Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar, Perak

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DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

558 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

PREFACE

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the following individuals and groups, without whom; this studio project would not have been possible:
The architecture department of University of Malaya for giving us the opportunity to embark an enriching journey. To our educators Dr. Mastura Adam, Dr.
Norafida Abd. Ghafar, Dr. Nazli Che Din, Ar. Saiful Azlan Sufian, Ar. Alvin Tham Chee Kang and Ahmad Zharif Ahmad Zahir.
Hosts of the royal palace, Mohamad Dzulkarnain Bin Osman, committee member of Majlis Perbadanan Kuala Kangsar, Encik Mohd Norulamin bin Ahmad,
Headmistress of SJK © Tsung Hwa, shop owners, students of Kuala Kangsar, and friendly citizens of Kuala Kangsar.
A big thank you goes out to all who shared in this memorable journey with us. These collective experiences could not be sufficiently expressed within the
limits of this written record. However, they will last in our memories beyond our time together.
A big thank you goes out to all who shared in this memorable journey with us. These collective experiences could not be sufficiently expressed within the
limits of this written record. However, they will last in our memories beyond our time together.

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Every year, students of Studio 3 will sit for a subject called urban studies which enhances the students to understand the urban elements in design and
implement the urban understanding into their design. The chosen site for the year 2015 is in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. Kuala Kangsar is a royal town which is rich
in culture, history and diversity. The visit took place on the 10th of September until the 13th of September 2015.
On the first day, the students started off with observing the town and zones which are to be covered. The heart of Kuala Kangsar was divided into six
zones in total. A group of six to seven students are in charge of each zone, which includes the educational, recreational, royal, commercial, administration and
religious zones. The students further study their zones through sketching and photographing the urban design elements as well as the architecture of Kuala
Kangsar. Later at night, group discussions and presentations were held to keep track of the development process. Strategies for the next few days were also
discussed.
On the second day, the students of Studio 3 had the privilege of receiving a briefing on Kuala Kangsar town by the Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Kangsar
(MPKK). After the session, the urban study fieldwork of each group continues. Discussions, presentations and strategizing for the next days also continue
during the night. This repeats for the next two days in Kuala Kangsar.
Starting on the 14th of September 2015, the urban study production begins in the studio. The students are divided into new groups to cover the urban
study analysis deeper, which are Urban Morphology, Legibility, Building Typology, Permeability and Streetscape and Landscape. However, the previous
grouping divided based on zones are still kept for easy cross-referencing. By having new group division, the students get to learn and cover more on urban
study. Discussions and presentations prior to findings and compilation were held almost every week to keep track on the development process of the students.
Thus, the process of editing for the book production has been going on for more than a month in the studio, coming as far as on the 30th of November 2015.

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560 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 01 CHAPTER 02

URBAN MORPHOLOGY LEGIBILITY OF KUALA KANGSAR
Discovering Kuala Kangsar
Exploring The Royal Town

1.1 Overview 01 01
1.2 Timeline of 1875 - 1899 02 2.1 Formation of Kuala Kangsar 02
1.3 Timeline of 1900 - 1924 03 2.2 The District and Culture 03
1.4 Timeline of 1925 - 1949 04 2.3 The Prominent Landmark 04
1.5 Timeline of 1950 - 1974 05 2.4 SWOT Analysis 05
1.6 Timeline of 1975 - 1999 06 2.5 Conclusion 06
1.7 Timeline of 2000 - 2015 07 2.6 Recommandation
1.8 SWOT, Reflection and Conclusion 08

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CHAPTER 03 CHAPTER 04 CHAPTER 05

BUILDING TYPOLOGY LANDSAPE AND STREETSCAPE
Capturing The Streets
Walking Down The Lane

01 PERMEABILITY OF THE TOWN 5.0 Introduction 01
3.1 Introduction 02 5.1 Jalan Taiping 02
3.2 Typology 03 Building The Kuala Kangsar 5.2 Clock Tower 03
3.2.1 Royal District 04 5.3 Jalan Daeng Sedili 04
3.2.2 Commercial District 05 5.4 Jalan Istana 05
3.2.3 Educational District 06 5.5 Jalan Kangsar 06
3.2.3 Administration District 07 4.1 Permeabilty of Kuala Kangsar 01 5.6 Jalan Tun Razak 07
3.3 Conclusion 5.7 Jalan Shahbandar 08
4.2 Jalan Taiping and Connecting Roads 02 5.8 Jalan Temenggong 09
5.9 Open Space 10
4.3 Jalan Daeng Sedili and Minor Roads 03 5.10 Parking and Seating 11
5.11 SWOT Analysis 12
4.4 Jalan Kangsar & Connecting Roads 04 5.12 Conclusion And Recommandation

4.5 Jalan Isatana and Adjacent Roads 05

4.6 SWOT Analysis 06

4.7 Recommandations 07

4.8 Conclusion 08

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562 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS Figure 1.1 An ariel view of Kuala Kangsar Town (Source by : khairulmudzaffar’s picture)
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

KUALA KANGSAR

Located 238 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur,
the town of Kuala Kangsar had established
as the Perak’s royal capital at the end of 19th
century. This distinctively royal town is home
to state’s best known landmark including
Masjid Ubudiah, Istana Iskandariah, Malay
Collage Kuala Kangsar and Istana Kenangan.

