Perak: Riding the historical trails…

“Real travel requires a maximum of unscheduled wandering, for there is no other way of discovering surprises and marvels...”-Alan Watts

(Pasir Salak Resort)

I don’t know whether you know a place called Pasir Salak. If not, it is of no consequence.

Last Saturday we went riding to Pasir Salak and to our surprise there was a massive rally. The former PM was there to address more than 10,000 supporters of the Malay rights group, Perkasa. The attendees came in busloads from all over Perak and jammed the small trunk road.

Pasir Salak Resort was fully booked when we arrived. After much persuasion we manage to get the last of the 2-room chalet situated at the very end of the resort. The Pasir Salak Historical Complex is a walking distance from the resort.

(VIP chalet by the pool)

If you know the history of Perak at all, you are probably well acquainted with the remarkable history of the assassination of the British Resident of Perak, J.W.W.Birch which, sparked off a war between the British colonial administration and the Malays and it is believed to have sparked the fire of nationalism leading eventually to the declaration of independence from British rule in 1957.

The Historical Complex pays tribute to warriors such as Datok Sagor and Datuk Maharajalela, with special memorials erected in their honor, in the shape of a sundang, a type of knife widely used in the rebellion against the British.

(A Sundang - a deadly weapon)'

The main attraction of this complex is the Historical Time Tunnel where most of the flash points and important historical events of the Malays and Malaysia are exhibited through dioramas.

(A sun-dial in front of the Time Tunnel)

Other interesting sights include the burial site of Seputum, one of the warriors involved; Maharajalela's house and fortress; the lela rentaka, a type of cannon used by the Malays; traditional Perak Malay houses called Rumah Kutai.

(Rumah Kutai - Perak traditional house)

The scenic and historic Perak River and the activities it can offer is another attraction. We had our dinner at a nearby floating restaurant but the service was snail paced and the karaoke was extremely loud for comfort.

(Relaxing by the river side)

On the way back to KL, we detoured from Kampung Gajah to Batu Gajah and stopped by Kellie’s Castle for photo shots.

(Kellie's Castle - another historical site)