PERAK STATE
Perak is fourth largest state in Malaysia. Also known by its honorific Darul Ridzuan or "Abode of Grace", it is home to 2,258,428 people, covers an area of 21,035 square kilometers and has a population density of 107 people per square kilometer. It borders Kedah at the north; Thailand's Yala and Narathiwat provinces to the northeast; Penang to the northwest; Kelantan and Pahang to the east; Selangor to the south, and the Straits of Malacca to the west. [Source: Wikipedia, Perak Tourism]
Perak means “Silver,” a named derived from silvery tin ore found in the state. It is the second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia and is famed for its natural tropical beauty and rich cultural history. During the British colonial period it was the home of large tin mining operations and rubber tree plantations, the remains of which are still visible today. Perak’s capital is Ipoh, known historically as a tin-mining center until the price of the metal dropped, severely affecting the local economy. The royal capital is in Kuala Kangsar, where the palace of the Sultan of Perak is located.
Perak is blessed with white sandy beaches, coral reefs, magnificent caves and rainforests. It is where you can find the lush Lenggong Valley, which embraces four archaeological sites in two clusters which span close to 2 million years, one of the longest records of early man in a single locality, and the oldest outside the African continent. According to UNESCO: “It features open-air and cave sites with Palaeolithic tool workshops, evidence of early technology. The number of sites found in the relatively contained area suggests the presence of a fairly large, semi-sedentary population with cultural remains from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Metal ages.”
Ipoh
Ipoh (midway between Penang and Kuala Lumpur) is capital city of Perak State. Home to about 700,000 people, it is situated in western Malaysia in the tin-producing Kinta Valley. It has a very hot, rainy, tropical monsoon-type climate, with an average annual rainfall of 200 centimeters (80 inches). Limestone and tin have been produced here by both modern and ancient methods. The city thrived when tin was widely used and declined after its prices declined. [Source: Cities of the World, Gale Group Inc., 2002, adapted from a October 1994 U.S. State Department report]
Ipoh has a thriving market and railroad. Known as "the city of millionaires," when the price of tin was high, it has a lovely park, Japanese Gardens, and Chinese cave temples. The city was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 until the end of World War II. The coastal town of Lumut is 90 kilometers miles southwest; its modern naval base has contributed to its fast growth. Known for its shell and coral handicrafts, Lumut is the site of the annual Sea Festival.
Local Tourism Office:
Tourism Malaysia Negeri Perak,
12, Medan Istana 2,
Bandar Ipoh Raya,
30000 Ipoh,
Perak, Malaysia, Tel: 605-255 9962/ 2772/ 1012, Fax: 605-253 2194
Sights Near Ipoh
Sungai Klah Hot Springs (near Ipoh) covers 6.5 hectares and is nestled in the serene and lush forest patches, surrounded by hills and clear cold mountain streams and rivers. It has a free flowing Hot Springs Swimming Pool and Therapeutic Park situated at the foot of the Titiwangsa Range. Families visit the park for family baths hot springs boiled eggs. Some foreigners come here to experience the local Malay massage. For more adventure, visitors can hike along the Sungkai River. Getting There: By Road” From the North-South Expressway (PLUS), get off at the Sungkai Toll Exit and turn left at the junction. Just 1 kilometers down the trunk road, turn left and follow the signs. The park is just after the Sungai Klah FELDA village. Contact: FELDA Residence Hot Springs, Tel: 605 438 8801/438 8803
Sam Poh Tong Temple (five kilometers south of Ipoh) is a famous cave temple located in Gunung Rapat. It is said to be the biggest cave temple in the country, and is an impressive work of art with various statues of Buddha interspersed among the stalactites and stalagmites. According to legend, the cave was discovered in 1890 by a monk from China who was passing through Ipoh; he decided to make it his home and a place for meditation. He remained there for 20 years until his death. Till today, nuns and monks who dedicate their lives to Buddha still occupy the Sam Poh Tong. The present temple facade dates back to the 1950s and a stiff climb of 246 steps will lead you to an open cave with an excellent view of Ipoh and its surroundings. Other attractions at the temple include a beautiful Japanese pond full of Japanese carps and tortoises, which are a symbols of longevity. Getting There: By Road It is located in Gunung Rapat, just 5 kilometers south of Ipoh. Contact: Tourism Malaysia State Office, Tel: 605-255 2772/9962, Email: mtpbperak@tourism.gov.my
Tempurung Cave (Gua Tempurung) (near Gopeng, 24 kilometers south of Ipoh) is the largest natural limestone cave in Peninsular Malaysia. Approximately 1.5 kilometers long, it has five huge domes which ceilings resemble coconut shells, each dome has different formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The domes also differ from one another in terms of temperature, water level, content of limestone and marble. Getting There: By Road: The cave is located in the vicinity of Gopeng, 24 kilometers south of Ipoh. Contact: Tourism Malaysia Perak Office, Tel: 605-255 9962 /2772/1012
Kellie's Castle
Kellie's Castle (14 kilometers south of Ipoh) was meant to be a home away from home for Scottish Planter, William Kellie Smith in the 20th century. Being far away from home, Kellie desired his new residence to be reminiscent of his home back in Scotland. The castle is perched on top of a hill in what used to be a rubber estate.
