Kellie's Castle
Perak
Kellie's Castle, also known as Kellie's Folly, is an unfinished mansion situated in Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia. Built by Scottish planter William Kellie-Smith in the early 20th century, the castle features a distinctive blend of Moorish, Indo-Saracenic, and Roman architectural styles. Construction began around 1910 as a mansion, but after the birth of Kellie-Smith's son in 1915, plans expanded to create a grand four-story castle with 14 rooms, including Malaya's first elevator. The castle was built using imported bricks and marble from India, with skilled craftsmen brought from Madras. The design included secret tunnels, hidden stairways, a tennis court, and a wine cellar. However, construction was halted after Kellie-Smith's death in 1926, leaving the castle incomplete and abandoned. Today, it stands as a popular tourist attraction known for its romantic history, architectural uniqueness, and connection to local culture. It has also served as a filming location for movies such as "Anna and the King."
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Tip: Visitors are advised to visit Kellie's Castle during daylight hours to fully appreciate its architectural details and surrounding scenery. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance through the official website to avoid queues. The site offers discounts for groups and students. The best time to visit is during the dry season to avoid rain interruptions and to explore the castle grounds comfortably. Guided tours are available and can enrich the visitor experience by sharing detailed historical insights.
Interesting facts
- •Kellie's Castle was planned to have Malaya's first elevator.
- •The castle features a unique blend of Moorish, Indo-Saracenic, and Roman architectural styles.
- •A statue of William Kellie-Smith was erected in a nearby Hindu temple as a token of gratitude by Indian workers.
- •The castle has secret tunnels, including one believed to connect to a nearby temple.
- •Kellie's Castle was used as a filming location for the 1999 movie "Anna and the King."
- •In 2015, it hosted the first-ever 24-hour comic challenge held in a castle.
History
William Kellie-Smith, a Scottish civil engineer and planter, arrived in Malaya in 1890 and established a prosperous estate in Perak.
Construction of the original mansion, Kellas House, began in 1910.
After the birth of his son in 1915, Kellie-Smith planned an elaborate castle incorporating Indian architectural influences and modern features like an elevator.
Skilled workers and materials were imported from India.
The project was interrupted by the 1918 Spanish flu outbreak and ultimately halted when Kellie-Smith died of pneumonia in Lisbon in 1926.
The unfinished castle was subsequently abandoned and later sold to a British company.
It has since become a significant cultural and tourist landmark in Malaysia.
Place Guide
Main Castle Building1910-1926
The four-story main building includes 14 rooms, designed with a mix of Moorish, Indo-Saracenic, and Roman styles. Notable features include the first elevator in Malaya, secret tunnels, and hidden stairways.
Secret Tunnels1918
Underground tunnels are believed to connect the castle to a nearby Hindu temple, built as a gesture to the Indian workers who contracted the Spanish flu during construction.
Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu Templecirca 1918
Located near Kellie's Castle, this temple was built by the Indian workers during the castle's construction and features a statue of William Kellie-Smith among other deities.
Contact
Phone: 010-505 4817
