Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar, Perak

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 807
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Introduction In analysing the permeability of this route, it is Connecting Jalan Taiping to Jalan Tun Razak is a
Going northwest from the clock tower stretch a crucial to acknowledge elements that contribute to secondary street named Jalan Raja Chulan. The
street named Jalan Taiping, constantly bustling the physical and visual permeability of Jalan Taiping street is easily recognizable with the MPKK building
with cars from PLUS highway. This street consists as they influence the vehicular intensity and activities. sighted on the right side and the Police station on the
of significant buildings along it which are Clifford Going into Jalan Taiping left.
School, Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council, and post Jalan Taiping is a primary road of Kuala Kangsar Another passageways that connect Jalan Taiping to
office. Town, it is a 2-lane passageway that consists of Jalan Tun Razak are Persiaran Bendahara and Jalan
The first junction of Jalan Taiping is Jalan Raja Chulan. vehicles travelling from two opposite directions with Kolej Melayu, which are especially calm and quiet
As the road progresses, it branches to another small added lanes at both sides for operational driveways. as they are rarely used. This is mainly due to the
junction to the right, called Persiaran Bendahara. These make up about 11 meters in width. The buildings such as MCKK prep school and Dewan
Further up west of Jalan Taiping, exist another street has high intensity of vehicles especially in the Jubli Perak made up of huge blocks of the total area
junction called Jalan Kolej Melayu. These routes are of mornings and afternoons during weekdays as there is making it less permeable, as huge blocks promote
great importance to the permeability of Jalan Taiping. a school nearby. less permeability.

Figure 4.6 Street section of Jalan Taiping

Soutce: Author

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

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

4.1.2 pedestrian network

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 809
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

serial views ALONG JALAN TAIPING

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

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

human intensity

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 811
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 4.7 Street section of Jalan Taiping Figure 4.8 People walking across Jalan Raja Chulan

Source: Author Source: Author

The starting point of pedestrians going into Jalan Progressing east through Jalan Tun Razak, there are area surrounding the trees as there are also benches
Taiping is at the post office near the clock tower street parking spots that are evident to be an effective provided.
roundabout and ends at the junction to Jalan Raja barriers between pedestrians and moving vehicles
Chulan. This pedestrian walkway, equipped with although there is an ample space of pedestrian The experience of walking thorugh Jalan Raja
fences and clear pavement encourage pedestrians walkway. This further improves users safety. Chulan can be described as walking through time.
to use the vehicular street. Moreover, the junction This experience is prominent when standing infront
to Jalan Raja Chulan is neckdown to convenient the To study the permeability of the space at both Jalan of Pejabat Penghulu, the building with its British
pedestrians to cross the road. Taiping and Jalan Tun Razak, one of the elements influence and The Kelab Idris with some similar style
that are important is the visual clues that contribute due to both were built in the colonial period.
Since secondary roads, which are Persiaran Bendahara to the sense of familiarity of local
and Jalan Kolej Melayu are calm and less traffic, people and foreign visitors in that town. One of the There is also a certain visual richness when walking
pedestrians are free to roam around and cross the noticeable features of this area is the snow-white from west of Jalan Tun Razak; the vastness of facades
roads. However, at Jalan Tun Razak, one important colonial MCKK building. This significant landmark from a traditional and Victorian style church, to a
feature which is a speed hump is missing at the most acts as a reference point to both the locals and foreign malay traditional kampung, to a palatial-like mansion
crucial area, at the zebra-crossing near bus stop of visitors when roaming around the area. that has aged over time, to a series of old bungalows.
SK Sultan Idris. Although there is a zebra-crossing, Emerging to the institutional area, the immensity
it is not sufficient as vehicles are speedy, especially Moreover, having the oldest rubber tree in the area of the green field that acts as a foreground for
at that route. Hence, pedestrians have to be extra really does attract some attention and it is evident at the prestigious MCKK building is profound. This
cautious when crossing. the junction of Jalan Raja Idris and Jalan Tun Razak. well-manicured green field allows the pedestrian to
People are seen mingling around the shaded rest their eyes whilst marveling at the magnificient
building.

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

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

4.2 jalan daeng selili and connecting roads

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 813
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

4.2.1 Vehicular network

Jalan Deng Selili is the main road situated at Lembah Kuala which is Persiaran Jalan Temenggung and Jalan Syahbandar.
Lembah Kuala that connects the visitors from Sungai Perak.Most of the users are Byleftofthestreetsectionistheviewof SungaiPerak
north of Kuala Kangsar which are Ipoh and include lorry and cars during peak hours, and Craft shophouses by the left.
Sayong, to southern area which is Jalan Kangsar. meanwhile there are numbes of cyclist who uses For vehicles who already enters to Persiaran
The road is two lane road that connects to several the roads too.There are clearly seen as by the left Sungai Perak the users will exits from Lembah
junction of secondary roads to Kuala Valley,as and right From Persiaran Sungai Perak its generally Kuala mainly through Jalan Syahbandar which
well directs to landmark of the Clock Tower. connects all the secondary roads of Jalan Laksamana, will directs back to the landmark of Clock Tower.
From north, along Jalan Daeng Selili,visitors
will enter to Lembah Kuala through first junction Figure 4.10 section of the main road connecting to Kuala Valley which is Jalan Daeng
called Jalan Laksamana that will bring to east of
Lembah Kuala.From Jalan Daeng Selili heading Selili showing the street furniture and hardscape on the both side
to area of Lembah Kuala is accessible by vehicles Source: Author
networks including bus, cars and motorcyles.
From Jalan Daeng Selili its connects to other
secondary roads of Lembah Kuala which are
Jalan Laksamana, Jalan Temenggung and
Jalan Syahbandar. Vehicles from Ipoh mostly
will access to Lembah Kuala through Jalan
Laksamana and Jalan Temenggung.Both are two
lane roads.Through Jalan Laksamana and Jalan
Temenggung will directs users to the east of

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

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

Besides, if the users enter to Lembah Kuala
through Jalan Temenggung there are situated rows
of shophouses in both left and right side,and can be
seen clearly first two rows of buildings is the old
colonial shophouses style while walking further is
another rows of new shophouse with a more modern
facade style.They can be easily identify as
new buildings because they are completed with
sidewalks of pacovering on both side of the street.

