Batu Gajah in Perak
Today, Batu Gajah is a rapidly developing town that was once a British administrative center during the British colonial era in this state.
The town's location is quite strategic for various economic activities. This is because it is situated near the city of Ipoh and has access to routes leading to Lumut and Manjung. Interestingly, the late Sultan Azlan (the 34th Sultan of Perak) was born in Batu Gajah, and the late Sultan attended school at Sekolah Sultan Yussuff, which is located in this town. Not to be missed, Batu Gajah is also a recommended destination worth visiting, as it features various interesting and unique locations, each with its own stories and history.
1. Clearwater Sanctuary Golf Resort
Clearwater Sanctuary in this town is a holiday destination for both domestic and international tourists, and it is also suitable for those on business trips. What is available at Clearwater Sanctuary Golf Resort? Primarily, there is a golf course for enthusiasts, attractive chalets for you to relax and unwind, and several spots for leisure and recreation with the family.
- Location : Jalan Changkat Larang, Batu Gajah
- Phone : 05-366 7433
- Website: www.cwsgolf.com.my
2. Kellie's Castle
Kellie's Castle is an unfinished building. In reality, it is more appropriate to refer to it as a mansion rather than a castle, as no royalty has any connection to the structure. It was built in 1905 by a prominent Scottish rubber planter named William Kellie Smith. Kellie's Castle is located off Jalan Gopeng, along the road to Batu Gajah.
- Location : Batu 5, Jalan Gopeng, Batu Gajah
- Phone : 05-365 3381
- Entrance Fee : RM5.00 (Citizens) and RM10.00 (Non-Citizens)
For more information regarding the story of Kellie's Castle, you can refer to the full article at
Behind the Construction Story and Mystery of Kellie’s Castle
which we have previously published.
3. Kinta Nature Park
Kinta Nature Park has been recognized by the Malaysian Nature Society as a habitat for more than 150 species of water birds. It covers an area of 900 hectares. Interestingly, there is a bird-watching tower built there so that tourists or photographers can observe the water bird habitat in Kinta Nature Park.
- Location : 4° 25' 21.036" N, 101° 3' 39.4164" E
- Phone : 012-500 9400
For more information regarding the story of Kinta Nature Park, you can refer to the full article at
Kinta Nature Park is the Third Perak State Park
which we have previously published.
4. Colonial Buildings in Batu Gajah
There are several historic old buildings built between 1800 and 1930 that are listed as British colonial buildings.
- Location : Kinta District and Land Office, Jalan Changkat, Batu Gajah
- Phone : 05-366 1963
History of Batu Gajah
This area actually began as a cluster of small villages in the Sungai Terap sub-district, developed by a village head (penghulu) who held the title Sri Amar Diraja since the early 19th century. Originally, the main settlement for those living in the Batu Gajah area was recorded as starting in a village known as Kampung Sungai Terap. According to local residents, Kampung Sungai Terap was founded by Toh Panjang Bongkok, and it was the first village in the Batu Gajah area to have a mosque. Because Kampung Sungai Terap was the first village to have a mosque in the Batu Gajah sub-district, it was designated as the main village, and the name of the Sungai Terap sub-district was taken from the name of that village. When the state of Perak was under the rule of the late Sultan Abdul Malik Mansur Shah (the 19th Sultan of Perak) from 1806 to 1825, the Dato Panglima Kinta bestowed upon Toh Panjang Bongkok the title of Sri Amar Diraja. With the title received by Toh Panjang Bongkok as Sri Amar Diraja, he was granted the right to collect taxes in the Sungai Kinta area and its territories. How significant was the title of Sri Amar Diraja? Sri Amar Diraja was a title given since the time of Tun Saban, and by the 19th century, it was established as one of the titles held by the sixteen major chiefs of Perak. After Toh Panjang Bongkok passed away, Toh Amar Diraja Pandak Akal continued his leadership legacy there until Pandak Akal passed away in 1859. Then, it was continued by Toh Amar Diraja Naam. A little bit about Batu Gajah during the leadership of Toh Amar Diraja Naam was recorded by J.W.W. Birch in his diary. For more information regarding the story of the origin of the name Batu Gajah, you can refer to the full article at
Folklore on the Origin of the Name Batu Gajah
which we have previously published.
