Balai Gambang Cempaka Sari
OPEN FOR PUBLIC. SOME AREAS MAY BE PROHIBITED.
CHARGES MAY APPLY FOR SOME AREAS OR ACTIVITIES.
Originally introduced in 1754 during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Zulkarnain, the Balai Gambang has long been integral to royal coronation ceremonies, symbolizing the deep-rooted traditions of the Malay monarchy.
The most recent iteration, named Cempaka Sari, was meticulously crafted for the coronation of Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the 35th Sultan of Perak, in 2015. This vessel, measuring 12.2 meters in length and 6.1 meters in width, was constructed by a dedicated team comprising 35 personnel from the Public Works Department (JKR) Perak and 13 experts and students from the Marine Engineering Technology Institute, Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL MIMET) in Lumut. Powered by three 150cc outboard engines, the Balai Gambang Cempaka Sari was designed to carry up to 25 passengers on a 30 to 40-minute journey along the Perak River.
Following its ceremonial use, the vessel was entrusted to the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) to serve as a unique tourist attraction, offering visitors an immersive experience into the state's royal traditions. However, operations have been temporarily suspended since 2023 due to structural wear and low water levels in the Perak River, with restoration efforts currently underway to preserve this iconic symbol of Perak's heritage.
The Balai Gambang Cempaka Sari not only offers a glimpse into the ceremonial grandeur of the Perak Sultanate but also provides an opportunity for visitors to connect with the state's historical narrative. As restoration progresses, anticipation builds for the return of this majestic vessel to the waters of the Perak River, where it will once again serve as a floating emblem of Perak's enduring cultural legacy.
