9 Underrated Family-friendly Attractions in Perak Worth Exploring

Text by ALIFF ASHRAF Images by HASIF HAMSYARI

We often hear that people go to Ipoh city when they visit Perak, either to savour the popular Nasi Vanggey or to frolic around Mirror Lake. However, to further enrich your experience in Perak, how about exploring more places or attractions, especially those that are underrated and family-friendly? Read on to obtain some ideas on where to go somewhere new with your family…

1. RUMAH SUNGAI KAMPUNG KUAK, LENGGONG

Perfect for finding peace, Rumah Sungai promises a refreshing environment and serene atmosphere. Operational since 2018, this quaint property offers seven accommodation units in total, with rates at MYR220 per night for air-conditioned units and MYR180 for non-air-conditioned unit. All units face the soothing view of the shallow stream, which can be easily accessed and safe for children. Some activities that you can do here are simple hiking at the cost of MYR60 per person and fishing. You can make bookings by contacting the property through its Facebook page.

2. SUKA-SUKA LAKE RETREAT, LENGGONG

This retreat, which resembles a traditional Malay village, has been welcoming travellers for 25 years. Owned by Mr. Aziz and Mrs. Asiah, this place is a must for those who long to immerse themselves in an authentic Malay kampung environment. The retreat contains a collection of reassembled 11 traditional Perak Malay houses close to a body of water. One of the houses, Rumah Makan Mak Limah, is designated just for dining and serves tasty Malay homecooked meals. Guests can indulge in various activities such as village walk, cultural dinner, kayaking, fishing, playing traditional games, and cooking class. The retreat charges MYR125 per person per night, which it includes meals and unlimited kayak rides. Those who want to escape the hectic city life should come here.

3. RUMAH AYAH AN RUSA & KELULUT LENGGONG

Could you imagine petting a tame deer and sitting next to it? You can do so at Rumah Ayah An Rusa & Kelulut Lenggong, which is home to a total of 10 deer and travellers are allowed to freely pet, feed, and take photos with them. Besides, the place also has a stingless bee farm, which you might be able to sip the honey straight from the hive. This place is open every day from 8:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. The entrance rate is MYR5 per adult and MYR3 per child.

4. TT5 MAZE PARK, BATU GAJAH

This Maze Park has been opened since December 2020, and it is specially designed for family enjoyment and education about Perak’s tin mining history that is slowly being forgotten. Being 750 metres long, this park is divided into eight zones: Stone Maze as a walkway; Stone Gallery to educate about types of stone; Bengal Tunnel; Bamboo Maze; Art Gallery that pays homage to the tin mining history through paintings; Bunny Maze; Recycle Maze that has walls constructed from glass bottles and recycled footwear as planters; and Tree Maze. There is also a playground, and an open concept petting zoo for children. Travellers can also savour dim sum and pau (filled buns) at The Can Tin café upon exiting the maze. The ticket price is MYR5 per person.

5. SUNFLOWER GARDEN, BAGAN DATUK

If you feel like walking through a field of sunflowers, you need to come to this sunflower garden in Bagan Datuk because the place is filled by 2,000 sunflower plants and look amazing in pictures. You can also feed the fish and ducks. The entrance fees is MYR5 per person, and this garden is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. So, dress vibrantly and bring along props for images that can bring in more likes and shares on social media.

6. PULAU MISA MELAYU, BOTA

This Cultural Heritage Village on Pulau Misa Melayu is a meeting point to hold a variety of cultural activities like music, dance, and traditional fashion exhibition. Established since 1996 within an area covering four hectares, this village gives travellers the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of ancient Malay lifestyle. Symbolically, the location of this village is not far from the first ruling centre of the Sultanate of Perak called Tanah Abang. On weekends, the locals often hold celebrations in the style of old, complete with the accompaniment of nobles and warriors, betel ceremony, and traditional song and dance performances. This place is amazing for those who are interested to immerse themselves in an ancient Malay atmosphere.

7. LATA TEBING TINGGI, SELAMA

Looking for a breath-taking waterfall in Perak? Then head to Lata Tebing Tinggi in Selama, which is a popular picnic spot near a waterfall with enchanting nature and environment. The place is supported by public facilities, and there are chalets for travellers to rent by hours or per night. Fun activities that can be experienced here are swimming, having barbecue, and riding on all-terrain vehicles (ATV) under the supervision of welltrained guides.

8. SUNGAI KLAH HOT SPRING, SUNGKAI

Sungai Klah Hot Spring Park is one of the best maintained hot spring parks in Malaysia. The serenity here allows you to destress. It possesses several natural hot springs that range from 35°C to 100°C. You can even boil eggs in one of the pools. For those who prefer to keep cool, there is a cold-water pool as well with slides for children’s use. On top of that, you can book a private jacuzzi and pamper yourself with a therapeutic traditional Malay massage. A food court serving local delicacies is available as well.

9. HORNBILL FEEDING, PULAU PANGKOR

Have you ever fed a hornbill before? At Teluk Nipah, you get to look at hornbills up-close. The species of hornbills found on Pangkor island is Oriental Pied, often seen flying near Sunset View Chalet owned by Pak Nordin. These hornbills frequent the area at 6:30 p.m. every day, without miss because that is the time when Pak Nordin feeds the birds; he will also invite visitors to join in feeding them. Though the experience might seem scary at first, it is fun to see those birds being fed. For interesting pictures, set your camera on slow motion mode when recording the birds flying in to take food from your hand.