Top Things To Do In Kuala Kangsar

Welcome to Kuala Kangsar, the charming royal town of Perak since the 18th century. This town flaunts history on its sleeve. 

Nestled along the curves of the Perak River, the second longest river in Peninsula Malaysia, Kuala Kangsar is not just a town. It is a breathing time capsule. The rivers are central to the history and traditions of Perak Sultanate and its people; its water is part of the royal ceremonies. 

Kuala Kangsar sits on the North-South train line between the Ipoh and Taiping, making it an ideal stop for travellers when exploring Perak. A day in Kuala Kangsar is like a crash course in cultural coolness, but if you’re feeling generous with your time, why not make it a night? Who wouldn’t want to bask in the glory of a town that’s basically a cultural kaleidoscope?

So whether you’re a history buff or a culture vulture, Kuala Kangsar is calling. Don’t miss out on these 5 places that’ll make your visit more memorable than a royal selfie! Add this gem to your travel list and thank me later!

Masjid Ubudiah

As you stand in awe of Masjid Ubudiah’s intricate design, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship that went into its creation. The gleaming golden domes and the finely detailed minarets are the testament to the town’s architectural brilliance and religious devotion. The mosque has not only served as a place of worship but also as a symbol of Perak’s proud heritage and cultural identity.

The mosque’s construction began in 1913 under the guidance of Arthur Benison Hubback, a British architect who skilfully combined Moorish and Mughal architectural styles to create the stunning masterpiece you see today.

Robes are available for free for both male and female visitors.

Istana Kenangan

Istana Kenangan, or the “Palace of Memories” is a historical gem, an architectural elegance that not only transports you back in time but also weaves a tapestry of the golden era of Malay royalty. This splendid palace, showcasing the colours of the Perak flag holds a significant place in the history of Perak and Malaysia.

The palace was originally built in the early 1920s during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Shah, the 30th Sultan of Perak. It served as the royal residence for Sultan Iskandar Shah and his consort, Raja Perempuan Besar. The name “Istana Kenangan” itself signifies its role as a place where cherished memories were created and preserved.

Today, Istana Kenangan stands as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent life of the Perak royalty. The rich history, culture, and traditions of the Perak Sultanate are elegantly preserved within Istana Kenangan’s walls. The museum not only provides a window into the past but also a deep appreciation of the legacy of the Perak Sultanate, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of traditional Malay identity.

Istana Iskandariah

Located on a majestic hill and facing Sungai Perak, just a few hundred metres away from Istana Kayangan, Istana Iskandariah, a white palace, with its glorious domes, evokes fantastical images. Iskandariah has been the royal abode for the Perak Sultanate from 1933. While I couldn’t enter the palace, the outside is truly regal, giving a glimpse of the Perak Sultanate.  It is not hard to let your imagination run wild and wonder if genies had lived there, just like in the tales of the Arabian Nights.

Labu Sayong

Have you thought about doing something very unique in your travels? If yes, here we go!

Labu Sayong is where tradition and craftsmanship dance in the gentle rhythm of the pottery wheel. Remember the movie Ghost with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze? Well, it is like the Malaysian version of it, with a touch of history and a lot less Patrick Swayze! Picture this, Demi Moore, with her iconic short hair surrounded by the serene beauty of Labu Sayong and sarong wearing locals….

As you step in Labu Sayong, you’ll be greeted by local artisans who probably have been moulding clay before even Demi Moore’s Ghost Days. They’ll guide you through the delicate art of pottery-making, turning shapeless blobs of clay into unique pots. I can’t promise you any romantic ghostly encounters, but I can guarantee a hearty laugh as you try to channel your inner Demi!

Labu Sayong is a charming village in Kuala Kangsar. It is renowned for its traditional clay pottery, a craft that has been practised for generations and holds a special place in the cultural heritage of the region. If you’re seeking a unique and immersive experience, Labu Sayong is the place to be.

Labu, a distinctive type of clay water pitcher has been used for centuries to store water. These pitchers are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and cooling properties, making them an integral part of local life.

Labu Sayong isn’t just a place to make pottery; it’s a journey into the heart of a community that takes its heritage as seriously as Demi takes her pottery. You’ll leave with not just a clay pot but with a story to tell—one that involves laughter, camaraderie, and maybe a touch of Hollywood in this traditional Malaysian setting. It’s a memorable adventure that even Demi Moore would approve of.

Victoria Bridge

This 115-year-old bridge, named after Queen Victoria, was once a vital railway link. The bridge is made of steel and spans across the Perak River, providing a vital transportation link for the region. Declared as national heritage, it remains an iconic symbol of Malaysia’s colonial history and the development of its railway system.

Today, it serves as a picturesque walkway over the Perak River, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Victoria Bridge is not just a bridge; it’s a gateway to the past, a tribute to engineering prowess, and it is great for the gram! You can find more facts and photos about it here.

Here’s the inside scoop. Grab a rental bike near the bridge and pedal your way along the scenic Perak River. It isn’t just a ride, it’s a date with nature, complete with a soundtrack of beautiful birdsong. The birds are tweeting, and so should you- about this delightful experience!

And don’t miss out…….

Rumah Makan Tok Yeop

Rendang is a popular dish in the Malay culture. It is a meat chicken dish, blended with aromatic spices, slow-cooked to perfection. Decades ago as I grew up, the dish was only served during the celebration of Eid or at weddings. Now, Rendang are readily available in a lot of restaurants around Malaysia. 

The taste is absolutely phenomenal. The 3 hours (at least) slaving-away-at-a-hot-stove gives the aromatic blend of fennel, cumin leaves, cloves, coconut, and tamarind juice that gives rendang a very unique taste that is hard to describe. 

Here at Rumah Makan Tok Yeop, you will have the opportunity to meet Abang Lan, the ‘Rendang stirir’. He dedicates a whooping 6 hours daily, stirring Rendang, perfecting it and creating an aromatic masterpiece. Inhale the heavenly smoke of Rendang as it swirls into your tummy—now that’s what we call a feast for the senses!

As you approach Rumah Makan Tok Yeop, you’ll be captivated by its rustic charm. Housed in a 100 years old  traditional wooden Malay house, this restaurant is a testament to the rich heritage of the Perak region. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the food is delicious. 

You will find a variety of Perak traditional dishes and snacks for an authentic experience of this unique state. 

Lepak Talang Hilir

Lepak, a Malay term for chilling or relaxing, seemed to be the essence of this open-concept food court. The all time favourite ‘Nasi lemak’, Char Kuey Teow, the heartwarming ‘sup tulang’, the tantalising satay and several other international dishes are served at this unique food court. 

One of the captivating aspects of this food court is its support for local food vendors. The best part, the prices are very reasonable and the portions are huge! If you find yourself in Kuala Kangsar and yearning for a food journey that tickles your taste buds, don’t miss Lepak Talang Hilir!

Where To Stay……

I stayed at D’Village Hotel Kuala Kangsar. It’s a lovely boutique style hotel with a unique industrial design with a lovely “kampung” feel. Large rooms, clean toilets and they have an onsite cafe that is open from breakfast until dinner. 

This hotel is located right next to Victoria Bridge by the way. 

There are 2 bicycles available for free for hotel guests. I spent one morning riding through the small town of Kuala Kerai. It was lovely stopping by saying hello to the locals whilst enjoying the local delicacies. They were all nice and friendly and Kak Jah, the lady who sells Nasi Lemak even invited me to her house for dinner!