LepakPerakLah

As a state that is filled with remarkable heritage, historical architecture, diverse culture and unique gastronomic offerings, Perak deserves to be put on a pedestal. Also dubbed as the Land of Grace, Perak is full of character due to the influences it has been receiving over the ages. Once famous for its glittering tin ore history, Perak of today makes for a wonderful road tripping destination because there is bound to be something interesting to see and eat along the way.

So, to help you plan your trip around Perak, we’ve compiled the best of the best attractions found in each district. So, go ahead and #LepakPerakLah once it is possible for you to travel!

Visit https://www.tourismperakmalaysia.com/ for further information

Sungai Kooi Waterfall at Royal Belum

BAGAN DATUK DISTRICT

Sunflower Garden, Bagan Datuk, Perak

Find yourself magically transported to a dreamy realm when standing amidst tall sunflowers at the Sunflower Garden, arguably one of the best highlights to be found in the district of Bagan Datuk in Perak! Be sure to take in the mesmerising view of this garden filled by more than 2,000 giant sunflowers, making it an ideal location for taking wedding pictures for newlyweds besides Instagramworthy selfies. The garden opens every day from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with entrance fees ranging between MYR5 to MYR13 according to age.

HILIR PERAK DISTRICT

Leaning Tower, Teluk Intan, Perak

Recognised as a national heritage, the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan is no stranger to many. This pagoda-styled structure was completed in 1885 by a contractor named Leong Choon Chong, in which its original purpose was to serve as a water reservoir during dry season and in the event of fire. And since the tower was built on a soft ground, the weight of the water tank eventually make it lean slightly towards the southwest direction. From the outside, the tower looks like an eightstorey structure, though it actually comprises only three storeys. This iconic structure also features a clock designed by JW Benson of Ludgate Hill in London, which still chimes to this day.

HULU PERAK DISTRICT

Lenggong Archaeological Museum, Lenggong, Perak www.mdlg.gov.my/ms/pelawat/ destinasi-menarik/muzium-arkeologilenggong

This is a museum worth visiting for its vast collection of artefacts, including the famous Perak Man skeleton that is reputed to be around 11,000 years old, stone tools used by ancient man and drawings from the Paleolithic period. Lenggong Valley is one of Peninsular Malaysia’s most valuable archaeological sites and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Royal Belum Park, Gerik, Perak

www.royalbelum.my/eng

The 300,000-hectare Royal Belum State Park is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, even older than Amazon. A short hike in the rainforest brings you to the breathtaking and refreshing Sungai Rouk Waterfall, which is home to thousands of freshwater fishes. If you are lucky, you could even see a Rafflesia in full bloom. Besides flora and fauna, some parts of Royal Belum Park have been reserved for an aboriginal tribe called the Jahai. There are three villages in the forest and Kampung Aman Damai is the most well-known, touted as a great example of living heritage. Stroll through the village and mingle with the aboriginal people to understand how they live with bare necessities.

KAMPAR DISTRICT

Kampar River, Kampar, Perak nomadadventure.com

White water rafting along Sungai (River) Kampar is a popular, funfilled activity for the physically fit and those who crave for technical yet safe adventure. The river has 22 different rapids ranging from Grade 2 to Grade 3, ideal for beginners up to intermediate. While rafting, travellers get to experience the thrill of tackling exciting rapids and floating down the river through lush rainforest and old tin mining sites.

Sahom Valley Agro & Eco Resort, Kampar, Perak

www.facebook.com/sahomvalleyresort

Have you ever experienced living in a bamboo house? If the answer is no, do not miss out the chance to overnight at Sahom Valley as the houses are

built using bamboo and located in a palm oil plantation. In the daytime, travellers can cycle around Sahom Valley, frolic around Honey Bamboo field, swim in the river across your bamboo accommodation or ride on an all-terrain vehicle. After a meaningful day, enjoy the evening by watching the cultural performance by Perak’s aboriginal tribe and join in the singing and dancing over a hearty dinner. This resort is ideal for those seeking peace and relaxation.

