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Destinations
Accommodation
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Travel Agencies |
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Places of Interest |
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Ipoh. Capital and administrative
centre of Perak, this self-styled city is also known as City of Bougainvilleas.
The Sungai Kinta unofficially divides it into Old Town and New Town. The Old
Town contains most of the colonial buildings. |
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Kuala Kangsar, located 48km north
of Ipoh on the Perak River, is the royal town of Perak. Three beautiful
buildings dominate this town, Istana Iskandariah, Istana Kenangan and the
Ubudiah Mosque. The Istana Iskandariah, situated on Bukit Chandan overlooking
the river, is the palace of the Sultan of Perak. Although an imposing
structure, it is of less interest architecturally than the smaller and more
beautiful Istana Kenangan, which was built as a temporary residence during the
construction of Istana Iskandariah. The Ubudiah Mosque, its construction begun
in the late 19th century and only completed after the First World War, is a
magnificently picturesque structure topped with a constellation of bright
golden domes.
Kuala Kangsar is also the home of the Malaysian rubber industry. It was here,
in 1877, that nine rubber trees, brought in by H.N. Ridkey from Kew Garden in
London, were planted by the British resident Hugh Low, marking the arrival of
an industry would within decades vie with tin as the country's most important
export.
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Taiping, succeeded Kuala Kangsar
as the capital of Perak in the late nineteenth century. During that time,
Taiping was the thriving centre of the tin industry in the surrounding valley.
In1880, disused mining pools at the edge of town were cleverly landscaped to
form the beautiful Lake Gardens. The Gardens are still tranquil and
restorative, though this once-upon-a-time bustling town has become equally
quiet. This town has many of the country’s oldest - oldest state museum, oldest
zoo and oldest train station. While the zoo is on the Lake Gardens ground, the
State Museum is within the vicinity of the Lake Gardens, containing artefacts
such as ancient weapons, handicrafts and aboriginal implements. The train
station is located at the other end of the town. |
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Lumut. 85 km southwest of Ipoh is
the naval base town of Lumut. Of interest here is the Naval Museum which houses
a collection of ancient weapons and historical artifacts. Lumut is also the
departure point for Perak's internationally known islands,
Pulau Pangkor and Pulau Pangkor Laut. The annual Sea Cranival is also
held here between October and November. |
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Homestay. Come experience rural
life in charming agricultural villages. Stay with the locals, take part in
their daily activities and explore the scenic countryside. Homestay
are available at villages in Bagan Datoh and Bukit Gantang. |
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Water World |
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Pulau Pangkor. This island is
about 40 minutes ferry ride from Lumut. Its golden beaches, clear blue waters
and refreshing lifestyle make it a paradise for beach lovers. Favourites
activities here are scuba diving, wind surfing, kayaking, fishing and
snorkeling. Read more.. |
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Pangkor Laut. This privately
owned island is about three miles off the Malaysian west coast in the Straits
of Malacca. The island is one of the most natural and unspoiled treasures in
the country and has been voted the second best island destination in the world
by Conde Nast Traveler. On this island lies the luxurious Pangkor Laut Resort.
The resort situated along three bays - Royal Bay, Emerald bay and Spa Village -
boasts of 126 Malaysian-style luxury villas tastefully designed and carefully
furnished. Jungle trekking is an option for those who would want to experience
and enjoy the island’s fascinating flora and fauna.
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Temenggor Lake. Located about
35km from Gerik, it is a perfect getaway for fishing enthusiasts. Formed by the
the construction of the magnificent Temenggor dam, the lake is a home to a
variety of freshwater fish like baung, tenggalan and kelah. The aborigines,
Orang Asli still live in the jungles around this lake. Read
more..
Banding Resort. Set atop Pulau
Dendana, an island in the Temenggor Lake which is also the nature camp of the
Department of Wildlife and National Parks, is Banding Resort, a small facility
offering basic accommodations and outstanding fishing. The Bandung area is
slated for tourist development in the near future, but at the moment the
Banding Resort continues to be a lovely retreat. |
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Nature's Trail |
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Bukit Larut (formerly Maxwell Hill),
located just 9 km from Taiping, is Malaysia's oldest and smallest resort and
hill station. Bukit Larut is not nearly as
developed as the more celebrated Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands.
However, it preserves much more of the atmosphere of a colonial hill station,
with modest, welcoming bungalows, carefully cultivated gardens, and a pervasive
atmosphere of cool quietude. In recent years, the cultivation of strawberries
has started and has drawn many visitors to the hill which is accessible by
four-wheel drive vehicles only. Land rover services are available at the foot
of the hill. The services are at every hour from 7.00am to 6.00pm. The fare for
adults is RM2.50 and RM1 for children. |
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Gua Tempurung. Stretching about
1.3km, this is a geological wonder is probably the largest natural limestone
cave in the country. Made up of five natural dome-like caves, each is unique
with its own spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. An exploration journey
would take about four hours with tour guides leading through the caves and the
underground rivers. |
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Perak Tong (Perak Cave). This
limestone cave located 6km north of Ipoh house a shrine of 40 Buddha statues
measuring 13 metres in height built in 1926. Built by a Chinese monk, this
temple also house an impressive 12.8m tall statue of Sitting Buddha. Beyond the
main altar is a passageway into the cave interior, leading to a climb of 385
steps to reveal a breathtaking countryside view.
