-the-art design for bridges built in tropical climatic conditions where temperature variation is minimal.

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The Ubudiah Mosque is regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia. Also referred to as Masjid Ubudiah, it means the mosque of self-surrender to Allah. Built in the Mohgul-Gothic style of architecture, this mosque is adorned with a ginormous central dome, four minarets, small gold domes and white Italian marble. The main prayer hall of the mosque is rather small, however; its unique octagonal shape is to look out for. It is adorned with red Italian marble. An exquisite Persian carpet and an intricately decorated chandelier further accentuate the beauty of the mosque. While the structure rises to a height of about 126 ft, the domes breathe at a height of about 60 ft. The mosque was commissioned by the 28th Sultan of Perak, Idris Shah. While the construction began in 1913, it was completed in 1917.

The mosque is located beside the Royal Mausoleum on Jalan Istana at Bukit Chandan. The construction of the mosque was interrupted several times, once when two elephants belonging to the sultan and Raja Chulan fought, ran over and damaged the Italian marble tiles. The outbreak of WWI also affected its construction. The mosque was renovated in 2003. The mosque is open to visitors from Saturday to Thursday between 9 am to 12 noon, 3 to 4 pm and 5:30 to 6 pm.

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The Al-Ghufran Royal Mausoleum is Perak’s Royal Mausoleum, located near Ubudiah Mosque. The first Sultan of Perak to be buried here was Sultan Idris Murshidul Azzam Shah I in 1916. Built in 1915, the mausoleum’s architecture is Moghul-style and similar to the Taj Mahal in India.

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Overlooking the sports field of Kuala Kangsar Malay College at Jalan Bendahara, the Pavilion Tower is a significant traditional Malay-style monument. Built in 1920, it was once the resting place for the king after polo matches and a recreational centre for court officials and dignitaries. Now it is part of the Pavilion Tower public park.

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The Coronation Memorial Clock Tower is a clock tower that was unveiled in September 1939 and constructed as a memorial to the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. It was financed mainly from funds from the British administration’s Coronation Fund with some contributions from private donors and was designed by Charles Geoffry Boutcher, an architect from Penang. The clock tower is located on a traffic island in the town’s main street, Jalan Kangsar, and is 25 feet tall. It was built in the Arte Deco style with a granite, plaster finish, and topped with a golden dome. Around the four clock faces are black marble facings imported from Italy.

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Dotted with palaces, forts, mosques and historical sites, the Kuala Kangsar Heritage Trail connects all the 22 heritage assets in the town. The trail’s most famous sites include the Perak War Memorial, Masjid Ubudiah, Istana Kenangan Palace, the Baitul Annur and Baitul Rahmah Mansions, Air Raid Shelter Fort, Victoria Bridge, and Pavilion Tower. Several handicraft hubs, mausoleums, museums and traditional Malay houses are also along the trail. A symbol of Malay art, the Labu Sayong is a traditional clay-built water pitcher shaped like a gourd. They are used to store cool liquids and are said to have healing properties. In Kuala Kangsar, visitors can use moulds or traditional wheels and learn how to craft their Labu Sayong at Labu Sayong Craft Centre, Win Kraf Labu Sayong, and Kilang Labu Sayong, who offer workshops and souvenirs.

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Kuala Sepetang
Kuala Sepetang is a coastal town located about 72 km northwest of Ipoh and about 16 km east of Taiping. It is also popularly known by English-speaking locals as Port Weld after a former governor, Frederick Weld. Kuala Sepetang is a thriving fishing village and the main jumping-off point to the river mouth community of Kuala Sangga, which is a Chinese fishing community at the river mouth that specialises in fish breeding in cages, more formerly known as cage culture.

Port Weld is notable for being the terminal station of the first-ever railway line to be built in what is today Malaysia. The Port Weld railway station was located in the centre of town. The railway line from here to Taiping was dismantled in the 1980s, and now only the ticketing booth and the multilingual Port Weld railway signboard remain. The ticket booth is now a Chinese coffee shop, and the shop owner has been maintaining the railway signboard.

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Kuala Sepetang is well known for its seafood due to its proximity to the Straits of Malacca, and it has a restaurant situated on the upper floor of a shop lot overlooking the river. Kuala Sepetang is also well known for its mangrove swamp reserve park, the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, which is open to the public daily. A boardwalk was built over the swamp for tourist access, as well as chalets that tourists can rent to stay the night on the riverfront. Kuala Sepetang is also famous for charcoal production using sustainably farmed mangroves and traditional kilns, some of which are open for tourist visits. Besides fishing villages, charcoal kilns and mangroves to enjoy, one can take a boat tour along the mangrove river to see fireflies at night and eagles. The village is very popular with its curry mee, which is only sold at lunch and Pau. Kuala Sepetang is also famous for prawn Noodles also known as Mee Udang Banjir, sold by many Malay stalls.

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Another major highlight of the town is the Charcoal Kilns in the Charcoal Factory where charcoal is still made traditionally. An exciting activity in Kuala Sepetang is the Mangrove river boat ride which offers spectacular views of luminous fireflies and feed eagles. The boat ride costs RM 28 and also includes a small trip to a floating fish farm. Kampung Seberang Chinese Village can be visited after crossing the Port Weld Bridge, which offers a perfect place for fishing and enjoying the eventide. The Chinese settlement of Kuala Sangga is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride which is ideal for experiencing archaic life. The lucky ones might spot pink river dolphins on this boat ride!

The winter season, between January to March, is the best time to visit Kuala Sepetang. The average temperature during these months ranges from 30℃ to 32℃. The summer months of May to July must be avoided as the weather is too hot and humid. The average temperature during summer ranges from 32℃ to 33℃. October to December is the rainy season which makes it impossible to explore places. It rains the most in December, reaching more than 130 mm.

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Belum Temenggor Rainforest
The Belum Temenggor Rainforest is the world’s oldest and largest rainforest. It borders Thailand to its north and Kelantan in Malaysia to its east. Thriving for 130 million years, it is divided into two sections – Belum is located on the Malaysia-Thailand border while Temenggor is located south of Belum. The Royal Belum State Park lies entirely in the Belum Temenggor Rainforest. A tour to Belum Temenggor includes hiking, rafflesia excursions and exploring Orang Asli village.

Belum Temenggor is a haven for the birdwatchers housing all 10 of Malaysia’s hornbills. The best time to spot these hornbills is August and September. To spot migratory birds, visit during October and November. Butterfly spotting is best experienced in April, May and November.

Permits and guides are required to visit protected areas in the rainforest as well as to explore the Royal Belum State Park which costs RM 20 per permit.

In the forests, one will also find about 3000 species of plants that flower, including You can also find Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower in three variants of species here while the fourth variant is protected by the Royal State Park.

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Orang Ali is a collective form of referring to the indigenous natives of Malay and has around 18 ethnic groups. The Orang Asli tribes have lived in this rainforest for more than a millennium. They are the aboriginal or original people who have been natives of the Belum Temenggor. They used to be semi-nomads or nomads, traditionally since ancient times and later settled here to sustain and make a living for themselves. They were crafted in fishing, hunting and gathering, small-scale farming, and trading of herbs used for medicinal purposes and handicrafts and spices. The tribe still exists within the rainforest living in huts made of bamboo, hunting smaller animals, fishing and gathering edibles for their survival. Their villages are referred to as Orang Asli villages that one can visit. Their usual method of communication is through the Aslian languages.

Trekking in the Belum Temenggor rainforest is an experience. Here, one should not miss the incredible boat ride trails on the Tesak Temenggor Lake which is Malaysia’s second-largest lake. The houseboat cruises are a must. All the boats are well equipped including a washroom, kitchen and rooms on all houseboats. These cruises are suitable for smaller groups or families who love being amidst nature. The basic/regular houseboats can accommodate up to 24 people and are usually an expedition of 2 days. These boats have good facilities and a skilled and trained crew. It costs about RM 245 for 2 days and 1 night.

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Fishing in Belum Temenggor is a thrilling experience as tourists and locals all come here to spend the day in the angler fishing spot. The trip starts at the jetty of Pulao Banding. This destination provides chasing the Toman fishes that are popular all over the world. It is known as the Giant Snake Head fish or the Fishzilla. The fishing trip is usually very rewarding as the Lake is rich with large fish. You can cruise with the skilled crew, by the streams and waterfalls of the rainforest. The fishing trips usually end by dusk.

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A part of the Belum Forest Reserve or Hutan Simpan Belum has been identified as The Royal Belum State Park. It is present inside the Belum Temenggor complex and is a hotspot of diverse species as it hosts multiple ecosystems. The Royal Belum State Park is known for tigers, tapirs and panthers. A permit and guide are mandatory to explore this park. The State Park is was declared a National Heritage Site and gazetted under the Perak State Forestry Enactment or the Enakmen Perhutanan Negeri Perak. Topographically, it falls under the tip of Banjaran Titiwangsa or the Main Range. It divides the east coast and the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula.

