In the nine states within Malaysia that are constitutionally headed by traditional Malay rulers, there exist royal towns that are significant to the heritage identity of the country.
The royal towns in the country are Arau (Perlis), Kuala Kangsar (Perak), Klang (Selangor), Seri Menanti (Negri Sembilan), Pekan (Pahang), Anak Bukit (Kedah), Muar (Johor), Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu) and Kubang Kerian (Kelantan).
Each of these towns are strongly associated with the long history of Malay Sultanates in Malaysia. But what else makes royal towns in Malaysia unique?
It’s something that was discussed by researchers Noor Aimran Samsudin, Muhamad Solehin Fitry Rosley, Raja Nafida Raja Shahminan and Sapura Mohamad in an academic journal on urban heritage.
“The term ‘royal town’ represents a unique concept that relates to the Malay civilisation. It can be solely perceived as an urban setting that has a sense of ‘royalness’ or the presence of the sultan or king’s (official royal residence) and integrated into the whole philosophical concept of the urban planning,” they wrote.
The Preserving the Characteristics of Urban Heritage: An insight into the concept of Malaysian Royal Towns paper also looked at the correlation between urban planning and the presence of the royal family’s residence in an area.
“This royal town concept is a unique identity inherited from the previous Malay sultanates that used to be established across the Malay Archipelago.
“The Melaka Sultanate, for instance, was the finest example of how Malay royal towns were in the 14th century. It was a centre for Islamic teaching propagations, Malay culture and etiquette, economic and power for the sultanate,” they wrote.
The researchers, however, noted that both authorities and the public need to take measures to preserve outstanding elements such as palaces and mosques found in royal towns.
One particular initiative that can be done is through highlighting the touristic appeal of royal towns.
“Tourism could be used to enhance the sustainability of historical and heritage sites. The well-being of these elements in displaying the identity of Malaysian monarchs and their historical legacy play a significant role in boosting tourism development and tourist experience,” they said.
They added that a new concept of tourism based on the royal identity needs to be introduced as this will provide added value to the royal towns.
“Existing old palaces such as Istana Kota Beram (Pekan, Pahang), Istana Kenangan (Kuala Kangsar, Perak) and Istana Lama Seri Menanti (Seri Menanti, Negri Sembilan) are some of the premiere products that could help to promote this royal tourism industry.
“Visitors could explore and feel the lifestyle, etiquette and royal culture that somehow are always being misinterpreted due to lack of information and exposure,” the paper said.
For travellers who would like to immerse themselves in some regal heritage and history, royal towns are definitely interesting holiday choices. We take a look at some of the attractions at the nine royal towns in Malaysia.
Perlis is the only state where the Malay ruler takes on the title of “Raja”. And the royal capital of Arau is where the monarch takes up official residence.
Located in the south of Kangar, the royal town is the second last railway stop before the Thai border. It is also the gateway to Langkawi island for rail visitors coming from the southern states.
Travellers usually stop by Arau to marvel at Istana Arau. The royal palace displays majestic architecture that reflects Malay culture and design. The Perlis Royal Gallery, located next to the palace, houses the royal collection of Malaysia’s smallest state.
However, visits to the gallery are currently on appointment-basis only so check the Tourism Perlis Facebook page for details.
The Perlis State Mosque, with its Moorish influence, is the royal mosque and is also worth a visit.
For many generations, the royal town in Perak has been the focal point of the state’s artisan heritage. Traditional craftsmen such as keris makers, tekat emas weavers and labu sayong makers all ply their craft in Kuala Kangsar.
Handicraft aside, visitors make their way to this town for the many unique and beautiful attractions. The Ubudiah Mosque, with its gold and marble domes, is one such venue. The mosque is touted to be one of the most beautiful in the country.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, meanwhile, is a museum housed in a former palace. The collection here includes crown jewels as well as personal possessions of the royal family.
The Istana Kayangan, a well-preserved palace, now serves as a museum and is known for its delicate architecture.
One of the oldest and historically vibrant towns in the country also happens to be the royal town of Selangor. With such an illustrious past, it’s only a given that Klang has many historic buildings and traditional structures.
The town’s heritage is perhaps best explored on the Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk, a free guided tour. However, it’s best to check with Tourism Selangor on the current status of the tour as operating hours may have changed.
The places of interest highlighted in the trail – such as the Sultan Abdul Aziz Royal Gallery, Istana Alam Shah and Raja Abdullah Warehouse – give great insights into Klang’s regal history. You can download the map of the trail on Tourism Selangor’s website and venture on your own, too.
There’s also much to photograph when you’re around the area. The Royal Gallery – housed in the striking Sultan Suleiman Building – has to be, arguably, one of the handsomest colonial buildings around.
