The Pavilion Square Tower

Just across the road from the playing fields of the Malay College, sits the Pavilion Square Tower. Built in 1930, this small pavilion of 3 tiers was designed for the Royal families and dignitaries to watch polo matches nearby in comfort. However, the structure has not been maintained therefore it is not safe for public use.

 

The town

The 'new' kuala kangsar town

Kuala Kangsar town itself is sort of sectioned into two areas: the new part and the old part. The newer part of town stands like a typical town dominated by Chinese businesses of the past. The shophouses line the main road on either side and now many of the old businesses have been taken over by convenience stores, supermarkets, mobile phone dealers and mamak restaurants. One place that the locals frequent for their meals is the Yut Luy restaurant. More on food in Kuala Kangsar.

The older part of town still retains some quaint businesses like the old barber shops, the rattan weaver and some sundry shops. Closer to the riverbank, there are a number of handicraft shops selling mengkuang woven products, some bamboo products, other knick-knacks and the famous Kuala Kangsar labu.

A barber shop in Old Town, still maintains it's old-fashioned way of cutting, shaping, shaving and steaming white towel on-the-face routine

Sayong

Sayong, the little village across the bank is now most famous for its 'labu - air' earthernware containers that was developed in the area because it was found that the clay by the banks was most suitable for pottery work. The clay is worked on the potter's wheel until the desired shape of a gourd is complete and then is left to dry. Then the designs are either carved or stamped onto the surface of the jar and later fired in a kiln. The jar is removed and left to cool in a mound of padi husk. It is this padi husk that gives the jar its colour black. Some believe that water left in the gourd has healing powers and others use these jars as they feel that they keep the water cooler. These days, potters here prefer the use of powdered clay as it is a lot less hassle than to trudge in knee deep along the banks to collect clay.

For a small fare, one can take a boat across the river to Sayong from Kuala Kangsar.

 

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Accommodation and Packages to Kuala Kangsar