Malaysia has a unique constitutional system. The Supreme King, or the Yang di Pertuan Agong, is elected by the Conference of 9 Sultans, from among themselves, to be King for 5 years. This system began in 1957 when Malaysia became independent from Britain. The first conference of Sultans was actually held in Kuala Kangsar in 1897, testimony to the importance of Kuala Kangsar in those days. However, the rapid growth of Ipoh and Taiping resulting from tin mining and rubber, left Kuala Kangsar as a quiet backwater steeped in Malay tradition. The small town centre is quite scruffy but Bukit Chandan where the Sultan’s palaces are located, is quite impressive. For example, the Royal Ubudiah Mosque with its huge golden onion dome, is probably one of the most beautiful in the country. Istana Iskandariah, the current palace, is about 500 meters away from the mosque, and it overlooks the Perak river, which is the longest river in the Peninsula. The Perak River Resort where you’ll be staying, is further upstream, and also ovelooks the river, so you’ll get about the same view that the Sultan has. The sun sets over a magnificent bridge across the river near the resort, and under the right weather conditions, you might be able to shoot some nice sunset pictures there. Istana Iskandariah is not usually open to visitors, but further east is an older palace , the exquisite Istana Kenangan, or the Palace of Memories, made entirely of wood and woven bamboo, without even a single nail used in its construction. It was built in 1931 and served as a temporary palace while the present Istana was being constructed. This old istana is now the Royal Museum. Closer to town and near Masjid Ubudiah is another old palace, Istana Kota or Istana Hula, which has been beauCrossing 32 Bridges
9