HERITAGE BUILDINGS OF PERAK, MALAYSIA.

Perak, the Silver State of Malaysia has many old buildings with rich historical backgrounds. I include here some of the more interesting buildings for all to see.

Ubudiah Mosque, Kuala Kangsar.
Reputed to be the most beautiful mosque in Malaysia, it was located on Bukit Chandan in Kuala Kangsar. The word 'Ubudiah' means 'to yield oneself to the will of Allah'. The late Sultan Idris Murshidul Adzan Shah 1, made the decision to build this mosque. Work started in 1911, but was delayed when two elephants belonging to Sultan Idris and Raja Chulan fought and damaged the imported Italian marbles.

Ngah Ibrahim Fort (Matang Museum).
Ngah Ibrahim, the son of Che Long Jaafar, was a powerful and wealthy Malay tin miner. He lived in this fort, with walls that were fortified to resist threats from the secret societies, Ghee Hin and Hai San, as well as the East India Company. It was also here that Dato Maharaja Lela and one of his followers were tried for the killing of the British Resident, J W W Birch. The building also was used to house Malaysia's first teachers training college. At present it is used as a museum.

Baba Nyonya House, Taiping.
From an anthrological point of view, the Baba Nyonya houses are masterpieces that protray the racial integration of the early Chinese immigrants and the locals. The fronts of the houses usually have intricately carved doors and windows. These houses normally have prayer halls and open courtyards (khim cheah) in the midsections for ventilation purposes.

Istana Ulu, Kuala Kangsar.
Built in 1903 during the reign or the 28th Sultan of Perak. Also known as Istana Kota, it is now used as Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery. Until 1954, it was used as ruler's residence. It was then taken over and was turned into Istana Kota National School. From 1970 onwards it was used as a girl school called the Raja Perempuan Mazwin School. In 2002, it was restored and now houses the Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery.

Malay College, Kuala Kangsar.
It is the first fully residential school in Malaysia. Established on 2nd Jan 1905, it was the brainchild of R J Williamson. Its first headmaster was Mr Hargreaves. Initially it was founded to educate the Malay elites, consisting of children of the royalties and nobility. In 1947 the policy was changed and is open to all Malays because of Malay nationalistic feelings. On the 10th June 2006, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan visited the school.

Royal Museum (Istana Kenangan), Kuala Kangsar.
Built mainly of wood, it was planned and built in 1926, after the Great Flood. The carpenter was Haji Suffian who came from Sebarang Perai with his children. Seen from the top, the building is in the shape of a sword. The walls are made of woven sliced bamboo and weaved in diamond shaped patterns. Completed in 1931, it became the official palace of Sultan Iskandar Shah (1918 - 1938). The sultan moved in because the Istana Negara was to be demolished and a new palace, the present Istana Iskandariah, was built. It is now used as the Royal Museum of Perak.

Perak Museum, Taiping.
This oldest museum in Peninsular was completed in 1886 and additions were made in 1900. In the early days, emphasis was given to natural science. Later, documentation of culture and the life of peoples of Malaysia were added.

Taiping Land Office.
Designed by Francis Caufield, a state engineer in the early Perak administive offrice. Started in 1892 and completed in 1897, it features a distinctive Palladian facade and rooftop's pedements. Initially it was used to house council chamber, offices for secretariates, treasury, audit, education and forest department. Now occupy by the Larut Matang and Selama Land and District Offices.

Taiping Prison.
Built in 1879, it was originally called the Perak Prison. The first prison in Malaysia, it was built because of the unrest in the wakes of the Larut Wars between the Chinese secret societies. In 1881, Sheikh wardens were brought in to assist the Malay wardens. A European warden was appointed in 1889. During the Japanese occupation it was used as a public prison as well as a prisoner of war detention center.

Ipoh Town Hall.
Designed by the British Government architect named H B Hubbach in 1914. It was completed in 1916 and reflects a neo Renaissance Victorian theme with Greek and Roman columns. The Malay Nationalist Party, the first political party formed in Malaya held its inaugural congress here from November 30th to December 3rd 1945.

Ipoh Railway Station.
Designed by the architect, A B Hubback, it was completed in 1917. It had Moorish inspired domes and is nicknamed the Taj Mahal of Ipoh. The first floor, is used as the Majestic Station Hotel. In front of the railway station is a fenced up tree called the ipoh tree from which the city got its name.

Sheik Adam Mosque, Ipoh.
Established by an Indian Muslim tycoon, Sheik Adam, from Southern India. This mosque is frequented by Indian Muslims of the 'Hanafi' sect. Completed in 1908 and built according to the 'Chitya Indian' or the Moghul mosque design.

Koo Miu Temple, Ipoh.
A 137 year old Taoist temple located in Bijih Timah Road, Ipoh. In the old days consultation and medicine were dispensed free to the local folks. A school was built to offer education to pupils considered too old to be admitted to government schools. It was built by Leong Fee or Leong Pi Joo, who came from Penang bringing along the spiritual tablet of the diety, Tua Pek Kong or Tai Pak Koong (God of prosperity) near the Kinta River.