In our next final part on Perak, we’ll explore the historical town of Taiping and Malaysia’s smallest hill resort, Bukit Larut. Stay tuned

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 23 – Perak Part 1

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Located on Malaysia’s west coast, the state of Perak borders Kedah to the north, Penang to the northwest, Kelantan and Pahang to the east, and Selangor to the south. Thailand’s Yala and Narathiwat provinces both lie to the northeast. Perak’s capital city, Ipoh, was known historically for its tin-mining activities until the price of the metal dropped, severely affecting the state’s economy. The royal capital remains Kuala Kangsar, where the palace of the Sultan of Perak is located. The state has diverse tropical rainforests and an equatorial climate with the state’s mountain ranges belonging to the Titiwangsa Mountains, part of the larger Tenasserim Hills system that connects Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia.

The discovery of an ancient skeleton in Perak supplied missing information on the migration of Homo sapiens from mainland Asia through Southeast Asia to the Australian continent. Known as Perak Man, the skeleton is dated at around 10,000 years old. An early Hindu or Buddhist kingdom, followed by several other minor kingdoms, existed before the arrival of Islam. By 1528, a Muslim sultanate began to emerge in Perak, out of the remnants of the Malaccan Sultanate. Although able to resist Siamese occupation for more than two hundred years, the Sultanate was partly controlled by the Sumatra-based Aceh Sultanate. With the arrival of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), and the VOC’s increasing conflicts with Aceh, Perak began to distance itself from Acehnese control. The presence of the English East India Company (EIC) in the nearby Straits Settlements of Penang provided additional protection for the state, with further Siamese attempts to conquer Perak thwarted by British expeditionary forces.

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The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 was signed to prevent further conflict between the British and the Dutch which enabled the British to expand their control in the Malay Peninsula without interference from other foreign powers. The 1874 Pangkor Treaty provided for direct British intervention, with Perak appointing a British Resident. Following Perak’s subsequent absorption into the Federated Malay States (FMS), the British reformed administration of the sultanate through a new style of government, actively promoting a market-driven economy and maintaining law and order while combatting the slavery widely practised across Perak at the time.

The three-year Japanese occupation in World War II halted further progress. After the war, Perak became part of the temporary Malayan Union, before being absorbed into the Federation of Malaya. It gained full independence through the Federation, which subsequently became Malaysia on 16 September 1963.

Perak is ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse. The state is known for several traditional dances, including bubu, dabus, and labu sayong, the latter name also referring to Perak’s unique traditional pottery. The head of state is the Sultan of Perak, and the head of government is the Menteri Besar. Islam is the state religion, and Malay and English are recognised as the official languages of Perak. Perak’s economy is mainly based on services and manufacturing.

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There are many theories about the origin of the name Perak. The most popular theory is silver, which is what Perak means in Malay and is associated with tin mining from the state’s large mineral deposits, reflecting Perak’s position as one of the world’s largest sources of tin. Some local historians have suggested that Perak was named after Malacca’s bendahara, Tun Perak. Other historians believe that the name Perak derives from the Malay phrase kilatan ikan dalam air or the glimmer of fish in water, which looks like silver. Perak has been translated into Arabic as Dār al-Riḍwān, or the abode of grace.

Bukit Bunuh and Kota Tampan are ancient lakeside sites, with the geology of Bukit Bunuh showing evidence of a meteoric impact. The 10,000-year-old skeleton known as Perak Man was found inside the Bukit Gunung Runtuh cave at Bukit Kepala Gajah. Ancient tools discovered in the area of Kota Tampan, including anvils, cores, debitage, and hammerstones, provide information on the migrations of Homo sapiens.

In 1959, a British artillery officer stationed at an inland army base during the Malayan Emergency discovered the Tambun rock art, identified by archaeologists as the largest rock art site in the Malay Peninsula. Most of the paintings are located high above the cave floor, at an elevation of 6–10 metres. Seashells and coral fragments scattered along the cave floor are evidence that the area was once underwater.

The significant numbers of statues of Hindu deities and of the Buddha found in Bidor, Kuala Selensing, Jalong, and Pengkalan Pegoh indicate that, before the arrival of Islam, the inhabitants of Perak were mainly Hindu or Buddhist. The influence of Indian culture and beliefs on society and values in the Malay Peninsula from early times is believed to have culminated in the semi-legendary Gangga Negara kingdom, which, according to the Malay Annals, fell under Siamese rule once upon a time before Raja Suran of Thailand sailed further south down the Malay Peninsula.

By the 15th century, a kingdom named Beruas had come into existence. Inscriptions found on early tombstones of the period show a clear Islamic influence, believed to have originated from the Sultanate of Malacca, the east coast of the Malay Peninsula, and the rural areas of the Perak River. With the spread of Islam, a sultanate subsequently emerged in Perak; the second-oldest Muslim kingdom in the Malay Peninsula after the neighbouring Kedah Sultanate. The Perak Sultanate was formed in the early 16th century on the banks of the Perak River by the eldest son of Mahmud Shah, the 8th Sultan of Malacca, who ascended to the throne as Muzaffar Shah I, the first sultan of Perak, after surviving the capture of Malacca by the Portuguese in 1511 and living quietly for a period in Siak on the island of Sumatra. Perak’s administration became more organised after the Sultanate was established. With the opening of Perak in the 16th century, the state became a source of tin ore and anyone was free to trade in the commodity, although the tin trade did not attract significant attention until the 1610s.

Throughout the 1570s, the Sultanate of Aceh subjected most parts of the Malay Peninsula to continual harassment. Sultan Mansur Shah I’s eldest son, Raja Alauddin Mansur Syah, married an Acehnese princess and subsequently became Sultan of Aceh. The Sultanate of Perak was left without a ruling monarch, and Perak nobles journeyed to Aceh in the same year to ask the new Sultan Alauddin for a successor, who sent his younger brother to become Perak’s third monarch. Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Shah ruled Perak for seven years, maintaining the unbroken lineage of the Malacca dynasty. Although Perak did fall under the authority of the Acehnese Sultanate, it remained entirely independent of Siamese control for over two hundred years, from 1612. In 1620, the Acehnese sultanate invaded Perak and captured its sultan. After Sultan Sallehuddin Riayat Shah died without an heir in 1635, Aceh’s Sultan Iskandar Thani sent his relative, Raja Sulong, to become the new Perak Sultan Muzaffar Shah II. Aceh’s influence on Perak began to wane when the Dutch East India Company (VOC) arrived in the mid-17th century.

When Perak refused to enter into a contract with the VOC as its northern neighbours had done, a blockade of the Perak River halted the tin trade, causing suffering among Aceh’s merchants. In 1650, Aceh’s Sultana Taj ul-Alam ordered Perak to sign an agreement with the VOC, on condition that the tin trade would be conducted exclusively with Aceh’s merchants. By the following year, 1651, the VOC had secured a monopoly over the tin trade, setting up a store in Perak. Following long competition between Aceh and the VOC over Perak’s tin trade, on 15 December 1653, the two parties jointly signed a treaty with Perak granting the Dutch exclusive rights to tin extracted from mines located in the state.

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The early 18th century started with 40 years of civil war where rival princes were bolstered by local chiefs, the Bugis and the Minang, all fighting for a share of tin revenues. The Bugis and several Perak chiefs were successful in ousting the Perak ruler, Sultan Muzaffar Riayat Shah III in 1743. The mid-18th century saw the rule of Sultan Muzaffar ruling inland Perak while the coastal region was ruled by Raja Iskandar, animosity grew between the two as Raja Iskandar was unable to reach the tin-bearing highlands while the sultan had restricted access to the strait. Reconciliation occurred later with Iskandar’s marriage to the sultan’s daughter. His accession in 1752 saw unprecedented peace in Perak, especially due to an alliance, which lasted until 1795 with the Dutch to protect Perak against external attacks. When repeated Burmese invasions resulted in the destruction and defeat of the Siamese Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1767 by the Burmese Konbaung dynasty, neighbouring Malay tributary states began to assert their independence from Siam. To further develop Perak’s tin mines, the Dutch administration suggested that its 17th Sultan, Alauddin Mansur Shah Iskandar Muda, should allow in Chinese miners.

The Fourth Anglo-Dutch War in 1780 adversely affected the tin trade in Perak, and many Chinese miners left. In a move which angered the Siamese court, neighbouring Kedah’s Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah then entered into an agreement with the English East India Company, ceding Penang Island to the British in 1786 in exchange for protection.

In 1818, the Dutch monopoly over the tin trade in Perak was renewed, with the signing of a new recognition treaty. The same year, when Perak refused to send a bunga mas tribute to the Siamese court, Rama II of Siam forced Kedah to attack Perak. Siam’s tributary Malay state, the Kingdom of Reman, then illegally operated tin mines in Klian Intan, angering the Sultan of Perak and provoking a dispute that escalated into civil war. Reman, aided by Siam, succeeded in controlling several inland districts. In 1821, Siam invaded and conquered the Sultanate of Kedah, angered by a breach of trust. Siam’s subsequent plan to extend its conquests to the southern territory of Perak[40][65][68] failed after Perak defeated the Siamese forces with the aid of mixed Bugis and Malay reinforcements from the Sultanate of Selangor. As an expression of gratitude to Selangor, Perak authorised Raja Hasan of Selangor to collect taxes and revenue in its territory. This power, however, was soon misused, causing conflict between the two sultanates.

