Building in Malaysia with more than 70years of history
Malaysia is home to a rich collection of historical buildings that reflect its diverse cultural heritage, colonial past, and modern growth. Many of these structures, especially those that are more than 70 years old, tell the story of Malaysia’s journey through different eras. Below is a look at some notable buildings with over 70 years of history:
1. Carcosa Seri Negara (Late 1800s)
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Carcosa Seri Negara consists of two colonial mansions located in Perdana Botanical Gardens. Built in the late 1800s, Carcosa was the official residence of the British High Commissioner. Seri Negara was added in 1913. These two mansions have since been converted into heritage hotels, preserving their original British colonial architectural features. With its sprawling lawns and grand design, Carcosa Seri Negara is a significant reminder of Malaysia’s colonial history.
Click here to read more about Carcosa Seri Negara.
2. Kellie’s Castle (1915)
Location: Batu Gajah, Perak
Kellie’s Castle is a Scottish baronial-style mansion, built by William Kellie Smith, a Scottish planter. Construction began in 1910, but the castle was never completed due to Smith’s untimely death in 1926. Despite its unfinished state, the castle’s architectural beauty stands out, combining European and Indian elements. It was meant to be a symbol of wealth and status but is now a popular tourist attraction with an air of mystery and historical intrigue.
Click here to read more about Kellie’s Castle.
3. Istana Jahar (1855)
Location: Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Built in 1855, Istana Jahar is a royal palace in Kelantan, originally constructed by Sultan Muhammad II. This wooden palace exemplifies traditional Malay architecture, with intricate wood carvings and classic designs that reflect Kelantan’s royal history. Today, it houses a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of Kelantan’s royal families.
Click here to read more about Istana Jahar.
4. Fort Cornwallis (1786)
Location: George Town, Penang
Fort Cornwallis is one of the oldest structures in Malaysia, built by the British East India Company in 1786. Named after Charles Cornwallis, the fort was initially constructed to protect Penang from potential threats by pirates and Kedah forces. Although it never saw combat, Fort Cornwallis remains a well-preserved historical site, featuring cannons, a chapel, and even a prison. Its star-shaped structure makes it an important piece of Malaysia’s colonial military history.
Click here to read more about Fort Cornwallis.
5. St. George’s Church (1818)
Location: George Town, Penang
Founded in 1818, St. George’s Church is the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia. This elegant structure was built during British colonial rule and is an iconic piece of Penang’s religious history. The building’s Greco-Roman architectural style, with tall Doric columns and a classic pediment, makes it an architectural gem. It remains a functioning place of worship and a prominent landmark in George Town.
Click here to read more about St. George’s Church.
6. Masjid Kampung Hulu (1728)
Location: Malacca
Masjid Kampung Hulu is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia, built in 1728 during the Dutch colonial period. Located in the heart of Malacca, this mosque combines Javanese, Sumatran, and Chinese architectural influences, featuring a unique pagoda-style minaret. The mosque is still active, and its architecture represents the harmonious blending of different cultural influences in Malaysia.
Click here to read more about Masjid Kampung Hulu.
7. The Stadthuys (1650)
Location: Malacca
The Stadthuys is one of the oldest Dutch colonial buildings in Southeast Asia, built in 1650 as the official residence of the Dutch governor. Its red brick walls and Dutch-style architecture have made it an iconic feature of Malacca’s historic landscape. Today, the Stadthuys functions as a museum complex, showcasing Malacca’s rich history, from its sultanate period to Dutch and British rule.
Click here to read more about The Stadthuys.
8. The Estate on Federal Hill (1950)
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Built in 1950, The Estate on Federal Hill is an historic building that was once a contemporary residence for numerous high-ranking government officials under the Malaysian government. It also used to be surrounded by palm oils and rubber plantations, and now has become an event space that provides breathtaking cityscape views. It is not just an event space but could also be a place for getaways in the city for KLites.
Click here to read more about The Estate on Federal Hill.
Conclusion:
These buildings, each more than 70 years old, are not just historic landmarks—they are windows into Malaysia’s cultural and colonial past. Their enduring presence reminds us of the country’s rich heritage, shaped by local traditions and foreign influences. Whether serving as government buildings, religious sites, or forts, these structures contribute to Malaysia’s unique architectural and historical landscape, making them invaluable treasures for both locals and visitors alike.