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Pasir Salak, Malaysia's heritage

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Introduction

Pasir Salak is the place where Malaysia's modern history began, Malaysia's cultural heritage. It's where the spirit of independence from the British got shape, where democracy was in Malaysia was born and therefore a important piece of the Malaysian heritage. To me, it's a little hidden gem, little visited, even by Malaysians. And that's a shame.

I have visited the complex two times and I found it most rewarding. So let's see what Pasir Salak really is.

Guide map of the complex

The complex was build in 1987 in honor to the people who helped to shape Malaysia as it is now. It is a reminder for the present and future generations of the sacrifice made by chiefs and warriors of Perak in defending their dignity, customs and religion.

The complex consists of different buildings in traditional Malay style.

The Warriors Monument

The Warrior Monument was erected in 1990 as a symbol of bravery, courage and pride of the Malay warriors who fought against the British forces in the 1875 rebellion. This monument was officially opened by the Raja Muda of Perak on 26 May 1990. The monument was sculptured in the form of a "sundang", a Malay sword widely used in the war between the Malays and the British in 1875 at Pasir Salak.

The Sundang is originated from the islands of Sulawesi Indonesia and brought to the Malay Peninsula in the 17th.Century. The blade of these weapons are similar to the keris (double sided blade).

The Sundang is mainly used for cutting and not stabbing as the keris. The Sundang is used in the Royal Ceremonies and named as: Cutam, Si Raja Wali, Sundang and Sada Maikah. It is carried by four personal named 'Kundang' on their right shoulders and was a much feared weapon in the war with the British forces.

The museum

Terawong Sejarah Pasir Selak is a fine example of Malay heritage. The museum offers a good overview of the history of Pasir Salak and the ruling of the British over Perak. It shows photos and artifacts of modern Malaysia's history and the shaping of Malaysia as we know it now.

The Mosque

This is the oldest Mosque built on the original site which was burned down by the British when they attacked Pasir Salak on 5 November 1875. The Mosque was officially opened on 25 September 1964.

The Watchtower

The Watchtower is the first building you see when entering the complex. Although the picture seems to be different, the tower is located in the heart of complex. As I understood, it was even used as a watchtower by the British forces.

If this is true I can not say. Truth is that the tower is beautifully preserved as all the buildings in the complex.

Site where Birch was killed

At about 12 midnight on the second of November 1875 J.W.W. Birch disembarked from his boat named "Naga" Birch on to a raft nearby. His mission was to enforce British administration in Perak.

On the morning of the same day, Dato' Sagor and 50 of his warriors proceeded to meet Birch. They told Birch he had no right to post proclaimations and enforce British rule in Perak. Birch was andamant whereupon heated argument ensued. Birch requested Maharaja Lela to see him. But when about to do so he was speared by Pandak Endut.

The riverside at Pasir Salak complex

There was a commotion during which Birch was killed while still in the bath house. Thus began one of the most significant events in the history of the nation which would eventually lead into the independence from the United Kingdom in 1963. The monument of JWW Birch was build by the British government around 1900 as a memory of J.W.W. Birch, the first British Resident who was murdered at Pasir Salak.

Birch was born in 1826 in South England. His father was a Christian clergyman and had served in the Ceylon navy. One of his sons, P.C.J.W. Birch became the fourth British Resident of Perak after Sir Frank Swettenham from 1904-1911.

Getting there

Pasir Salak is located 65 km from Lumut and Pangkor. Without your own transport it is difficult to get there. Your best bet will be by taxi from either Lumut or Ipoh since Ipoh is also about 65 km away.

Check for buses to Ipoh, our bus to Pangkor page.

Pasir Salak has an important place in Malaysia's turbulent history. Read more on Malaysias' History

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