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In 1823, the Sultanates of Perak and Selangor signed a joint agreement to block the Dutch tin monopoly in their territories and the EIC policy shifted with the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1824, Siam then becoming an important ally.

In 1873, the ruler of one of Perak’s two local Malay factions, Raja Abdullah Muhammad Shah II, wrote to the Governor of the British Straits Settlements, Andrew Clarke, requesting British assistance, resulting in the Treaty of Pangkor, signed on Pangkor Island on 20 January 1874, under which the British recognised Abdullah as the legitimate Sultan of Perak. In return, the treaty provided for direct British intervention through the appointment of a Resident who would advise the sultan on all matters except religion and customs, and oversee revenue collection and general administration, including maintenance of peace and order. The treaty marked the introduction of a British residential system, with Perak going on to become part of the Federated Malay States (FMS) in 1895.

Under the Anglo-Siamese Treaty, Siam ceded to Great Britain its northern Malay tributary states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu and nearby islands. Exceptions were the Patani region, which remained under Siamese rule, and Perak, which regained the previously lost inland territory that became the Hulu Perak District.
During World War II, the Japanese occupied all of Malaya and Singapore. Under a reform plan proposed by Tokugawa Yoshichika, the five kingdoms of Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah-Penang, and Perlis would be restored and federated. Johor would control Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Malacca. An 800-square-mile area in southern Johor would be incorporated into Singapore for defence purposes.

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In 1943 the Empire of Japan restored to Thailand the former Malay tributary states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu, which had been ceded by the then-named Siam to the British under the 1909 treaty. The indigenous Orang Asli stayed in the interior during the occupation. Much of their community was befriended by Malayan Communist Party guerrillas, who protected them from outsiders in return for information on the Japanese and their food supplies. Strong resistance came mainly from the ethnic Chinese community, some Malays preferring to collaborate with the Japanese through the Kesatuan Melayu Muda (KMM) movement for Malayan independence.

In 1961, the Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman, sought to unite Malaya with the British colonies of North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore. Despite opposition from the governments of both Indonesia and the Philippines, the Federation came into being on 16 September 1963. With the end of British rule in Malaya and the subsequent formation of the Federation of Malaysia, new factories were built and many new suburbs developed in Perak.

Perak is the second largest Malaysian state on the Malay Peninsula, and the fourth largest in Malaysia. Mangrove forests grow along most of Perak’s coast, except for Pangkor Island, with its rich flora and fauna, where several of the country’s forest reserves are located. Perak’s geology is characterised by eruptive masses, which form its hills and mountain ranges. The state is divided by three mountain chains into the three plains of Kinta, Larut and Perak, running parallel to the coast. An extensive network of rivers originates from the inland mountain ranges and hills. The jungles of Perak are highly biodiverse.

The tertiary sector is Perak’s main economic sector. In 2018, the state was the second most popular destination for domestic tourists in Malaysia, after the state of Pahang. The state also contains several natural attractions, including bird sanctuaries, caves, forest reserves, islands, limestone cliffs, mountains, and white sandy beaches.

In the next part, let’s learn more about Perak’s capital, Ipoh.

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 21 – Kuala Lumpur Part 3

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The Islamic Art Museum of Malaysia has an extensive collection of ancient Islamic artefacts and books from the Middle East. Located at the brink of Lake Gardens, this museum is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Spanning 30,000 square meters, it is adorned with Islamic patterns and houses more than 7,000 artefacts. The gallery is divided into 12 themes and displays reflect that particular section’s theme. Visitors can also taste traditional Middle Eastern meals at the museum restaurant. The museum features models of Islamic architecture, prominently mosques, from Africa to the Far East and also houses the Quran and other ancient manuscripts that exhibit skills of fine workmanship. The museum is also known for its collection of ancient Islamic glassware. The museum also houses educational and research facilities and extensive conservation facilities. One of the most famous permanent exhibitions is a faithfully restored and complete early-nineteenth-century Ottoman Room dating back to the 19th century.

Located on the ground floor of the museum, the restaurant features delicacies from Middle Eastern cuisine. The auditorium has a seating capacity of 250 people. The Inverted Dome is one of the most breathtaking monuments at the Islamic Arts Museum. Its exceptional design and the precise details of the dome are a sight to behold. The opening verses of the Quran are inscribed on the rim with Gold. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm and has an entry fee of RM 14 for adults and RM 7 for students and senior citizens while citizens under 6 enter for free.

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The old Istana Negara is the former residence and National Palace of Malaysia’s Agong or Supreme Leader, Yang di-Pertuan. Located on the green slopes of a Bukit Petaling hill overlooking the Klang River, it is now the Royal Museum or Muzium Diraja in Malay. The museum has two blocks – the National Palace Gallery and the Balairong Seri or the Throne Room. A tour of the National Palace Gallery includes the halls, bedrooms, dining rooms, offices of the King and the Queen, reading room and library, waiting rooms, and the clinic. Most rooms are cordoned off, but can be seen from the walkway. The Throne Room in the East Wing is where official ceremonies and customary functions such as coronations and welcoming dignitaries take place. The main gate is guarded by members of the royal cavalry in full Malay traditional attire. One should not miss the change of guard that takes place at noon. The palace complex also includes a six-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a beautiful lake. The palace is closed on the first two days of Raya Aidil Fitri and the first day of Raya Aidil Adha and is open daily, except the first Monday of each month from 9 am to 5 pm. Ticket prices are RM 5 for adult Malaysian Residents, RM 2 for Malaysian Residents who are children aged 6-12 years, RM 3 for Malaysian Senior Citizen Residents, RM 10 for Non-Malaysian Adult Residents, RM 5 for Non-Malaysian Residents who are children aged 6-12 years and children below 5 years of age enter free. Traditional costumes can be rented for RM 50 and include one set of traditional costumes of male and female and 1 A4 size photo

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Located at the Petronas Towers, Petrosains is a science and technology museum. Visitors can go for a ride through Malaysia’s natural resources and technological advancements and then wander around multiple exhibits, including model F1 cars from Petronas-sponsored teams. In addition, the museum explains petroleum formations through interactive dioramas, and helicopter simulators and earthquake benches add to the interactive experience. The museum is open from 10 am to 9:30 pm daily.

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The National Museum of Malaysia, popularly called Muzium Negara, is located near the Southern tip of Lake Garden, past the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. It presents a combination of ethnology and natural history, unveiling Malaysia’s culture and history. The display at Muzium Negara is an amalgamation of crafts, weapons, currency, tradition and culture. The three-story museum comprises four exhibition galleries, each of which has a different theme. The two murals are renowned for their aesthetic appeal. Free guided tours are available in all languages at 10 am. The museum comprises four galleries namely A, B, C and D.

Gallery A traces the gradual development of the Earth’s crust and the origination of the primary community in Malaysia. One can also find on display the different types of Neolithic pottery and jewellery items which were used as trade items. The remains of the human skeleton which are displayed are the oldest discovered in Southeast Asia. Gallery B pays attention to the ancient proof of Malay civilization which existed in the Malay peninsula and Borneo. The central focus of the gallery is on the Melaka Sultanate which has emerged as a grand and glorious kingdom. In Gallery C, the history of the colonial era of the Malay states is showcased. The major factors which brought foreign attention to the Malay land were its strategic location and the wealth of natural resources. The gallery also includes the alterations brought by the power in the social, political and economic aspects. Gallery D pictures the independence struggle and the formation of the new nation. The National Museum compound exhibits illustrations of transportation, both modern and traditional. A cable car and a fire engine are also present. Besides this, one can also find three locomotives; a steam locomotive, a steam tank engine and a class 22 Diesel locomotive.

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Muzium Negara showcases Malay architecture. The building holds up 26 concrete columns, 13 columns in the East and 13 columns in the West. They are a nod to the 13 states that form Malaysia. Two enormous murals ornament the building which was modelled by Cheong Lai Tong. The history and craft of Malaysia are depicted by them. The tiles gifted by the government of Pakistan have been used to adorn the central section floor. The design of the museum provides space for different foreign exhibitions. The ground floor displays the ancient Malay. The exhibition continues to portray different Malaysian states. The second floor brings to light the independence age. Istana Satu is one of the former royal residences and happens to be another attraction at Muzium Negara. It is a timber palace which was built by the Sultan Terengganu. Istana Satu sets forth a layout of Malay craftsmanship. Next to the Istana Satu are two keliriengs or burial poles. A kelirieng is made of a huge hardwood tree trunk, carved from the top to bottom. Niched up to its sides is a space for the bodies of slaves and followers and hollowed at the top to place the jar containing the chief’s bones. Istana Budaya or also known as the Palace of Culture, is Malaysia’s main venue for all types of theatre. It is located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city, next to the National Art Gallery.

