Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Just 25 minutes away from the city of Ipoh by car, Kellie’s Castle is one of Perak’s famous holiday destinations. It is located in the town of Batu Gajah. The construction began roughly around 1915, and the castle was built to serve as a home away from home for its builder: a Scottish planter named William Kellie Smith. Some even say that it was a castle of love, dedicated to his wife, Agnes.
As for its unique architecture, it can be seen that the castle takes influences from Scottish, Moorish, and Tamilvanan Indian designs. All the bricks and marbles used for the castle was imported from India and some 70 skilled craftsmen from India were tasked with the job of completing the building.
The outbreak of World War I halted progress on the castle as the supply of materials and manpower was slow. The Spanish flu outbreak after the war also claimed many workers lives. Kellie’s Castle was nearing completion in 1926, till he travelled to Portugal to acquire an elevator for the castle and unfortunately contracted pneumonia and passed away. His wife left Malaya and the construction was abandoned as what it is now.
Located on the way to Batu Gajah, construction of this unique castle began in 1915. Built to be a home away from home, Scottish planter William Kellie Smith wanted a residence that would resemble the one he had to cure his homesickness. However, it construction came to an abrupt halt with Kellie's sudden death in 1926. The solitary castle, looks almost surreal in these wild plantations of Perak, it projects a strong personality and an aura of mystery. Besides being haunted, the castle is believed to have hidden rooms and secret underground tunnels.
As for its unique architecture, it can be seen that the castle takes influences from Scottish, Moorish, and Tamilvanan Indian designs. All the bricks and marbles used for the castle was imported from India and some 70 skilled craftsmen from India were tasked with the job of completing the building.
The outbreak of World War I halted progress on the castle as the supply of materials and manpower was slow. The Spanish flu outbreak after the war also claimed many workers lives. Kellie’s Castle was nearing completion in 1926, till he travelled to Portugal to acquire an elevator for the castle and unfortunately contracted pneumonia and passed away. His wife left Malaya and the construction was abandoned as what it is now.
Located on the way to Batu Gajah, construction of this unique castle began in 1915. Built to be a home away from home, Scottish planter William Kellie Smith wanted a residence that would resemble the one he had to cure his homesickness. However, it construction came to an abrupt halt with Kellie's sudden death in 1926. The solitary castle, looks almost surreal in these wild plantations of Perak, it projects a strong personality and an aura of mystery. Besides being haunted, the castle is believed to have hidden rooms and secret underground tunnels.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Nearby Kellie’s Castle, you can visit Gua Tempurung. It’s about 23 minutes away by car and famous amongst spelunkers or caving enthusiasts. With almost 3km of caves to explore, there are also many different types of tours offered to suit your adrenaline level. There is also a massive ‘show cave’ with electric lighting and platforms to view the massive stalagmites and stalactites.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
There is a souvenir shop located right before the ticketing counter at the ground floor. You can find small tokens and trinkets here based on Kellie’s Castle. Bring a camera with you and explore the supposedly haunted passageways and tunnels if you dare to do so!
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
The easiest way to get to Kellie’s Castle is by hiring a taxi to take you directly to the area. Taking a public bus from Ipoh requires you to stop at Gopeng and use a service bus with a lower frequency and unpredictable times. Just be sure to tell the taxi driver to wait for you till you are done with your tour.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Be careful when walking on the rooftop as there is no safety rail installed.
- Hold hands of small children and don’t let them out of your sight.
- Staircases at the castle are narrow, so give way to the elderly or whenever necessary. Always be mindful of other visitors.
- Best times to visit Kellie's Castle would be during the morning and evening as it can be very hot during noon and afternoon hours.
- It’s said that the wine cellar at the basement is a bit spooky, venture in if you’re brave enough!
- Negotiate your price with the taxi driver before getting into the vehicle. You can also look at ride-sharing apps and spend smartly.
- There are facilities such as a light canteen and toilets at the premises.
- There have been a few haunting tales of apparitions, sightings, and ghostly noises in the castle at night. There is also a nighttime paranormal group tour available, where you’ll be alone in one of the dark rooms for a portion of the session!
