Looking for a weekend escape beyond the crowded malls and Johor Bahru attractions? Just a 75-minute flight from Changi Airport lies one of Malaysia’s most haunted sites near Ipoh. Rising out of the dense jungle in Perak’s Batu Gajah, Kellie’s Castle is an imposing brick ruin mixing Moorish arches and Scottish estate architecture—and it comes with a chilling history. It’s a quick Grab ride from Ipoh, making it the perfect Halloween excursion before you head back into the historic town to explore. If you dare to brave the haunted Scottish Castle in Malaysia, here’s a little look at the history and what to expect at Kellie’s Castle.
Kellie’s Castle history
The castle is the unfinished masterpiece of William Kellie-Smith, a Scottish civil engineer and planter, who wanted to build a grand home for his family in 1915. He spared no expense, importing Indian bricklayers and planning for a rooftop courtyard and what was intended to be Malaya’s very first elevator.
However, tragedy struck before the estate could be finished as Smith died suddenly of pneumonia in Lisbon in December 1926 while collecting elevator parts. Interestingly, this is after he survived the Spanish flu which killed many of the imported Indian workers during World War I.
Following his death, his wife packed up, abandoned the castle, and returned to Scotland—leaving the multi-architectural marvel to be swallowed by the jungle in Malaysia.
Paranormal activity at the castle
Today, paranormal investigators and curious tourists flock to the 14 grand, echoing rooms because many believe the original owner never actually left.
Visitors frequently report spotting Smith’s ghostly apparition pacing the unfinished second floor hallways, seemingly distressed that his life’s work remains incomplete.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere feels particularly eerie as you look down the dark, empty elevator shaft, walk the exposed brick corridors, and explore the estate’s hidden staircases and secret subterranean tunnels known for escape routes to the Kellie-Smith funded nearby Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.
Certainly, this spooky slice of Scottish Malaysian history offers the perfect mix of urban exploration and chilling lore. And wonderfully, this haunted attraction is easily reached from Singapore.
How to get there
The quickest way to reach Kellie’s Castle from Singapore is via a 1 hour and 15 minutes direct flight. Once you arrive in Ipoh, the castle is located just 30-minute drive south of the city in Batu Gajah. Alternatively, you can take the long route by bus and spend a few days in Ipoh.
The sprawling estate is fully open to the public and makes the perfect weekend activity for ghost busters. It opens daily from 9.30am to 10pm. Entry fee is just RM19 (S$5.50) for non-Malaysians.