The museum is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. Entry fees for adult Malaysians is RM 2, for the disabled, it is RM 1 and children under 12 enter free. For foreigners, adults pay RM 5, children aged 6 to 12 pay RM 2 and children under 6 get in free.

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The Telekom Museum was originally constructed in 1928 and used as the office for the manual telephone exchange and upgraded to mechanical telephone exchange in 1938. In the early 1980s, Telekom Malaysia was searching for a space to house their offices and to store their telecommunication equipment in Kuala Lumpur. In 1984, they identified the building to be the appropriate site. The plan however was cancelled in 1985 when Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad proposed the building to be conserved as a national heritage. Telekom Malaysia then decided to turn the building into a museum with a cost of MYR10 million. The construction of the museum was done in 1989–1992 and the museum material and collections were collected in 1993–1994. On 3 June 1994, the museum was officially opened to the public. The museum building utilizes the forms and aspects of Neoclassical Greek architecture.

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Located in Jalan Perdana, the Royal Malaysian Police Museum houses invaluable artefacts ranging from handmade guns to automatic weapons about the Royal Malaysian Police since its inception. Originally established in 1958 in Jalan Semarak under the supervision of the Police Training Centre, this museum has now been shifted to the new building at Jalan Pardena in 1998. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesdays to Sundays and is closed between 12:30 to 2:30 pm on Fridays. Entry on weekdays is free while RM 1 is charged on weekends and public holidays.

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The Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, located at Merdeka Square, is a tourist information centre. It exhibits the history of Kuala Lumpur through its collection of photographs, paintings, and miniature models. Housed in a 115-year-old Government Printing Office, the main highlight is the Spectacular City Model Show and the iconic I Love KL structure. Built by the Founder of Arch in January 2012, this is the most photographed monument in the City Gallery. Standing at 12 ft and weighing more than a ton, this monument is a sight to behold. The centre also provides tours for visitors. The main highlight of the gallery is the 40ft x 50ft City Model Show, the World’s largest 3D Mapping Miniature. It is an ongoing city model show that utilises satellite imagery to ensure the accuracy of the model. The model boasts more than 5000 buildings which were all hand-assembled. It also makes effective use of light and sound as they showcase the past, present, and future of Kuala Lumpur. The KL Reflection is located on the second floor of the City Gallery and is a great way to have fun while discovering the city. Visitors can create their masterpieces by using various miniature models and pieces to create their souvenirs. However, DIY is subject to availability and visitors must contact them to ensure availability. The gallery is open from 9 am to 6:30 pm every day.

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The National Textile Museum is situated in Merdeka Square and has some magnificent textile collections, accessories, and classic apparel. The museum also exhibits the methodology and technology of textile manufacturing. The two-storey building with four different galleries showcases elegant Mughal-Islamic heritage in architecture and textile artefacts.

The Pohon Budi Gallery is all about historical textile materials and products Colourful batik can be seen in the Pelangi Gallery. The Teluk Berntai Gallery is where one should go to view Indian textile patterns and the Ratna Sari Gallery is where one can find antique jewellery and accessories. The museum is open between 9 am to 6 pm daily except Mondays. Entrance fees are RM 2 for Malaysians and RM 5 for foreigners.

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The Maybank Numismatic Museum is located in the Maybank Tower on Jalan Tun Perak and has a spectacular collection of ancient coins and notes used at the time of the Malacca Sultanate. The ceiling is decorated with a magnificent coin tree from Kelantan whose actual size coins are kept for display in various cases. The museum was established in 1988 and has currency specimens of various Malay states used at the time of British rule. The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Mondays to Fridays and is closed over the weekends. Entry is free.

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Based in Gombak, the Orang Asli Crafts Museum is a very informative repository that has cast light on the history and tradition of the Orang Asli people by preserving the arts and handicrafts made by this tribe. The Orang Asli were the original inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia whose population accounted for a total of 200,000. The Orang Asli are well-recognized for their handicrafts, specifically the wood carvings which depict their ancient belief systems. The museum has a library and theatre hall and has information about the 18 different Orang Asli tribes and how they are segregated into 3 main groups – Negrito, Senai, and Proto-Malay. This compact museum houses some attention-grabbing statues and masks carved by the Mah-Meri and Jah Hut tribes. It also displays small Sepili figures, blowpipes and ornate bamboo containers for holding blowpipe darts, hunting and fishing equipment, and coffins made from bamboo. Other collections include native clothing, rattan baskets and trays, palm leaf ornaments and spiritual decorations. Closed on the first day of Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji, the museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily. Entry fees are RM 2 for Malaysian adult citizens, RM 1 for Malaysians who are elderly and disabled and children below 12 enter free. For non-Malaysians, adults pay RM 5, children between 6 and 12 pay RM 2 and children below 6 enter for free.

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The National Mosque of Malaysia, commonly known as Masjid Negara, is one of the largest Sunni-affiliated mosques in Malaysia. It is reminiscent of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, adorned with abstract shapes and intricate geometric lattices. Rising above the National Mosque is a 74m-high minaret that issues the call to prayer, which can be heard across Chinatown. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit outside prayer times. Able to accommodate 15,000 worshippers, the key feature of Masjid Negara is an umbrella-like blue-tile roof with 18 points symbolising the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam. The elegant design of this gigantic 1960s mosque is inspired by Mecca’s Masjid al-Haram. Officially opened up for the public in 1965, Masjid Negara was the brainchild of the UK-based architect Howard Ashley and Malaysian architects- Hisam Albakri and Baharuddin Kassim. ; robes are available for those who have not dressed appropriately.

The stunning mosque has a magnificent main prayer hall which is surrounded by 48 smaller intricate domes. Spread across an area of 13 acres, this masjid can accommodate up to 15,000 devotees. The mosque is adorned with abstract shapes and geometric lattices meant to embody the contemporary expressions of the traditional Islamic art of calligraphy and ornamentation. The previously pink concrete roof has now been turned into a roof clad with blue and green tiles giving it a sleek and stylish appearance. Masjid Negara is open from 9 to 11 am Saturday to Thursday and from 2:45 am to 6 pm on Friday.

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Also known as Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque, Masjid Jamek is the oldest place of Islamic worship in Kuala Lumpur. Also known as Friday Mosque, it is a melange of Mughal, Islam and Moorish styles of architecture. The word Jamek in Arabic refers to a place where people gather to worship, and Masjid Jamek encapsulates this. It was the main place of worship before Masjid Negara or the National Mosque was opened to the public in 1965.

The main prayer hall of the mosque is surrounded by three domes, the tallest of which measures 20 meters. On either side of the dome, lie the 25-meter tall brick minarets constructed in patterns of pink and white. The pink and white patterns are made up of brick and plaster and are known as blood and bandage. Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque was built by British Architect Arthur Benison Hubback in 1907. The mosque was officially opened in 1909 by the Sultan of Selangor. An interesting fact about the mosque is that it was built on the first burial ground in Malaysia. It was renamed Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad in 2017, in honour of Sultan Abdul Samad, the fourth Sultan of Selangor. Masjid Jamek is open daily from 10 am to 12:30 pm and then again between 2:30 and 4 pm.

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Also known as India Mosque or Masjid India, Jalan Masjid was established in 1883 as a small wooden mosque and later renovated with red bricks in 1963. Built in 1997, Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Masjid rests inside the famous International Islamic University of Malaysia. With a capacity to accommodate 9000 devotees in the main prayer hall, Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Masjid also acts as a centre of Ibadah. The mosque in the Garden of Knowledge and Virtue in IIUM has an exceptional design of the grand dome structure, floral art, and Moroccan visual art.

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Named after Abu Bakr, Mohammad’s successor, Saidina Abu Bakar As Siddiq Mosque was built in 1982. With exceptional architectural excellence, this mosque is situated close to Bangsar with devotees crowding up the mosque every day. The Malay mosque architecture is divided into three levels – the ground floor with multipurpose halls, library, and classrooms, the first floor with the main praying hall accommodating up to 4,000 devotees and the second floor with an additional praying hall.

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Established in the 1920s, Kampung Baru Jamek Mosque was built upon the land contributed by Bachik Abdullah in the 1880s. The mosque is famous for the Bubur Lambuk cooking event which takes place on the mosque premises.

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The 6-tiered Thean Hou Temple is one of Southeast Asia’s largest temples. The temple is a fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Very colourful, the temple offers a spectacular view atop Robson Hill. Visitors should try and visit the temple during night hours as the glowing lanterns and lights make the temple a stunning sight.

The stunning edifice, also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven, was built by the Hainanese and is now run by the Selangor and Federal Territory Hainan Association. Considered a shrine by many, the Thean Hou Temple is visited to worship the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, the Chinese Sea Goddess, Mazu, and the Goddess of Waterfront, Shui Wei Sheng Niang. There are several paintings and sculptures in the temple premises that complement Chinese Legends and the 12 Zodiac Signs. The temple also holds more than 100 events every year and educates people about Malaysian Chinese culture.

