Mural Lane is a side-street in Ipoh, only a five minute walk from our hotel, that is full of street art. I visited by myself one afternoon and found it empty. Across the street actually drew my attention first, with the newly painted rainbow color buildings.
Directly across the street is Mural Lane. Notably not in the best of shape, the murals were well done but some had started to peel off. It was most enjoyable because it was empty and it was a fun place to take pictures. Here are my favorites.
Kellie’s Castle technically is not in Ipoh, as it is about 30 minutes south of Ipoh in Batu Gajah (though many people visit it from Ipoh). We actually stopped there on the way to Kuala Lumpur, as it doesn’t take long to explore. It was built (but not completed) by Scotsman William Kellie-Smith, who built it for his wife and child in 1910. The plan included a four-floored building with 14 rooms and an elevator, which was the first in Malaysia. It was an ambitious project that was never completed, as Kellie was not a good businessman, and when he died in 1926 it was abandoned. That is why it is also known as Kellie’s Folly.
Still, it was four stories and we explored all of it, walking on the roof and all throughout the unfinished rooms.
There was one room that was fixed up to look like it would have back when it was built, and we also liked the surrounding countryside. In the garden area there were flowers and vegetables being grown, some goats and even two ostriches. The flag of Malaysia flew on the roof, and as you can see, the highway is quite close to the castle, so it was an easy stop on the way to Kuala Lumpur.
Ipoh was an interesting place; while it was not our favorite, and there were no “must see” attractions, we had a fun time. Our next stop is the big city and capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur!