Figure 4.11 Jalan Syahbandar is the main and only exits roads
for vehicular exits to Clock Tower during weekend
Source: Author

Jalan Syahbandar Figure 4.12 section of Jalan Syahbandar showing the physical elements on both
Observing activity in Jalan Shahbandar, its right and left side, the street is in between the hardscape component and the row of

records higher intensity of various kind of users, colonial shophouses
which include pedestrians, motorcars, cyclist and Source: Author
as well cars.During weekdays,because there are
no particular activity happens in Kuala Valley, the
amount of cars .driving the roads is increasing only
on peak hours, while it as well provides parking
spaces on both left and right side of the streets
but usually less cars park on weekdays.

Speaking in terms of visual elements, along
Jalan Laksamana there are few another tertiary lane
that leads to the few row of the shophouses.Kolej
Komuniti Kuala Kangsar is on the left of this road
and going futher to the end there are some visitors
attraction like Medan Selera, Arena Bazar Kuala
Kangsar as well the Craft Central Shop.Through
observations, the street section of Jalan Laksamana
that consist of nodes area by left and right is
influenced by the social activity mainly on weekend.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 815
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

4.2.2 pedestrian network AND SERIAL VIEW ALONG JALAN DAENG SELILI

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

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

HUMAN INTENSITY

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 817
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 4.13 Activity happened along Jalan Laksamana Figure 4.14 The morning market that takes place along Jalan Figure 4.15 At Persiaran Sungai Perak, pedestrians users is
involves both users of pedestrians and vehicles especially Temenggung every saturday and sunday captured a big increasing as the visitors are heading to several nodes
numbers of pedestrian users penetrate around the area. around as well going to the Dataran Sungai Perak
during weekends. Source: Author Source: Author
Source: Author

The area of Lembah Kuala is in walkable Walking along Dataran Vespa, it is completed Going along Jalan Daeng Selili and Jalan
distance around 15 minutes to 20 minutes.Because with landscape elements to adapt with the nature Temenggung Wan Hassan is colonial shophouses
of the Lembah Kuala is situated near to the other view of Laman Budaya and Sungai Perak which architectural styles meanwhiles by Jalan
commercial area of zone Pau Yut Lai, most of located at the right side.From Dataran Persiaran Nakhoda and Persiaran is located the
pedestrians coming from Jalan Kangsar.From , the pedestrian can across Jalan Syahbandar to modern architectural styles of shophouses.
the clock tower directs to Jalan Syahbandar the penetrate to other tertiary roads which located After meeting at the junction of main
authorities provides hardscape and landscape to the shophouses and groceries stores. The secondary roads which is Jalan Temenggung
makepedestrianfriendlyenvironments.Futhermore, tertiarty roads is parallel with Jalan Daeng Selili there are rows of shophouses in both left and right
this shortcuts make its easier for the users which and Persiaran Sungai Perak. They connects side,and can be seen clearly at the end of the roads
includes motorcyclist, cyclist and the pedestrian perpendiculary with roads of Jalan Laksamana, is the view of Sungai Perak.During weekends,
who are heading to the Lembah Kuala. From focal Jalan Temenggung and Jalan Syahbandar the intensity of pedestrians is highly recorded
point of Clock Tower, users will walk by Dataran The tertiary roads includes Jalan Temenggung at this street because of the activity of morning
Vespa which situated by side of Jalan Syahbandar. Wan Hassan, Jalan Dato Maharajalela, and Jalan market that happens along Jalan Temenggung.The
Dataran Vespa is hardscape with pavement cover Nakhoda.Walking through these tertiary roads is bussiness stall that opened along Jalan Temenggung
walkway suitable for the pedestrians and cyclist facing to the facade and back lane of the shophouses. is the longest compared to another roads, thus
users who are going to the Persiaran Sungai Perak. it is not available for vehicles to use the lane.

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

818 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS Figure 4. : Map showing the vehicular network of the main streets and adjoining roads
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN
which particularly shows Jalan Taiping, Jalan Bendahara and Jalan Kangsar.
4.3 JALAN KANGSAR AND CONNECTING ROADS Source: Author

INTRODUCTION: ACROSS THE BUZZING
JALAN KANGSAR

Three main roads, originating from the Clock
Tower roundabout namely Jalan Taiping, Jalan
Bendahara and Jalan Kangsar, has been designed to
form a loop of circulation for motorized vehicles,
and going along these main streets, smaller roads
such as secondary roads and tertiary roads is
further branched out to increase the permeability
of the urban area in Kuala Kangsar town.

As a general description, taking the Clock Tower
roundabout as the ‘zero point’ for Kuala Kangsar
town, both Jalan Taiping and Jalan Kangsar radiates
directly from the Clock Tower. Jalan Taiping goes
northwest of Kuala Kangsar, while Jalan Kangsar
propagates to the below part of the town. Along
with these two roads comes Jalan Bendahara, cuts
straight in the north south direction and link the
two Jalan Taiping and Jalan Kangsar together.

Physically, Jalan Taiping, Jalan Kangsar and Jalan
Bendahara are regarded as the main roads at the lower
west portion of the town. From Jalan Taiping, two
secondary roads namely Persiaran Pasar and Jalan
Pasar begin to permeate deeper into the town’s area.