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The fountain of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy greets visitors as they enter the temple grounds. The entrance gate showcases the Chinese style of architecture. The main entrance also features a multi-arched gateway supported by vibrant red pillars that stand for good fortune and prosperity. The main exterior of the temple showcases a fine display of traditional Chinese art forms. It also has the statutes of the zodiac sign, the most prominent being the huge dragon at the entrance. The prayer hall is huge and houses three altars of the three goddesses of the shrine. The altars have a sculpture of their respective goddess and visitors can pay their respect to them. There are two pairs of Kim Oracles in the middle of the prayer hall that can be used by visitors. There is also a smaller statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy amidst the rock and falling water where visitors can kneel and receive blessings from the statue. There is a marriage registration office on the premises where young couples can tie the knot. This is also a very popular destination for young couples to click wedding photographs. January – February would be the ideal time to visit Thean Hou Temple as the Chinese New Year celebrations are in full swing during this time of the year. The temple is open from 8 am to 9 pm daily.

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One of the oldest places of worship, the Kuan Ti or Guan Di temple is dedicated to Guandi- the Taoist God of war and literature. Incepted in 1888, this 124-year-old shrine is located along Jalan Tun H S Lee. Along with a statue of Kuan Ti on the main altar, this temple houses manifestations of Guan Yin or the Goddess of Mercy, Wei Chong or the God of Learning and Education, and Choy Sun the God of Prosperity.

Painted in gold, the altar of Guan Di includes the Guan Dao, the sword and Guan Jie or the spear of Guan Di. The devotees believe that these weapons have special powers that will bless them if they touch or try to raise them. Besides the altar, you will find two wooden statues each of Guan Ping and Zhou Cang who were Guandi’s attendants. This sacred shrine is guarded by two lions since the Chinese believe that lions keep off the negative energy and protect from viciousness. On the left side, you will find a male lion and on the right, a female lion is holding a baby lion. Dragons are attractively carved on the temple roof and they are beautifully coiled around the two main pillars constructed in the interior of the temple.

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This temple is best visited early in the morning as it is very quiet and less crowded. The temple gets crowded during the Chinese New Year. The temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday and from 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free and parking is charged at RM 1 per hour.

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Situated at Jalan Petaling’s southern end, the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple is regarded as one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples. While the temple initially served the Chinese immigrants of the Chan clan, it is now open to all. The temple is popularly referred to as the Clan House of the Chan, Chen and Tan families since it houses the statues of the founding members of the clan. The Chan See Shu Yuen Temple is adorned with intricate carvings, vivid paintings and symmetrical pavilions. Further, it also depicts scenes and stories of Chinese legends through its carvings and paintings which further accentuate its beauty. You must plan a visit to the temple if you wish to get an insight into the Chinese culture and traditions. The temple is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily, and the best time to visit is between 2 to 4 pm.

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The Sin Sze Si Ya Temple is the oldest Taoist temple located in Chinatown. Built in 1864, the temple is dedicated to the worship of two supreme deities Sin Sze Ya and Si Sze Ya, from the time of Kapitan Yap Ah Loy. He claimed that the deities helped him earn Kapitan status during the 1870 war. The temple has a large main hall with two side halls along with intricate roof ridges, glorious interiors, and the majestic memorial plaque of Chan Sow Lin, Yap Ah Shak, Yap Ah Loy, and Yap Kwan Seng. Showcasing Chinese traditional culture through its Feng Shui architecture, offering prayers to the White Tiger deity, praying under the chairs, and also the well-known fortune-telling sticks – all are still prevalent in Sin Sze Si Ya Temple. Also known as Sze Yah Temple, it is widely known in Malaysia for its charity work since 1907.

The Sin Sze Si Ya Temple is one of the 13 temples in the peninsular region of Malaysia, for the worship of Xian Shi Ye, depicting Chinese traditions and cultures. Built by the craftsman of southern China, the temple compound has ornamented roof ridges, one elaborate main hall, and two adjacent side halls for devotees. The temple entrance displays two 100-year-old sedan chairs that speak about the tempele’s past. Covered with decorated panels and open-air pavilions, the Sin Sze Si Ya Temple structure is one of the very few remaining old monuments today. The temple is open daily between 7 am and 5 pm.

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The Buddhist Maha Vihara is a beautiful Sri Lankan Buddhist temple located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 1894, this temple is inspired by the Sinhalese community and is very famous among Sri Lankan, Indian, and Chinese tourists. Located in Brickfield, the red and white temple is crafted with massive Buddha statues and embellished fixtures. The main attraction of Buddhist Maha Vihara is its annual Vesak festival in which a massive gathering and parade are celebrated around the suburb celebrating Lord Buddha’s birthday. Devotees gather on the 1st and 15th of every Lunar month to present offerings to Lord Buddha and recite various verses.

The temple was established in 1894 when the Sinhalese community found a need to build a place to worship as per Sri Lankan Theravada tradition. The Dhamma School for Religious Learning and Lessons was inaugurated in 1929 with just 12 students under a small Bodhi Tree. The temple got its first shrine with the Lord Buddha statue in the early 20th century. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.

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The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, located in Chinatown, is the oldest temple of Goddess Mariamman, the manifestation of Goddess Parvati and the oldest Hindu temple in the city. Built in the Dravidian architectural style, the temple has a Raja Gopuram Tower at the entrance. The temple experiences a huge crowd, especially during the festivals of Deepavali and Thaipusam, in which there is a long procession to the Batu Caves carrying containers of milk to offer to Lord Murugan. The temple structure is similar to the body of a man, his head pointing towards the west and feet towards the east. The feet are showcased by a 75-foot tall tower at the entrance having sculptures of 228 Gods and Goddesses beautifully and finely crafted. It is a 5-tiered tower with a gateway for each and the chief deity resides in the inner part of the only entrance which faces towards the east. After the entrance is the main hall where the chief and other deities of the temple reside. The premise has a dome, ornamented and decorated precisely with garbagraham, the innermost sanctum where the idol of God resides, having its roof and walls with the priest standing in front of it during the puja. There are three shrines in the main temple along with four others of Lord Muruga and on his left; there is the shrine of Lord Ganesha. The Chariot found inside the temple is made of 350 kg of silver, and decorated with 240 bells. The temple is open from 6 am to 9 pm daily.

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Located in Brickfields, the Sri Kandaswamy Koil is a popular temple that is over a century old. It is considered to be one of the most orthodox temples in the country. A Maha Kumbhabhishekham, an annual consecration ceremony is held every year in the temple premises.

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The Shree Lakshminarayan Mandir is the abode of Lakshminarayan, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu and his wife Goddess Lakshmi. Attached to the temple are a community centre, a multi-purpose hall, and a classroom for spiritual and educational lessons. Located near the Jalan Ipoh Road, the temple is open for four hours each in the morning and evening.

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Located in Jalan Tun Sambanthan, the Holy Rosary Church is one of the most well-preserved sacred places in Kuala Lumpur. Built during the pre-war years, its roots date 100 years back during which it was blessed by Father Francis Emile Terrien. This church is famous for its Neo-Gothic style of architecture. This style of architecture encompasses elements such as glass windows, a marvellous vault, a flying buttress, a white exterior, and a pointed arch. Major changes took place in the mid-1980s when the Government acquired a small piece of land in front of the church. The Government built a hostel and community hall on the church land that was used for meetings and other such purposes. The church was renovated in 2003 as it marked the 100th anniversary of the Parish. The church is open every day from 7 am to 6 pm.

And that’s it for Kuala Lumpur. Next week, let’s check out Malaysia’s administrative and judicial capital, Putrajaya.

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 20 – Kuala Lumpur Part 2

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Petronas Twin Towers, the world’s tallest building until 2004, has a double-decker sky bridge that joins the 41st and 42nd floors of the two towers at about 170 meters above ground level, while the observation deck is located yet higher on the 86th level. The Twin Towers are also home to the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas concert hall, Southeast Asia’s leading venue for classical music.

The sky bridge at Petronas Twin Towers is the world’s highest two-storey bridge, joining the 41st and 42nd floors of the two towers. It not only acts as a podium where one can change elevators to reach higher levels but can also be used as a safe evacuation route in cases of emergency. Only the 41st level is open for visitors but is limited to only 1000 visitors per day. Located on the 86th level of Tower 2, the observation deck is at a height of 370 meters from the ground and offers a breathtaking 360-degree aerial view of the city. To visit the Petronas Towers, visitors must first purchase tickets. Tickets can be purchased online or at the counter. Discounted tickets for seniors are available for those 55 years of age and above. Queues for tickets can get quite long sometimes. The observatory also has miniature models of the Petronas Towers and the city of Kuala Lumpur. Each group is allowed 20 minutes to admire the view and to take photos. The tower sky bridge and observation are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to Saturdays, it is open from 9 am to 9 pm with the last admissions at 8:30 pm. On Fridays, it is open from 9 am to 1 pm and then again between 2:30 to 9 pm. Entry fees for adults between 13 and 60 are RM 80 per person while children between 3 to 12 pay RM 33, senior citizens above the age of 60 need to pay RM 42 and infants below the age of 3 can enter for free.

