PERAK : KUALA KANGSAR

BY HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

30 JUNE 2024

Kuala Kangsar is the Royal Town of Perak, located at the downstream of Sungai Kangsar where it joins the Sungai Perak, about 235 km from Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Kangsar is known for some of its popular attractions which include the Ubudiah Mosque, Victoria Bridge, Perak Royal Museum, Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah etc.

Sungai Perak or Perak River is the 'River of Life' for Perak state in Malaysia. It flows over 400 km  in a 15,000 km2 catchment that covers 70% of the state land. The second longest river in Peninsular Malaysia, it starts from the north-western corner of the state, flows south to Teluk Intan, where it bends westward and into Straits of Malacca. 

It was here the first rubber tree was planted in the then Malaya, by the English botanist Henry Nicholas Ridley, director of Singapore Botanic Gardens in 1877. 

The first Rubber tree planted in Malaysia 
(Photo : NST)

My first time in Kuala Kangsar was in 2003 on my way back to Kuala Lumpur from a family vacation in Taiping, Perak. We stopped to pray at the Ubudiah Mosque in Kuala Kangsar.

The Ubudiah Mosque located in the Royal town of Kuala Kangsar, beside the Royal Mausoleum on Jalan Istana at Bukit Chandan in Kuala Kangsar. It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback who was also responsible for the design of the Ipoh Railway Station and the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. 

2018 - KUALA KANGSAR

MASJID AZIZIAH

KG. KETIOR DALAM

KUALA KANGSAR, PERAK

5 AUGUST 2018

On 4 August 2018, the Awareness Team of Yayasan Jantung Malaysia (YJM) left our office at Jalan Semarak Kuala Lumpur heading to Kuala Kangsar, Perak for 3 health screening programs that were held in Kuala Kangsar and Teluk Intan in Perak. 

The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kangsar takes 2 hours 45 minutes with a journey of 245 km through the North-South highway.

We stopped at R&R RTC in Gopeng, Perak for lunch. R&R RTC, which opened in 2012, is not just a rest stop. The existence of AgroMall RTC Gopeng gives highway users the opportunity to shop for grocery items while resting and enjoying a variety of meals at this rest stop.

RTC Gopeng (Rural Transformation Centre) is a unique highway stop along the North-South Expressway (PLUS) in Perak. It serves a massive multi-functional hub for government services, commerce and agriculture. 

RTC Gopeng was the very first RTC established in Malaysia. It was officially launched on 18 February 2012 by then-Prime Minister Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak. 

Situated at KM 16, Jalan Gopeng near the Simpang Pulai interchange.

Feature	Description
Agro Mall	A large market managed by FAMA selling fresh local fruits, vegetables, and "Agromas" products.
Mydin Hypermarket	A massive anchor tenant providing affordable groceries and retail shopping.
Government Hub	Historically hosted branches of the JPN (National Registration), Immigration, and various clinics.
Food & Dining	Large food courts featuring local Perak delicacies (like Nasi Kandar and White Coffee) and international chains.
Transit Hub	A major stop for express buses heading North, making it a busy interchange for travelers.
Amenities	Large surau (prayer hall), clean restrooms, petrol stations, and ample parking.

SAYONG RESORT

Kg. Sayong Lembah

Kuala Kangsar, Perak

We stayed at Sayong Resort, located by the river banks of Sungai Perak, it is refined by nature.  

Sayong Resort was founded by the Allahyarham Dato' Seri Ismail Shahudin and his wife Datin Seri Azimah Othman in 2014, inspired by their walk along the Perak River and opened its doors in May 2015. It is designed to reflect the local heritage, particularly the famous Labu Sayong pottery tradition. 

It is located withina few minutes drive to the iconic Masjid Ubudiah, Istana Kenangan and the Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery.

Allahyarham Dato' Seri Ismail Shahudin

Not far from our resort is the Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Bridge, which connects the town of Kuala Kangsar with the village of Sayong, was officially opened by Sultan Azlan Shah in June 2002. This 330-meter bridge facilitates the daily journey of Sayong residents to Kuala Kangsar Town. Before this bridge was built, residents used miner boats to cross the Perak River.

Famous in Kuala Kangsar, the Labu Sayong (a water pitcher from earthenware clay), also known as Labu Picit is one of the famous Malay heritage craft from Kuala Kangsar. This gourd-shaped carafe is used to keep water cool. 

Whether you use it to serve refreshing water or display it as a decorative accent, this Labu Sayong is perfect addition to any room. It is a thoughtful gift for someone  or a beautiful addition to any collection. 

On 5 August 2018, we conducted a Health Screening Program at Aziziah Mosque, Kg. Ketior Dalam, Kuala Kangsar, Perak.

Masjid Aziziah Kampung Ketior Dalam, a historic mosque in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. The mosque is name after Sultan Abdul Aziz Al-Mustasim Billah Shah, the 31st Sultan of Perak ( who during the Japanese occupation in 1942, sough refuge in Kampung Ketior to escape the threats posed by the Japanese military. He resided temporarily at the local Malay School (Sekolah Melayu Kg. Ketior). 

During his stay, he provided a generous financial contribution to repair and beautify the mosque structure. The villager named the mosque after him as a gesture of gratitude of the Sultan's kindness. 

After the health screening program in Kg. In Ketior Dalam, we continue our journey to Teluk Intan, Perak for the next program.

Kuala Kangsar's attractions is worth the time, a fascinating stop on journey through the country. The best way to visit Kuala Kangsar is to briefly see a lot of sights, to get an overall picture of the city. 

Further reading:

1. She walks the world : Perak, Malaysia - A day's visit to the Royal town of Kuala Kangsar. 

2. Michael Turtle : Malaysian Royalti and British Loyalty

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

30 June 2024 : 23 Zulhijjah 1445H: 10.02 p.m

PERAK : 2012 - LUMUT & PULAU PANGKOR

HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

27 JUNE 2024

On 7 April 2012, Yayasan Jantung Malaysia held a Health Screening Program for heart disease at Dewan Sepak Takraw Pulau Pangkor, Perak. 

The journey from our office in Kuala Lumpur to Lumut is 233 km and takes 3 hours and 24 minutes. Lumut is the gateway to Pulau Pangkor. 

We have stayed at Blue Bay Resort located in Jalan Titi Panjang, Damar Laut, Lumut, Perak.

BLUE BAY RESORT

A seaside resort located at Lumut, Perak, right on the harborfront, walkable to the Lumut Jetty (ferry to Pulau Pangkor) and local eateries/markets. 

A popular budget-friendly choice for families and travelers heading to Pulau Pangkor. 

LUMUT, PERAK

Lumut is a town that is familiar to me because I used to serve with the Royal Malaysian Navy based in Lumut in the 80s and 90s.

Lumut is a coastal town and a mukim of Manjung District, located 84 km from Ipoh and 12 km from Sitiawan. Lumut is a gateway to Pulau Pangkor before establihsed Marina Island Pangkor as second gateway. 

The once little-known small fishing village, Lumut is now the home base for the Royal Malaysian Navy. 

Lumut Bus Station. 

The Multi-story car park, a key hub for travelers visiting Lumut and Pulau Pangkor.

LUMUT TO PULAU PANGKOR

7 APRIL 2012

We took an express boat from Lumut to Pangkor Island on April 7, 2012. The purpose of going to Pangkor Island was for the Heart Disease Health Screening program held at Dewan Sepak Takraw, Pangkor Island.

When heading to Pangkor Island, pass through Lumut Base Jetty (Naval Jetty), reminiscing about the days of serving with the Royal Malaysian Navy (1980 - 1996). It was at this pier that I began my journey to an uncertain destination, sailing across the vast ocean, carrying out patrol duties, and so on.

PULAU PANGKOR

7 APRIL 2012

Pangkor Island lies just off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It's known for beaches like Teluk Nipah, Coral Bay and Pasir Giam.

Historically, the Dutch in the 17th century built a fort to control the Perak tin trade, known as the Dutch Fort. 

In 20 January 1874, it was the location of a historical treaty between the British Government and a contender for the Perak throne known as the Pangkor Treaty, which began the British colonial of the Malay Peninsula. 

While with the Royal Malaysian Navy at Pulau Pangkor in 1980

While attending the Program Coordination Meeting at the Pangkor Island Health Clinic on 13 March 2012.

HEALTH SCREENING PROGRAM

7 APRIL 2012

This health screening was attended by 120 local residents. This program is a collaboration with Klinik Kesihatan Pulau Pangkor and the Seri Manjung District Health Office.

If you're considering an island gateway not far from Kuala Lumpur, this little slice of paradise is perfect for you. Not only Pangkor Island is famous for its relaxing ambience, but it is also known for its rich historical heritage. 

No matter which option you choose, rest assured that the journey to Pulau Pangkor is well worth it. 

Located at Kampung Teluk Gedung, 2 km from Pangkor town,  is a 17th-century Dutch fort that stands proud and tall for visitors to explore. The fort built in 1670 to monitor and monopolize the tin trade in Perak. It was destroyed by local Malays in 1690 who opposed the Dutch monopoly, rebuilt in 1743 and finally abandoned in 1748 as the Dutch shifted their focus to the mainland. 

The fort we seen today was partially restored by the Malaysian Museum Department in 1973. 

About 100 meters from the fort is a massive granite boulder known as Batu Bersurat, bears an inscription from 1743 including the initials "VOC" and a famous carving of a tiger mauling a child. Local legend says it commemorates a Dutch official’s child who was taken by a tiger, though historians suggest it might represent the "Dutch Lion" insignia or local resistance.

WELLCOME TO LUMUT & PULAU PANGKOR!!

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

27 June 2024 > 20 Zulhijjah 1445H: 11.16 p.m