Castles, real life or not, represent a fantasy; of age-old battles, romantic rendezvous, and candle-lit parties that go on all night.
Malaysia doesn’t have any castles built in those old days, but there are many hotels and resorts that are built to look like the most beautiful castles you’ve ever seen. These castles offer you a glimpse of a fantasy lifestyle while taking care of all your modern-day needs. Travel with us, down the fairytale lane, to a land once upon a time, when castles existed…
1.Kellie’s Castle, Perak
Scottish Planter, William Kellie Smith built Kellie’s Castle as a home away from home in 1915. Kellie died in 1926 and the construction on the castle stopped suddenly. This half-done castle now stands solitary, looking surreal among Perak’s wild plantations, projecting an aura of sadness, mystery and unfinished glory. Even though it’s only three-fourths done, Kellie’s Castle is one of the better-known castles in Malaysia.
2.Michael’s and All Angles Church, Sandakan
This castle was built to look like a castle by New Zealander Mr. B.W. Mountfort. He tried to build it out of belian (ironwood) timber, and then tried brick and finally stone. The regular stones come from nearby Buli Sim Sim; the white window stones are from Hong Kong. The church managed to avoid major damage during WWII, which is why the Australians donated the lovely stained glass windows on the 60th anniversary of WWII. Be sure to check out this beautiful church when you’re on your Malaysia holidays.
3.Carcosa Seri Negara, Kuala Lumpur
This castle-like structure, one of Malaysia’s points of interest, was built in the 1800s; today it’s an exclusive heritage hotel set on a spectacular hilltop setting. This hotel now offers great boutique accommodation to tourists, who stay here to admire its plush interiors, colonial architecture, five exclusive grand suites and old-age customs. The castle is surrounded by 16 hectares of fabulous landscaping, which adds to its look and appeal as a castle of old. Till 1987, the castle was the residence of British High Commissioner for Malaysia.
4.Istana Kenangan
Istana Kenangan used to be a palace at one time, and is now the Royal Museum of Perak. Though it is not exactly a castle, it was a royal residence; Sultan Iskandar Shah stayed here while waiting for the completion of his palace, the Istana Iskandariah. Istana Kenangan has been used to host royal receptions and accommodate palace guests. When viewed from above, the two-level structure appears like a sword in its scabbard. The castle has beautiful wooden carvings and woven wall-mats everywhere, which add to its beauty and period elegance. The Istana Kenangan is one of the top places to visit in Malaysia.
5.The Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort, Berjaya Hills
This spa resort’s construction was inspired by France’s medieval ‘Haut-Koenigsbourg’ castle. The whole castle reeks of a royal residence, though the only residents you’re likely to meet are resort people. It’s a beautiful resort with carved windows, sculptures and other excellent features worthy of several Instagram shots. This castle spa is one of the top Malaysia attractions that are a must-see for tourists.
6.Palace of the Golden Horses Hotel
This is a real castle-looking palace, with its Turkish-inspired minarets, domes and archways, overlooking a stunning blue lake. This hotel is famous for its beauty and elegance; it has been featured in one of Jackie Chan’s movies and has been the venue of many landmark VIP meetings. The castle is beautiful, in and out, with golden carvings, medieval archways and other fabulous features.
7.Merdeka Palace, Kuching
The Merdeka Palace Hotel’s opulent lobby has tall stunning beams, and carved marble ceilings and exquisite marble floors. It’s a beautiful palace that’s now turned into a wonderful hotel that offers luxury royal accommodation and service to wealthy guests.
8.The Palace Hotel, Jalan Tangki
This is a beautiful whitewashed castle, complete with towers, turrets, and fortress-like walls. The castle sits in a cozy corner on Jalan Tangki, away from all the bustle and noise, overlooking lush green landscaping. The tall turrets and the sheer size of the castle makes you feel like a king or queen surveying your kingdom when you stay here.
9.Colmar Tropicale
This resort gets its inspiration from the village of Colmar in France, which has a similar castle. That’s the reason why you’ll find cobblestoned streets and dormer roofs, makeshift moat and drawbridge at this hotel. The name Colmar Tropicale indicates that this is the tropical version of the original Colmar castle in France. There’s even a fountain right in the middle of the central square, typical of an early-medieval castle in a distant European village somewhere far away.
10.Bella Vista Waterfront Resort and Spa
This lovely resort is built in the style of Disney Castle, located in the lovely island of Langkawi, Kedah. What’s more, the castle is located very strategically just beside the sea, making it ideal for vacationers looking for a royal tropical holiday by the beach. When you visit Langkawi, stay at the Bella Vista and enjoy the incredible Disney Castle features along with Langkawi’s fine-as-flour beach sands and aqua waters.
11.Casa del Rio
The Melaka’s Casa del Rio will make you feel that you are in the Mediterranean. It has those very Mediterranean overhanging balconies, curved arches and Moorish fountain in the middle of the courtyard. The hotel was designed this way as homage to Melaka’s Portuguese heritage. The castle’s interior contains several elements belonging to the local heritage, such as Peranakan pottery and Malay batik. The castle hotel is located on the banks of the Melaka River, which adds to its glamor and beauty. Be sure to book your accommodation at the Casa Del Rio when you’re planning your Malaysia travel. Totally worth applying a Malaysia visit visa!
Conclusion
Life doesn’t have to end with a ‘happily ever after’ as it does in the fairytales we’ve all read in our childhoods. However, there is something about castles that makes it possible for us to dream of happy ever after. Which is why, perhaps, many people have built their hotels and stay-cations to look like castles around the world.
When you stay at a castle, there’s no way you’re going to feel sad. You’ll be a-brim with joy, all ready to explore every corner and facet of the castle and looking up its history and inspiration. The next time you’re in Malaysia, plan to stay at one of the amazing castle resorts and make your-happy-ever-after dreams come true.