If you’re a historic buff or just want to snap some cool photos, Victoria Bridge is an interesting stop north of Ipoh. It’s closer to Kuala Kangsar but still a short detour from Taiping.
What is there to see here and what should you expect on your first visit?
Read on to discover more about Victoria Bridge before you even go there!
Table Of Contents:
Origin And Construction Of Victoria Bridge
Victoria Bridge or Enggor Bridge was built in April 1897 by the Perak State Railway. The signage is on the platform below the bridge on the Kuala Kangsar side.
Its initial construction involved British engineers and a substantial workforce of 500 people from the area as well as India. Two floods delayed the construction, and it was finally finished after 2 years.
Historic Importance Of Victoria Bridge
Because of its advantageous position, Victoria Bridge was a key point of control that both the British and Japanese fought over during World War II (end of December in 1941). Another bridge that the Japanese targeted was the Iskandar Bridge which also crosses the Perak River.
But despite defence on both bridges, both bridges suffered damage from bombs by the British.
Later in February 1942, the Japanese army started repairs on the bridge. Locals were paid 55 cents a day for their labor. It took 6 months to repair Victoria bridge, using trees in the vicinity.
Modern Use Of Victoria Bridge
Victoria Bridge is still used today by motorcyclists and pedestrians to get to the other side of Perak River. The 353-meter-long bridge connects Kampung Warisan Budaya (east) and Kampung Seberang Karai (west).
Its original purpose as part of a train route was discontinued in 2002. The new train track for the electric train is right beside Victoria Bridge.
Besides a means of transportation, Victoria Bridge is a historic symbol of Perak. And a tourist attraction. There are a few slots to park your car at the east side of the bridge.
At the time of writing, there are some maintenance works going on. And what looks to be a recreational park in progress below the bridge.
Things To Do At Victoria Bridge
1. Admire The Scenery
The bridge is beautiful and so is the natural scenery around it. There is a new resort (D’village Hotel @ Victoria Bridge) directly across from the bridge but it too, blends in with the scenery with its kampung style chalets.
A large tree on the east side of the bridge provides a good amount of shade in the middle of the day too.
2. Rent A Bicycle
CYCLEDIOS has a bicycle rental station at D’village Hotel @ Victoria Bridge.
There is a cycling trail (Sg. Perak Bike Trail Victoria – Chenderoh) that starts from the east side of the bridge although it is lacking signage as well as maintenance.
Do expect some obstacles (e.g., trees or overgrown weeds and shrubs) along the path if you decide to take on the trail on your own. The whole trail is 25km in total.
The trail is hilly at the first 10km and it will take you past a corn field too. It is possible to only do half of the trail (advisable for amateur cyclists) until the main road. Thus, you might want someone to accompany you in a car too.
3. Eat Nasi Lemak
Those that come early on a Thursday, will be able to enjoy a local breakfast of authentic nasi lemak at Victoria Bridge Café. The café opens at 8:30am on Thursdays.
But the café is also open throughout the day from between 10am to 6pm on most days. It does close earlier at 4:30pm on Thursdays.
Note: Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
4. Learn the history behind Victoria Bridge
There are about 5 information boards and posters around Victoria Bridge where you can read more about the bridge.
One of them has a timeline with old photos of what the bridge used to look like.
Getting To Victoria Bridge
Transport options to Victoria Bridge are limited to cars due to its rural location.
If you don’t have your own car, consider including Victoria Bridge as part of a Taiping or Kuala Kangsar day trip from Ipoh with RayTheTour.
Contact RayTheTour via WhatsApp to inquire more about their tours and pricing.
Conclusion
If you’re not planning on cycling, there is not much to do at Victoria Bridge. This is more of a stop between Ipoh, Taiping, or Kuala Kangsar.
It’s free to access this bridge. And since the electric train has its own track, you don’t have to worry of being in danger of getting run over.
For more historic attractions in Perak, check out Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajah. Or the TT5 Tin Dredge in Tanjung Tualang, Perak.
