Title: AE Kuala Kangsar Self-Guided Heritage Tour
Venue: Kuala Kangsar Town
Start/End Point: Kuala Kangsar Roundabout
Mode of transportation: by car
Duration: 3 hours
The AE Kuala Kangsar Self-Guided Heritage Tour is a do-it-yourself tour by car around the heritage sites in the Perak royal town of Kuala Kangsar. The sights can be covered on a leisurely pace in about 3 hours. Only directional information in provided below. For details about each sight, click on the links where the sights are mentioned.
The tour starts at the Kuala Kangsar Roundabout. The light-blue dotted line shows route from North-South Expressway Exit to the roundabout. The dark blue dotted line shows route of the tour itinerary.
1. Kuala Kangsar Roundabout
We begin our tour at the Kuala Kangsar Roundabout. This roundabout is distinguished by its landmark clocktower. Coming from the North-South Expressway, follow the directional signboard to Kuala Kangsar, and you will arrive at this roundabout. Upon arriving at the roundabout, take the 12 o'clock turn. This takes you in the direction of Bukit Chandran, the part of town where most of the important royal structures are located.
2. Ubudiah Mosque
A short drive from the Kuala Kangsar Roundabout is the Ubudiah Mosque, at Bukit Chandran. It is reputably the most famous landmark in Kuala Kangsar, and one of the most recognisable icons of Malaysia.
3. Istana Iskandariah
From the Ubudiah Mosque, continue along the drive. The road makes a loop around the Istana Iskandariah, the official residence of the Sultan of Perak. Although the palace is closed to the public, you can view good views of it from several sections along the way.
4. Istana Kenangan
Close to Istana Iskandariah is one of the most ornate wooden structures in Kuala Kangsar, the Istana Kenangan, a temporary palace that is now used as the Perak Royal Museum. There is a parking space under the canopy of big raintrees where you can park your car to explore the palace.
5. Istana Ulu
The road makes a loop around Istana Iskandariah, and eventually you will see the Ubudiah Mosque again. Within a short distance from the Ubudiah Mosque is Istana Ulu, the former residence of the Sultan of Perak. It has now been converted into the Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah, displaying personal belongings of the present ruler of Perak.
6. First Rubber Tree
From Istana Ulu, return to the Kuala Kangsar Roundabout. Take the 12 o'clock turn (the same road leading towards the North-South Expressway). Turn in at the first T-junction on the right. Within a short distance is another T-junction, on the left, and there, you will find on of the First Rubber Trees to be planted in Malaysia.
7. Ridzuaniah Mosque
Across the road from the First Rubber Tree is the biggest mosque in Kuala Kangsar, Ridzuaniah Mosque. Park your car in the mosque compound to explore both the mosque, the rubber tree and two subsequent sights.
8. Malay College Kuala Kangsar
Within walking distance from the Ridzuaniah Mosque is the most imminent Malay school in the country, the Malay College Kuala Kangsar. You can get a good view of the college and its expansive field from the roadside.
9. Pavilion Square Tower
Down the road from the Malay College Kuala Kangsar is a T-junction on the left. A stone's throw from the junction is a charming little tower, called the Pavilion Square Tower.
End of tour
The Pavilion Square Tower is the last sight visited on this self-guided tour. To leave Kuala Kangsar, from the Ridzuaniah Mosque compound, turn right. At the junction (where you see the Pavilion Square Tower), turn left. When you reach the traffic junction in front of you, turn right. You are once again on the main road leading towards the North-South Expressway.
Optional tours
The above self-guided tour leaves out three main bridges across the Perak River, the new Sultan Abdul Jalil bridge, the old Iskandar Bridge and the Victoria Bridge for the railway. You can see them on the above map, and if you have sufficient time, they could be optional additions to the trip.
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