The population of Kuala Kangsar in 2012 was
146,684 and this small and quint town has also
maintained a strong sense of it colonial era
atmosphere and play a crucial role during Perak’s
Sultanate coronation and other formal royal events.

Kuala Kangsar is more than a colonial architecture
testament. From it establishment in 1887, this
town saw a steady growth both, economically and
socially. Local crafts such as Labu Sayong, Golok
and Seni Tekat are still been practice and your
journey to Kuala Kangsar is not complete without
trying the famously dishes likes Laksa and Cendol.

Figure 1.2 Perak’s infamous landmark (Left) Masjid Ubudiah , (Right) Malay Collage Kuala Kangsar.

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GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

MAP OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA MAP OF PERAK MAP OF KUALA KANGSAR
Figure 1.3 The location of Kuala Kangsar Town (Source by : RNS Publications’s picture)

Perak is one of the thirteen States in Malaysia and Perak can be divided into ten districts, in which Kuala Kangsar is the royal town of Perak. It is
also the second largest after Pahang. It has one Ipoh is the Capital of Perak. Kuala Kangsar is located at the downstream of Kangsar River where
international border to the north with Thailand located between Taiping and Ipoh. The Kuala it flows into the Perak River. The name Kuala
and also share it borders with others States: Kangsar town is the heart of the district alongside Kangsar is believed to be derived from the 99
Kedah, Penang, Pahang, Kelantan and Selangor with Kati, Padang Rengas, Sungai Siput, & Karai small tributaries flowing into the Perak River’.

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HISTORY OF PERAK

The Silver State
There are several opinions on how Perak got its
name. Firstly,t the name “Perak” was came from
Bendahara Tun Perak of Malacca in conjunction
with his visit, while others say that, it came from
the “glimmer of the fish in the water ” that shone
like silver or ‘’Perak’’ as it known in Malay.

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THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 1.7(Top) The royal elephant (Bottom) Riverscene during Figure 1.8 The map shown the new ground for the royal palace (Source: Authors)
festival (Source: Perak Postcard)
Perak’s Royal Seat Kuala Kangsar became the royal town in 1877 and
The 99 Tributaries The site was chosen by Sultan Yusuf Sharifuddin unfortunately in 1926, a big flooding or Air Bah was
Based on “Misa Melayu”, Kuala Kangsar in the Mudzaffar Shah of Perak, the 27th Sultan so rigours hit Kuala Kangsar, it almost swept the
18th century was a small village or “kampong” that of Perak, who ruled from 1877 to 1887. The palace away. Thus, the Sultan decided to relocate
situated at cradled in a crook of Perak River. The Sultan had his first royal palace built beside the the place further up onto the knoll where stands
name of Kuala Kangsar was believed to be derived riverbank. He then named it ‘Istana Sri Sayong’. the current Royal Palace named Istana Iskandariah.
from ‘’Kuala Kurang Satu’’ literally meaning It was the capital of Perak until 1876.[1]
‘’ means ‘one short of hundred’, interpreted as Apart from being exposed to the impending threat
‘the 99th small tributary to flow into the Sungai of invasion, the other problem was the force of By the 1890s, the growth of the tin mining
Perak [1] . Another says, the name of Kuala monsoon seasons, which led to numerous flooding as towns of Ipoh and Taiping had overcome
Kangsar is derieved from the ‘’Kangsar’’ trees water gushed down from the jungles above through Kuala Kangsar, but it remains one of the most
(hibiscus flocossus) which grows in abundance the many tributaries. [1]. Kuala Kangsar has not fascinating royal capitals among Malays State.
along the riverbanks of Sungai Kangsar. always been the official resident for Sultan of Perak.

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566 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
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SUNGAI PERAK AND CORONATION CUSTOMS

Sungai Perak is the second longset river in
Penisular Malaysia after Sungai Pahang in
Pahang. The source of Sungai Perak was fron
the mountains at the north of Perak border at the
Belum Reserve and ended at Bagan Datoh at the
south.Along these riverbank, a numbers of towns
was established and one of them is, Kuala Kangsar.
These royal town has one of the streams that
flow into Sungai Perak which known as Sungai
Kangsar. The term ‘Kuala’ was refer to the portion
of small river joins the larger river or a confluence
of river. During the British Residen inffluence,
there will be a Council Meeting and this meeting
was celebrated as a festival of food and cultural
activities where they congregated at the riverside.

Along the stretch of Sungai Perak that flows past Figure 1.9 The confluence of Sungai Kangsar with the Sungai Perak (Sources: A.Kaulfuss.Penang)
Kuala Kangsar, there is a significant landmark of
the royal town, Sayong. During its heydays. Sayong
was the former seat of the Perak Sultanate before
relocate at Bukit Chandan. Water sports and water-
related activities such as boating, duck-catching,
climbing the slippery poles and decorative boat
race were held to mark the Sultan’s birthday.

