Friday, March 5, 2010

Kellie Castle, Perak

 

Kellie's Castle was meant to be a home away from home for Scottish Planter, William Kellie Smith in the 19th century in Perak. Being far from his home country, Kellie desired his new residence to be reminiscent of his residence back in Scotland. The castle is perched on top of a hill.


William Kellie Smith was an interesting man who was popular with his South Indian workers. Kind at heart, he erected a Hindu shrine for his workers on the castle premise. As a token of appreciation, his workers in return erected a statue of Kellie complete in a white suit and hat.


 

Construction of this unique castle begun in 1915. However, work came to an abrupt halt with Kellie's sudden death in 1926. The ruins of the uncompleted orange-coloured castle stand in isolation and was overgrown with plants and creepers. In the pale moonlight it takes on an aura of a castle caught in the timelessness of a fairy tale.



Recently, efforts have been made by the Perak State Government to rescue this magnificent structure from falling into ruins. Besides being  claimed to be haunted, the castle is believed to have hidden rooms and secret underground tunnels.

 
 
 

 


The road that leads to Kellie's Castle follows the contours of the land in a dizzying, maze-like fashion, adding to the mystery and romance of the place. There are also rumours that the spirit of Kellie is still wondering around the castle



 

 

 

 

 Getting there is about 30-minute drive and 14 km south of Ipoh City.


 

 


Enterance Fees: RM 4.00 per person

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