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Suria KLCC is a 140,000-square-meter upscale retail centre at the foot of the Petronas Towers. It features mostly foreign luxury goods and high-street labels. Its attractions include an art gallery, an underwater aquarium and a science centre. Boasting approximately 300 stores, Suria KLCC is touted as one of the largest shopping malls in Malaysia. The Petronas Philharmonic Hall, also built at the base of the towers, is frequently associated with Suria KLCC’s floorspace. During holidays or celebration days, Suria KLCC is the top spot to see the decorations, especially at the main entrances and also in Centre Court. It also promotes the uniqueness and beauty of Malaysia’s cultural diversity to visitors.

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Located at Suria KLCC Mall, Aquaria KLCC is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia, housing more than 250 varied species of animals. Spread over 60,000 square feet over two levels, the main highlight is the 90-meter underwater tunnel. The oceanarium takes one on a journey from the highlands to the rivers, through the rainforest, into the coral reefs and then into the open ocean. The aquarium is divided into two levels and is essentially a journey across different water sources. Aquaria KLCC also hosts fish feeding sessions on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. The aquarium is open from 10 am to 8 pm, Monday to Sunday, with the last admission at 7 pm. The entry fee is RM 69 for adults, RM 59 for children and RM 49 for senior citizens, while the disabled or handicapped need to pay RM 16.

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Merdeka Square, also known as Dataran Merdeka, is an iconic landmark. Situated in front of the famous Sultan Abdul Samad Building, it is a popular sightseeing spot, with buildings like the National Textile Museum and City Gallery surrounding it. Earlier known as Selangor Club Padang, Merdeka Square is where, at midnight on August 31, 1957, the independence of the Federation of Malaya from the British Empire was officially announced. The most striking sight of Merdeka Square is the 95-meter-tall flagpole, where the Malay flag was raised after independence for the first time. It is also the venue of the Independence Day Parade each year. There is also a black marble plaque close to the flagpole, marking the exact location where the Malayan flag was raised for the first time after independence. The Hari Merdeka Parade or the Independence Day Parade is held at Merdeka Square annually. There is a light show that takes place daily at 9 pm.

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The National Monument of Malaysia, popularly known as Tugu Negara, is dedicated to the 11,000 people who were martyred during the First and Second World Wars and the subsequent emergency period of Malaysia’s independence. Located along Jalan Tamingsabi, at the northern end of the Lake Gardens, Tugu Negara has many details, each of which is symbolic of the various stages of struggle and achievements against both the British and Japanese forces. The National Monument was designed and sculpted more than 50 years ago by the Austrian-born designer and sculptor, Felix de Weldon. The bronze figurines symbolize extreme courage, strength, leadership, suffering and self-sacrifice. The sculpture depicts a group of seven soldiers, of whom one holds onto the national flag of Malaysia, another soldier is armed with a decorative rifle and bayonet; and a third soldier is armed with a machine gun. Two of the soldiers are tending to a wounded ally and this gesture is highly symbolic of their hard-earned victory, whereas the remaining two are slumped on the feet of the memorial, representing the defeated communist forces. Additionally, the strong granite base is carved with a prominent message: “Dedicated to the heroic fighters in the cause of peace and freedom, may the blessing of Allah be upon them”, in English, Latin and the Malay Jawi script. The crescent-shaped Central Pavilion has two special features: a microfilm vault where the names of all the fallen heroes are engraved, and a metal grille that not only houses the vault but also displays the different state emblems of Malaysia. The national monument is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm.

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Located in Jalan Stonor, Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman is a wooden stilt house. One of the oldest wooden houses in Malaysia, it is known for its vernacular style of architecture. Adorned with antique furniture and artefacts, the heritage structure was constructed by some of the most skilled Malaysian artisans in the early 1900s. While the house was initially owned by Mukim Bagan Samak’s local headman, it was later restored by the leading national heritage NGO, Badan Warisan Malaysia. A guided tour of Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman is available which provides an insight into the traditional Malaysian lifestyle and culture.

Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman encompasses a combination of traditional as well as modern architectural elements. The house has a sloped roof, a beamed foundation and a pier that are specifically built for harsh monsoons. Louvre windows and walls further help to regulate the internal temperature by blocking the heat and capturing the breeze. The house is surrounded by a traditional heritage garden, which houses over 50 plant species. These plant species have historical and cultural significance for Malaysians. Rumah Penghulu Abu Saman is closed on Sundays and public holidays and from Monday to Saturday, it is open from 11 am to 3 pm. Entry fees are RM 10 per person and guided tours start from RM 10 per person and run during its opening hours.

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The Taman Burung Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, is a 20.9-acre public aviary adjacent to the Lake Gardens. This is the largest covered bird park in the world, housing more than 3,000 birds. There are feeding booths at various points in every zone where one can feed cut fruits and milk to the free-flying birds. The bird park is divided into 4 zones, with the main entrance leading directly to Zone 1 and Zone 2 having the ticket booth. The main entrance of the park directly leads to the first zone housing a netted walk-in aviary. Free-flying birds are fed at 10:30 am while eagles are fed at 2:30 pm. Zone 2 is home to the Baya weaver famous for its nest-building skills, the Nicobar pigeon, which is the closest living relative to the Dodo bird, the Ostriches and the Scarlet Ibis with its brilliant scarlet colouration. The third zone houses two members of the hornbill family –the Rhinoceros Hornbill and the Oriental Pied Hornbill. It is also home to the exotic Hill Mynas, the Formosan Blue Magpie originating from Taiwan, and the Purple Swamphen. The Hornbill Feeding time is 11:30 am while the Hornbill Restaurant and Gift Shop is located in this zone and is open from 9 am to 8 pm daily. The fourth zone, which is the biggest, houses the walk-in parrot enclosure and is home to 20 different species of parrots. The main attraction of this zone is the Waterfall Aviary where Milky Storks live in a netted enclosure that has a 30-foot high freshwater waterfall.
This leads to the Oriental Bird Aviary which has some 50 species of oriental birds. This zone also has an air-conditioned Bird Gallery, an Education Station and a Bird School. The Bird Park also has a 350-seat open-air Amphitheatre which conducts daily Bird Shows. The Daily Amphitheatre timings are between 12:30 to 3 pm. The bird park is open every day between 9 am to 6 pm and has entry fees of RM 63 for adults and RM 42 for children.

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The Kuala Lumpur City Center Park, popularly known as KLCC Park, is a 50-acre garden located at the base of Petronas Towers and opposite Suria KLCC Shopping Centre. The major attractions include the Lake Symphony, the As Syakirin Mosque, and the children’s public pool. The water fountain show is held daily at 8, 9 and 10 pm.

The park has been designed to add a touch of greenery to the iconic Petronas Towers. The KLCC Park has a 1.3km long jogging track, bounded by ornate sculptures and terracotta pavements. The Lake Symphony which is situated right at the mouth of the Twin Towers lights up everyone’s hearts with their musical fountain shows. The park is decorated with ornate waterfalls at a few points along its tracks which make the surroundings appear magical. The park is open between 7 am to 10 pm every day.

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The KL Forest Eco Park, formerly the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, is the only tropical rainforest in Kuala Lumpur. The 9-hectare forest reserve is also one of the oldest forest reserves in Malaysia. The main attractions are the well-maintained walking trails, diverse trees, and a kid’s playground. It is also home to a forest Canopy Walk – a 200-meter wood and steel aerial bridge. The bridge towers above the reserve offer a stunning view of the Kuala Lumpur skyline. The 200m canopy walk provides a great view of Kuala Lumpur and the rainforest to its visitors. It also makes for good photographs and offers peaceful surroundings. Visitors can learn about natural medicines and herbs in the Herbal Garden. There are footpaths for casual joggers and natural trails for adventure seekers in the park. The best time to visit the park is between 7 and 9 am as it becomes crowded after 10 am.

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Spanning 92 hectares, the green and landscaped Perdana Botanical Gardens is in Kuala Lumpur’s Heritage Park. The park is a great jogging site and houses different species of orchids, a hibiscus park, and a 20-acre bird park. Inside the garden also lies a deer park, a sunken garden, a herb garden, and a collection of rare trees, cycads, bamboo, and grass.

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The National Zoo of Malaysia, commonly known as Zoo Negara, is spread over more than 100 acres and is home to more than 476 wildlife species. The main highlight of this zoo is Malaysia’s famous giant pandas, Xing Xing and Liang Liang. Visitors are free to stroll through the park and get a firsthand experience of the concept of an open zoo. There are several Banyan trees at Zoo Negara, with one gigantic Banyan tree that is supposedly the oldest in Malaysia.

