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Get a glimpse of Malaysian history by visiting some of the most iconic historical attractions around the country.
1. Kellie's Castle, Batu Gajah, Perak
William Kellie Smith, a Scottish man who owned rubber plantations and tin mining companies in Perak, started building this mansion to celebrate the birth of his son, Anthony, in 1915. Fascinated by the Hindu religion and India, he imported bricks and tiles from India and even enlisted 70 skilled labourers for the construction.
Unfortunately, the mansion was left unfinished when most workers contracted the Spanish Flu and died. Smith eventually passed away of pneumonia. However, his legacy remains, and in it still lies the first ever elevator in Malaysia.
2. Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Kuala Lumpur
The tallest flagpole in the world, which is 95 centimetres in height, is located at the Sultan Ahmad Building. This historical building was built circa 1897 to house the British colonial administration. However, after achieving independence in 1957, it served as the federal court.
Situated in front of Dataran Merdeka and Royal Selangor Club, it is almost impossible to miss this building which also houses a clocktower with a copper dome and a 1-ton bell that strikes every 30 minutes.
3. Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, Melaka
The original Melaka Sultanate Palace, built in the 15th century, was tragically struck by lightning shortly after the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah began. In 1985, a replica of this majestic palace was built again as a museum. Unlike the original palace, the building structure is built from wood without nails. Yet, it still used building materials from the 16th century using traditional techniques, giving it a strikingly similar look to the original palace.
From antique artefacts and art to traditional costumes and jewellery to weapons, this museum houses items from the 15th century. The highlight of this museum is a sculpture of the late sultan’s headdress.
4. Ford Margherita, Sarawak
The head of state Raj of Sarawak, Charles Brooke, built this fort in 1879 to protect Kuching’s river from pirates. He named this fort after his wife, Margaret Brooke. Every evening back in the day, shots of canons were fired from this fort to mark the end of a government work day.
The best time to visit this fort is during the Gawai Dayak festival, when the fort will be decorated with traditional elements. Fort Margherita is also disabled-friendly and has special provisions for elderly visitors.
5. Sultan Ibrahim Building, Johor
In the 1970s, the Sultan Ibrahim Building was one of the tallest buildings in Johor. Combining eastern and western architecture, this building was once used by the Japanese Imperial Army as a fortress and to spy on the British Army in Singapore during World War II.
This 60,000 sq. ft. building cost approximately RM2 million to build and was used as the State Assembly Hall for 69 years until 2009. To visit this historic building, you will need permission from the security guard of the building compound. It will be worth it as you can see the Straits of Johor and the skyline of Singapore from here.
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