While it’s one of the smaller towns in Negri Sembilan, Seri Menanti is certainly big on beauty and character. The royal town has been home to the royal family since the state’s first rulers arrived from the Minangkabau highlands of Sumatra, Indonesia.
That rich royal history is best personified through Istana Besar Seri Menanti, the official royal residence. The venue is also where all ceremonies are held.
Meanwhile, the former royal residence – the four-storey Istana Lama Seri Menanti – will delight architecture enthusiasts. The palace was built without a single iron nail; instead, its beams are held in place by wooden pegs.
The old palace has since been converted into a museum and is a popular attraction among visitors to the state. Other notable sights for visitors wanting to trace royal heritage include Masjid Diraja Tuanku Munawir or the Royal Mosque with its beautiful golden domes, and the Royal Mausoleum.
Home to the Pahang Sultanate, Pekan actually got its name from a flower. It’s a fitting reference considering the picturesque quality of the royal town. Located on the banks of the Pahang River, Pekan is also the hometown of Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Malaysia’s second prime minister.
If anything, the town has no shortage of places of interest for those who are keen to know more about royal history. The Sultan Abu Bakar Museum offers visitors detailed information of the town as well as Pahang’s history. The colonial-style building that houses the museum was built in the 1920s and was once home to the British Resident.
Just a stone’s throw away from the museum is the beautiful Masjid Sultan Abdullah Museum. The former mosque showcases Islamic arts and heritage. From the museum, make your way to the Sultan Abu Bakar Palace which is the official royal residence.
Pekan is also famous for the Royal Pahang Silk Weaving Centre that showcases how silk is woven.
Anak Bukit is the royal town of Kedah as it houses the Sultan of Kedah’s royal palace and official residence. Located on Jalan Anak Bukit, the palace is situated within the spacious grounds of the southern bank of Sungai Kedah.
Visitors can sometimes be seen taking photos outside the great gates of the palace.
From Anak Bukit, travellers can easily make their way to Alor Setar, which is about 8km away. Alor Setar is home to the beautiful Masjid Zahir and the iconic Menara Alor Setar. Masjid Zahir is one of the grandest mosques in the country.
There’s also Pekan Rabu, a marketplace that is an important shopping venue in Kedah for locals and visitors.
For those who would like to learn more about Kedah’s royal history, the Kedah Royal Museum has many good resources. It exhibits various items related to the royal family and their history.
Muar’s status as a royal town was declared by Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in 2012. The official royal residence Istana Bukit Serene, however, is located in Johor Baru. But even before Muar was conferred the status, the royal town has been known for its allure.
One of its attractions here is in the form of culinary delights such as mee bandung, otak-otak and asam pedas.
Muar is also known as Bandar Maharani, a name given by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1884. For heritage lovers, there are many historical attractions to check out in town.
The Bukit Kepong Police Station was the site where a brutal communist attack took place. It has since been converted into a museum that vividly details the incident during the Malayan Emergency period.
Meanwhile, Kubu Bentayan is a fortress that served as the final defence fort for the Malacca sultanate.
Also worth visiting is the Panglima Lidah Hitam Mausoleum that holds the grave of a legendary warrior Panglima Lidah Hitam. Other notable attractions include the Muar river cruise, Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim and the Muar Clock Tower.
Being the administrative capital as well as the main economic hub, Kuala Terengganu has much to offer visitors to the royal town. The town’s regal background can best be observed at Istana Maziah, the official palace of the Sultan of Terengganu. Located at the foot of Bukit Puteri, the palace is also used for royal occasions and events.
Kuala Terengganu is known for its many beautiful mosques, the most iconic being the fairly new Crystal Mosque. Built entirely from steel and glass, the mosque is located within Taman Tamadun Islam (Islamic Civilisation Park).
Elsewhere, the Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah is a floating mosque that is popular among locals and visitors in the late afternoon and weekends.
Over at Bukit Puteri, visitors to the hill fort offers a scenic view of Kuala Terengganu. The hilltop was instrumental during a civil war in Terengganu between two competing rulers.
The royal town of Kubang Kerian is small enough to be explored in just a few hours. In fact, most visitors often make a quick stop here before heading to Kota Baru which is about a 15-minute drive away.
For the most part, Kubang Kerian is known today for housing the health campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Parents often flock to Kubang Kerian whenever the university accepts new intake of students (which is typically in September). This had led to the sprouting of many more accommodation options for visitors to the town.
While Kubang Kerian is relatively quiet on the tourism front, it’s status as a royal town is well reflected in the many palaces here.
Istana Negeri, the official royal residence, is used during official ceremonies. The other palace here is Istana Mahkota, which according to official records, is the residence of the mother of Sultan of Kelantan Sultan Muhammad V.
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