Gaharu Tea Valley, Gopeng, Perak

www.facebook.com/GaharuTeaValley

As travellers enter this valley, they will be amazed by its formidable-looking fortress that seems to mimic the Great Wall of China. Located four kilometres from Gopeng, Gaharu Tea Valley spans 300 acres and cultivates 200,000 gaharu (agarwood) trees at the foothills of the Titiwangsa Range. Travellers can make a quick stop at Hugging Hills where the management provides a garden with several tall gaharu trees for visitors to hug them – it is believed that the trees need to be hugged so that it could grow healthily. Before leaving, travellers can buy gaharu-based products, among them gaharu ice-cream and gaharu noodles. No fees are charged to enter the valley; however, the fee of RM10 per adult or RM5 per child is imposed if travellers plan to tour around the valley.

Gua Tempurung, Gopeng, Perak

www.gtoc.asia

This is one of the longest limestone cave tunnels in Peninsular Malaysia that extends as far as two kilometres. Although it is not as big as the Niah and Mulu Caves in Sarawak, novice cavers will be glad to know that cave exploration here is made relatively easy by accessible steel and concrete staircases constructed along the trail. Viewing platforms and railings are added as additional safety measures and spotlights are strategically placed to illuminate the cave’s most attractive features. Interested cavers can experience Gua Tempurung Outdoor Camp, an establishment that aims to please adrenaline junkies with adventurous outdoor activities such as caving, white-water rafting, tubing and waterfall abseiling.

Gua Kandu, Gopeng, Perak

nomadadventure.com

This cave was once used by the Japanese during the Second World War before it was taken over by Communist guerrillas as their secret base during the Emergency period. Travellers are required to hike more than usual as they go through a steep climb to get to the cave entrance. The ceiling of the cave is about 35 feet (11 metres) high from the floor. As travellers enter and shine their lights on the tunnels, they will be able to witness various stones, stalagmites, weird wall textures and geological formations. Travellers will get their adrenaline rush at the end of their cave exploration when they zipline out of the cave to a platform on the hillside below, then continue scaling down via ferrata.

Clockwise from Previous Page, Top: Sunflower Garden, Bagan Datuk; Royal Belum Park, Gerik; Kayaking on Temenggor Lake in Royal Belum; Leaning Tower, Teluk Intan.

KERIAN DISTRICT

Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, Semanggol, Perak

www.bukitmerahresort.com.my

Located a three-hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Merah Laketown is a good option for a quick getaway. Famous for its over 11-acre waterpark, the waterpark offers 14 rides for adults and children. For those of you who want to get closer to the flora and fauna, on the other hand, could visit its eco-park where visitors can view and interact with a variety of animals including primates, otters and reptiles, all roam freely within well-maintained enclosures specially designed to suit their natural habitat. Another attraction in Bukit Merah Laketown Resort is the Orang Utan Island, which is reachable by boat and takes about 10 minutes to get there.

KINTA DISTRICT

Ipoh Railway Station, Ipoh, Perak Some call it as the ‘Taj Mahal of Ipoh’, thanks to its gorgeous Neo-Moorish/ Indo-Saracenic architecture designed by the architect Arthur Benison Hubback, whose stint in India heavily inspired his works. In fact, many of his other works shared similar influence, including the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station (completed 1910), the Jamek Mosque (completed 1909) and the old KL city hall building (completed 1904). Take a lazy stroll around the building, and you’ll see how easy it is to be lost in time because most of the parts are still intact; perhaps, this was also the reason why it was chosen to be the set for Jodie Foster’s Anna and the King. Today, the station is still in operation, served by the KTM Electric Train Services (ETS).

Kampung Kacang Puteh, Ipoh, Perak Many of the community members in Kampung Kacang Puteh today are descendants of the first-generation migrants from Tamil Nadu. They were brought to what was then Malaya by the British to clear land. Those who were entrepreneurial and possessed the skill in making Indian snacks started small businesses, particularly selling light bites known as ‘kacang puteh’ or steamed lentils (‘kacang kuda’) for side income. Their businesses eventually flourished, and more and more families joined the bandwagon by offering different varieties of snacks like murukku, fried nuts and potato chips, expanding the industry into what we see today. It is believed that over 100 types of Indian snacks are now produced and sold at this village.

