Kuala Lipis

 Once- frontier town

 

In this remote interior town away from the rest of the country, visits by serving officials were more frequent . The government could not afford to station a large varieties of staff. the area would be better serviced by traveling officials.

Hence, the need for 1st class accommodation was equally great.

The Guest or Rest Houses here was really classic example. Of how life should be in  the years before.

This building on the Hill No.1 was formerly the Residence of the British Officer to Kuala Lipis.

It was still operated as the Rest House.

 Even though a new one and more contemporary on was now available.

This location is the highest of all the surrounding hills within this vicinity.

The build now in full view. A winding access road slowly meanders to its summit.

There the building sat amidst of a spacious lawn.

Inside the colonial style building, there the front reception halls.

Followed by corridors around the sitting hall.

Then at the second hall, the town council set up its reception counter.

This is a picture of the sitting room

Along the corridor, numerous showcases display ancient wares, pots, weaponry, and pipes.

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The place was clean and hospitable. Imagine staying inside a museum for your getaway!

On the next hill, slightly lower in height than this one, the new  Rest house was situated

It too was another eye catching building with contemporary designs

 
 

Picture below was that of  the new Rest House. A dual carriageway led out of town across the river. Then it led the way up that strategic locations.

By co-incident, the terrain aptly allows the 2 Resthouses to face one another

 

The close up view of this yet to be opened Rest House.

No lawn, paved parking area.

Clinical in appearances but definitely a  sudden change of mood from the old classic design.

But then we already had one disappointment.

The back of the Rest house have superb panoramic view of the valley below. Included in the view  was also that of the town entrance.

But we were taught that the official entrance to the Rest House should get that view. In this case - No!. The building was facing a narrow passage confronted by a tall embankment!

 
 

Yet to be seen, the superstitious will tell you this project may be doomed from the start!

Finally one more look at this new Rest House from the adjoining hill top at the classic Rest House!

 

 

For any one interested in Rest Houses, then Kuala Lipis is a must.

It offer the classic example of what a Rest House should look like. The role of Rest Houses in remote frontier town.

 

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