Visitors’ motivation and spatial experience at Kellie’s Castle, Batu Gajah, Perak.

This study identifies the major reasons for visitor interest at Kellie's Castle and explains how these needs influence their space experience. Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajah, Perak is a heritage site recognised for its unfinished colonial architecture and unique spatial qualities. This study examines visitors’ motivations and spatial experiences, focusing on how architectural, environmental, and landscape features influence behaviour and perception. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining questionnaires with 65 visitors and site observations over two days. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics, while qualitative observations recorded visitor movement, activities, social interactions, and time spent across indoor spaces, courtyards, gardens, and surrounding landscapes.Results show that visitors are mainly motivated by physical and aesthetic features rather than folklore or mystical stories. Architectural design and spatial experience were the strongest motivators, followed by historical significance and opportunities for photography and social media. Outdoor areas encouraged longer visits, relaxation, and social interaction, while indoor spaces supported exploration and historical learning. Visitors experienced the castle as a sequence of connected spatial zones, highlighting the importance of variety and transitions. This study links visitor motivation, spatial experience, and environmental characteristics, providing insights for heritage site management, conservation planning, and enhancing visitor experiences.