Sam Poh Tong (Sam Poh Cave). This
is another temple nestled about 5km south of Ipoh in Gunung Rapat. Built by a
monk in 1890, this cave temple continues to be inhabited by a community of
Buddhist monks and nuns. It houses works of art and faith with numerous Buddha
statues among the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. There is a tortoise
pond, which is also a wishing well. Its 246 steps climb would lead to an
opening that gives a panoramic view of Ipoh. Visitors can also sample the tasty
Chinese vegetarian food at the restaurant on the temple grounds. |
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Lata Kijang. Located in Tapah,
this waterfall cascades down a 100-metre drop before reaching a deep pool is a
sight to behold and offers visitors, swimmers and adventure seekers an
invigorating experience.
Belum Forest Reserve. About 120
million years old, this is one of the oldest rainforests
in the world. Bristling with flora and fauna, this reserve is of great interest
to ecologists, conservationists and nature enthusiasts. A permit is required
for exploration in this reserve.
Tambun Hot Springs. Located about
15 minutes’ drive from Ipoh at the bottom of a limestone hill, this is a
natural hot spring rich with minerals and sulphur. |
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Historical & Heritage |
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Birch Memorial Clock Tower. The
clock tower was built as a memorial to the late, James William Wentworth Birch,
the first British Resident of Perak. Located at Jalan Pejabat Pos (Post Office
Road) / Jalan Dewan, portraits of evolution of the state are displayed on the
four small panels of the square tower. |
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Kellie’s Castle. Located in
Batu Gajah, this half-built castle was to be the magnificent castle of William
Kellie Smith, a rubber tycoon who made his success during the boom of the
rubber industry in Malaysia in the early 20th century. Construction started in
1915 but as fate had it, Kellie died before the castle was completed. Equally
to be expected is the fact that this mysterious ruin of a half-built castle is
even lovelier for being unfinished. The castle stands enigmatically among
Kellie's old lands and is visible across the river a few miles along the road
from Ipoh to Batu Gajah. Visitors wishing to stroll around this gothic scene
can take a sampan across the river or arrange for a tour from Ipoh. |
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Teluk Intan Leaning Tower. This
pride and joy of Teluk Intan (formerly Teluk Anson) is also known as Malaysia’s
Pisa Tower. The pagoda-inspired tower is about 84km from Ipoh and stands at
25.5 metres high. Built in 1885 by Chinese contractor Leong Choon Choong, it
was used to store water for the residents of Teluk Intan. The Japanese used it
as an observation tower during World War II and later as a Boys Scouts’
headquarters. The tower started to tilt between 1889-1895. |
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Geological Museum. With more
than 600 samples of minerals, fossils, precious stones, rock specimens and tin
ores, including the best specimens of cassiterite in the world from the land of
Perak, this museum was established in 1957. Admission is free and the museum is
open from 8.00am to 4.15pm from Monday to Friday and from 8.00am to 12.45pm on
Saturday. |
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Darul Ridzuan Museum. This more
than 100 year-old museum exhibits a collection of history and the phases of
progress that Ipoh experienced. There are also artefacts from the state’s
mining and forestry industries. |
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Ipoh Railway Station and City Hall.
Dubbed as Perak’s Taj Mahal, it was built in 1914 with Moorish and Victorian
designs. |
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Flora & Fauna |
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Kuala Gula Bird Santuary. This
coastal bird sanctuary attracts a wide variety of exotic
birds, particularly during the migratory season between August and
December. Hundreds of species of birds have been sighted here, as well as a
number of fascinating mammals, the dusky leaf monkey, smooth otter, and
ridgeback dolphin among them. For information, contact the Department of
Wildlife and National Parks in Ipoh. |
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River Terrapin Breeding Project.
Located at Bota Kanan, 40km from Ipoh, the center was established in 1967 by
the Wildlife protection and National Parks Department (PERHILITAN). The project
breeds hatchling river terrapins, or Bataqur baska, which are then released
into the Perak River. Between November and March, visitors can watch river
terrapins lay their eggs along the river's shore. Chalets are available. |
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Sungkai Deer Farm. One of its
kind in the country, this farm is located at Manderang, about 82km from Ipoh.
Established in 1978, its primary objective is to breed and conserve deers.
About 100 deers roam on this 100-hectare farm. There is also an exotic bird
sanctuary on its grounds.
Ipoh Tambun Lime Plantation.
Spreads over 0.81 hectares, this is the biggest lime plantation in the country
and is situated about 2km from Tambun. |
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Dr Seenivasagam Park. Offering a
variety of flora, this park is ideal for picnics. There are also numerous
recreational and amusement facilities such as a roller-skating ring, a
playground, a mini train course and water rides.
Bersia Grazing Reserve. Located
about 15km from Gerik and managed by local farmers, this is the place to
experience cattle feeding amidst lush greenery, night fishing and a visit to
the Orang Asli village. A virgin tropical forest, flora and fauna and a blue
lake lend this farm a serene aura. Quaint little timber-bamboo huts provide
lodgings for visitors.
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Japanese Garden. A Japanese house,
a goldfish pond and a wooden bridge across the stream conjure a serene
atmosphere in this garden. Lush greens and colourful blooms add splendour to
it.
Herbal Farm. Accessible only by
four wheel drives and located about 12km from Sungai Sungkai, this farm is home
to more than 60 species of traditional herbs, grown for their medicinal and
therapeutic benefits.
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