RM3.8mil upgrade for Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajah will lure more tourists to its grounds

All spruce up: Kellie’s Castle now sport a large signage welcoming visitors.

A new tourist information building, to be opened at Kellie’s Castle next month, is set to enhance the experience of those visiting the attraction in Batu Gajah.

State Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Hamidah Osman said the tourist information building was part of a RM3.8mil upgrading works carried out at Kellie’s Castle.

The upgrading works, which included the creation of more parking bays, and construction of stalls, a mini theatre, surau and toilets within the tourist information building, was completed last October. “The Batu Gajah District Council is still looking for a suitable operator to manage the tourist information building.

Yet to start: The state government is looking for an operator to take charge of the tourist information centre.

“So far, applications have been received from three interested parties,” she said after visiting Kellie’s Castle last Tuesday. She added that aside from the infrastructure upgrade, about RM1.2mil was spent on landscaping and to furnish the building.

“Kellie’s Castle is a prominent tourist attraction because it has a unique identity. “It is not only a popular spot for the shooting of films but also among newlyweds, who make their way there to have their pre-wedding and wedding photographs taken,” said Hamidah. She added that some 40,000 tourists had visited Kellie’s Castle last year and the number is expected to increase this year.

Now: Kellie’s Castle has undergone upgrading works and more services will be rendered once its tourist information centre is operational in March.

“Prior to the upgrading works, Kellie’s Castle was practically empty and just an old, abandoned building. “With all the new facilities in place, which includes various food and beverage outlets, a tea garden and audio room, I believe we can attract more tourists,” she said.

-thestar online.