Yasmin at Kong Heng, Ipoh, Perak

www.facebook.com/yasminatkongheng

This gallery celebrates the life and works of the late Yasmin Ahmad, a film-maker well known for her truly Malaysian spirit. This gallery opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Funtasy House and Trick Art, Ipoh, Perak

funtasyhouse.com

This is a family-oriented threedimensional trick art gallery that brings excitement among the young and the inner child among the old. It consists of 26 murals and two upsidedown rooms where visitors need to pose in specific way or angle to make the shot realistic, such as posing like they are flying on a witch’s broom similar to Harry Potter.

Sunway Lost World of Tambun, Tambun, Perak

sunwaylostworldoftambun.com

This is the perfect place to get lost (in a good way) with your family because Lost World of Tambun is an all-inone adventure park that contains a water park, an amusement park, a petting zoo, tiger valley, and even hot springs and spa. After the sun sets, the place is transformed into a magical Night Park with a flaming percussion show that leave visitors in awe!

Tambun Pomelo Farm, Tambun, Perak Tambun is famous for its pomelos. Pomelo is well-known for its sweet and refreshing taste, besides being used as traditional medicine. There are several pomelo farms in Tambun that not only sold pomelos locally but also exported internationally. Pomelo in Tambun is not grown seasonally, hence production is consistent throughout the year due to Tambun’s hilly soil that is rich with minerals. One of the largest pomelo cultivators, Mr. Chin, even exports his pomelo to Hong Kong, Singapore, United States of America and Australia, among others. At Mr. Chin’s farm, visitors are welcomed to savour the fresh pomelo and other fruits such as rambutan, passion fruit, jackfruit, star fruit, guava, sapodilla and many more. Tour groups are advised to call the farm at 05-5497309 before visiting.

Kellie’s Castle, Batu Gajah, Perak Possibly one of the most famous landmarks of the state, Kellie’s Castle keeps drawing visitors with its impressive yet unfinished architecture. Its mysterious aura invites paranormal seekers; however, come daytime, this spectacular building makes a beautiful subject for architectural photography. The castle was built by William Kellie-Smith, a Scottish civil engineer and rubber plantation owner, for his beloved wife, Agnes, but sadly was never completed due to his untimely death. The wife then decided to sell it before she and her children returned to Scotland.

Previous Page, Clockwise from Top Left: Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, Semanggol; Funtasy House and Trick Art, Ipoh; Kellie’s Castle (Image by Iszarizal Ismail from Pixabay); Tambun Pomelo Farm, Tambun.

KUALA KANGSAR DISTRICT

Ubudiah Royal Mosque, Kuala Kangsar, Perak Gleaming gloriously under the sun against contrasting blue sky, this royal mosque is dubbed as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia. Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, the building features striking gilded golden domes, four minarets and 16 turrets. However, not many knew that the original version of the mosque was slightly simpler; the domes were initially made of concrete before they were rebuilt using aluminium in the 1970s. The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Idris Murshidul Adzam Shah, the 28th Sultan of Perak (1887 – 1916), as part of His Royal Highness’s expression of gratitude to The Almighty after recovering from an illness.

Royal Museum of Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Perak

muzium.perak.gov.my/index.php/en/ museums/royal-museum-kuala-kangsar

Also aptly known as Istana Kenangan, the palace had been the official residence of the royal family between 1931 and 1933. It was built in 1926 by the Malay carpenter Enci Sepian for Sultan Iskandar Shah. However, after Istana Iskandariah was completed, the royal family moved to the new palace and Istana Kenangan was then used to hold royal celebrations and host palace guests. Today, this quaint palace has been turned into the Royal Museum of Perak, which opens daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (the museum closes at 12:45 p.m. on Thursdays) except Friday. Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Kangsar, Perak

muzium.perak.gov.my/index.php/ muzium/galeri-sultan-azlan-shah

If you are a history buff, be prepared to be awed by this iconic attraction in Kuala Kangsar. Strategically located at the heart of this serene Royal Town of Kuala Kangsar, Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah showcases enthralling anecdotes of the late Sultan Azlan Shah (19282014). The gallery provides insights into what made Sultan Azlan Shah the man he was, from his personal background to his vast personal collections, honorary awards, jewellery and medals.

