Kellie’s Castle
Overview
Kellie’s Castle (also known as Kellie’s Folly) is an unfinished mansion located near Batu Gajah, Perak, built by Scottish planter William Kellie Smith in the early 1900s. Kellie’s Castle is an attractive place for history and photography lovers who visiting Malaysia. Designed with a mix of Moorish, Indo-Saracenic, and Scottish architecture, it was meant to be a grand symbol of love and success—but tragedy stopped it from completion.
- Discover Kellie’s Castle: Tours are offered of this unfinished Kellie’s Castle with secret passageways on a former rubber estate.
- Visit Castle Today: The castle is open to visitors from 9.30am – 10.00pm daily. Get your ticket online today.
- The huge structure sprawls across elevated green grounds and is fronted by the scenic Raya River which is actually a creek that runs into the larger Kinta River futher away.
- The unfinished, ruined mansion, was built by a Scottish planter named William Kellie-Smith.
Kellie’s Castle is perched on top of a hill in Batu Gajah, Perak, and situated beside Sungai Raya (Raya River). Built in 1915 by Scottish planter, William Kellie-Smith, it was one of the settings in the 1999 Oscar-nominated film Anna and the King, starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-fat. The castle was supposed to feature Malaysia’s first elevator, and to consist of a 6-storey tower, some secret tunnels, a tennis court, and a rooftop courtyard for entertaining. Unfortunately, it was never completed.
Kellie’s Castle Quick Facts
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Batu Gajah, Perak |
| Built By | William Kellie Smith |
| Construction Began | 1915 |
| Status | Unfinished mansion |
| Architecture | Moorish, Indo-Saracenic, Scottish |
| Nickname | “Malaysia’s Haunted Castle” |
| Managed By | Perak State Government |
Location
- Address: Kellie’s Castle, Lot 48436, Kompleks Pelancongan Kellie’s Castle, KM 5.5, Jalan Gopeng, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia
- Nearest City: Ipoh (about 20 minutes away)
- GPS: 4.4738° N, 101.0638° E
- Website: https://www.kelliesfisb.com.my/
- Contact No: +6010-505 4817 / +6011-1535 4817
- Email: kelliescastle@fisb.com.my / admin@fisb.com.my
Kellie’s Castle Ticket Prices
Ticket price for Kellie’s Castle in Perak Malaysia starting from RM 6 onwards, tickets can be purchased at the Castle Entrance during your visit or purchase tickets online at www.kelliesfisb.com.my.
| Ticket Type | Eligibility / Notes | Price (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysian Adult | Ages 13 and above | RM 9.00 |
| Malaysian Children | Ages 4–12 years old | RM 7.00 |
| Foreign Adult | Non-Malaysian visitor, ages 13 and above | RM 16.00 |
| Foreign Children | Non-Malaysian visitor, ages 4–12 years old | RM 13.00 |
| Malaysian Senior Citizen | Ages 60 and above | RM 6.00 |
| Group (Primary School) | Minimum purchase: 20 pax | RM 6.00 per person |
| Group (Secondary School / University / College) | Minimum purchase: 20 pax | RM 8.00 per person |
Buy ticket online easily and quickly: Choose the ticket date that’s best for you, whether you want to explore Kellie’s Castle.
History
- 1905: William Kellie Smith, a Scottish rubber planter, came to Malaysia.
- 1915: Began construction of the castle for his wife, Agnes, and family.
- 1918–1926: Imported materials and workers from India; built using bricks and marble from Italy.
- 1926: Construction stopped abruptly when Kellie died of pneumonia in Portugal.
- The castle was never completed — leaving behind a hauntingly beautiful ruin.
Architectural Highlights
- Blend of Scottish, Moorish, and Indian designs.
- Hidden tunnels and secret rooms.
- Elevator shaft (planned to be the first in Malaya).
- Rooftop courtyard with panoramic views of Perak countryside.
- Italian tiles, arches, and open verandas.
Legends & Mysteries
- Believed to be haunted by Kellie and his family.
- Local tales mention ghostly apparitions in the corridors.
- A tunnel under the castle allegedly connects to the nearby temple.
Visiting Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | Daily: 9.30 am – 10.00 pm |
| Best Time to Visit | Morning or sunset for photos |
| Facilities | Parking, souvenir shop, café, toilets |
Things to Do
- Explore the rooms, balconies, and underground passages
- Learn the story of William Kellie Smith at the mini museum
- Take hauntingly beautiful photos 📸
- Join a ghost night tour (seasonal event)
- Visit the nearby Hindu temple, which has a statue of Kellie himself
Nearby Attractions
- Tempurung Cave (Gua Tempurung) – 30 mins drive
- Kinta Nature Park – 20 mins drive
- Ipoh Heritage Trail – 25 mins drive
- Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5 – 30 mins drive
How to Reach Kellie’s Castle (Perak, Malaysia)
From Major Cities
From Ipoh (Nearest City – 20 km)
- By Car:
- 25–30 minutes via Route A15 (Jalan Gopeng).
- Follow signs to Batu Gajah / Kellie’s Castle.
- By Grab/Taxi:
- Around RM 25–30 one way.