Figure 1.10 Boat are the main transportation duringthe old days. Figure 1.11 Boats decorated with yellow cloth during ceremony
(Sources: Malaya Pavilion, British Empire Exhibition 1924) (Source: http://malaysiagazette.com/)

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SUNGAI KANGSAR AND CORONATION CUSTOMS

Figure 1.12 Istiadat Tabal Adat of Sultan Nazrin in Balairong Seri (Source: http://warisanpermaisuri.blogspot.my/) Figure 1.13 Balai Gambang or famously known as Cempaka Sari.
(Source: Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia)
In this coronation customs, three main characters Seri Istana where the new Sultan is throned.
that plays important roles are Raja Yang Dipertuan, Istiadat Tabal Adat, or also known as Ceremony at kuala kangsar, from there, Sultan Perak Darul
Sultan and Raja Pemerintah. The special royalty of Custom Coronation, is an official coronation Ridzuan and Raja Permaisuri visit each grave of
custom also consists of a few stages. The purpose ceremony where the new Raja Pemerintah will the past Sultans by car until along Perak River until
of the The Custom Coronation is to assign the be assigned officially by the traditional Royal Pemakaman Diraja Kuala Kangsar. Afterwards,
new Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan to rule the Perak customs. The grand ceremony is held in the Seri Paduka Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan and Raja
state whenever the ruling Sultan passed away. Balairong Seri, Istana Iskandariah, surrounded Permaisuri will be escorted by the royal assistants
by relatives and personnels of Sultan, Raja and will depart to the last royal graveyard by a
One of the important cutom is Istiadat Tabal Pemerintah Negeri from each state in Tanah special boat or also known as Balai Gambang
Adat (Ceremony of Custom Coronation) which Melayu and Sultan of Brunei Darussalam. which is called as Cempaka Sari. In the previous
takes place afterwards, exactly on the 100th era, before the creation of boats, raft was use as
day of the coronation. The royal event of During the Istiadat Tabal Menziarahi Makam- the main transport to travel via the Perak river.
Istiadat Tabal Adat will take place in Balairong Makam Diraja, it start from the Sungai Perak

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570 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

The earliest settlement of Kuala Kangsar began on Jalan Kangsar was divided using grid system. Then, The town is divided into four major districts which
the western banks of the Perak River, and first palace they granted the ownership of the lands to the locals are royal, commercial, educational, and recreational
for Sultan of Perak was located at Sayong Area. and the shop houses were then erected. districts. Each district was formed by few significant
After the British Colonial Government took over Then the town was suffered from few major floods buildings. For instance, the commercial areas are
the Perak, they started to conduct a town planning and undergone series of expansion. The road system mainly cformed by shop houses, royal district
for Kuala Kangsar and establish basic infrastructure. was well-established and then Bandar baru was then consisted of palaces , educational area is formed by
Eventually, the lands at the lembah area and along formed to enhance local economy. schools and recreational areas are mainly parks.

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After British Colonial Government settled down in Schools like MCKK and Tsung Hwa Primary Chinese Referring to the figure plan above, the road system
Kuala Kangsar, the town has undergone significant School were erected and shop houses were expanded has been well-established. Clock Tower was built and
development with the establishment of basic from river side. Besides, as the population in Kuala its strategic location eventually led it to be the most
infrastructures. Notable buildings like Clifford Kangsar greatly multiplied, Ridzuaniah Mosque, prominent landmark in Kuala Kangsar especially to
School, Hospital Kuala Kangsar, and Istana Negara Ubudiah Mosque and Church of Resurrection were travellers. Besides, the Sultan of Perak stayed in Istana
were built. built to meet the local religions’ need. Kenangan first before shifted to Istana Iskandariah.

As the population of Kuala Kangsar kept increasing, Once again, the town was undergone significant The erection of Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Bridge gave
more similar schools were built to meet the demand. changes in terms of facilities’ improvement and significant impacts to the town as it improves the
Meanwhile, more shop lots were erected to boost up upgrading, police station was renovated, new bus connectivity between the town and Sayong area across
the economy. station, pasar basah and shop lots were constructed. the Perak River and further enhances the economy
of both sides. However, the river transportation
was suffering as the demands to cross the river was
significantly reduce a lot.

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574 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
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FROM SAYONG TO BUKIT CHANDAN

Previously, all the previous Sultans of Perak resided on the right bank of the Sungai Perak, as per agreement made by the 1st Sultan of Perak, Sultan Muzaffar
Shah, with Tok Temong.There was no stronger than a stone palace built for Sultan residing. Perak Sultan's palace only houses built of high-quality wood only built.
However, Sultan Idris chose to reside to the left bank on Bukit Chandan because Sayong always floods when the Perak River flood. A palace called Istana Idris
(later renamed as Istana Negara) was erected on Bukit Chandan in 1895. It was then demolished, giving way to the construction of Istana Iskandariah in the early
1930s

According to the story, this name is named after Sultan Yusuf elephant named Chandan.It seemed that one day the elephant Kulup Chandan has fled King Idris
find out to follow the traces of the elephant to the footprint of Mount Bubu. Upon arrival, he was met by an old man with a long white robe. By not arbitrarily
invoke the old man came and said “Your Highness will become the Sultan of Perak and while Your Highness was crowned as the Sultan later, do not dwell in
Sayong anymore but made a castle on a hill on the outskirts of Batang Hari.The elephant named Chandan
shall be lord freed after seven days of the coronation of Your Highness .... “

Then Sultan Idris become Sultan of Perak and all adviser by the old man have been
discharged by him. Starting from that date remains is the name Bukit Chandan as the
seat of the official palace of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Perak. Finally
he called the hill called Bukit Chandan, and also known as
Seri Anadalan.

