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Perak Tong & Sam Poh Tong

Within the huge limestone caves of Gunung Tasek, 6 km to the north of
lpoh, nestles the Perak Tong temple. Built in 1926 by a Buddhist priest
from China, the temple houses over 40 Buddha. Beyond the main altar, a
passage leads into the cave's interior. After a steep climb of 385
steps, the cave opens again to reveal a wonderful view of the
surrounding countryside.
Another famous cave temple is the Sam Poh Tong temple, located in Gunung
Rapat, 5 km south of lpoh. The temple is an impressive work of art and
faith, with various statues of Buddha among natural stalactites and
stalagmites.
There is also a pond where visitors can feed tortoise, (symbol of
longevity) with stalks of vegetables and a wishing well for those
seeking better fortunes. Outside the temple is a vegetarian restaurant.
Kellie's
Castle
About 30 minutes drive from lpoh, it is believed that Kellie's Castle
has hidden rooms and a secret tunnel. The road which leads to the Castle
follows the contours of the land in a dizzying, maze-like fashion,
adding to the mystery and romance of the place.
Lata Kinjang
Lata
Kinjang is located about 18 km from Tapah. The main attraction at this
waterfall is the impressive series of cascades winding down a 100-metre
drop. There are parking bays and eating stalls for picnickers. Visitors
may also visit an orchid garden and a bamboo park.
Geological Museum
Established
in 1957, the Geological Museum at Jalan Sultan Azian Shah in lpoh houses
a collection of over 600 samples of minerals, classified according to
chemical content and structure. The museum is well known for its
exhibition of tin ore, including the best specimen of cassiterite in the
world. There is also an impressive collection of fossils, precious
stones and rock specimens.
Visiting hours are from 8.00 am to
4.15 pm (Mon-Fri) and 8.00 am to 12.45 pm (Sat). Admission is free but
visitors must obtain entry permission from the information counter.
Darul Ridzuan Museum
It
is located at Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, lpoh and was
officially open to the public in 1992. Among the interesting artifacts
on show are the history and development of lpoh and the mining and
forestry industry of Perak. Built more than a hundred years ago and it
has a colourful history. Among others it has been home to the Malay
Chieftains of Kinta and the British rulers.
The museum is opened everyday (a half
day on Thursday) except Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Admission is
free
DR Seenivasagam
Park
The
fresh atmosphere and variety of flora are the main attractions of this
park in lpoh. Children can enjoy several recreational and amusement
facilities such as the roller-skating rink, a playground and a
mini-train course.
Royal Museum
Previously
known as Istana Kenangan, Istana Tepas and Istana Lembah, the Perak
Royal Museum is an amazing achievement in architecture. It was built
without any architectural plans and without using a single nail.
Situated near the Istana Iskandariah, the Sultan of Perak's official
palace at Kuala Kangsar.
River
Terrapin Breeding Project (Bota Kanan)
A breeding farm for 'Tuntung' (river terrapins or Bataqur baska) is
located at Bota Kanan, about 40km from lpoh. Opened in 1967 by the
State's Dept of Wildlife and National Parks, the primary aim of this
project is the conservation of this species. To date the hatchery at
Bota Kanan has released more than 25,000 hatchings into the Perak river.
Between November and March, visitors can witness migrating river
terrapins laying eggs in the wilds.
Perak
Museum, Taiping
Built
in 1883, the Perak Museum is the oldest museum in the country. it houses
an impressive collection of ancient weapons, aboriginal implements,
ornaments and archaeological treasures. Also on display are artifacts
from Perak's rich historical culture and heritage. An excellent place to
begin an in-depth study of the state and its past achievements.
Visiting hours: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.
Admission - Free
Taiping Lake Gardens

This 62-hectare park is one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in
the country. It offers lush greenery, a beautiful lake abounding with
freshwater fish, a gazebo and a colourtul profusion of flowers. The
Taiping Zoo, probably the oldest zoo in the country, is another
attraction located within the Gardens.
Visiting hours 8.30 am to 6.30 pm daily. Fares are RM3.00 for adults,
RM1.50 for children, primary student with uniform RMO.50 and secondary
student with uniform RM1.00. Other facilities available at the Gardens
include a rest house, fishing and aqua biking in the area.
Lumut

Lumut is situated about 84km south of lpoh and is well-known for its
beautiful shell and coral handicraft. Mainly a fishing village, it is
the departure point from the mainland for those wanting to visit Pulau
Pangkor.
The annual Pesta Laut or Sea Festival is held at Teluk Batik, Lumut in
August and attracts thousands of visitors. There are sea-sport
competitions, culture shows and fun-and-food fairs for young and old to
enjoy. Please check with the Perak Tourist Information Centre for the
actual date of Pesta Laut Lumut.
Teluk Intan Leaning Tower
The pride
of Teluk Intan, 84km from lpoh, is its spectacular Leaning Tower.
Reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa this pagoda-like structure was
built in 1885 by a Chinese contractor, Leong Choon Choong. The
dominating 25.5m tower was once used for water storage.
Kuala
Gula Bird Sanctuary
Kuala
Gula is famous for the variety of exotic birds which come here to nest.
Over 100 species of birds, some of them protected, have been sighted in
this area. Mammals can also be seen here, among them the smooth otter,
dusky leaf monkey, long-tailed macaque and the ridgeback dolphin. The
best time to visit is between September and December, when thousands of
birds can be seen in the area. |
Tambun
Hot Springs
A 15-minute drive from lpoh towards Tanjung Rambutan brings you to the
toot of a limestone hill where a rejuvenating experience awaits you - an
invigorating hot bath from a natural spring. The bath is open daily from
3.00 pm to 12.00 midnight. The facilities include saunas and restrooms
Entrance fee is RM 5.00. Other hot springs in Perak are at Sungkai,
Pengkalan Hulu, Kampung Ulu Slim in Slim River, Kampung Air Panas in
Grik and Manong in Kuala Kangsar.
Ipoh Raiway Station