- By Train:
- Take ETS or KTM Komuter to Batu Gajah Station, then a 10-minute taxi ride to the castle.
From Kuala Lumpur (About 200 km)
- By Car:
- Around 2 to 2.5 hours drive via the North–South Expressway (E1).
- Take the Gopeng Exit (Exit 135) and follow the signs to Batu Gajah.
- By Train (ETS):
- Take ETS from KL Sentral → Batu Gajah Station (~2 hours).
- Then take a Grab/taxi (~10 minutes) to the castle.
- By Bus:
- Buses from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) → Ipoh Amanjaya Bus Terminal (~3 hours).
- From Ipoh, continue by taxi or Grab (~25 minutes).
From Penang (About 150 km)
- By Car:
- Around 2 hours via the North–South Expressway (E1).
- Exit at Gopeng, follow signs to Batu Gajah.
Nearest Transport Hubs
| Type | Name | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train Station | Batu Gajah KTM Station | 6 km | 10-min taxi/Grab |
| Bus Terminal | Ipoh Amanjaya Terminal | 30 km | 25–30 mins drive |
| Airport | Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (Ipoh) | 22 km | Domestic & limited regional flights |
Parking
Cost: The parking fee is typically around RM2 to RM5.
- Ample free parking available at the entrance area.
- Safe and convenient for both cars and tour buses.
Kellie’s Castle, Perak – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Where is Kellie’s Castle located?
Kellie’s Castle is located in Batu Gajah, about 20 km south of Ipoh, in the state of Perak, Malaysia.
📍 Address: Kellie’s Castle, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia.
2. Who built Kellie’s Castle?
It was built by William Kellie Smith, a Scottish rubber planter, in the early 1900s. He planned it as a grand home for his family but passed away before its completion.
3. Why is Kellie’s Castle famous?
Kellie’s Castle is famous for its haunting beauty, unfinished construction, and blend of Moorish, Indian, and Scottish architecture. It’s also said to be haunted, adding mystery to its charm.
4. Is Kellie’s Castle haunted?
Many locals believe it is! 👻
Visitors and staff have reported eerie experiences, especially in the corridors and tower rooms. However, it’s safe to visit and adds to the castle’s intrigue.
5. What are the opening hours?
🕒 Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
(Closed only on major public holidays, if announced.)
6. What are the ticket prices?
| Category | Price (RM) |
|---|---|
| Malaysian Adult | 9.00 |
| Malaysian Child (4–12 yrs) | 7.00 |
| Foreign Adult | 16.00 |
| Foreign Child (4–12 yrs) | 13.00 |
| Senior Citizen | 6.00 |
| School/College Group (20 pax min) | 6–8.00 |
Children under 4 years old enter free.
7. How do I get to Kellie’s Castle?
- From Ipoh: 25–30 minutes drive via Route A15 (Jalan Gopeng)
- From Kuala Lumpur: 2 hours via North–South Expressway (E1) → Exit Gopeng (135) → Batu Gajah
- By Train: Take ETS or KTM Komuter to Batu Gajah Station, then 10 min taxi/Grab to the castle.
8. How long does it take to tour the castle?
Most visitors spend around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours exploring the mansion, tunnels, and photo spots.
9. What facilities are available?
✅ Parking area
✅ Toilets
✅ Café & souvenir shop
✅ Small museum & photo spots
✅ Guided tours (upon request)
10. Is Kellie’s Castle suitable for kids and families?
Yes! It’s a safe and educational site. Kids enjoy exploring the castle’s rooms and learning about its history.
11. Are photography and videos allowed?
Yes! Photography and videography are allowed for personal use.
Commercial or drone shoots require permission from management.
12. Is Kellie’s Castle wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The ground floor is accessible, but upper floors and rooftop are reachable only by stairs.
13. Are there nearby attractions?
Yes! Nearby places include:
- 🏞️ Gua Tempurung (Tempurung Cave) – 30 mins
- 🕊️ Kinta Nature Park – 20 mins
- 🏛️ Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5 – 25 mins
- ☕ Ipoh Old Town – 30 mins
14. What’s the best time to visit?
Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and better lighting for photos. Avoid midday heat.
15. Can I join a guided or night tour?
Yes, occasionally the management organizes ghost night tours and heritage walks. Check their official page or local tour operators for upcoming events.
16. Is there food available inside Kellie’s Castle?
There’s a small café and food stalls outside the castle entrance serving snacks and drinks.
17. Can I book tickets online?
Yes, you can buy tickets on-site or via select online travel portals and tour operators offering combo packages from Ipoh or KL.
18. Is it worth visiting?
Absolutely! It’s one of Malaysia’s most unique heritage landmarks, offering architecture, mystery, history, and stunning photography backdrops — all in one place.
Kellie’s Castle is an unfinished mansion built in the 1900s by William Kellie Smith. Tucked away in the quiet town of Batu Gajah, Perak, stands one of Malaysia’s most mysterious and photogenic landmarks—Kellie’s Castle.
Kellie’s Castle – A must-see for history lovers and curious explorers. Best visited in the morning or late afternoon—don’t miss the rooftop and underground tunnels for a full experience.
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