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Royces and other luxury vehicles.
After driving past Istana Iskandariah,
the sultan’s official two-storey riverside
residence built in 1933 in Arab and art-
deco-styles, we stopped at yellow-hued
Istana Kenangan. Known as “Palace of
Memories”, the wood and woven bam-
boo structure - built without using nails
in 1926 - was a royal quarters before
Istana Iskandariah was completed. Also
called “Palace of the Deceased”, it later
served as a temporary mausoleum for
deceased royal family members before
burial. Currently undergoing renovation,
it will reopen as a museum focused on
state history and royal family.
Old Crossings
Another highlight is Iskandar Bridge,
the longest local steel bridge arch built
in 1932, outside of town. The beautiful
arches are best viewed on the approach.
Stroll along its span for picturesque
views of mountains in the distance. Our
final stop at Victoria Bridge in Karai, 15
minutes north of Kuala Kangsar, was a
sight to behold. Trains once ran along the
red-brick truss bridge, before a parallel
concrete bridge for motorcyclists, and a
pedestrian walkway, were installed for
greater convenience to cross Perak River.
If you are resistant to vertigo, try
exploring the original bridge with wide
gaps between rotting timbers. On the
narrow pedestrian walkway, watch out
for heavy traffic. Step off the iron strips
and in between the girders to make way
for oncoming vehicles.
Kuala Kangsar is a town that exudes
history from practically every nook and
cranny. Visit and be transported back
in time.
colonial buildings – features marble
imported from Italy, which adds verve to
this bright white building. Construction
began in 1913, but two fighting elephants
damaged the marble, thus slowing down
the process. The mosque was completed
in 1917. Open to visitors, you must dress
modestly.
A short walking distance away, we
stumbled into Baitul Anor, an off-the-
beaten track attraction. Built by Tuan
Haji Sofian, who constructed many other
royal homes in the area. Volunteers from
the Bukit Chandan Kampung Ku group
manage Baitul Anor, which houses a
makeshift museum dedicated to former
Perak royal family members.
During our visit, we enjoyed unob-
trusive viewing of old photographs and
artworks with comprehensive informa-
tion on display. The dilapidated structure
itself is a marvel. Colourful floor tiles,
doors and windows featuring hibiscus
motif carvings, remain intact – all reflect-
ing traditional Malay architecture.
Palace Of Memories
At Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, formerly
a royal palace, we spent two hours
moving around several majestic buildings
combining renaissance, neoclassical and
Moorish styles. Built in 1903, the marbled
hallways contain exhibits belonging to
Perak’s 34th Sultan Azlan Shah, such as
sunglasses, passport, shoes, swords,
kris
(elaborate asymmetric daggers), even a
fancy baby cradle and a record-breaking
1.37m fungus, a state gift. A separate
building even houses the sultan’s Rolls
Victoria Bridge a single track
railway truss bridge in Karai Perak
Traditional Malay
delights at a stall next
to Perak River
Step back in
time in KK
Inside Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery
Royal showcase
at Baitul Anor