History

Kellie’s Castle: The Best Eerie Historical Gem in Perak

lacamisa.my | February 1, 2024

Opening Hours (Effective 1 January 2023)

  • Monday-Sunday from 9.30 am–5.30 pm
  • Gate Closed (No Entry) : 5.15 pm

Location

Ticket Price

Malaysian

  • Adult: RM5
  • Senior Citizen: RM4
  • Kids: RM3
  • Disable Adult: RM4
  • Disabled Kids: RM2

Non-Malaysian

  • Adult: RM10.00
  • Senior Citizen: RM10.00
  • Kids: RM8.00
  • Disable Adult: RM10.00
  • Disabled Kids: RM8.00

Telephone No.

  • 05-365 3381

Parking Tips

  • RM2.00 per entry

What is Kellie’s Castle?

Kellie’s Castle, Perak is one of the best historical destinations in Malaysia. This magnificent structure stands as a testament to the grandeur and ambition of its creator, William Kellie Smith. Built in the early 20th century, Kellie’s Castle has captivated the hearts of locals and tourists alike with its rich history, stunning architecture, and intriguing legends. The castle’s imposing facade and intricate details immediately command your attention, leaving you in awe of the craftsmanship and vision that went into its construction.

Kellie's Castle in Perak
Kellie’s Castle in Perak

The Fascinating History of Kellie’s Castle

William Kellie Smith, a Scottish planter, arrived in Malaysia in the late 19th century and made a fortune in the rubber industry. Inspired by his love for his wife, Agnes, he decided to build a grand castle as a symbol of his affection. Construction of Kellie’s Castle began in 1915 and was intended to be William Kellie Smith’s ‘Taj Mahal’ to his beloved wife. However, tragedy struck when William Kellie Smith passed away in 1926, leaving the castle unfinished.

The fascinating history of Kellie's Castle
The fascinating history of Kellie’s Castle

Despite its incomplete state, Kellie’s Castle stands as a testament to the ambition and vision of its creator. The castle’s construction was halted due to financial difficulties and the outbreak of World War I, which further hindered its completion. Today, Kellie’s Castle serves as a reminder of the dreams and aspirations of William Kellie Smith. It is a fascinating glimpse into the past and a testament to the enduring legacy of its builder.

There are some pavilions located around Kellie's Castle, providing the visitors some place to rest their legs before continue venturing into the castle
There are some pavilions located around Kellie’s Castle, providing the visitors some place to rest their legs before continue venturing into the castle

The Grandeur of the Castle’s Design

Kellie’s Castle is a testament to the grandeur and opulence that William Kellie-Smith envisioned for his residence. The castle was designed to feature a towering structure, with a 6-storey tower that dominates the landscape. This towering structure is a symbol of the ambition and grand vision of its creator.

Visitors have to cross the bridge before getting to the entrance of the castle
Visitors have to cross the bridge before getting to the entrance of the castle

The castle’s design is a blend of different architectural styles, including Moorish, Indian, and European influences. The long empty verandas of the castle are adorned with intricate designs on the walls, showcasing the attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into its construction. The numerous spiral staircases and huge arches add to the grandeur of the castle, creating a sense of awe to the visitors.

The architectures of the buildings are influenced by Moorish, Indian, and European styles
The architectures of the buildings are influenced by Moorish, Indian, and European styles

One of the highlights of the castle’s design is the rooftop courtyard. This open-air space is adorned with intricate designs and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It is a perfect spot to relax and take in the beauty of the castle and its surroundings.

Visitors to Kellie’s Castle can also explore the hidden passages and secret rooms that are scattered throughout the castle. These hidden gems add an element of mystery and intrigue to the castle’s design, allowing visitors to uncover its secrets and imagine what life was like during its heyday.

The family altar
The family altar

Another fascinating feature of the castle’s design is the underground wine cellar. This unique space was designed to store and age wine, showcasing the luxurious lifestyle that Kellie-Smith aspired to. Today, visitors can explore this underground cellar and get a glimpse into the past.

Myths and Legendary Story Surrounding the Castle

Kellie’s Castle is shrouded in mystery, with numerous legends and myths surrounding its existence. One of the most popular legends is the story of a secret tunnel that leads to a hidden treasure within the castle. According to local folklore, the tunnel was built by Kellie himself to protect his wealth from being discovered. Many treasure hunters have tried to find this hidden treasure, but none have been successful so far.