The lpoh Railway Station bears close resemblance to its Kuala Lumpur
counterpart and is affectionately known to locals as the Taj Mahal of
lpoh. An impressive landmark which combines Moorish architecture with
modern embellishments, it is surrounded by a beautiful floral garden
which serves as a charming welcome for tourist.
Kuala
Woh Jungle Park
Situated
about 13km from Tapah, on the way to Cameron Highlands, Kuala Woh
presents a natural backdrop for fun- seekers to swim, picnic and fish.
Interesting features include the natural hot-water pool, various
waterfalls and Tebing Merbau. Orang asli, or aborigines, live in this
area, according to their traditional way of life. They are friendly but
shy by nature.
Besides Lata iskandar and Kuala Woh, there are two other waterfalls
sites which are quite popular: the Ulu Kinta Waterfalls, 16km from lpoh,
and Batu Hampar near Taiping.
Gua
Tempurung
Believed
to have existed since 8000 B.C., Gua Tempurung is probably the largest
natural limestone cave in Malaysia. Situated about 24 kilometers from
lpoh, the cave stretches for 1.5 kilometers and is made up of five huge
domes whose ceilings resemble coconut shells. Each dome has different
formations of stalagmites and stalactites as well as differing
temperatures, water levels, content of limestone and marble.
DBI Swimming Complex
The Dewan Bandaraya lpoh Swimming Complex is the largest and most modern
complex of its kind in South-East Asia and boasts on Olympic size pool,
a diving pool, a beginners'-pool, a children's pool and the first ever
wave pool in Malaysia. The complex is part of the Perak Sports Complex
which also houses a stadium with a velodrome and astroturf field.

| Entrance fee: |
(Weekdays) |
(Weekend/Public Holidays) |
| Adults |
RM 1.00 |
RM 2.00 |
| Children
|
RM 0.50 |
RM 1.00 |
Ubudiah Mosque
Located
at Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, The Ubudiah Mosque is reputed to be one
of the most beautiful mosques in the country and a symbol of pride and
faith for all Muslims in Perak. The mosque's magnificent golden dome and
minarets are testaments to the beauty of Islamic architecture. The
construction of the mosque began in the reign of Sultan ldris Murshidul
Adzam Shah 1, the 28th Sultan of Perak. The mosque was officially opened
by Sultan Jalil Karamatullah Shah in 1917.
The First Rubber Tree
The
first rubber tree was planted in 1877 near the Kuala Kangsar District
Off ice. It was the only tree that survived, out of the nine that was
planted. The rubber seeds were brought over to Singapore, then to Kuala
Kangsar, from the Kew Garden in London by H.N. Ridley. He was
responsible for turning Kuala Kangsar into first rubber industry
district and finally, making rubber as an important source of income for
Malaysia.
Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill)
Malaysia's
oldest hill resort is located on Bukit Larut (formerly called Maxwell
Hill), it is accessible only by four-wheel drive vehicles. The road up
twists and turns through tropical virgin jungle, the fresh green
fragrance and cool air greeting you as you ascend. At the summit you are
treated to a spectacular view of the west coast of the peninsula.
Visitors can either stay at the Bukit Larut Resthouse or by making
reservation through the Superintendent of Bukit Larut, Taiping, Tel: 05-
827243/827241, A Land Rover service at the foot of the hill is available
at hourly intervals from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm daily. Fares are RM 2.50 for
adults and RM 1.00 for children.
Lata
Iskandar Waterfalls

The Lata Iskandar Waterfalls, on the way up to Cameron Highlands from
Tapah, is an ideal picnic area and favourite stopover. Its surrounding
jungle is home to one of the largest variety of exotic insect and plant
life in the world. Traditional earthenware pottery is crafted at Kampung
Kerayung.
Sungkai Deer Farm
Situated in Manderang, Sungkai,
about 82km from lpoh; this deer farm is only one of its kind in the
country. Established in 1978, there are approximately 100 deer roaming
freely on this 100-hectare breeding and conservation project site. There
is also an exotic bird sanctuary nearby. For more information, contact
the Dept of Wildlife and National Parks at Sungkai 05 -5273411.
Pasir Salak Historical Complex
Time
seems to stand still in this little village beside a slow river. Pasir
Salak is well-known for its ancient Malay architecture and craft: every
wooden house is decorated with intricate traditional designs and nature
inspired motifs. Here, too, stands the memorial dedicated to the
historical incident in which the first British Resident in Perak, J,W.W.
Birch was slain by the late Maharaja Lela, Dato' Sagor and Si Puntum.
There are also two 'Kutai House' (Perak traditional house) inside the
complex. These houses would display various local historical and Malay
culture artifacts.
Teluk
Batik
About 6.5km from Lumut lies Teluk
Batik, a favourite spot for campers, picnickers, swimmers and
sun-lovers. The stretches of white sandy beach are ideal for whatever
activity of inactivity you have in mind. You can rent rooms and chalets
along the beach at bargain prices. Contact the Manager of Teluk Batik
Chalets. (05-6835554) for reservations.

Banding Resort

The Banding resort, 35km from Grik, is the ideal place for fishing
enthusiast and those who really want to get away from it all. This
remote resort covers 103.6 hectares next to the Temenggor Lake at the
mid-point of the East-West highway.
The lake delivers fish of
generous proportions and there is ample opportunity for trekking,
camping and picnicking. At present, there is a modern restaurant and
rest-house which provides comfortable accommodation. Plans are underway
for expansion and improvement of the existing facilities. |