Lorong Kangsar and Lorong Belakang become
the secondary streets that originated from the
buzzing Jalan Kangsar, while Jalan Bendahara
is distributed further into two roads, which are
Persiaran Bendahara and Medan Bendahara.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 819
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

4.3.1 VEHICULAR CIRCULATION

JALAN TAIPING

Jalan Taiping becomes the main road that brings Going deeper across Jalan Taiping towards the This observation is consistent with the fact
motorized vehicles into Kuala Kangsar town Clock Tower, the main road is further branched that during these hours, the nearest schools
from the PLUS Highway network. It is a tarred out into a few more roads and secondary roads. around the town has releases their students
road, in its optimum condition that spread across The roads that directly connected to Jalan which eventually contribute to high traffic
the width of two-carriageways, about 3 meters Taiping are Jalan Raja Idris, Jalan Dato Sagor, and pedestrian intensity along this road.
each, carrying traffic from both directions. Jalan Kolej Melayu, Persiaran Bendahara,
Jalan Raja Chulan and Jalan Daeng Selili. Other than that, the road system where Jalan
As it serves as the main network that brings Taiping is directly connected to the other 4
vehicles to and fro the town, the road is rather wide Most of the time the traffic is quite calm, in regards main roads terminating at the Clock Tower
if compared to the other primary streets. This will with the wide road facility that can support high roundabout has also caused traffic congestion.
increase the overall capacity of the road. Jalan taiping intensity of vehicles to travel upon it. Nonetheless, Nonetheless, the traffic along Jalan Taiping is
becomes the spine of the town, from the up west the traffic observation along Jalan Taiping has observed slowly degrades during night time, after
area going straight in horizontal direction towards recorded that the road is usually more hectic during business hours as there are very slight recorded
the Clock Tower; the Kuala Kangsar’s zero point. day hours, and peaked during noon and late evening. activity found around this area during the night.

In terms of visual experience, Jalan Taiping has
gained far more benefit than one can imagine.
The extensive spread of Jalan Taiping in a strong
and significant straight, horizontal line at about 3
kilometers away from the ‘zero point’ has become
the perceptible axis of Kuala Kangsar town.

This very strong axis has visually led the Figure 4. : The street section of Jalan Taiping showing the carriageways and dimension
vehicle users to experience and perceive its
surrounding more effectively, as travelling of the road and the surrounding buldings.
in a straight line keeps the concentration of Sour ce: Author
the users onto the same point of perspective,
which will finally discharged upon the Clock
Tower, as the town’s significant reference point.

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

820 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS JALAN PASAR AND PERSIARAN PASAR
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN
Going along Jalan Taiping towards the CloTchke Pasar Besar attracts high level of crowds
Figure 4. : The different ambience between the buzzing day Tower, one can slightly see the Pasar Besarthorfoughoutthewholemorning forentireweek,which
time and during the night surrounding the Clock Tower. Kuala Kangsar. Upon arrival at the Clock Towmero,st probably contribute to the name of nearby
Source: Author the Pasar Besar can be reached by making a shastrrpeets such as Jalan Pasar and Persiaran Pasar.
turn at right of Jalan Taiping towards Jalan PasJaarl.an Pasar and Persiaran Pasar is a triple
Figure 4. : The Clock Tower becomes the main focal point where
main roads are connected directly to it. carriage way road, at at its side vehicle parkings
Source: Author Located at the right side of Jalan Pasar is anothareer allocated. The market start operating as
junction going to Persiaran Pasar. Basicalelayr,ly as 5am, hence the vehicular intensity starts
these roads become the main vehicular path tphialting up and reaches the maximum intensity
leads people into Pasar Besar of Kuala Kangsianr. the morning. Several pedestrians are seen
Pasar Besar of Kuala Kangsar is one of cthoeming across Jalan Taiping to the market.
important nodes found here along JaTlahne crowd dismissed after the market closed in
Taiping. Situated just beside the Kuafltaernoon, at about 1-2pm. On Friday, a night bazaar
Kangsar Municipal Council, this facility cwainll be held along Persiaran Pasar, causing hustle
be slightly seen from the main Jalan Taipinangd. bustle in that area. Other than that day, Jalan

Pasar and Persiaran Pasar are rather quiet at night.

Figure 4. : The street section across Jalan Pasar showing the number of carriageways, Figure 4. : Street sketch on Jalan Pasar showing the crowd

respective dimensions and different levelling across the road. environment during its bussiness hours.
Source: Author Source: Author

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 821
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

JALAN KANGSAR To study the permeability of an urban space, One of the little node found on this road is the
one of the elements being considered is the well-known Pau Yut Loy. Pau Yut Loy is famous
Viewing south from the central clock tower there richness of visual clues. A visual clues permits for its mouthwatering Pau (steamed buns) across
spread the buzzing Jalan Kangsar, constantly the discovery of spaces that can give an ample generations. What is more intriguing about this
visited by locals as well as tourists. Generally, the idea when perceiving the whole town. Effective little restaurant is its location itself. Taking up
buildings that stand along Jalan Kangsar serve visual clues also offers its occupants the sense of the corner of the shop lot, the Pau Yut Loy is
as the center for commerce and services, as they familiarity, security and comfort when being in located on the intersection point between the
constitute a large number of shops, bank branches, the town centre. This is fundamental to build a two different angle of the road, which makes it
eatery spots, government clinics and also a school. functioning environment and community while visible from the very two ends of Jalan Kangsar.
enhancing the premeability of the assessed area
The greens and recreational part of the street
is actually situated at the road entrance near One of the richest visual clues going to and along Figure 4. : The Pau Yut Loy restaurant located at the corner lot
the clock tower which is also a substantial Jalan Kangsar is the clock tower, which connects of the shopblock, benefiting the visual clues from the two end
element found here along this road. directly to Jalan Kangsar. The building facade that
Under the permeability study section, it is is laid along this road also become the richness of of Jalan Kangsar.
important to acknowledge the elements of this visual perception when walking through the street. Source: Author
road that makes it so permeable to the local and The facade of the shophouses, multi-layered with
foreign visitors, demonstrated by the recorded different architectural styles, from different eras,
human intensity and the associated activities. and the variation of dimensions, volumes and
height made this street unique, inviting and lively.
Jalan Kangsar is made accessible mainly from
two entry points, which are the junction going
south from the central clock tower, and at the
other end of the road going east from the labu
sayong sculpture situated at the roundabout.
This vehicular path is a tarred road spanning
across 500 metres, with the width of two and four
lanes passageway (refer to Figure 4. ) respectively
carrying vehicles from the two opposite directions.

