Known as the royal seat of the Perak Sultanate, the Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar is a charming destination rich in history, culture, and traditional artistry. Often described as a small city with a big cultural soul, Kuala Kangsar is where royal architecture, traditional crafts, and centuries-old stories come together beautifully.
This riverside town is famous for handmade crafts such as labu sayong pottery, tekat benang emas (gold-thread embroidery), Malay metalworks, and traditional weaponry, including the keris crafted by masters like Pak Mazin. It’s also home to iconic food — including laksa telur sarang, where a crispy nest-like egg topping elevates the classic dish.
Kuala Kangsar also holds a fascinating piece of Malaysian botanical history: the first rubber tree ever planted in the country still stands proudly here, part of Malaysia’s earliest seedlings brought from Brazil in 1877 by English botanist Henry Nicholas Ridley.
Begin your journey at Masjid Ubudiah, one of Malaysia’s most stunning mosques. Its golden domes, marble floors, and Moorish-inspired architecture dominate Bukit Chandan. Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback — the same architect behind the “Taj Mahal Ipoh” (Ipoh Railway Station) — this historic mosque is now a National Heritage site.
Nearby sits Istana Kenangan, also known as the Perak Royal Museum. Built entirely without nails and shaped like a keris in its sheath, the palace showcases exquisite Malay craftsmanship with diamond-patterned walls and Siamese-influenced rooflines. Once a temporary royal residence, it now preserves royal artefacts and stories for visitors.
For a deeper look into the Perak monarchy, visit Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah. This elegant building — blending Moorish, Renaissance, and neo-classical styles — holds personal collections of the late Sultan Azlan Shah, including his formal attire, accessories, and historic items. (The gallery is currently closed for maintenance.)
Kuala Kangsar is also renowned for Tekat Benang Emas Hajjah Azizah, where master artisan Hajjah Azizah and her family produce exquisite gold-thread embroidery on velvet. Her handcrafted works include cushions, pillowcases, wedding accessories, and even custom footwear created in collaboration with international designer Datuk Jimmy Choo.
Another cultural highlight is the Labu Sayong pottery workshops in Kampung Sayong, where the traditional gourd-shaped water pitchers are still handmade from clay. Their porous surface keeps water naturally cool — a long-standing tradition unique to Perak.
Finally, don’t miss Victoria Bridge in Karai, one of Malaysia’s oldest railway bridges dating back to 1897. Once used to transport tin ore and passengers across the Perak River, it is now a popular photography spot thanks to its rustic iron structure and historical charm.
With its royal landmarks, master craftsmen, architectural wonders, and cultural heritage, the Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar offers a fascinating journey into Malaysia’s past — a perfect destination for travellers seeking authenticity, history, and inspiration.
