Is Kellie's Castle In Ipoh Worth Visiting?

I never expected to find the ruins of a British colonial castle in the Perak region of Malaysia, and yet here, on the outskirts of Ipoh, is Kellie's Castle.

The castle wasn't on my initial itinerary for Malaysia, as I thought it was too gimmicky. After all, why did I need to see a faux castle in Perak when I've seen many real castles in Europe?

Despite my initial thoughts, I was now standing in the ticket queue of Kellie's Castle on my journey between Ipoh and the Cameron Highlands, eager to discover why so many visitors came to this unique attraction.

This blog post explains why the castle was built in Perak, whether it is haunted, how to reach it and what to see there. It also answers the question: Is Kellie's Castle worth visiting?

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Why is Kellie's Castle famous?

Kellie's Castle was built by a Scotsman named William Kellie Smith in the early 1900s. He qualified as a civil engineer and arrived in Perak from the Moray Firth in Scotland at 20. William worked with the Malaysian government to clear a vast area of Perak forest to make way for the arrival of rubber plantations (of which he eventually owned a large share).

He met and married Agnes within a year of arriving in Ipoh. She was also from the UK and was travelling through Malaysia to Penang. Within a year, they had a child. William started building a grand mansion for his family while living in a modest bungalow on the site. At first, it was known as Agnes's Palace, as her inheritance had bought the land on which it was being built. It eventually took on the name Kellie's Castle. The castle was a mix of Moorish, Indian, and Roman influences, but was, and is, somewhat of an oddity standing in this jungle area of Perak.

Unfortunately, Kellie's Castle was never completed after William Smith's sudden death in 1926 while travelling to Portugal; he was 56. Following his death, ghostly sightings started to be documented.

What is there inside Kellie's Castle?

The castle remains impressive, despite its incomplete, somewhat ruined state. Its architecture blends Moorish, Indian, and Roman influences, giving it a unique, mysterious vibe. Visitors can explore the castle's rooms and hallways, including the tower, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Information boards give insight into each room's intended use. The tall ceilings and stone window frames indicate how William Kellie Smith envisaged his mansion, once decorated with lavish furnishings and fabrics. Several rooms are complete with furnishings to show what it and the rest of the property may have looked like had it been completed.

Next to the castle stands a yellow-coloured ruin that was once the extension of Kellas House, the modest wooden bungalow the family lived in during the castle's construction.

Head to the upper walkway, and you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding jungle. However, even though plenty of visitors climbed onto the asphalt roof, I saw it as an accident waiting to happen. There are no security rails around the roof, and this is an old, dilapidated building, so maybe it's not the wisest move!

Is it true that Kellie's Castle is haunted?

Supposedly, ghosts haunt the derelict castle building, making Kellie's Castle one of Southeast Asia's most haunted destinations.

Sightings of a ghostly figure looking out of a top window opening have been seen over the years. Is it fact or fiction? Well, when you find out he died in Portugal, you might be a tad suspicious. How does a ghost appear thousands of miles away in Perak when he died in Europe? A young girl, supposedly Kellie-Smith's daughter, Helen, has also been seen playing in a bedroom.

Locals claim the ghosts are from the many Tamil workers who died during the construction of the house and also from an outbreak of Spanish flu in 1918, which took many more lives. Ghostly apparitions have also been seen moving along the ghostly balcony.

Whatever truths surround the Kellie Castle ghost story, it brings in the tourists.

What else is there to do at the castle?

The ruins are a great place to take photographs. On my visit, many young ladies dressed in bright outfits were busy posing and taking selfies! There is a restaurant, toilets by the car park, and a garden. Want to leave a momento of your visit? Find the love lock gate and attach yours. If you don't have one with you, you can buy one from vendors in the car park.

If you are interested, 500m along the road is a Hindu Temple built by Kellie-Smith for his Tamil workers. Underground tunnels link it to the castle, but they are inaccessible.

Is Kellie's Castle worth visiting?

If you are passing that way, which you will be if you are visiting the Cameron Highlands from Ipoh, then, by all means, stop and have a look, as I did. If you are planning a special visit to see Kellie's Castle, I wouldn't bother, especially if you are from Europe and have seen your fill of "real" castles.

Address: Jalan Gopeng, Batu Gajah, Perak.

Opening hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily.

The entrance fee for foreign tourists is RM10 (adult) and RM8 (child). The entrance fee for Malaysian nationals is RM5 (adult) and RM3 (child). 

Ipoh is two hours away from Kuala Lumpur and can be visited on a day trip. You can book an Ipoh Guided City Tour to see its famous sights, including Kellie's Castle, Perak Temple, and Sam Poh Tong Temple.

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