The exhibits at the National Zoo are present in a replicate of their natural habitat; this allows visitors and animals to get a more natural experience. There is also a scenic lake present that houses several flamingos in the zoo. There are more than 16 exhibits at the zoo, and each one of them offers something new to its visitors. The zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily and last admissions are at 4 pm. Entry fees are RM 85 for adults, and RM 43 for children.

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The Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park, located adjacent to the Lake Gardens and the KL Bird Park, is one of the largest butterfly parks in the world. Spread over 80,000 square feet of the landscaped garden, it houses over 5,000 butterflies, exotic plants, butterfly-host plants, and ferns. This park is also home to rhinoceros beetles and praying mantises and is dotted with cascading waterfalls and several ponds with Japanese Koi fish and freshwater turtles. The main attractions here are the landscape gardens which span over an area of 80,000 sq ft with over 5,000 live butterflies along with the butterfly-host plants where they are allowed to flutter about freely in their natural habitats. There is also a special glass shed with a highly temperature-regulated atmosphere where all the Himalayan butterfly species make themselves home. There are more than 120 different species of butterflies and at special ‘butterfly meeting’ booths one is allowed to hold the butterflies. A museum in the premises has a wide range of preserved insects like rhinoceros beetles and praying mantises. The park is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily and entrance fees are RM 22 for adults and RM 11 for children between 2 and 11.

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Sentul Park is a beautiful and contemporary lake park on 35-acre land which is a community park for condominium block residents, with only a part of it accessible to the public. The park is located near Jalan Ipoh and is well-linked by bus, train, and road. Sentul Park grabs public attention for its major attraction, the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre or KLPAC, a vibrant performing arts centre arranging many shows and performances around the year. Sentul Park holds a very rich history of how the Federated Malay States Railway Workshop was attacked and bombed during World War II. There are still some colonial buildings and hollow shells to explore in the historical lake park. Amidst romantic gardens and a mesmerizing pond are two restaurants that are well known for their continental food. Visitors can also buy koi food and accessories from the very famous Sentul Park Koi Centre. Set up in 2004, the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre is a 794-seater vibrant performing arts hub equipped with a theatre and an academy for music, dance, and drama. The centre is crafted magnificently with a perfect blend of contemporary railway workshops and modern steel and glass extensions. On show days, it is open from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm while on non-show days, it closes at 6:30 pm. The best time to visit the park is from 7 to 9 pm.

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Landscaped on hilly terrain, Taman Tasik Permaisuri is a well-admired and spacious lake park in Cheras. This park stretches over an area of about 40 hectares and is managed by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall. The park has a vast lake where one will find elegant pink lotuses and lilies blooming. This gleaming lake is surrounded by some attractive picnic spots with concrete tables and stools that are provided by the garden officials. The park includes 3 outdoor gyms, scenic fountains, a reflexology walking track, a playground for kids, and a canopy walk. The 7-terraced flower garden has 1800 orchids planted in it. A huge football stadium and a common swimming pool are constructed in the eastern section of the park. The western edge of the park has horses that are kept in an enclosed area. Activities like fishing, tai chi class, jogging, and cycling are practised here daily. Taman Tasik Permaisuri was developed as a terraced flower garden in the 1980s. Open from 7 am to 8 pm, there is no entry fee and parking is free at the entrance.

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Occupying a sloppy terrain of 80 hectares, Bukit Jalil Park is a captivating recreational park in the Klang Valley. It houses a beautiful themed garden that features some garden displays depicting tea houses in Japan, an Iranian courtyard with tiles and fountains and traditional Malaysian culture. This well-maintained park has constructed walking and jogging tracks. The lush green foliage, fresh air, and crystal clear fountains make this a local favourite. The park is open from 7 am to 8 pm every day and has no entry fees with free parking at the entrance.

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Situated opposite the KL Lake Gardens, the Kuala Lumpur Orchid Garden boasts about 800 species of orchids. While the orchid garden occupies an area of just one hectare, it houses about six thousand orchids as well as exotic species of flowers. The garden has two main varieties of orchids namely Terrestrial Orchids and Epiphytic Orchids, both native to Malaysia. The garden is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

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Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is the hub of food, accessories, clothing, and everything a tourist could ask for with ample sightseeing opportunities. Also referred to as Chee Cheong Kai or Starch Factory Street it was opened by a Chinese man in the street to prevent his fellow countrymen from going back to their home country after the Civil War abandoned the mills they worked at. Spread on the entire street, there are rows of stalls making available fake branded items. Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur is still bright and glowing after sunset, it is a space which never sleeps. Shopping areas in Chinatown include Petaling Street, Central Market, Kota Raya Shopping Complex, and Peter Hoe Beyond. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple was built by Tamil migrants in 1873 and is the main Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur. The temple displays the sculptures of Sri Mariamman, Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Goddess Lakshmi and many other images. Built in 1880, the Kuan Yin Temple is also known as the Guanyin Temple and is dedicated to Kuan Yin or the Goddess of Mercy. The temple is a mix of European and Chinese architecture. The idol of Shakyamuni can be found in the main prayer hall, to the right of this idol is the idol of South Sea Guanyin and to the left is Kuan Yin’s compassionate side with a thousand hands and a thousand eyes. To the southern end of Petaling Street is the oldest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, the Chan See Shu Yuen Temple. It was built between 1897 and 1906 and is beautifully adorned with colourful paintings and carvings which put to light the Chinese mythology and warriors battling mythical creatures. The Temple also acts as a community centre for the locals. The 121-year-old Kuan Ti Temple, also known as the Guandi Temple is dedicated to Guandi, the Taoist God of literature and war and is situated along Jalan Tun H S Lee. Guan Dao and Guan Jie, sword and spear are placed in front of the Guandi idol which is believed to provide special powers to the devotees if lifted or even touched three times. Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad is the oldest mosque in Kuala Lumpur and is situated in the middle of the River of Life, fragmenting the River into two. The mosque is always open except for the days when the tiles get slippery due to wet weather. The mosque can be visited during one of the five prayer calls for the best experience.

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Brickfields is Kuala Lumpur’s Little India. A melange of the old and the new – swanky high rise standing along colonial kampung or village-style houses, Brickfields is located near KL Sentral. The bustling neighbourhood offers Indian snacks and the neighbourhood is lined with shops. Brickfields is home to some of the most important religious attractions of Kuala Lumpur and the locality houses temples and churches.

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 19 – Kuala Lumpur Part 1

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Officially, the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur or Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur or KL as it is colloquially known, is a federal territory and the ceremonial, legislative and judicial capital city of Malaysia. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in Asia and the largest city in Malaysia, covering an area of 243 sq. km. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.564 million people as of 2018 and is among the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in Southeast Asia, both in population and economic development. Serving as the cultural, financial, and economic centre of Malaysia, the city is also home to the Parliament of Malaysia and the Istana Negara, the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the monarch of Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur first developed around 1857 as a town serving the tin mines of the region and served as the capital of Selangor from 1880 until 1978. Kuala Lumpur was the founding capital of the Federation of Malaya and its successor, Malaysia. The city remained the seat of the executive and judicial branches of the Malaysian federal government until these were relocated to Putrajaya in early 1999. However, some sections of the political bodies remain in Kuala Lumpur. The city is one of the three federal territories of Malaysia, enclaved within the state of Selangor.

Kuala Lumpur has undergone rapid development in recent decades and is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Towers, which have since become an iconic symbol of Malaysian development. The sixth most-visited city in the world in 2019, Kuala Lumpur houses three of the world’s ten largest shopping malls, ranks 70th in the world and second in Southeast Asia for the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Ranking and ninth in ASPAC and second in Southeast Asia for KPMG’s Leading Technology Innovation Hub 2021.

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Kuala Lumpur’s name means muddy confluence in Malay; where Kuala is the point where two rivers join or an estuary, and lumpur means mud. One suggestion is that it was named after Sungai Lumpur or the muddy river; in the 1820s, a place named Sungei Lumpoor was said to be the most important tin-producing settlement up the Klang River. However, this derivation does not account for the fact that Kuala Lumpur lies at the confluence of Gombak River and Klang River, and therefore should be named Kuala Gombak, since the Kuala is typically named after the river that joins a larger river or the sea. Some have argued that Sungai Lumpur in fact extended down to the confluence and therefore the point where it joined the Klang River would be Kuala Lumpur, although this Sungai Lumpur is said to be another river joining the Klang River 1.5 km upstream from the Gombak confluence, or perhaps located to the north of the Batu Caves area.

It has also been proposed that Kuala Lumpur was originally named Pengkalan Lumpur or muddy landing place, in the same way that Klang was once called Pengkalan Batu or stone landing place, but became corrupted into Kuala Lumpur. Another theory says that it was initially a Cantonese word, lam-pa, meaning flooded jungle or decayed jungle. There is no firm contemporary evidence for these suggestions other than anecdotes. The name may also be a corrupted form of an earlier forgotten name.

