Going from eerie to enchanting

Full of intrigue: Since January, the castle has extended its hours to allow for night visits.

BATU GAJAH: It’s a century-old castle, steeped in history and folklore.

However, there are no ghosts roaming its halls.

In fact, Kellie’s Castle is keen to drop links to dark tourism and to rebrand itself as a vibrant heritage attraction.

Since January, the castle has extended its hours to allow for night visits.

This means that visitors can enter the historical mansion from 9.30am to 10pm (last admission is at 9.30pm).

“We want visitors to see Kellie’s Castle not as a scary place, but as a colonial landmark similar to the Colosseum, brought to life with colourful lighting and historical storytelling that evokes deep emotions,” said Kellie’s Castle Park manager Jumaatul Nor Hajjah Mazli.

She said the purpose of introducing night visits is to showcase the architectural beauty of the 110-year-old mansion under the glow of lights, while dispelling the notion that the landmark is haunted.

“Our aim is to highlight its beauty at night through lighting and to make it clear that the castle has no paranormal activities, unlike what the public has heard in the past,” she said in an interview.

Since the night visits began, she said weekday daytime visitor numbers have reached 65% of its capacity, with weekends recording a 90% rate.

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For night tours, weekday attendance averages 35%, while weekends reach as high as 95%.

What makes the night visits more interesting is that visitors are provided with guided tram tours that replicate the vehicle William Kellie-Smith himself once owned.

He was a Scottish civil engineer who started the construction of the castle, which was meant for his family, in 1915.

However, the work stopped when it was just 70% completed as Smith died of pneumonia in 1926.

The unfinished building, with its tales of diseases and accidents, led to the place being associated with dark tourism.

Previously, there had been chatter that apparitions would appear, referred to as Mr Gopal (a former worker at the mansion) or Helen (Smith’s daughter).

“But thankfully, since the night visits began in January, we have not heard of such encounters,” Jumaatul said.

Night visitors are provided with information about the place, allowing them the chance to see the castle glow once the lights come on at 7pm.

“There are 120 dim lights bulbs installed all over the building. Soon, there are plans to install spotlights and LED lightings.

“We also have planned to expand more activities for night time visitors such as introducing a hologram or animation featuring William Kellie-Smith,” she added.

Although overnight stays are no longer allowed, the team plans to introduce a “Night Museum” experience in the future, but this time highlighting the history of the castle and its founder instead of paranormal activities.

During the day, she said visitors can enjoy activities such as horse rides while dressed in cowboy costumes or take a tram ride.

“By the end of September, ‘Mother’s Farm’ will also be introduced, featuring farming activities and livestock such as chickens,” she said.

She said the management is also planning more community-based activities such as talks, cultural performances, gotong-royong, sports and silat demonstrations to further promote the castle.

Jumaatul also said the management has proposed for it to be nominated as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Most of the night visitors, when interviewed, were enchanted by the sight of the castle.

“The architecture is beautiful. We could even catch the sunset after 7pm,” said Russian traveller Alexandra Kostareva, 20.

She was pleased with the extended hours, saying that it is convenient for tourists.

“It is great that the castle is open at night as travellers who arrive late will also be able to explore this unique building at night,” she added.

Lai Wen Xuan, 19, a dancer from Kuala Lumpur, said the lighting makes the building look stunning.

“I was so happy to find out that it is open for night visits.

“It’s surprising to see this building still standing strong even after some parts have been damaged by bomb fragments,” she said.

Another visitor Nur Khalina Syahinda Khalib, 19, a kitchen helper, said the lighting now makes the castle appear more majestic.

“Previously, it was dark and a little scary, but now it’s no longer frightening,” she said.

Admission fees to Kellie’s Castle are RM9 for adults, RM7 for children and RM6 for senior citizens.