Figure 4. : The street section across Jalan Kangsar showing the number of carriageways

and pedestrian sidewalks.
Source: Author

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

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

JALAN BENDAHARA Figure 4. : The Church of Resurrection as can be seen from Kuala Kangsar Terminal Bus Station is a node
the junction going into Jalan Bendahara that connects the visual perception along the road,
The visual permeability along this road started Source: Author furthermore it also acts as a physical permeability
off at the junction alongside Jalan Taiping. node. The terminal is where public transports
From the junction, one can see the Church of Figure 4. : Kuala Kangsar Bus Terminal discharge the people, as well as the starting point of
Resurrection at the left side of Jalan Bendahara. Source: Author a journey within and outside Kuala Kangsar town.
The church can be simply spotted from the
starting point of Jalan Bendahara, thanks to the There is also a taxi terminal beside the bus station,
grassy land around it, opens up the whole area provided with vast parking space. According
around the church and makes it easily perceived to the taxi drivers, most of the passengers are
even when travelling across Jalan Taiping. tourists that want to visit the royal district.
However, from the perspective of Kuala Kangsar
Going further into Jalan Bendahara, one can see the town, the public transportation services are a
Clifford School of Kuala Kangsar on the right. The bit occasional and without a proper schedule.
school extends along almost three quarter of the street
thus compose most of the right façade along this road. The availability of buses and taxis around the town
However, the brick fencing has somehow are very few, thus limit the exploration of places
reduced the visual perspective along this road. around Kuala Kangsar, hence people have to walk
or find an alternative modes of transport to go to the
Figure 4. : The frontal facade of the Clifford School as can area where there is no public transportation service.
be observed all along Jalan Bendahara
Source: Author Jalan Bendahara has spread along a distance from
the junction alongside Jalan Taiping until it meets
a termination point at the roundabout with Labu
Sayong sculpture. The road connects both Jalan
Kangsar and Jalan Taiping together, like a by-pass
that completes the loop of main roads ar the lower
west portion of Kuala Kangsar town. Thus, the
traffic circulation of the town can be controlled more
effectively to traffic congestion during peak hours.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 823
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

PERSIARAN BENDAHARA AND MEDAN
BENDAHARA

Since Jalan Bendahara significantly cut across the From Jalan Bendahara there are other connecting Figure 4. : The signboard showing the street name can be seen
two main roads, it is regarded as a good alternative streets---Persiaran Bendahara and Medan
route to avoid traffic congestion along the Bendahara, linking to a precinct known as at the entrance point of Jalan Bendahara.
buzzing Jalan Kangsar. Jalan Bendahara is a dual- the new area of Kuala Kangsar, established in Source: Author
carriageways heading to both directions. Branching 1980s. Persiaran Bendahara runs parallel to Jalan
off from this main road are other secondary roads Kangsar. The northern half of Persiaran Bendahara
that bring users into commercial part of the area. is just one direction and rarely used. However, the
However, there are only one street that goes directly other part which is in two directions acts as one
to Jalan kangsar on the other side of the road. of the main entrance to the shophouses area, with
a row of all time busy fruit market located at the
Figure 4. : Jalan Bendahara terminates at the sculptures Labu end. Cars can park along both sides of the road
Sayong roundabout before diverged to other main roads in at around fifty car parks provided and a few for
the town. motorbikes as well. Pedestrians mostly cross the
Source: Author road to take a shortcut to Jalan Kangsar. Otherwise
they have to walk in front of the shops or on the
streets because there is no pavement provided.
There are two benches in front of the shops
where people especially the owners like to sit.

Figure 4. : Overview of Jalan Bendahara Figure 4. : Street section on Persiaran Bendahara.
Source: Author Source: Author

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

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

Figure 4. : Southern part of Persiaran Bendahara has more Medan Bendahara is a tertiary road consists of Student hang out in restaurants occasionally
network that spread across the commercial area, new during weekdays, meanwhile few taxi drivers are
users, leaving or entering the commercial area. area as referred to the local community. The streets spotted especially during afternoon, about 2-5pm.
Source: Author function as shortcuts to travel between the main roads
(Jalan Taiping, Jalan Bendahara and Jalan Kangsar) A small district where varieties of clothings are sold
to avoid hectic traffic, mostly in single direction. is identified, though not much customers are seen in
that area. This area becomes almost vacant during
Alot of car parks are provided and partly are occupied weekends, same situation goes to every night. Unlike
during weekdays. Still, the shophouses seems a bit the usual shophouses, the back lane in this area are
deserted except for bank (Maybank) and eateries. relatively more spacious. Instead of just walking,
some motorcycles are parked along the back lane.

Figure 4. : Northern part of Persiaran Bendahara seems less Figure 4. : Clothing district. Figure 4. : Alleys in between shophouses are utilised as open
dense, facing the rear facade of shophouses along Jalan Source: Author
kitchen.
Kangsar. Source: Author
Source: Author

Figure 4. : Fruit stalls at the end of Persiaran Bendahara (left) Figure 4. : Fully occupied car parks in Medan Bendahara only Figure 4. : Backlane can be accessed easily due to the wide
walkway provided. Some motorcycles are parked along the
and the back lanes of shophouses along Persiaran Bendahara in weekdays.
Source: Author Source: Author backlane.
Source: Author

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 825
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

4.3.2 PEDESTRIAN NETWORK

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

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

SERIAL VISION along jalan kangsar

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 827
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

HUMAN INTENSITY

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

828 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS JALAN KANGSAR JALAN BENDAHARA