Kuala Lumpur was originally a small hamlet of just a few houses and shops at the confluence of the Sungai Gombak and Sungai Klang. Kuala Lumpur became established as a town around 1857, when the Malay Chief of Klang, Raja Abdullah bin Raja Jaafar, aided by his brother Raja Juma’at of Lukut, raised funds from Malaccan Chinese businessmen to hire Chinese miners from Lukut to open new tin mines there. The miners landed at Kuala Lumpur and continued by foot to Ampang, where they opened the first mine. Kuala Lumpur was the furthest point up the Klang River to which supplies could conveniently be brought by boat, and therefore became a collection and dispersal point serving the tin mines.

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When the Ampang mines succeeded, and exported the first tin in 1859, Sutan Puasa was already trading near Ampang. The town, spurred on by tin-mining, started to develop around Old Market Square or Medan Pasar, with roads radiating out towards Ampang as well as Pudu and Batu, where miners had also begun to settle in, and Petaling and Damansara. The miners formed gangs and frequently fought over control of the best tin mines. Leaders of the Chinese community were conferred the title of Kapitan Cina by the Malay chief, and Hiu Siew became the first Kapitan of Kuala Lumpur.

Early Kuala Lumpur was a small town that suffered from many social and political problems – the buildings were made of wood and atap which is palm frond thatching. The buildings were prone to catching fire, and due to a lack of proper sanitation the town was plagued with diseases. It also suffered from a constant threat of flooding due to its location. The town became embroiled in the Selangor Civil War in part over control of revenue from the tin mines. Kuala Lumpur was captured in 1872 and burnt to the ground. The war and other setbacks, such as dropping tin prices, led to a slump and a major outbreak of cholera caused many to flee. The slump lasted until late 1879, when rising prices for tin allowed the town to recover. In late 1881, the town was severely flooded, after a fire that had destroyed the entire town in January. Yap Ah Loy, together with Frank Swettenham who was appointed the Resident in 1882, were the two most important figures of early Kuala Lumpur with Swettenham credited with its rapid growth and development and its transformation into a major urban centre.

The early Chinese and Malay settled along the east bank of the Klang River, with the Chinese mainly settled around the commercial centre of Market Square and the Malays, and later Indian Chettiars and Muslims, residing in the Java Street area, now Jalan Tun Perak. In 1880, the colonial administration moved the state capital of Selangor from Klang to the more strategically advantageous Kuala Lumpur, and government buildings and living quarters were to the west of the river. Government offices and a new police headquarters were built on Bukit Aman, and the Padang initially created for police training. The Padang, now known as Merdeka Square, would later become the centre of the British administrative offices when the colonial government offices moved to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in 1897.

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Frank Swettenham, on becoming the British Resident, began improving the town by cleaning up the streets. He also stipulated in 1884 that buildings should be constructed of brick and tile so that they would be less flammable, and that the town be rebuilt with wider streets to reduce fire risk. Kapitan Yap Ah Loy bought a sprawling piece of real estate to set up a brick factory for the rebuilding of Kuala Lumpur, the eponymous Brickfields. Demolished atap buildings were replaced with brick and tile buildings, and many of the new brick buildings had five-foot ways and Chinese carpentry work. This resulted in a distinct eclectic shop house architecture typical to this region. Road access was expanded, linking tin mines with the city with the main arterial routes of the present Ampang Road, Pudu Road and Petaling Street. Law reforms were implemented and new legal measures introduced to the assembly.

The construction of a railway line between Kuala Lumpur and Klang, completed in 1886, spurred the growth of the city. As development intensified in the 1880s, putting pressure on sanitation, waste disposal and other health measures. A Sanitary Board created on 14 May 1890 was responsible for sanitation, road upkeep, street lighting, and other functions. This would eventually become the Kuala Lumpur Municipal Council. In 1896, Kuala Lumpur was chosen as the capital of the newly formed Federated Malay States.

Kuala Lumpur expanded considerably in the 20th century. From 0.65 sq km in 1895, it was extended to 20 sq km in 1903 and to 93 sq km in 1948 and to 243 sq km in 1974 as a Federal Territory. The development of a rubber industry in Selangor fuelled by the demand for car tyres in the early 20th century led to a boom, and the population of Kuala Lumpur increased from 30,000 in 1900 to 80,000 in 1920. The commercial activities of Kuala Lumpur had been run to a large extent by Chinese businessmen. During World War II, Kuala Lumpur was captured by the Imperial Japanese Army on 11 January 1942. Despite suffering little damage during the course of the battle, the wartime occupation of the city resulted in significant loss of lives; at least 5,000 Chinese were killed in Kuala Lumpur in just a few weeks of occupation by Japanese forces, and thousands of Indians were sent as forced labour to work on the Burma Railway where many died. They occupied the city until 15 August 1945. Kuala Lumpur grew during the war and continued after the war during the Malayan Emergency between 1948 and 1960, during which Malaya was preoccupied with a communist insurgency and New Villages were established on the outskirts of the city.

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On 31 August 1957, the Federation of Malaya gained its independence from British rule. Kuala Lumpur remained the capital after the formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963 with the Malaysian Houses of Parliament completed at the edge of the Lake Gardens in the same year. Kuala Lumpur achieved city status on 1 February 1972, becoming the first settlement in Malaysia to be granted the status after independence. Later, on 1 February 1974, Kuala Lumpur became a federal territory. Kuala Lumpur was ceded by Selangor to be directly controlled by the central government, and it ceased to be capital of Selangor in 1978 after the city of Shah Alam was declared the new state capital. Putrajaya was declared a Federal Territory on 1 February 2001, as well as the seat of the federal government. The administrative and judicial functions of the government were shifted from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur however still retained its legislative function, and remained the home of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Constitutional King.

From the 1990s onwards, major urban developments in the Klang Valley extended the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area. This area, known as Greater Kuala Lumpur, extends from the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur westward to Port Klang, east to the edge of the Titiwangsa Mountains as well as to the north and south. The area covers other administratively separate towns and cities and is served by the Klang Valley Integrated Transit System. The geography of Kuala Lumpur is characterised by the huge Klang Valley, bordered by the Titiwangsa Mountains in the east, several minor ranges in the north and the south, and the Strait of Malacca in the west.

Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding urban areas form the most industrialised and economically, the fastest-growing region in Malaysia. The city remains the economic and business hub of the country and Kuala Lumpur is a centre for finance, insurance, real estate, media, and the arts in Malaysia. Tourism plays an important role in the city’s service-driven economy.

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Menara Kula Lumpur, or Kuala Lumpur Tower, located within the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, is the tallest telecommunications tower in Southeast Asia and the 7th tallest in the world. The thrilling 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur skyline from the tower is the main attraction. The six-storey, 421-meter-tall KL Tower is also popular for the revolving restaurant it houses. The tower is the highest viewpoint in the city and acts as the Islamic Falak observatory, which is used to observe the moon during the holy month of Ramadan. The architecture of this building is reflective of Islamic-style Arabic scripts, intricate Islamic tiles, and floral and abstract patterns. Designed by the architect Kumpulan Senireka Sdn. Bhd, the construction took place in three phases over a span of five years. The 421-metre-tall tower was officially inaugurated on October 1, 1996 and has been used for broadcasting purposes ever since.

The base design of Menara KL was meant to symbolize the human journey for perfection in life. The prominent globular pinnacle of the tower has its inspirations rooted to a Malaysian spinning top. The main lobby of the upper ground floor has ornamental glass domes which emit a diamond-like sparkle. To pay homage to the traditional Islamic and Persian architecture and to display its Islamic roots, Muqarnas, a type of corbel has been used as the main decorative element. The roof of the pod is at 355 m and after the placement, the overall height increases to 421 m.

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The observation deck at Menara Kuala Lumpur is located at a height of 276 m above ground level and offers a stunning and thrilling view of the city. The Sky Deck is located at a height of 300 m above the ground and offers spectacular views of the city skyline at day and during sunset. Tickets for the Sky Deck, including the Observation Deck and Sky Tower are RM 99 and RM 52 for adults and children between 4 and 12 years. KL Tower is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.

The Jelutong Tree located in the premise of KL Tower is more than a century old. To conserve the tree, the position of the tower was shifted, and a series of barricades were put up so that the roots of the tree were not harmed during excavation. The tower is lit up, from the ground floor to the top of the antenna mast, with LED lights. Visitors should check the weather forecast before booking the tickets for the observation deck and the sky deck, as in case it rains or drizzles, the open-air sky deck is shut, and visitors can only access the observation deck only. Tickets are non-refundable. Menara Kuala Lumpur is open from 10 am to 9 pm daily.

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Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Ilham Tower is the fourth-tallest structure in Malaysia. The 60-storey tower was designed by Foster+Partners and is a combination of residential as well as commercial spaces. The Ilham Tower houses a 4-star hotel, art gallery, gift shop, food joints and office suites. and is famous for the Ilham Art Gallery, which houses a great collection of contemporary as well as modern art pieces. The tower is open from 11 am to 7 pm between Tuesday and Saturday and is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Guided tours of 30-minute duration are available at 11:30 am on Thursdays and 11 am on Saturdays and are subject to availability.

That’s all about Kuala Lumpur in this part. More coming up next week!