ISTANA ISKANDARIAH BUKIT CHANDAN

Figure 1....
Section showing the different level
between Sayong and Bukit Chandan
from the Perak River
Malaya: Then former name of Malaysia

In addition to that, some of the local occupants mentioned that the reason why THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 575
the Sultan had moved to Bukit Chandan is because British wanted to have the power to take EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN
over Sultan. Due to this, the Sultan had to use a particular road which can be seen from the
British Residential house in order for him to go out from the palace. This is the step taken by Figure 1.....
the British to keep an eye of the Sultan Elephants are one of
the early transportation.
Based on Figure .. we can see the different level between Sayong and Bukit Source: Author
Chandan with Perak River. Sayong will be fully submerged and building in that area will be Figure 1....
damaged when the flood happen. However, Bukit Chandan will be saved because its land The first rubber tree
higher from sea level. That is one of the reasons why the Royal family move to Bukit Chandan in Malaya
and why all the palace in Sayong cannot be found. How they move to Bukit Chandan, they Source: Author
used an elephant as their transport and cross the Perak River to go to Bukit Chandan.

After they moved to Bukit Chandan, the town has undergone significant
changes in term of an establishment of basic infrastructure.During this time, road were paved,
shop houses were built by British Colonial Government. Besides that, some notable building
like Clifford School, Hospital Kuala Kangsar and Istana were built. Meanwhile, the first rubber
tree in Malaya was planted beside the resident’s house for testing either soil in Malaya suitable
for rubber tree plantation.

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576 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
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VICTORIA BRIDGE IN KUALA KANGSAR

Figure 1.? the steel-structured Victoria Bridge
(Source: Perak Postcards 1890s-1940s. Abdur-Razzaq Lubis, Malcolm Wade & Khoo Salma Nasution 2010. Areca Books)

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Figure 1.? Once an active transportation hub, The railway station was once a very important means the tin mining transporation route ceases at the
the Victoria Bridge of transportation back in the olden days in Kuala year of 2002, when a wider concrete girder bridge
Kangsar.It wasanactivegatheringpointwherelocals built parallel to the old bridge took over the role of
(Source: Perak Postcards 1890s-1940s. and the British, as well as transported items meet. handling traffic. In the early 21st century, the new
Abdur-Razzaq Lubis, Malcolm Wade & bridge was further upgraded with double tracking
Khoo Salma Nasution 2010. Areca Books) Victoria Bridge, a single track railway truss bridge, and electrification between the Ipoh-Padang Besar
was primarily used by the locals to transport their line to facilitate larger transportations.
tin mining products across Sungai Perak for the
whole 20th century period. It was constructed Today, Victoria Bridge is still actively used.
in a small town named Karai between December However, only its adjoining footbridge is used by
1897 and March 1900 by the Perak Government motorcyclists and pedesterians to cross Sungai
Railway and an engineer, C.R. Hanson. Perak. Its steel structure remains as admiration to
locals and tourists, prevail in becoming a must-go-
Unfortunately, the serving of Victoria Bridge as to destination for Kuala Kangsar visitors.

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KUALA KANGSAR’S PRIDE

Figure 1.?: Clock tower as part of admin Figure 1.?: Administration building
building (Source: Author)

(Source: Author)

Figure 1.? the Big School Building of MCKK
(Source: Author)

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The Malay Residential College of Kuala MCKK has become the precious gem Figure 1.?: West facade from MCKK field
Kangsar, better known as MCKK, is of Kuala Kangsar ever since it was first (Source: Author)
established on the 2nd of January, 1905. found up until today. Its historical roots are
This school is an all-boys premier residential deeply engraved in the hearts of people.
boarding school that is nominated under By looking at the extended buildings, it is
Royal Patronage. It was built to educate clear that MCKK is an important aset of the
Malay elites and sons of nobility. Thus, it is town. It keeps growing to accomodate the
also nicknamed as the “Eton of The East”. increasing number of students studying in
this prestigious school.
The Big Building as shown in figure 1.? was
the first body of today’s MCKK. The school Once, a high-status-only school to a cluster
was then extended to the west and east side school today, recognized not only nationwide
of the main building, as shown in figure 1.? but internationally as well. MCKK is known
and figure 1.?. At the same period of time,the for its strength of alumni as well as its
clock tower and administration buildings, network and linkages. Currently, the students
figure 1.? and figure 1.?, were constructed, enrollment are based on high academic
replacing the Big building as administration achievement and active involvement in co-
building. curricular activities.