PEXEPDLOERSINTGRTHIAE RNOYFAAL CTOIWLNITY One of the most noticeable features of JalTahnere are very few pedestrian facilities available
Kangsar is the pedestrian pavement itsealcfr.oss this road. Despite the nature of the public
JALAN PASAR AND PERSIARAN PASAR It is a covered walkway along the rofaadcilities present along this street, the pedestrians
that is within the property line of the shaorpe not provided with sufficient alternatives to
Both Jalan Pasar and Persiaran Pasar have no houses, which is deemed usable for publtircasvel from one point to another. Jalan Bendahara
proper pathway that is reserved for pedestrian providing pedestrians shade from sun and rahino.used several urban nodes along its way, which
users. However, the planning of the shop lots and
blocks surrounding this area has been designed in are the Church of Resurrection, Kuala Kangsar
such way it is broken down into smaller area of The ingress point for pedestrians going into JalTaenrminal Bus Station and the Clifford School.
blocks with alternating breaks, junctions and routes. Kangsar starts at Dataran Putra, near the clock
The good that come out of this type of planning tower roundabout. These green spots around KuaCllaifford School students often use the public bus at
is that it will give more physical permeability Kangsar town other than providing decoratitvhe bus terminal. During peak hours in the morning
for vehicular circulation, as it provides a wider landscape for leisure activity, is actually the moanstd late noon, we observed that Jalan Bendahara
choice of routes going to one destination. important trait of the town’s pedestrian layofuatc.es high intensity traffic after the school hours

This is true for pedestrian path too. Smaller routes end. This is true for the pedestrian intensity too.
such as Jalan Pasar and Persiaran Pasar with TheclocktowerroundaboutasthevehicularentranUcepon observation, the students are seen to cross
narrower street, and junction breaks that opens point of Jalan Kangsar and other adjoining streetthse, road without considering the risks, heading
up into alleys has decrease the overall speed of namelyJalanIstana,JalanTaiping,JalanSyahbandtoawr ards the bus station. There are no zebra
vehicles travelling across the roads, thus becomes and Jalan Daeng Selili, has made pedestricarnossing and pedestrian traffic lights. It is also
a preferred path to be used by pedestrians as it is circulation a little bit more challenging. Vehicolebsserved that this particular road has no proper
more safe to go from one place to another even approaching from every direction at certain spepeeddestrian pavement that can assist the walkers.
without the provision of proper pedestrian walkway. are believed hazardous especially for pedestrians
whom wish to cross from one street to the othTehr.e social activity in Jalan Bendahara is mild in
This, together with the function of Jalan
Pasar and Persiaran Pasar as a route going to compared to Jalan Taiping and Jalan Kangsar. It
Pasar Besar of Kuala Kangsar has become Therefore, the dataran and gardens surroundiinsggood to keep it that way as this street housed a
the generator behind the liveliness and high this area becomes an approach to connescht ool. Other than that, it is also an interchange
intensity of the street during business hours. different areas from the surrounding placsetsr,eet that controls the public transportation flows
equipped with zebra crossings for pedestriannand out of the town. Locals as well as outsiders
use. The zebra crossing is also located far-goaffthered at the bus terminal as an end and starting
the roundabout, hence a more controlled apnodint to discover various places inside the town
lesser traffic which is safer for the walkearns.d also other towns such as Taiping and Ipoh.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 829
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

As the bus terminal and school are closely
connected, Jalan Bendahara is busy with the activity
of the school. The street reaches its maximum
intensity at those two nodes, in the morning and
at noon after the school hours ended. Besides
that, there are some students walk across the road
at that period to and fro from the bus terminal as
they are using the bus service to go home from
school. The human intensity here slowly declines
approaching evening and night time, as this
street accommodates very few shops alongside it.

Figure 4. : The garden square surrounding Jalan Taiping Figure 4. : The pedestrian walkway as a part of the
connect places and is regularly used by pedestrian to cross
shophouses in Jalan Kangsar.
the road and for seating. Source: Author
Source: Author

Figure 4. : Students crossing the road, heading to bus station Figure 4. : The crossing facility along the main Jalan Taiping Figure 4. : Alternative route linking Persiaran Bendahara and
showing kindergarten students being guided carefully to cross
after school along Jalan Bendahara. Jalan Kangsar regularly used by pedestrians.
Source: Author the road. Source: Author
Source: Author

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

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

4.4 JALAN ISTANA AND CONNECTING ROADS

4.4.1 vehicular NETWORK THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 831
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN
Introduction
To the south-east of the clock tower, laid the street DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA
of Jalan Istana going uphill heading to Bukit
Chandan. This road is frequently used by the locals
and tourists to visit the well-knowned landmarks in
Kuala Kangsar.

The area along Jalan Istana serves as the Royal
District as Perak’s Palaces, Istana Iskandariah and
Istana Kenangan were situated in Bukit Chandan,
Furthemore, Jalan Istana also constitutes Gallery
of Sultan Azlan Shah and Masjid Ubudiah along
the road.

The studies on physical and visual permeability of
Jalan Istana help to enhance the understanding of
the functionality of Jalan Istana to the local society.

Going into Jalan Istana
Jalan Istana is accessible with only one entrance
which is the junction going south-east from the
clock tower through the small bridge crossing
the branch of Sungai Perak. The road is going up
to Bukit Chandan where the Istana Iskandariah
is located. Eventually, Jalan Istana is a loop
surrounding the palace.

Figure 4.0 (top right): the ingress and egress of Jalan Istana
Source: Author

Figure 4.0 (bottom right): the section of Jalan Istana situated
between Laman Budaya and SMK Raja Perempuan Kelsom
Source: Author

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

Jalan Istana is a tar finished vehicular path with
two lanes passageway, carrying vehicles from two
opposite directions. it spans about 3 kilometres
from the clock tower to the Istana Iskandariah.

Jalan Istana is segregated according to functions Figure 4.0: Junction of Jalan Bukit Kerajaan leads vehicles to Figure 4.0: Jalan Istana is quiet and calm due to the lower
which the lower part of Jalan Istana is for educational residential area. intensity of vehicular.
area and residential area. Travelling further up
to Bukit Chandan, highlights the landmarks for Source: Author Source: Author
tourism purposes.
Because of this segregation, Jalan Istana is less
permeable even with its prominent landmarks such
as Gallery of Sultan Azlan Shah, Masjid Ubudiah,
Istana Iskandariah and Kenangan Museum. The
main factor is because local society do not treat
this area for daily uses and it is only being use for
special events and holidays.