Hajah Azizah Gold Thread (Tekat Emas), Kuala Kangsar, Perak The art of gold thread embroidery is an elegant traditional handicraft that can be traced back to the 15th century. Hajah Azizah Mohd Yusof, who received recognition as the National Master Craftsman for Gold Thread Embroidery in 2018, has taken the initiative to promote the art of gold thread embroidery by organising and facilitating gold thread embroidery workshops, besides exhibiting the products near her house in Kampung Padang Changkat, Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar. For more info, contact +6 012 513 6400.

Ihsaniah Iskandariah Mosque, Padang Rengas, Perak One day when Sultan Iskandar Shah went out for a picnic at Lata Bubu near Padang Rengas, His Highness noticed that his subjects were praying in a rundown madrasah (Islamic religious school). As he was a pious man himself, Sultan Iskandar Shah then ordered a better mosque to be built in the area, hence the creation of Ihsaniah Iskandariah Mosque, which was named after him. The building –considered unique due to its exquisite plaited kelarai (woven strip bamboo) and carvings on the building’s façade – was crafted by Chinese artisans and now becomes a popular Instagram-worthy attraction.

Panjut Festival, Padang Rengas, Considered as a unique tradition in Padang Rengas, the panjut (oil lamp) festival, which has been around for decades, takes place in the final week of every Ramadhan (Muslim fasting month). This festival involves lights that can be witnessed when villagers dazzlingly illuminate their villages by hanging the oil lamps from huge elaborate structures. However, in the mid80s, the festival was temporarily banned due to a claim that it made people neglect their taraweeh (special prayers held nightly during the entire Ramadhan). The festival was revived in 2014 by Padang Rengas Parliamentary Constituency Sports and Community Recreation Club in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism & Culture Malaysia and Padang Rengas Member of Parliament Service Centre to promote unity and creativity at the grassroots level.

Perak Royal Museum (Credit to Perak State Museum Board)

LARUT, MATANG & SELAMA DISTRICT

Taiping Lake Gardens, Taiping, Perak There’s no place that represents Taiping better than its Lake Gardens; it is so serene and peaceful that it literally personifies the town’s name, which means ‘everlasting peace’ in Hokkien. The lake was formerly an abandoned tin mine, but now flourishes as a lush green sanctuary consisting of a calm, sprawling lake and ancient rain trees. Today, travellers can see locals, including those with families, having picnic and enjoy the area’s pleasant atmosphere while jogging.

Zoo Taiping & Night Safari, Taiping, Perak

m.facebook.com/zootaipingnightsafari

Get close with over a thousand animals of different species including mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. These residents are kept in enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats with streams, lakes and abundance of flora. At night, the zoo offers a night safari ride that gives visitors a chance to see nocturnal animals in action!

Bukit Larut, Taiping, Perak Maxwell Hill, now renamed as Bukit Larut, receives the most rainfall in the country. It possesses natural landscape that surrounds the colonial buildings that used to be vacation bungalows for British officers. The majestic view from the top of the hill is something that no one wants to miss when they come to Taiping. There are many indigenous plants that grow wildly here such as begonia and jungle orchid, with interesting wildlife to match such as monkeys, reptiles and even tigers. At the foot of Bukit Larut, visitors will be able to find the Biodiversity Centre, supervised by the National Landscape Department and functions as an educational centre for conserving and preserving the balance of Bukit Larut’s natural surroundings.

Taiping Lake Gardens, Taiping

Bukit Larut, Taiping

Matang Mangrove Eco-Educational Forest Centre, Kuala Sepetang

Charcoal Factory, Kuala Sepetang Matang Mangrove Eco-Educational Forest Centre, Kuala Sepetang, Perak

www.kualasepetang.com

The mangrove forest here – managed by Perak State Forestry Department – is one of the best managed mangroves in the world and the Matang Mangrove Eco-Educational Forest Centre provides recreational facilities, eco-tourism opportunities and help to increase public awareness towards the importance of managing our forest. While strolling along the boardwalk through the mangrove forest, visitors will be immersed in the mangrove ecosystem, led by a knowledgeable tour guide.

