Makam Long Jaafar, Perak

“Life’s tough, but it’s tougher when you’re stupid.” – John Wayne

(Makam Long Jaafar, Perak)

4.786078, 100.761722
4°47'09.8"N 100°45'42.2"E

Once upon a time, Bukit Gantang was very well known and was once majestic in the eyes of the entire Malay land because it was made as an administrative center of the Larut Colony by Long Jaafar after being appointed as the Head of the Larut district. 

(A small road uphill leading to the burial ground)

(Ample parking space) 

(Thick bushes covering the path to the graveyard)

Long Jaafar is said to have built a fortress in Pekan Bukit Gantang to prevent and repel attacks from Thailand and Kedah during medieval times. This city has also been a bloody witness to the war between Thailand and Kedah against the Perak State Government. It also witnessed the northern defense of the state of Perak falling to Thailand and Kedah, which resulted in the Perak military forces having to retreat to Kuala Kangsar before the peace agreement between Thailand and Perak.

(A brief history of Long Jaafar)

(Many graves in the fenced-up compound)

(The compound is surrounded by brick wall)

Long Jaafar was the first person to discover tin in the state of Perak in 1848. There are former warehouses where tin ore was stored in the fortress during the reign of Long Jaafar. In addition, there is a lake built in front of the fort city.

(The makam is not maintained)

(A grave outside the brick wall)

Long Jaafar died in 1857 and was buried in this fort city. His historical landmark tomb is still there today.

(A big archway leading to Makam Long Jaafar)