Vehicles coming from the clock tower going into Figure 4.0: Junction of Jalan Raja Muda connects people to Figure 4.0: The road is served with greeneries, give the road sers
Jalan Istana mostly will then diverged into Jalan another residential area at the back of gallery. the feeling of cozy and calmness.
Raja Muda junction and Jalan Bukit Kerajaan
that will link them to the residential area and Source: Author Source: Author
construction area.

Jalan Bukit Kerajaan is a one-way road connecting
Jalan Istana to residential area and a school name
Sekolah Menengah Raja Perempuan Kelsom while
Jalan Raja Muda is another junction with two
directional paths that create a loop surrounding a
residential area at the back of the gallery.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 833
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

4.4.2 pedestrians network

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

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

SERIAL VIEWS along jalan istana

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 835
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

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

HUMAN INTENSITy

Pedestrians movement along Jalan Istana THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 837
The ingress point for pedestrians going into Jalan EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN
Istana starts at the recreational park in Taman
Budaya and also from the commercial building Figure 4.0: The pedestrian pavement is shaded by the old trees
along Jalan Daeng Selili, Jalan Nakhoda, Jalan along the road
Temenggung and Jalan Laksamana. School students Source: Author
from Sekolah Menengah Raja Perempuan Kelsom
also contributes to the number of pedestrians along DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE | FACULTY OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT | UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA
Jalan Istana.

Along Jalan Istana, pedestrians pavement are
provided starting from Taman Budaya and stops
at junction Jalan Raja Muda. It then continues
at Masjid Ubudiah to Istana Iskandariah. The
pavement along the road is shaded with big trees
with large canopy providing pedestrians shade
from the direct sun.

Crossing the road is dangerous in Jalan Istana as
vehicles from the clock tower are with high speed
while the zebra crossing only provided at the school
area.

Since Jalan Istana is accessible only by one entry,
pedestrians need to go along the way up to
Bukit Chandan in order to get to the Gallery of
Sultan Azlan Shah, Masjid Ubudiah and Istana
Iskandariah.

Figure 4.0 (bottom left): The only food stall in the mosque
compound area
Source: Author

Figure 4.0 (bottom right): Ubudiah Mosque can be seen by
pedestrians from far
Source: Author

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

Figure 4.0: The only zebra crossing exist in Jalan Istana
Source: Author

Going further into Jalan Istana, the only visible Due to Masjid Ubudiah’s strategic location, it
landmark for pedestrians is the Masjid Ubudiah. becomes a strong visual clue that invites people to
However, the Gallery of Sultan Azlan Shah and go into Jalan Istana.
Istana Iskandariah is hardly to be viewed from far The local activity in this area is not really encouraging
as they are not big in scale. Therefore, the discovery because they only operate on holidays and special
of Masjid Ubudiah will make another unexpected occassion such as Friday prayer. As the result, the
discovery of these landmarks. human intensity in this area is lower compare to the
area in the town.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 839
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

4.5 SWOT ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES

- Good visual permeability at the town area. - Facilities for pedestrian such as pavements - Back lanes in Kuala Kangsar can be
Local and tourist will refer to the significant are not fully provided at certain areas. In addition, preserve and improve to encourage more local
landmark of Kuala Kangsar, clock tower before there are some pedestrain pavement which are not activities. The wide back lanes can be used for
starting their journey. From the clock tower, it in well-mantained condition. This has discouraged local activities purposes during daytime or night
disperses into four main roads spreading into the the local or tourist to use the facilities. which would help to revive the sleeping town,
town. Kuala Kangsar. For example, Pasar Tani.
- Speedy cars at main road, especially during - Upgrading pedestrian facilities to attract
- Every road direction is directed from the peak hour. As a result, pedestrian find it difficult to more tourists whom come by public transport. With
clock tower as it gives clear direction to lead the cross the vehicular street. the existance of tourist, it would help to promote
local and tourist. Kuala Kangsar clock tower plays the tourism and cultural activities of Kuala Kangsar.
the important role of zero point of the town. - Tourist spots are hardly to access. For At the same time, it hepls to generate economy of
instance, Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah, Masjid Kuala Kangasar.
- Exisiting main road are mostly in two Ubudiah and Istana Iskandariah are situated
directional way. This has ease the journey of at Bukit Chandan which only can be accessed Figures 4. : Clock tower is the zero point in Kuala Kangsar which lead
flow of vehicular in Kuala Kangsar town. Thus, by vehicular. Walking people in addition with the direction for people.
permeability of vehicular in main roads are highly unsatisfied condition of pedestrain facilities has Source: Author
achieved. reduced the physical permeabilty of that particular
area, Jalan Istana.
- Existing back alley can be used for many
purposes. It has played its role as providing the - Segregation of zone in term of function
people in Kuala Kangsar to carry out their local has reduce the permeabilty of certain area.
activities, like Pasar Tani. This would help to Kuala Kangsar is divided into five zone, which
encourage more social activities in Kuala Kangsar. are educational, commercial, recreational,
administration and royal. Educational, commercial,
and administration area are more permeable and
always in busy vehicular road condition compared
to the royal area as it situated on the Bukit Chandan.

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

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

THREAT CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATION

- Security at night is poor. Shophouses are Clock tower is a zero point and also well known More public transport should be provided in order
close when night comes. Minimal local activities as a reference point for the local and toursist to to ease the local or tourist to travel from one point to
happen at night too. At night time, the surrounding get their way to reach their particular destination. another point. Besides, pedestrian facilities should
environment in Kuala Kangsar is quiet as less people It helps to lead them to the direction which they be improved by providing sufficient and user
linger around . This may lead to high potential of wish to go to. Thus, this clock tower has played an friendly pavement. This would help to generate
crime occur. important role in guiding people direction. walkable Kuala Kangsar town. Cycling route can
be provided for the local or tourist. Tourist can ride
- After local activities ends , there will be With the help of signages throughout the town, on bicycle to travel around in Kuala Kangsar. At the
scattered trash at the back alley. Especially, after it makes Kuala Kangsar permeable to every part same time, it able to promote a healthy community
Pasar Tani. This may lead to diseases or breeding of the town. Outsiders are easily directed to their in Kuala Kangsar. Signboards should be improved
of mosquitoes. destination by main roads, secondary roads and throughout the town to make it clear to the outsiders
also the back alleys. Moreover, the back alleys that to know where are they heading towards.
existed in this town have different character to be Back lanes can be improved or designed so that
compared to other places. more local activities can be carry out throughout
the time rather than functioned as car parking.
During daytime, the vehicular and user intensity at
the main roads of Kuala Kangsar are dense. These
four main roads are Jalan Taiping, Jalan Kangsar
,Jalan Istana and Jalan Daeng Selili. On the other
hand, during night time, the vehicular and user
intensity has reduced drastically. Many shophouses
has closed and less local activities carry out too.