Kampung Dew Fireflies Tour, Kuala Sepetang, Perak

www.kualasepetang.com

If fireflies always fascinate you, then make your way to Kampung Dew and experience watching tonnes of ‘Christmas lights’ along the river! Countless number of fireflies light up every tree along the river and flicker simultaneously, turning the whole environment magical.

Charcoal Factory, Kuala Sepetang, Perak The charcoal factory owned by Khay Hor Holdings Sdn. Bhd. is a unique tourist attraction. Established in 1930, the factory is still running until now, producing what they know best in the traditional way: charcoal from the mangrove forest. This factory with its igloo-like kilns has been attracting travellers when they visit Matang Mangrove Forest because this is the best place to learn about the whole process of traditional charcoal production.

MANJUNG DISTRICT

Saloma Vineyard & Nursery, Sitiawan, Perak

www.salomavineyard.com

Who says Malaysia can’t grow grapes? Saloma Vineyard & Nursery proves this crop can grow and be harvested even in Malaysia’s tropical climate. Take part in the amazing experience at the farm by plucking grapes with your own hands and learn the technique on how to cultivate grapes from the vineyard owner. Travellers can also buy grape saplings for RM20 to grow the plant at home.

Lekir Agriculture Station, Sitiawan, Perak If Perlis is popular for its mango called Harum Manis, Perak takes pride in its own type of mango called Chokonan, which is cultivated in Sitiawan. Lekir Agriculture Station has 80 acres of Chokonan Mango trees, each needs to grow for at least two years and a half before starting to fruit. Besides Chokonan mangoes, the farm also plants rock melons, coconuts and vegetables, among others. This place is suitable for those who want to experience plucking fruits and vegetables directly from the tree with their bare hands.

Ping Sien Si Temple, Sitiawan, Perak Ping Sien Si is just one of the few names tagged to this temple; however, it is better known as Tua Pek Kong Temple or Kuan Yin Temple in Kampung Pasir Panjang Laut. The basic structure of this temple was built over a century ago. However, after its major facelift that cost MYR7.5 million, the modest basic structure surrounded by the mangrove forest by the sea has now been transformed into a grand house of worship that is divided into three sections namely Tua Pek Kong, Kuan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy) whom Buddhists can express their gratitude and share their grief, and Hua Ye (the Tiger Spirit). These three deities are amongst the 99 statues that line the temple.

Hai Seng Hin Satay Factory, Pangkor, Perak

haisenghin.net/index.htm

When being on an island rich with maritime resources such as Pangkor, travellers naturally buy seafood snacks as souvenirs to bring back home. Established in 1969, Hai Seng Hing Satay Factory is a major seafood trader that stocks up well-loved seafood snacks like crispy cuttlefish satay, barbequed fish, fish satay, and squid and prawn crackers. The factory’s shop also sells frozen fresh and sea water fishes including Indian mackerel, hilsa, Spanish mackerel, dried shrimps, salted fish and salted jellyfish.

Dutch Fort, Pangkor, Perak Pangkor Island’s history might not be as glorious as Melaka’s, but in 1650, the Dutch arrived in Pangkor and the locals were forced to agree with the construction of the Dutch Fort, which was then converted into a warehouse to keep all of the collected tin ore away from the locals. After some time, the locals rebelled and attacked it. Since then, it was never in use anymore and has now become a tourist attraction on Pangkor Island. Masjid Al-Badr Seribu Selawat, Pangkor, Perak Located in Kampung Teluk Gedong, the mosque gets its name from the 1,000 inscriptions of salawat that have been carved on the walls and pillars of the mosque. The design features a unique harmonious blend of local Perakian architecture and Middle Eastern influences. Truly, this is one of the most beautiful mosques we’ve ever laid eyes on in Malaysia!