Figure 1.?: East facade with the big tree located at the MCKK field
Source: Author

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istana iskandariah

Image of Istana Iskandariah. Image of Istana Iskandariah (image courtesy of “Cempaka Sari”) Image of Sultan Iskandar Shah (image courtesy of “Cempaka Sari”)
Image of Istana Iskandariah.
Istana Iskandariah is the royal palace of the Perak
Sultanate and official residence of the Sultan of Per-
ak since its completion in 1933. It was named after
Sultan Iskandar Shah Almarhum Sultan Idris Mur-
shidul Azzam Shah I Rahmatullah (1918- 1938).

The change in administration resulted in the loca-
tion of Istana Iskandariah that we see today. This
is because when Sultan Idris ascended the throne
in 1889, he shifted the administration centre from
Sayong to Bukit Chandan. Here in Bukit Chan-
dan, Istana Negara was built. After Sultan Iskan-
dar Shah became the Sultan of Perak, he decided
to replace Istana Negara with the current Istana
Iskandariah. He also built the Istana Kuning or Ke-
nangan which serves as a temperory palace while
waiting for the completion of Istana Iskandariah.

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clock tower double lion hotel

Double Lion Hotel during 1967 flood

Clock Tower

The clock tower was constructed in the centre of a The original land where Double Lion now Double Lion Hotel had became a node over the
small roundabout that connects the main roads of stands was initially owned by the royal fam- years due to its strategic location at the junction
Kuala Kangsar town, namely Jalan Taiping, Jalan ily during the 1910s, and was subsequently of Jalan Kangsar, Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah
Kangsar, Jalan Daeng Selili and Jalan Istana. It was sold to an unamed person. During the 1930s, and Jalan Dato Sagor, where people would stop
erected in 1939 to commemorate the coronation of the current owner (Mr. Loong)’s grandfather by due to the convenience. It had contributed
King George VI of the United Kingdom and the Brit- bought the land, and built the hotel in 1941. towards the social aspect of Kuala Kangsar as
ish Empire on 12 May 1937. It was built with funds it became a hangout spot and promotes the in-
contrtibuted by both the government and the public. In 1964, Double Lion Hotel undergone a major ren- teraction between people. It also aid in the eco-
ovation of the front part of the hotel. Unfortunately, nomic of Kuala Kangsar as it gives people an
In the olden days the clock towers played the the great flood struck Kuala Kangsar in 1967, cau- opportunity to explore Kuala Kangsar due to
role of telling the time as people then do not own seing the hotel to go through another round of ren- the food sand accomodation sevice it provides.
watches. Today the clock tower serves as a land- ovations due to the damage the flood has caused.
mark in Kuala Kangsar for directional purposes.

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

586 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

1926

On 28th of December 1926, a major flood, known Image of Chenderoh dam in the past. Example of Pontoon Bridge.
also as “Great flood of 26”, hits Kuala Kangsar. Photo Reference: Perak Postcards 1890s-1940s. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pon-
Heavy monsoon rain and the low Perak land area Abdur-Razzaq Lubis, Malcolm Wade & Khoo Salma
along the Perak river was believed to be the caus- toon_bridge
es of this flood. The water level raised up to 143. Nasution
ft (usually it was 105ft), 8ft more than 1897 flood. 2010. Areca Books

There are several infrastructure built in this era This flood had cause damages and loss of proper- Bridges are some of the main infrastructures and
such as the Chenderoh dam. Chenderoh dam was ty in Perak, where irrigation canals, paddy fields paths in Kuala Kangsar until today. The only bridg-
initially built for electricity used in tin mining and orchards were destroyed. The entire Perak state es for road traffic back then were the pontoon struc-
company in Kinta Valley. After the 1897 and 1926 flooded especially settlements around Perak river, tures at Enggor and Belanja, built in 1892 and 1929
flood, British decided to build a dam to reduce Kinta River, Batang Hulu Perak river and Hilir Per- respectively. The Enggor bridge was broken no less
overflow of river water every year in Sg Perak ak. Emergency assistance and temporary housing than four times by floods throughout its existence.
while getting electricity at the same time. The built of 10,000 to 12,000 resettlements were provided In 1926, the floating bridge across Perak River and
of Chenderoh dam helped control flood occurence by government. The flood receded in January 1927. the Enggor railway bridge were affected by the
as the river water would not rise to a critical lev- flood. The connections from north to Kuala Kangsar
el where daily life of the locals are not affected. was cut off when the Enggor bridge was destroyed.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 587
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

1932

Images of Iskandar Bridge, Kuala Kangsar.
https://sembangkuala.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/iskandar-bridge-kuala-kangsar/