The spiral staircase of Kellie's Castle leads to a secret room
The spiral staircase of Kellie’s Castle leads to a secret room
 The spiral staircase of Kellie's Castle
The spiral staircase

Another intriguing myth is the tale of a ghost child that haunts the castle. According to eyewitness accounts, visitors have reported seeing a ghostly figure of a child wandering the halls of the castle. Some even claim to have heard the sound of a child’s laughter echoing through the empty rooms.

The Daughters Room in Kellie's Castle
The Daughters Room in Kellie’s Castle
This is the room for Kellie's daughter named Helen. Her ghost have been sighted by visitors in this room
This is the room for Kellie’s daughter named Helen. Her ghost have been sighted by visitors in this room

There are also stories of paranormal activities and apparitions within the castle. Visitors have reported strange occurrences such as doors opening and closing on their own, unexplained cold spots, and the feeling of being watched. These eerie encounters have only added to the castle’s reputation as a haunted place. Despite the legends and myths surrounding Kellie’s Castle, it continues to attract visitors from all over the world, thus remaining to be one of the popular destinations in Malaysia for those seeking an adventure.

Capturing the Beauty of Kellie’s Castle

Kellie’s Castle is a photographer’s dream come true. With its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings, it offers endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos. The castle’s exterior is a sight to behold, with its majestic structure and intricate details. From the moment you lay eyes on it, you can’t help but be captivated by its beauty. The combination of old British architecture and the natural landscape creates a unique and enchanting backdrop for photography.

The Main Hall of Kellie's Castle Perak
The Main Hall of Kellie’s Castle

Inside the castle, you’ll find a treasure trove of photo-worthy spots. The elaborate ceilings, secret doors, and rich history make for interesting and visually appealing shots. So, make sure to do your best pose thus take the best photos as memoirs when you visit here!

The hallway of Kellie's Castle
The hallway of Kellie’s Castle

But it’s not just the castle itself that makes for great photos. The surrounding gardens and greenery provide a beautiful setting for outdoor shots. Take a stroll through the landscaped garden and discover hidden corners and scenic views that are perfect for capturing the beauty of nature.

Kellie’s Castle Love Lock

Kellie’s Castle features a unique “Love Lock” attraction, offering couples a romantic opportunity to symbolize their affection and commitment. Here, lovers can attach padlocks to a designated area as a token of their enduring love, following a tradition popularized in various parts of the world. This charming addition to the castle not only adds a personal touch for visitors but also contributes to the site’s overall romantic and historical appeal.

Kellie’s Castle Love Lock

Facilities Available at Kellie’s Castle

Kellie’s Castle offers a range of facilities to enhance the visitor experience. An informational counter is available for guests seeking guidance or history about the castle. There’s also a souvenir corner, perfect for those looking to take a piece of their visit home. For refreshments, the cafeteria provides a variety of food and drink options. Additionally, there’s a prayer room for muslim visitors, and clean toilet facilities are available for convenience and comfort.

The directory of the facilities available in Kellie's Castle Perak
The directory of the facilities available in Kellie’s Castle Perak
Plenty of food stalls can be found here
Plenty of food stalls can be found here
Visitors can quench their thirsts by buying cold drinks during hot weather
Visitors can quench their thirsts by buying cold drinks during hot weather
Visitors can buy souvenirs such as t-shirts here
Visitors can buy souvenirs such as t-shirts here
Traditional Malay wares collection
Traditional Malay wares collection
Toilets and prayer room are also available here
Toilets and prayer room are also available here

In conclusion, Kellie’s Castle is a historical gem that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Its rich history, grand design, and intriguing legends make it one of the top attractions in Perak for history enthusiasts, paranormal seekers and curious travelers alike. So, if you find yourself in Malaysia, make sure to add Kellie’s Castle to your Perak travel itinerary!


About the Author

Misa @Lacamisa.my

As a local living in Malaysia, my passion lies in traversing this wonderful country, uncovering one destination after another. Traveling is more than a hobby for me; it's a journey into new cultures, traditions, and undiscovered corners. Another key part of my travels includes enjoying the culinary delights, ranging from simple street food to delicious dishes in upscale restaurants. My ultimate goal is to share these experiences with you by providing a comprehensive guide, complete resources and exclusive discounts for traveling in Malaysia. Stay tuned for more insights and stories as I continue to explore and share the wonders of Malaysia.

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