The history of this unfinished castle is based on a story of romance. A step here is filled with a mystical aura, surrounded with a pleasing architecture
Opening hours
| Monday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Thursday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Friday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Saturday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Sunday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
The history of this unfinished castle is based on a story of romance. A step here is filled with a mystical aura, surrounded with a pleasing architecture
Opening hours
| Monday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Thursday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Friday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Saturday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Sunday | 09:00 am to 06:00 pm |
Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Just 25 minutes away from the city of Ipoh by car, Kellie’s Castle is one of Perak’s famous holiday destinations. It is located in the town of Batu Gajah. The construction began roughly around 1915, and the castle was built to serve as a home away from home for its builder: a Scottish planter named William Kellie Smith. Some even say that it was a castle of love, dedicated to his wife, Agnes.
As for its unique architecture, it can be seen that the castle takes influences from Scottish, Moorish, and Tamilvanan Indian designs. All the bricks and marbles used for the castle was imported from India and some 70 skilled craftsmen from India were tasked with the job of completing the building.
The outbreak of World War I halted progress on the castle as the supply of materials and manpower was slow. The Spanish flu outbreak after the war also claimed many workers lives. Kellie’s Castle was nearing completion in 1926, till he travelled to Portugal to acquire an elevator for the castle and unfortunately contracted pneumonia and passed away. His wife left Malaya and the construction was abandoned as what it is now.
Located on the way to Batu Gajah, construction of this unique castle began in 1915. Built to be a home away from home, Scottish planter William Kellie Smith wanted a residence that would resemble the one he had to cure his homesickness. However, it construction came to an abrupt halt with Kellie's sudden death in 1926. The solitary castle, looks almost surreal in these wild plantations of Perak, it projects a strong personality and an aura of mystery. Besides being haunted, the castle is believed to have hidden rooms and secret underground tunnels.
As for its unique architecture, it can be seen that the castle takes influences from Scottish, Moorish, and Tamilvanan Indian designs. All the bricks and marbles used for the castle was imported from India and some 70 skilled craftsmen from India were tasked with the job of completing the building.
The outbreak of World War I halted progress on the castle as the supply of materials and manpower was slow. The Spanish flu outbreak after the war also claimed many workers lives. Kellie’s Castle was nearing completion in 1926, till he travelled to Portugal to acquire an elevator for the castle and unfortunately contracted pneumonia and passed away. His wife left Malaya and the construction was abandoned as what it is now.
Located on the way to Batu Gajah, construction of this unique castle began in 1915. Built to be a home away from home, Scottish planter William Kellie Smith wanted a residence that would resemble the one he had to cure his homesickness. However, it construction came to an abrupt halt with Kellie's sudden death in 1926. The solitary castle, looks almost surreal in these wild plantations of Perak, it projects a strong personality and an aura of mystery. Besides being haunted, the castle is believed to have hidden rooms and secret underground tunnels.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Nearby Kellie’s Castle, you can visit Gua Tempurung. It’s about 23 minutes away by car and famous amongst spelunkers or caving enthusiasts. With almost 3km of caves to explore, there are also many different types of tours offered to suit your adrenaline level. There is also a massive ‘show cave’ with electric lighting and platforms to view the massive stalagmites and stalactites.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
There is a souvenir shop located right before the ticketing counter at the ground floor. You can find small tokens and trinkets here based on Kellie’s Castle. Bring a camera with you and explore the supposedly haunted passageways and tunnels if you dare to do so!
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
The easiest way to get to Kellie’s Castle is by hiring a taxi to take you directly to the area. Taking a public bus from Ipoh requires you to stop at Gopeng and use a service bus with a lower frequency and unpredictable times. Just be sure to tell the taxi driver to wait for you till you are done with your tour.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Be careful when walking on the rooftop as there is no safety rail installed.
- Hold hands of small children and don’t let them out of your sight.
- Staircases at the castle are narrow, so give way to the elderly or whenever necessary. Always be mindful of other visitors.
- Best times to visit Kellie's Castle would be during the morning and evening as it can be very hot during noon and afternoon hours.
- It’s said that the wine cellar at the basement is a bit spooky, venture in if you’re brave enough!
- Negotiate your price with the taxi driver before getting into the vehicle. You can also look at ride-sharing apps and spend smartly.
- There are facilities such as a light canteen and toilets at the premises.
- There have been a few haunting tales of apparitions, sightings, and ghostly noises in the castle at night. There is also a nighttime paranormal group tour available, where you’ll be alone in one of the dark rooms for a portion of the session!
