BRITISH COLONIAL HERITAGE: AN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Malaysia gained independence in 1957 but one thing continues to remain as a priceless heritage – the glorious and majestic British colonial buildings that grace the skyline of the city. Some of them have even become iconic city landmarks.

For visitors who wish to marvel at iconic British architectural landmarks, Kuala Lumpur is the place to be. The city is a blend of old colonial influences and Asian nuances, striking a balance between classic touches and avant-garde lines.

The colonial buildings in Kuala Lumpur were built at the end of the 19th and early 20th century. These buildings were designed with Moorish, Tudor, Neo-Gothic or Grecian-Spanish style, with some architectural inspirations to adapt to the tropical climate. Other cities with such buildings include George Town, Melaka City, Ipoh, Kuching, Johor Bahru and Klang.

Colonial Buildings 

Some of the distinct architectural inspirations from the Neo Moorish or Mughal era are evident in the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, one of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic landmarks. Other Moorish-styled buildings within the vicinity are the old Kuala Lumpur High Court, DBKL City Theatre, InfoKraft (Textile Museum), Kuala Lumpur Memorial Library and National History Museum. Older railways stations such as the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and Ipoh Railway Station incorporate Neo-Moorish structures designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, an architect who also designed many important buildings in his era. These included places of worship such Jamek Mosque, Kuala Lumpur, Ubudiah Mosque, Kuala Kangsar and showcase buildings such as Carcosa Sri Negara, Kuala Lumpur.

Other significant architectural styles bearing Tudor and Victorian influences can be seen in the historic structures located within Merdeka Square, the Royal Selangor Club and the Selangor Chinese Club. These architectural styles feature large exposed wooden beams in half-timbered walls, reminiscent of the earliest social club buildings in the country.

The island city of George Town in Penang which was accorded the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing, has a number of majestic colonial buildings. One of the most imposing landmarks is the stately City Hall which overlooks the Esplanade. This Victorian-style building built in 1903 holds the distinction as being one of the first buildings in George Town. Another great architecture is the Suffolk House with its Anglo-Indian garden house style, commonly found in British India. The Standard Chartered Bank Building, the HSBC Building, the Southern Bank Building. The Uplands International School Building and the trading houses in Weld Quay are some of the eclectic architectural marvels from the Victorian and Georgian era as well as Art Deco and Anglo- Indian times.

Colonial Mansions 

One of the most famous colonial mansions in Malaysia is Kellie’s Castle in Perak. The castle is an icon of love built by Scottish planter, William Kellie Smith for his wife, Agnes. It portrays luxurious colonial inspiration infused with Scottish, Moorish and Indian influences. Word has it that over 70 master craftsmen were specially commissioned all the way from Madras, India to construct this castle. Today, the castle evokes a mysterious yet nostalgic aura within its impressive grounds.

Besides Kellie’s Castle, many colonial mansions have undergone refurbishments and transformed into luxury hotels. Both locals and foreign visitors have often been mesmerised by the impressive elements of the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Macalister Mansion, Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Carcosa Seri Negara. The world-renowned Eastern & Oriental Hotel has stood the test of time and today, it is an epitome of grand elegance of the British colonial era while Carcosa Seri Negara designed with Tudor and Gothic styles was built in 1897 as the official residence of Sir Frank Swettenham, who was the British Resident-General of the Federated Malay States.

Colonial mansions on the hills are also a favourite for those who want to experience cool and refreshing air in natural surroundings interspersed with old world charm. These include the former Red Cross Rehabilitation Centre in Fraser’s Hill, The Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant and other colonial-themed hotels in Cameron Highlands, famed for its tea and strawberry plantations.

Colonial Schools and Churches 

The British introduced Christianity and the British education system during their rule here. Hence it is common to see the structural existence of missionary schools and churches. These buildings exude awe-inspiring architecture.

Neo-Gothic architecture is evident in places of worships, such as the St. Mary's Cathedral, St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Church of the Holy Rosary and St. John's Cathedral.

Central Market

Victorian architecture is also evident in Victoria Institution, Methodist Boys’ School and Convent Bukit Nanas. Other examples of building portraying such architecture include the Central Market, National Art Gallery, Malaysia Tourism Centre, Industrial Court Building and Coliseum Theatre. In Penang, St Xavier’s Institution, Penang Free School and Convent Light Street reflect some of the finest British architectural constructions in the state.

As Malaysia is steeped with colonial inspirations, it has not only attracted tourists but also movie producers from around the world. Some of the famous Hollywood movies shot on Malaysian soil featuring these colonial buildings are Indochine, Anna and the King and The Sleeping Dictionary.

In line with Visit Malaysia Year 2014, do take a step back into time, breathe in the beautiful inspirations from the past and the old world charm, nestled within cosmopolitan surroundings. Truly, this is Malaysia.