Iskandar Bridge
http://www.snipview.com/q/Bridges_in_Malaysia

Images of Iskandar Bridge, Kuala Kangsar. One of the main infrastructure in Kuala Kang- 928 feet long, made up of seven spans of steel-
https://sembangkuala.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/iskandar-bridge-kua- sar is Iskandar Bridge, which was built at En- work mounted on concrete piers and rising sixty
ggor over the Perak River in place of the feet above the river. Until today, the bridge re-
la-kangsar/ pontoon bridge which was washed away mained as the longest steel arch bridge in Malaysia.
during a ‘big’ flood in the December 1931.
Traffic on the bridge, however, was greatly re-
The bridge was designed in London and was built duced when the Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Bridge
by Messrs. James Craig Ltd, a company regis- (Sayong Bridge) a little further downstream was
tered in Klang. It was officially opened by Sul- opened to traffic in 2003 in conjunction with
tan Iskandar at 10 a.m. on 29 June 1932. When the completion of the North-South Express-
Iskandar Bridge was completed , it was the largest way. This had affected the economical growth
road bridge in Malaya at that time. The bridge is a in the area att the other end of Iskandar bridge.

https://sembangkuala.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/iskandar-bridge-kuala-kangsar/

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

588 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 589
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

590 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

PUBLIC AMENITIES IN KUALA KANGSAR

Figure 1.? the once famous social hub of Kuala Kangsar, Kelab Idris Figure 1.? The Church of The Ressurection is a jewel of Kuala Kangsar for its
(Source: Author) entirely-wooden built uniqueness
(Source: Author)

Figure 1.? Masjid Ubudiah

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/Sekolah-Kebangsaan-Sultan-Idris-II-
SKK-402640623164938/photos/)

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Kelab Idris was an active international social hub the church is still used for worship purposes. Another religious building that is well known not
when it was opened in the year 1903. Since then, Though instead of the British, 40 to 50 members only in Kuala Kangsar, in fact the whole Malaysia,
the Birtish administrative officers and friends of the local Tamil congregation attends the every is the Ubudiah Mosque, shown in Figure 1.?.
of the royalty were the regulars of the club. Sunday Holy Communion Service. Besides that, Sultan Idris Murshidul Adzam Shah I was
However, during the post world war period, in the church also holds activities like Sunday school convalescing in Port Dickson and decided to build
the 1950s onwards, Kelab Idris was a club for the for children. The women’s work and junior youth the mosque in 1911 as thanksgiving for recovery
government officials just like the Selangor Royal ministry have also been revived. from the illness that plagued him.
Club in Selangor. Today, Kelab Idris is opened to
public to hold events such as annual dinners and Unfortunately, the local authority has been Today, the Ubudiah Mosque is reputed to be one
gatherings. planning to build parking lots on the unused land of the most beautiful mosque in the country. Its
beside the church to cater for the New Town. The imposing structure became a symbol of great pride
A few years after Kelab Idris, in 1908, Sultan church is flourishing again these recent years after to all Muslims in Perak. The Muslims who visits
Idris Murshidul Adzam Shah I consecrated the existing for 107 years. Thus, the church members Kuala Kangsar would not miss their chance to
Church of Ressurection, as shown in figure 1.?. disagree to the development and have been trying conduct their prayers in this magnificent mosque.
This wooden church was built for the British to buy the land from the local authority.
officers to conduct their worship services. Today,

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

592 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

PUBLIC AMENITIES IN KUALA KANGSAR

Figure 1.1 Ridzuaniah Mosque Long overshadowed by the immensely Today, the mosque is used
(Source: Author) famous Ubudiah Mosque, Ridzwaniah comprehensively by the locals as a
Mosque is in fact the biggest mosque district mosque of Kuala Kangsar.
in Kuala Kangsar. It was built in 1915
at Jalan Tun Razak, shortly after the Shortly after the Ridzwaniah Mosque
Ubudiah Mosque, during the reign of down the street of Jalan Tun Razak, at
Sultan Idris Murshidul Adzam Shah the junction of Persiaran Bendahara
I. The land, which was endowed by across MCKK, situates a beautifully
the Sultan for religious purposes, is structured Iskandar Polo Pavilion.
situated within a stone’s throw from
the Oldest Rubber Tree in Malaysia. Built in 1920, it was then used as a
recreational centre for court officials
Ridzwaniah Mosque was officially and other dignitaries. During the
opened by Sultan Abdul Jalil British colonial era, members of
Karamatullah Shah in October 1916. Perak Royalty and British Resident
It consisted of a praying area in the watched polo, rugby, football and
shape of eight squares with a dome military ceremonies from the pavilion;
in the centre. Since then, it has whereas today the structure becomes
undergone a few renovations. During part of the public park, Medan
the reign of Sultan Iskandar Shah Pavilion.
(1918-1938), the praying area was
extended to accomodate 600 people.
In 1968, during the reign of Sultan
Idris Shah II (Marhum Affifullah)
(1963-1984), it was extended again, to
accomodate 1000 worshippers.

Figure 1.1 Iskandar Polo Pavilion
(Source: Author)

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Further down the street of Jalan Tun Razak,
next to MCKK, situates another school. Sekolah
Kebangsaan Sultan Idris was first established
in 1880s by Tuanku Idris Shah ibni Al Marhum
Sultan Iskandar Shah.

Back then, it was known as Sekolah Melayu Kuala
Kangsar instead. It did not own its own building
and was then part of the old court located in
Bukit Kerajaan. In 1887, this school was moved
next to Sekolah Clifford. During the Japanese
colonisation, they were both merged together. SK
Sultan Idris II has been existing before MCKK
was established. During that period, only Malays
were given the privileged to enter this primary
school.