PERAK TENGAH DISTRICT

Desa Warisan iGROW, Bota, Perak

www.facebook.com/WARISANIGROW

Been missing the ‘balik kampung’ feeling? Then head to Kompleks Desa Warisan iGROW, an integrated project that combines agriculture with hospitality and entrepreneurship. Stepping into this 30-acre land brings back the nostalgia of Malaysia 40 to 50 years ago, with its wooden houses built in Malay vernacular, lush tropical vegetation, and fresh air. Guests can wake up to the sounds of roosters crowing in the morning, take in the fresh air and reinvigorate their eyes with the soothing view of the adjacent green vegetable farm.

Hai Seng Hin Satay Factory, Pangkor

COVID-19 PANDEMIC:

IPOH CITY RECOVERY PLAN

The Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed by the Malaysian government in mid-March 2020 to contain the Covid-19 outbreak had profound consequences on many sectors of the economy, with tourism industry being the most badly affected. Travel ban and restrictions have led to a large drop in the number of tourists visiting Malaysia. However, though borders remain closed at the time of writing, domestic tourism is now allowed to resume operations. With the economy-wide stimulus packages rolled out by the government, the tourism sector is beginning to regain its foothold.

Affordable accommodation offered by hotels and resorts – including attractive travel packages – have allowed people in the B40 and M40 groups to enjoy the benefits of travelling to popular destinations within Malaysia. Nevertheless, due to the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) are strictly enforced in hotels, resorts, campsites, restaurants, eateries and transportation to break the Covid-19 chain.

In response to the challenges brought about by the pandemic and economic downturn, Ipoh City works hard to improve its tourism industry under the leadership of the 12th Mayor, YBhg. Dato’ Haji Rumaizi bin Baharin @ Md. Daud, who is committed to attracting more people to visit and even invest in Ipoh City by putting in place short-term and long-term planning to make the city more sustainable and liveable. YBhg. Dato’ Haji Rumaizi envisions Ipoh City to become the third most well-known tourism city in Malaysia by 2025 via the 3H concept: Hipster, Heritage and Health.

Tourism industry is vital in lifting the economy because tourists, either local or foreign, spend on accommodation, sight-seeing, food, and purchasing items like memorabilia or souvenirs. The revenue generated from these activities are channelled back towards developing and upgrading the city’s infrastructure to create more jobs for locals and enhance their quality of life.

Although Ipoh City is popular for its culinary offerings, efforts are being made to find ways for tourists to spend more nights in Ipoh City not only for its food but its rich heritage as well that tourists can experience before heading to other destinations. As such, YBhg. Dato’ Haji Rumaizi declared that tourism development in Ipoh City to concentrate within the Ipoh Tourism Triangle covering recreational sites such as Gunung Lang; Ipoh Padang and its surroundings; D.R. Seenivasagam Park; and Kampung Kuchai, particularly the Panglima Kinta Mosque and its historically-rich vicinity.

Several of the projects are already under way and will be completed by early 2021. These include the Petting Zoo at Gunung Lang; the Kinta Riverwalk; and the light-and-sound features at Ipoh Padang. As for Kampung Kuchai, discussions are being held to designate this area for ecoheritage tourism.

One thing that snap-happy tourists should not miss in Ipoh is to follow the two-hour Heritage Trail around Old Town, which leads them to the area’s unique charms, for instance the mural drawings that grace the back-lane of the shophouses, irresistible souvenirs on sale at Concubine Lane, and a shop featuring accessories displayed upside down. Hipster cafes can be found along the Heritage Trail too, which are magnets for youths and the young at heart generation.

On top of that, Ipoh City Council collaborates with other local district authorities in the State of Perak such as Batu Gajah, Kampar and Kuala Kangsar to promote tourism products within the respective districts under a pilot project known as Greater Ipoh. Each of the mentioned districts has its own identity and attractions ranging from geopark to culinary and heritage.

Ipoh City is only two hours by train from Kuala Lumpur and an-hourand-a-half drive along the highway from Penang. Both domestic and international tourists can enjoy various cuisines and spend a night or more when savouring the delights of Ipoh City before departing elsewhere.

For more information, visit http://www.mbi.gov.my/en.

Kellie’s Castle, Batu Gajah Gaharu Tea Valley, Kampar Ubudiah Mosque, Kuala Kangsar