Figures 4. : Night time in Kuala Kangsar The most happening part in Kuala Kangsar town Figures 4. : Scattered trash after Pasar Tani event on weekend
Source: Author is during weekend. Pasar Tani is held along the Source: Author
selected roads and back alley. In Laman Budaya,
a recreational area, there are activities of aerobic,
Zumba, fishing, jogging, cycling, picnic and much
more.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 841
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

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

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

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 843
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

WALKING DOWN THE LANE CHAPTER 05

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

844 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS What are the components of Streetscape?
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

5.0 INTRODUCTION

Why study Streetscape?

For this chapter, the visual elemenst that SOFTSCAPE HARDSCAPE
contribute contibute to the image of the town; Softscape refers to the elements of a In landscaping, hardscape refers to the built
1. The visual elements of a street, including landscape that comprise of live, horticultural environment including paved areas like streets and
the road, adjoining buildings, sidewalks, street elements. Softscaping can include flowers, plants, sidewalks, structures, walls, streets amenities, pools,
furniture, trees, open space and so on are observed shrubs, trees, flower beds, etc. and fountains.
and recorded. The purpose of softscape is to lend character Also, large business complexes, housing
2. Human behaviourial patterns and activities to the landscape, in order to create an aura, ambience, developments, highways and other industrial areas
that occur along the streets are noted with detail and reflect the sensibilities of the inhabitants. where the upper soil profile is no longer exposed
observation, where the key activities take place to the air but covered with durable materials are
throughout the day and at night. (Source: Wikipedia) considered as hardscape.

3. The design treatments of a street include softscape The term is specially used in heavily urbanized
and hardscape. or suburban areas with little bare soil.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Source: Author

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 845
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 5.0.1. Landscape Map of Kuala Kangsar
Source: Author

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

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

5.1 JALAN TAIPING

Figure 5.1.0.: The existence of boulard and Figure 5.1.1.: The old church of resurrection Figure 5.1.2.:: Pedestrian walkway along Jalan Figure 5.1.3.: : Jalan Taiping landscaping around
pedestrian walkway bring safety to the somehow welcoming the visitiors with its unique Taiping brings safety toward the users but it is zero point is well designed and maintained as
pedestrian especially school students. architecture styles and greeneries landscape the high intensity of road users and it was the
rarely being used. heart of Kuala Kangsar.
Source : Author around it.
Source : Author Source : Author
Source : Author

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 847
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

MAIN ENTRANCE TO KUALA KANGSAR

The journey to the centre of Kuala Kangsar As you move further southward, you will Moreover, the vehicular intensity
begins from Jalan Taiping as it connects the road notice that the road has a series alignment of palm increased as the primary road branches out
from the Federal Highway (Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan) trees along Jalan Taiping. The intensity of commercial into secondary roads. Upon arriving the clock
through Padang Rengas. As one reaches Jalan Taiping, compounds increased and few prominent institutional tower, the roundabout is the point that connects
an elevated walkway with majestic ornamentations will buildings can be found. Some local monuments are the roads to every part of Kuala Kangsar.
give you a littleglimpse of what Kuala Kangsar is about. placedconcomitantlywiththesoftscapeandhardscape.

Figure 5.1.4. : Section of Jalan Taiping
Source : Author

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

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

5.2 CLOCK TOWER (KUALA KANGSAR ZERO POINT)

Figure 5.2.0.: 360 view from the clock tower
Source: Archistic Personal Collection (Author)

Source: Author

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 849
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Standing in the middle is the most prominent
landmark and nodes in town itself - The Clock Tower.
Needless to say, the landscape of its surrounding is
rich with multiple layers of softscape and hardscape.
A variety of colours and forms of low lying
vegetation and shrubs decorate the streetscape as it
is the general meeting point for the locals. The area
is rather congested sometimes during peak hours.
From this perspective each road can
be visually compared by its streetscape and
landscape. The junction to Jalan Istana has the
most interesting both planted plants and big trees,
while Jalan Daeng Selili and Jalan Kangsar does
not do so much in contribution of greeneries.
Generally, the softscapes and hardscapes in this area
complete the whole look of the nodes physically.

Figure 5.2.1.: Roads Indication Figure 5.2.2: Clock Tower Sketch
Source : Author Source: Author

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

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

5.3 JALAN DAENG SELILI

Jalan Daeng Selili is no stranger to the citizens of Ipoh The human activities can be found as you go
and Sayong,asthisroad easestheirconnectionbackand deeper to Persiaran Sungai. This is because,
forth to Kuala Kangsar. Along the road, the intensity along the river bank of Persiaran Sungai, there
of greeneries decreases as it has been commercialized. is sufficient landscape that can accomodate the
However this road is not as busy as Jalan Kangsar people safely compared to Jalan Daeng Selili
although there are lots of shop houses along the street. which has less hardscape and softscape intensity.

