A Dream That Never End-Kellie’s Castle

Do you know where is the backdrop setting for the famous movie, "Anna and the King"starred by Chow Yun Fatt and Jodie Foster in 1999?

Okay. Let me give you a clue. It's in PERAK, MALAYSIA.


Eyes-wide-opening expression? Let us bring you there, all to way to KELLIE'S CASTLE!


Kellie’s Castle (4°28′0″N, 101°3′0″E) is located near Batu Gajah, suburb of Ipoh, stood the Kellie’s Castle surrounding by the river.

#1 We're here!

We certainly could not believe a castle that is still stood strong for over a decade in Perak!


And rumors flooded in where the spirit of William Kellie Smith, the owner of the castle, still wandering inside the castle, guarding his great mansion.


This is a MUST-grab-opportunity-or-regret-for-the-whole-life for us, the Jalanism to explore the secret behind this mysterious castle!

After about 30 minutes for drive, we finally spotted the Kellie’s Castle, situated on a edge beside a meandering river near the town of Batu Gajah!

#2 Marvelous! Why didn't Kellie complete his castle!

#3 The oblique staircase that we stepped on was actually built in 1905! 
You do the math!

#4 The unique Bear Tree!

Our first stop was at the main entrance of Kellie’s Castle. There was something you can’t miss, The Bear Tree. It's the newest discovery there!

#5 The view of Kella House and Kellie Castle

The unfinished, ruined mansion, was built by a Scottish planter, William Kellie Smith. He loved his wife so much that he built the second home for the same reason as Taj Mahal - LOVE.

#6 Kellie Castle

The grand mansion with a six-storey tower. Smith was fascinated by the Hindu and Moorish architectures that he imported building materials from India and even employed Indian workers.


It was intended to be the heart of social life for wealthy colonial planters. The birth of his second son was the  start of the expansion of this second mansion. It had:

 #7

Main hall, family altar, reading room, dining room, several multi-purpose rooms and a place of worship.

#8

And also guard house, master room, 2 bedrooms and a guest room.

#9

Not to forget, there was to be a wine cellar and rooftop courtyard for parties with a mini tennis court!

#10 The Corridor

AND It was claimed that Smith’s spirit was seen here!

#11

Yup. We stood on it but we do not feel any spooky things happening. LUCKILY.

=]#12 The elevator

This grand home features Malaysia’s first elevator! I mean, almost. The elevator connects the top roof of the house with two underground tunnels that run under the river just outside the house.


However, troubles followed soon after. The constructions halted in 1926 many of his workers were killed by Spanish flu after WWI, followed by the sudden death of Smith due to Pneumonia.
Smith’s wife, sold all their properties in Malaysia, and returned to Scotland.

#13 Underground tunnel

#14 This is one of the tunnel that connected castle to the Hindu Temple 

Our main purpose was to expose the fourth underground tunnel as it was still undiscovered. 


The other three underground tunnels were connecting the Kellie’s castle to the Hindu Temple 500m in the west, one is connecting to the main gate garage in the south and one is connecting to the road in the east.

So, how about the last one?


There are rumors about this secret tunnel has been used as secret tunnel was being used by Chin Ping ( the famous communist leader in Malaysia). And some said the Smith’s car was parked in one of the tunnels.

#15 Disappointed!

However, disappointment struck us as there is no sign of the fourth tunnel.

To make up to that, we went to the famous Hindu Temple nearby the castle to discover the secret tunnel that linked to it. 


However, we tried looking for this passageway but were to no avail. According to the administrator, it was sealed for safety purpose and to avoid people from getting into.

#16 Hindu temple and one of the administrator

Smith’s wife had problems conceiving. After praying to one of the Hindu’s goddess, Smith’s wish was granted. To show his token of appreciation, Smith built this Hindu temple.

#17 Smith humanoid at the rooftop

People living in this state are treated Smith like their god so in their temple's roof had Smith humanoid.

Truly, the story about the castle is as impressive as the castle itself. 


Kellie's Castle is a place for everyone-for lovers of nature, or fine interiors; of adventures, or photographers.

#18 Two pairs of newlywed

#19 A place that suitable for taking photo

The mysteries of Kellie’s Castle and its creators still remain. It leaves a part for us to fantasies, a dream that never ends and an ending that is undefined.

#20 Jalanism was at Kellie's Castle!

This castle is no fairy tale. So do drop by if you are at Batu Gajah to witness the beauty of Kellie's Castle and unleash its mystery. 

Operation Hours and Fees

The castle opens daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm. There are some documentations pasted on the notice board.

#21 Entrance fees

Getting To Kellie's Castle

If you coming from North (Penang), exit at Simpang Pulai Toll. And if you are coming for Kuala Lumpur, head for PLUS North South Expressway and exit the Gopeng Toll Plaza. From here, take a right turn towards Gopeng town. After passing Gopeng town, you will see a sign that directs you to turn left towards Kellies Castle. Keep going along this this Gopeng-Batu Gajah road and you will see the mansion to your left.

The address and contact for more information:

KM 5.5, Jalan Gopeng
Batu Gajah
Perak

Tel: +605 365 1336

#22 Map to go Kellies Castle

Till then! 

Please click to enlarge photo :)