Eventually, in 1950, a two-storey building was
built on a different land, now situating next to
MCKK. The school has finally owned its first
self-standing building. Sekolah Melayu Kuala
Kangsar was then renamed as SK Sultan Idris II,
after Tuanku Idris Shah ibni Al Marhum Sultan
Iskandar Shah’s name, as it’s establisher.

Figure 1.?: SK Sultan Idris II is more established now
Source: https://www.facebook.com/Sekolah-Kebangsaan-Sultan-Idris-

II-SKK-402640623164938/photos/

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

594 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 595
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

596 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

1980

Figure 1.? The old blinds of the 30 year old Figure 1.? Morning preparation at the Figure 1.? Antique lock for an antique
shop backlane of the shops door
(source: author)
(source: author) (source: author)

In 1880, along the riverbank of Perak River, know as ‘Lembah’ by the locals, was once where the commercial shops were. In 1920, Jalan Kangsar was developed
with more shops.

In 1980s, Bandar Baru was developed by the government to become a commercial area. The Perak River had flooded the ‘Lembah’ area a few times before,
which impacted in this new development. Many shops are located in this area, such as restaurants, cothes, services, bakery, furnitures and more. The one-
storey buildings were built earlier than the two-storey buildings.

Currently, Bandar Baru is not getting much visit from the locals now compared to when it was expanding. It is mostly crowded at the New Market every
morning. Some shops are not even operating anymore. They are instead used as storage. After one o’clock in the afternoon, there are not much movement at
the area except for the Bus Terminal at Jalan Bendahara.

Despite the low response, some shop owners still try to catch their morning customers, as shown in Figure 1.? and Figure 1.?. Certain shops in Bandar Baru
still operate until 6 o’clock in the evening, even though there are not much sales.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 597
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

1994

Figure 1.? Left: Federal Route 1
Right: North-South Expressway

(source: author)

Situated in between two hustle and bustle cities, Taiping and Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar was once often visited by the users of Federal Route 1. In 1880, the Sultan of
Kedah, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah ordered to construct this roadway to connect Alor Setar, Kedah to Songkhla, Thailand.

The road was soon extended along the west coast, connecting most of the state capitals at that time. The British colonial government then constructed the next
phases for easy transportation to benefit the economic resources in Malaya.

During World War II, the Federal Route 1 received heavy damages due to the Malayan Campaign between the British Army and the Imperial Japanese Army.
The Federal Route 1 was reconditioned after the independence of Malaya in 1957 and the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

Today, Kuala Kangsar can be reached by car via the North-South Expressway which was completed in 1994. However, cars do not pass through the city as it
used to. Jalan Taiping is now the entrance to the heart of the town. As for Federal Route 1, cars will surely pass through Jalan Besar Utara Selatan and the clock
tower of Kuala Kangsar from Sungai Siput, as shown in Figure 1.?

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

598 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 599
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

600 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS The erection of Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Bridge
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN gave significant impacts to the town as it improves
the connectivity between the town and Sayong area
2002 SULTAN ABDUL JALIL SHAH BRIDGE WAS OPENED across the Perak River and further enhance the
economy of local business of both sides. Howev-
Sultan Abdul Jalil Bridge er, the river transportation suffered as the demands
to cross the river reduced significantly. The change
in the transportation mode of the people resulted
in a change in the locals’ lifestyle, from the tradi-
tional boat ride to the more modern land vehicles.

Istana Hulu was first built in 1903 during the reign
of Sultan Idris Mursyidul Azam Shah, the 28th
Sultan of Perak. In 1916, the palace was occu-
pied by his son and successor, Sultan abdul Jalil
and two years later by Sultan Izzuddin Shah.
In 1954, the palace was taken over by the Education
Ministry and was made the Istana Kota National
School. In 1970, it became Raja Perempuan Mazwin
School, named after the wife of Sultan Idris Shah.
In the early 1900s, the school moved out and left
the palace abandoned until 2002 when restoration
wokrs began on the dilapidated palace building. Af-
ter the restoration, it was transformed into a gallery
displayinh mementoes and memorabilia belonging
to the current Sultan Azlan Shah and under the man-
agement of the Perak State Museums Department.

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EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

2008 Establishment of Kuala Kangsar Railway Station

The establishment of Kuala Kangsar railway station links to the tin mining industry back in 1800s. Kuala
Kangsar railway station came into use circa 1899, during the reign of Sultan Idris. It was named after the
town of Kuala Kangsar itself.