Figure 5.3.0.The section of Jalan Deang Selili. Refer to the line
section in Diagram 5.3.4
Source : Author

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 851
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Figure 5.3.1 : The view of Jalan Daeng Selili Figure 5.3.2: The view of morning market along Jalan Figure 5.3.3 : The view looking towards the
Source : Author
Temenggung from Jalan Daeng Selili zero point from Jalan Daeng Selili
Source : Author Source : Author

Diagram 5.3.4. Map of Jalan Daeng selili
Source : Author

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

852 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS Jalan Istana is a genuine road that best to
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN describe about the original character of the town of
Kuala Kangsar. Known as the ‘Royal Town’, Jalan
5.4 JALAN ISTANA Istana is the most prominent road that legally tells
the early settlements of the Perak Sultanate.
Figure 5.4.0: Landscape Map of Jalan Istana to Istana Jalan Istana or literally translated as ‘Palace
Iskandariah Road’, is the only passage that connects the
commercial town of Kuala Kangsar to the glorious
Source: Author mansions, historical venues and the one and only
Iskandariah Palace of Kuala Kangsar, where the
current ruler live in.
As the journey begin, the beginning
entrance onto Jalan Istana were highly decorated
with a pair of archway monument decorating at
both sides of the roads to Jalan Istana. This is an
example of hardscape features that compliments
the status of the town. This also helps to support
the local identity of Kuala Kangsar.
However, the roadways to Jalan Istana is
not easily spotted as the landscaped area around the
Clock Tower is too overpowering. with multilayer
type of plants. This could be a disadvantage as the
roundabout tend to be confusing for the tourist that
comes for the first time.

Image 5.4.1: Some of the landscape blocking the view towards Jalan Isatana THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 853
Source: Google Street EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Different from other roads, this road is
not as the same as the other main road in Kuala
Kangsar. The road is influenced by the geographical
factor of the hill. The road is winding up to the
Bukit Chandan (refer to Figure 5.?.?)and on there
is an overlooking view to the river of Perak on the
left-hand side.
Along the road, the aspect of streetscape is
very well defined, as there is a element of hierarchy
in locating the buildings from the road. This is an
example of royal essence of this road whereby
certain important buildings are higher from the
main road.
Other than that, the street amenities also
plays a vital aspect in highlighting the royal essence
of Jalan Istana. The street lamp are personally
decorated with the figure of crown. This is symbolic
to the name of the road and where it leads to.

Image 5.4.2: Section view of Laman Budaya to SMK Raja Perempuan Kelsom
Source: Author

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

ROYAL STREET

Along the road, the aspect of streetscape is very
well defined, as there is a element of hierarchy in
locating the buildings from the road. This is an
example of royal essence of this road whereby
certain important buildings are higher from the
main road.

Other than that, the street amenities also Image 5.4.3: Ficus Microcarpa Image 5.4.4: Albizia Saman
plays a vital aspect in highlighting the royal essence Source: Author Source: Author
of Jalan Istana. The street lamp are personally
decorated with the figure of crown. This is
symbolic to the name of the road and where it leads
to.

The major pedestrian walkway is located Ficus Microcarpa sp. Albizia Saman sp.
at the left-hand side of the road simply because Common name: Indian Laurel Fig Common name: Rain Tree
it brings connectivity towards the river of Perak. Kingdom: Plantae Kingdom: Plantae
inaddition to that, the natural softscape of the Saman is a wide-canopied tree with a large
roads compliment the activity that occur on the This type of tree is a species which may grow up to symmetrycal crown. It usually reaches a height of
walkway. Also, without a doubt the current situation 20+ meters tall trees. 25 m (82 ft) and a diameter of 40 m. The leaves
favour the recreational activity of the people during fold in rainy weather and in the evening. Hence
evening. Local people are easiy spotted along the Source: Wikipedia the name “rain tree” and “five o’clock tree” (Pukul
road taking their casual walking and jogging. Lima) in Malay. Several lineages of this tree are
Besides the hard landscape design elements, available, e.g., with reddish pink and creamish
the softscaping plant also important as to create a golden colored flowers
green link and balancing the ecology system in Jalan
Istana at the same time comforting the road users. Source: Wikipedia
There are certain types of landscaped plants along
the road.

THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS 855
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN

Image 5.4.5: Peltophorum Pterocarpum Image 5.4.6: Roystonea Regia Image 5.4.7: Hakonechloa Macra ‘Aeureola’
Source: Author Source: Author Source: Author

Peltophorum Pterocarpum sp. Roystonea Regia sp. Hakonechloa Macra ‘Aureola’
Common name: Yellow Flamboyant Common name: Cuban Royal Palm Common name: Golden Japanese Forest Grass
Kingdom:Plantae Kingdom: Plantae Kingdom: Plantae

It is a deciduous tree growing to 15-25 m (rarely Commonly known as the Cuban Royal Palm, Florida A graceful, colorful groundcover for shady areas.
up to 50 m) tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 Royal Palm, or simply the royal palm is a species of Slender stems hold bright yellow foliage with thin
m belonging to the Family Leguminosae and sub- palm which is native southern Florida, Mexico and green stripes having the effect of a tiny bamboo
family Caesalpiniaceaea. The leaves are bipinnate, parts of central America and the Carribean. A large
30-60cm long, with 16-20 pinnae, each pinna with and attractive palm, ithas been planted throughout Source: http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2500/golden-
20-40 oval leaflets 8-25 mm long and 4-10 mm the tropics and subtropics as an ornamental tree. japanese-forest-grass/
broad. The flowers are yellow, 2.5-4 cm diameter ,
produced in large compound racemes up to 20 m Source: Wikipedia
long.

Source: Wikipedia

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

856 THE ROYAL TOWN OF KUALA KANGSAR: UNVEILING ITS CHARMS The street facilities are mostly located at the
EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOWN most busy area , like for example the zebra crossing
mostly located at the area of beginning of Jalan
Image 5.4.9.: Jogging activities is one of the prominent healthy Istana. Due to the safe flat land, these areas are
activity that can be promoted along Jalan Istana most likely the suitable zone for crossing the road.
Source: Author Furthermore, the main recreational area (Laman
Budaya) located at this area. In conjunction to that,
this is best to support the human activities around
the area.
However, the serene road that goes up to
Istana Iskandariah provide the suitable condition
for jogging track. This area is active during evening
and during weekend. Plus, the big trees that have
a huge foliage, provide sufficient shaded area for
recreational activities.

Figure 5.4.8. Royal detail are seen
in the designinng of the street lamp
going along Jalan istana
Source: Author