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    • Kuala Kangsar

    Kuala Kangsar, one of the most prominent royal towns located in the state of Perak, Malaysia. The town is seated strategically midway along the majestic Perak River, and the Palace of the Sultan of Perak lies on top of the Bukit Chandan or Chandan Hill.

    With a population of just above 180,000 people, the town lies in an idyllic rural setting and famous for its history as the seat of the Malay sultanate of Perak and Malay culture.

    Kuala Kangsar is also famous for traditional Malay crafts such as keris making, tekat gold thread embroidery and labu sayong pottery making.

    Location
    Located at the centre of the state of Perak
    Area
    2563km²
    Population
    180,000 (2020)
    Currency
    RM / Ringgit
    Language
    Malay
    Climate
    Weather in Kuala Kangsar is of typical tropical climate. Average annual temperature is between 21~32°C. Monsoon rainy season normally occurs from November to January.
    Kuala Kangsar MALAYSIA
    Istana Iskandariah
    Istana Iskandariah still remains the official residence of the Sultan. That means visitors are forbidden to go inside the palace. The beauty of the palace, which is marked by the European architectural style during the colonial period paired with the pointed arch (an architectural feature from the Middle East)
    and an onion dome is most well-observed when the sun rises. Rebuilt after the destruction of the original palace by the Great Flood of 1926.

    Istana Kenangan
    Istana Kenangan served as temporary royal quarters until Istana Iskandariah was completed. Currently, Istana Kenangan is used as the Perak Royal Museum. Built using a traditional architectural method called pasak, Istana Kenangan is made of wood without a single metal nail.

    Victoria Bridge
    Victoria Bridge is one of the oldest railway bridges in Malaysia. Built in December 1897, the bridge helped connect both sides of the Perak River when the mining industry was booming. Victoria Bridge is closed to rail traffic, but is still open to motorcycles and pedestrians. Visitors can take memorable
    photos with the bridge in the background.

    Labu Sayong
    Kuala Kangsar is well-known for its Malay handicraft and cottage industry. Labu Sayong (earthenware pitcher) is a signature icon of Kuala Kangsar. Labu Sayong is used traditionally to store and cool drinking water, and famous for its supposedly medicinal value. Labu Sayong can also be used as a vase, a pot, a lamp and a gift for weddings. The village across the Perak River from Kuala Kangsar town is Kampung Sayong, which is home to the Labu Sayong.

    Kampung Padang Changkat
    There are craftsmen expert in making tekatan(embroidery) and keris (Malay dagger). Tekatan (embroidery) is a uniquely Perak’s signature handicraft. It is an intricate art using gold thread which makes beautiful gift items in the form of cushion covers, pillowcase, beddings, and wall décor. The unique motif of this craft is in its intricate traditional design, and the handiwork is normally passed down from one generation to another.

    Keris
    The art of keris making is indeed a living heritage. The keris is an asymmetrical dagger, which will complete the Malay traditional attire for men. In the past, the keris symbolized social status, and at times were used to settle scores amongst gentlemen. Today, the keris maker specializes in making keris for royalty and collectors.

    Unique Local Food - Laksa Kuala
    In town, you can easily enjoy our special Kuala Kangsar dish which is Laksa Kuala (a spicy noodle food). Laksa consists of thick wheat or rice noodles, and the soup is made from fish, chili paste, onion, tamarind, ginger and local spices. To really enjoy it, laksa must be eaten with slices of cucumber and eggs and to add to the fun, one must try the iced cendol, a sweet drink with coconut milk and brown sugar. According to some locals, there are about 99 varieties of laksa in Kuala Kangsar!

    Unique Local Food - Popiabasah, Aiskacang, Pasembor
    Some other famous food of Kuala Kangsar ar are popiabasah (spring rolls), aiskacang (a sweet traditional dessert) and pasembor (Indian salad). You can stop over at Dataran Lembah, the area between the iconic Kuala Kangsar Clock Tower and the Perak River. While you eat, you can enjoy the beautiful Perak River view.

    Yut Loy Restaurant
    If Chinese food is your interest, you may also enjoy dining at kopitiams or Chinese coffee-shops that serve the best Hainanese food. A historic kopitiam in the town centre, called the Yut Loy Restaurant serves the famous Yut Loy pau(steamed buns)