In July 2008, it was announced that a new station
would be built nearby Kampung Talang Simpang
Tiga. The Kuala Kangsar railway station is a KTM train station located at Jalan Sultan Idris. The old sta-
tion is then retained as a railway museum. The new railway station would provide more convenient ways
for people to enter Kuala Kangsar and thus improve the social economy of the place.

https://perakheritage.wordpress.com/2011/02/18/a-tale-of-two-stations/

Kuala Kangsar railway station

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

602 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

flood in 2014

Figure 1.? shows the locals watch as water inundate Kuala Kangsar In 2014, Malaysia experienced a disastrous flood
Source: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/per- where Kuala Kangsar was also affected from 25
December 2014 to January 2015. The heavy mon-
ak-residents-recount-worst-flooding-in-years soon rain brought large amount of rainwater and
water from several hydroelectric dams (Besia dam,
Kenering dam and Chenderoh dam) along Perak
river were released at the same time. Thus exces-
sive water ended up flowing into the river simul-
taneously, causing it to overflow and caused flood.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 603
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Timeline of the flood

- 24 December 2014, the third major flood occured due to the release of water from Kenering dam as
the water level had been exceded.

- 31 December 2014, the number of evacuees in the Perak Tengah, Kuala Kangsar, Hulu Perak, Kerian
and Manjung districts dropped to 7,273 from 7,748 that morning. The number of evacuees in Kuala
Kangsar stood at 1,194.

- 3 January 2014, in Perak, evacuees recorded decreased to 6,653 that evening from 6,775 in the after-
noon. Perak MKN spokesman said all victims were still at 42 centres in five districts of Hulu
Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Perak Tengah, Manjung and Hilir Perak. Flood victims in Perak Tengah district
declined slightly to 5,056, in Kuala Kangsar (460), Hilir Perak (272) and Manjung (140) while in
Hulu Perak, the number remained at 725.

Figure 1.? shows a flight of stairs at Sekolah Raja
Perempuan Kalsomwith markings of each
major flood that occurred.
Source: author

Figure 1.? the water rose up to a story high Figure 1.? The locals helping one another Figure 1.? Traffic became congested as the water rises
Source: Source: Source:

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

604 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths Opportunities

- Well known as the Royal town of Perak since the royal Sultanate - The town is a living museum where we can witness the lifestyle of
family had lived in Kuala Kangsar since 16th century. Hence, the royal palace the locals that does not have much changes since the post war era.
today become a significant tourist attraction of the town. - The town has a few significant historical buildings like MCKK,
- Kuala Kangsar was under British colonisation in the past. This Gallery Sultan Azlan Shah, Istana Kenangan, Ubudiyah Mosque and so on
influenced the town to be well-organised and equipped with administration which can be the heritage spots of the town.
buildings, train station, clinics, schools, markets and so on. - The traditional crafting like labu sayong can served as handicrafts
- Perak River which was once the main transportation hub in the state of Kuala Kangsar.
has started to developed into a main tourist spot. - There are significant food where people can savour such as Laksa
- Located in the between two cities, Taiping and Ipoh, where the Bungkus and Laksa Pokok Limau, and pao from Yat Lai Restaurant.
traveller can drop by to rest. - The Perak River has its own potential tourist spot as it has natural
environment as well as beautiful view.

Weaknesses Threats

- The public transport in Kuala Kangsar is not fully developed. Most of - Flood. During rainy seasons, the river water from Perak River will
the locals have their own vehicles as the main transport mode in the town. be overflown, hitting the town badly and bring damages. Usually huge
- The lack of public transport Bring inconvenient to the locals and the floods last for days, depending on the weather and the drainage capacity of
tourists the river.
- Even though there are many tourist spots, however they are not well- - The area near the riverfront are mostly affected. In 1967, when the
promoted and eventually the tourism sector seemed to be neglected. worst flood in history occurred, the flood was nearly two storeys high and
submerged the town for days.
- The most recent flood happened in 2014 at the riverfront and lasted
for a week.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 605
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Recommendation
Kuala Kangsar has the potential of becoming a heritage town and tourism venue.
There are a lots of heritage buildings which have significant historical values to the town development.
Therefore preservation of old buildings and adaptive reuse should be conducted to protect these old buildings.
Series of activities such as promotions, heritage trails, temporary markets and cultural events should be conducted regularly. These activities would
contributes to Kuala Kangsar tourism and boost the town’s economy.Both Perak River and Kangsar River have their potential in becoming a tourist spot. The
town council had placed some effort in boosting the tourism along the Perak River by conducting river cruises. Suggestions like making use of river banks to
conduct various kinds of activities such as recreation and so on by the local authorities can be conducted in the future.Both Kuala Kangsar Town and Sayong
should strengthen the connectivity between each other and enhance the interactions between both areas. By having this, trading activities in Lembah and the

Labu Sayong industries in Sayong area can boosted essentially.

Conclusion
From the study of the morphological changes in Kuala Kangsar, it was found that the land use in Kuala Kangsar increases by time.
After certain buildings were built, there were not much changes in terms of land use in Kuala Kangsar town. Commercial areas such
as the shop houses remained in the lots that were alienated from 100 years ago. Combination of commercial and education districts
along Jalan Kangsar helped improved the economic in that area. The clock tower itself is known as the zero point to the people. The
roads which meet at the clock tower are the axis that lead people towards the other towns. The buildings are arranged in the way they
are parallel with the river. The shop houses near Lembah are arranged in a orderly and grid pattern while the buildings of other functions

are more loosely and irregularly arranged around the commercial zone.

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

606 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN