THE KELLIE'S CASTLE, BATU GAJAH, PERAK

Kellie’s Castle in Perak, Malaysia, is the ultimate "unfinished symphony" of architecture. It’s a stunning blend of Moorish, Gothic, and Greco-Roman styles, but its beauty is rivaled only by the eerie legends left behind in its empty hallways.

The Backstory: A Labor of Love and Loss

Built by Scottish planter William Kellie-Smith at the turn of the 20th century, the castle was intended to be a gift for his wife or a celebration of the birth of his son. However, tragedy struck in 1926 when William died of pneumonia during a trip to Lisbon.

His heartbroken wife moved back to Scotland, the construction stopped abruptly, and the jungle began to reclaim the brickwork.

The Famous "Residents"

Local lore and visitors suggest that some inhabitants never truly left:

• The Man in the Corridor: Many claim to have seen the spirit of William Kellie-Smith himself pacing the second-floor corridor, looking out over what was once his estate.
• The Little Girl: A young girl in a white dress is frequently spotted in what was supposed to be the children's bedrooms. Some believe she is Kellie-Smith’s daughter, though she lived a full life elsewhere; others think she’s a spirit attached to the land.
• The Hidden Doors: The castle is famous for its secret tunnels (four have been discovered, but more are rumored). These cramped, dark passages are hotspots for "cold spots" and the feeling of being watched.
• The Ghostly Smell: Visitors often report the sudden, inexplicable scent of incense or old tobacco in rooms with no ventilation.

The "Darker" Side: WWII History

Beyond the Smith family, the castle has a grimmer connection to history. During the Japanese Occupation in WWII, it’s rumored that the grounds (and the tunnels) were used as a site for executions. This layer of historical trauma is often cited by paranormal investigators as the source of the "heavy" or "oppressive" energy felt in certain basement areas.

Quick Facts for the Brave

Feature	Detail
Location	Batu Gajah, Perak (about 20 mins from Ipoh).
Status	Open to the public as a tourist attraction.
Highlight	The elevator shaft (it was meant to be the first elevator in Malaya).
Spook Factor	High, especially during the "Night Tours" occasionally held by the management.

As of January 2026, Kellie's Castle has evolved from a spooky daytime ruins into a major destination for "dark tourism," with several dedicated paranormal programs.

1. 2026 Night Visits & Tours

The castle's management (Fest Imperio Sdn Bhd) has extended official visiting hours to accommodate those seeking a more atmospheric experience.

• Operating Hours: The castle is now open daily from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM (Last entry at 9:30 PM).
• Night Tours: While regular night access is available, specialized paranormal night tours are typically organized on Fridays and Saturdays.
• October Halloween Special: Every October, the castle hosts its most famous "Night Tour," which often includes:
• Access to the wine cellar and laundry room (hotspots for activity).
• Guided sessions where visitors are left in specific rooms without flashlights for 10–15 minutes.
• Use of ultrasound and paranormal research equipment.

2. The Legend of "Mr. Gopal"

A prominent focus of current tours is the spirit of Mr. Gopal, a laundry worker from South India. Legend says he died heartbroken after William Kellie-Smith failed to fulfill a promise to send him back to his wife in India. During management-led programs, participants have reported feeling "disturbed" or sensing a heavy presence in the laundry area specifically linked to him.

3. "Sleeping in the Castle"

There is a growing "Sleeping in the Castle" activity that has recently gained popularity. It involves overnight stays or extended late-night investigations for serious paranormal enthusiasts. You can contact the management directly to inquire about private group bookings for these investigations.

4. Modern Changes: Solar Lighting

Interestingly, as of late 2025/2026, the management has installed solar lighting throughout the grounds. While this was done to make the castle feel "less scary" and safer for general tourists, many visitors claim the contrast between the lit paths and the pitch-black unlit chambers actually makes the "shadow people" sightings more frequent.

Practical Info for Your Visit:

Official Website:

kelliesfisb.com.my

Ticket Prices: Approximately RM5 – RM10 for locals and RM10 – RM20 for foreign tourists (prices may be higher for specialized night tours).

Contact: +6010-505 4817 / +6011-1535 4817

Nearby Accommodation:

1. DeParkview Hotel : very close to the Castle (RM84 pernight)
2. Royale Hotel, Batu Gajah : located in the heart of Batu Gajah town. (RM85 pernight)
3. Pine Hotel Batu Gajah :(RM126 pernight) 

Google Gemini AI

24 January 2026: 10.00 pm