William Kellie Smith was an interesting man who was popular with his South Indian workers. Kind at heart, he erected a Hindu shrine for his workers on the castle premises. As a token of appreciation, his workers erected a statue of Kellie complete with a white suit and hat. Construction of this unique castle began in 1915. However, it came to an abrupt halt with Kellie's sudden death in 1926. The solitary castle, looks almost surreal in these wild plantations of Perak, it projects a strong personality and an aura of mystery.
Recently, efforts have been made by the Perak State Government to rescue this magnificent structure from the encroaching foliage. Besides being haunted, the castle is believed to have hidden rooms and secret underground tunnels. The road that leads to Kellie's Castle follows the contours of the land in a dizzying, maze-like fashion, adding to the mystery and romance of the place. Getting There: By Road: The castle is situated on the way to Batu Gajah town at the Kinta Kellas Rubber Estate, about a 30-minute drive and 14 kilometers south of Ipoh City. Contact: Tourism Malaysia State Office, Tel: 605-255 2772/9962, Email: mtpbperak@tourism.gov.my
Pasir Salak: Where British Colonial Official was Assassinated
Pasir Salak Historical Complex (70 kilometers from Ipoh) pays tribute to Malay nationalist heros Dato' Sagor and Dato' Maharaja Lela. There are memorials erected in their honor, in the shape of a sundang (broad sword), a replica of the type of knife used in the killing of J. W. W. Birch, a British colonial official who was assassinated in Perak in 1875, an event that led to the outbreak of the Perak War.
This is the place where the flames of Malay nationalism first stirred. Birch was assassinated on the banks of Sungai Perak (Perak River) by followers of a Dato Maharajalela, local Malay chief. Birch was speared to death while he was in the bath-house of his boat, SS Dragon, moored on the river-bank below the Maharajela's house. Tension between the British colonial administration and the Malays escalated into open conflict. Dato' Sagor and Dato' Maharaja Lela led locals against the forces of the British colonial administration. But unfortunately the Perak War ultimately led to the extension of British political influence over the Malay Peninsula but also, it can be argued, launched a spirit of Malay nationalism.
Other attractions at the complex include the J.W.W. Birch Monument, the grave of Sipuntum (the alleged assassin), Datuk Maharaja Lela's fort, the Lela Rentaka cannons used against the British colonial army, and two Rumah Kutai (Perak traditional house) filled with local historical and cultural artefacts. Getting There: Pasir Salak is near Teluk Intan (Teluk Anson). By Road: From the North-South Expressway (PLUS), EXIT at Simpang Pulai Interchange. From there, take the route to Batu Gajah, turn towards Kampung Gajah and follow the signboard to Pasir Salak Historical Complex. Contact: Pasir Salak Historical Complex Office, Tel: 605-631 8999
Lenggong Valley Archaeological Site: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley (240 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur) was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. According to UNESCO: “Situated in the lush Lenggong Valley, the property includes four archaeological sites in two clusters which span close to 2 million years, one of the longest records of early man in a single locality, and the oldest outside the African continent. It features open-air and cave sites with Palaeolithic tool workshops, evidence of early technology. The number of sites found in the relatively contained area suggests the presence of a fairly large, semi-sedentary population with cultural remains from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Metal ages. [Source: UNESCO]
“The lush Lenggong Valley on the Malay Peninsula contains evidence in open-air and cave sites along the Perak River spanning all the periods of hominid history outside Africa from 1.83 million to 1,700 years ago. Undisturbed in situ Palaeolithic stone tool workshops are located on the shores of a paleolake and ancient river gravel beds and dated in a long chronological sequence. A meteorite strike 1.83 million ago blocked and diverted the river preserving Palaeolithic tools at Bukit Bunuh, where hand axes are among the oldest so far discovered outside Africa. Analysis suggests these were made by hominids which thus provide an extremely early date for hominid presence in South-East Asia. A catastrophic Toba volcanic eruption 70,000 ago caused abandonment of a workshop site containing multiple tool types at Kota Tampan. Other workshop sites date from 200,000-100,000 BP at Bukit Jawa, 40,000 BP at Bukit Bunuh and 1000 BP at Gua Harimau. The relative abundance of these sites hints at a relatively large or semi sedentary population.
“Perak Man was discovered within Gua Gunung Runtuh cave. Perak Man is South-East Asia’s oldest most complete human skeleton. It is radiocarbon dated to 10,120 BP and identified as Australomelanesoid, a hominid type occupying the western part of the Indonesia archipelago and continental South-East Asia at the end of the Pleistocene and early Holocene. Within the large karst outcrop of Bukit Kepala Gajah are 20 caves. Three of these, Gua Gunung Runtuh, Gua Teluk Kelawar and Gua Kajang, have revealed prehistoric burials. Together these four sites in two clusters sites represent the sequence of significant stages in human history unrivalled in the region.
The Lenggong Valley has provided a fertile and environmentally stable habitat for repeated human occupation since early Palaeolithic times. The archaeological deposits are relatively undisturbed and generally in good condition, largely due to low visitation...The authenticity of the property relates to the intactness of the sites themselves and of their landscape setting that allows understanding of ancient river gravel beds and the impact of meteoric impact. The documented evidence supports the values claimed for this site from 1.83 million to 1,700 years ago. The recent Lenggong Valley research relating to the story of early human migration ensures the reliability and authenticity of the property. Much of the documentation has been independently peer reviewed through the academic publishing process, albeit not yet on a fully international scale. The artefacts and research are available for study.”
Getting There: By Road Lenggong is located on Route 76 which links Kuala Kangsar with Baling. To reach it from the North-South Expressway (E1), exit the highway at the Kuala Kangsar Interchange (Exit 143). From there take Route 76 in the direction of Baling. The archaeological sites in Lenggong includes Bukit Jawa, Kota Tampan, Gua Gunung Runtuh and Gua Harimau. Contact: Jabatan Warisan Negara Zon Tengahm Zuraini bt Zamri, Tel: 6019-567 2455, Pusat Informasi Pelancongan Hentian R&R Raja Muda Nazrin, Tasik Raban Lenggong, Tel: 605-751-2350
See Separate Article: EARLY HISTORY OF MALAYSIA: HOMINIDS, FIRST PEOPLE, PROTO-MALAYS factsanddetails.com
Lenggong Valley Archaeological Cave Sites
Bukit Jawa is an open site where evidence of Palaeolithic culture was found. Discovered by researchers from the Universiti Sains Malaysia, in 1996, it contains evidence of a Paleleothic community unearthed in sediments at Sungai Perak. Hammers and other tools and thousands of stone shards found at the site suggest that the Paleleothic community used the site for tool making, 100,000 — 200, 000 years ago.
Gua Gunung Runtuh is located at Bukit Kepala Gajah, one of eight limestone caves in Lenggong Valley. Excavations started in 1990 (Zuraina; 1994, 2005) uncovered evidence of Late Paleolithic activity from 13,000 till 10,000 ago. The caves are said to be more than 540,000 years old (Mokhtar; 2005). Finds here include tools, food and a human remains.
Kota Tampan provided evidence of the first Palaeolithic culture in Malaysia. Excavations were first carried out in 1938, followed by another one in 1954. A survey by the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) revealed that Kota Tampan appears to have served as tool-making center during the Palaeolithic era about 74,000 years ago. Kota Tampan is also a reference site for Palaeolithic culture in South- East Asia as it also has classifications and stone tool making technology of the age.
Gua Kajang is located at a limestone complex at Bukit Kepala Gajah. This was the first cave in Malaysia to be excavated in 1917 by Evans. Urn fragments, stone tools, food as well as human bones were uncovered. Further research carried out by Universiti Sains Malaysia found evidence that Gua Kajang was used between 11,000 to 5,000 years ago. This cave may have also been used as living quarters and burial ground by the Paleolithics and Neolithics. A burial site was found with a Paleolithic human (GK1), buried in a fetal position with offerings of food and tools, dated 10,820 years ago. One meter southeast is a Neolithic grave with a human (GK 2) buried elongated position with food deposits, stone tools and earthenware, dated to 7,890 years ago. The earthenware found is the oldest found in Malaysia. A huge part of the floor cave has been damaged due to guano harvesting activity and some parts of the cave walls have been drawn over with graffiti.
Gua Teluk Kelawar, Lenggong
Gua Teluk Kelawar (one kilometer from Lenggong) is located at the Bukit Kepala Gajah limestone complex. Research was first carried out by the Malaysian Archaeological Research Centre in 1990. Later on, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) also carried out excavation works and found that the cave was used 11,000 to 6,000 years ago. Among the many artefacts found at the site are tools and food deposits such as river snails. There was also evidence of wild boar and deer, and this denoted that the environment was very much the same as today’s tropical rainforest.
Research also uncovered human remains (GTK 1) dated to 8,000 years ago. There were also stone tools and food deposits at the site. The burial indicated that the Palaeolithic era in Malaysia continued until early Holocene, before they made pottery. Gua Teluk Kelawar also has protective features commonly found during the formation of limestone in Malaysia.
Stone tools found here include shaped pebbles and hammer. The tools are similar to those used at Kota Tampan and Gua Gunung Runtuh. There are also pottery shards with early minimal designs (6,000 years ago). Animal bones come from monkeys (Macaca sp.), deer (Muntiacus munjak), wild boar (Sus sp.), and reptiles. There were also river snail shells (Brotia costula and Brotia spinosa). Human remain, dated to 8,000 years ago, named Perak Woman, was found at Gua Teluk Kelawar in 2004. She was 148 centimeters tall and was believed to have been 40 years old when she died.
Lenggong Archaeological Museum, Lenggong
Lenggong Archaeological Museum (100 kilometers the north of Ipoh) is located in Kota Tampan, near Lenggong. Also known as Kota Tampan Archaeological Museum, it is located at a Paleolithic site dating back 74,000 years ago. It is recognized as one of the oldest site of human activity in West Malaysia.
Lenggong Archaeological Museum displays ‘Perak Man’, the oldest human skeleton found in Peninsular Malaysia in the caves nearby. This skeleton is dated 10,000 to 11,000 ago, around the beginning of the Neolithic era. The first survey carried out was by Collings (1938, albeit with many issues) and by Sieveking (1958). Research carried out by Zuraina (1989, 2003) at the Kota Tampan site in 1987 — 1989has been able to resolve issues and problems by previous researchers. This site is also used as a reference point for Palaeolithic culture in the region.
The Lenggong Archaeological Museum is situated near the Lipur Lata Kekabu Rainforest, only two kilometers from the site. There is also an on-site exhibition at KT 1987, KT 2005 and at Lenggong Archaeological Museum on early settlements in Malaysia. Contact: Jabatan Warisan Negara Zon Tengah, Zuraini bt Zamri, Tel: 6019-567 2455, Muzium Arkeologi Lenggong, Tel: 605-767-9700, Fax: 605-767-9703. Pusat Informasi Pelancongan Hentian R&R Raja Muda Nazrin, Tasik Raban Lenggong, Tel: 605-751-2350
Getting There: The city of Lenggong is located through Kuala Kangsar (onwards to Grik). By Road: Lenggong is located on Route 76 which links Kuala Kangsar with Baling. To reach it from the North-South Expressway (E1), exit the highway at the Kuala Kangsar Interchange (Exit 143). From there take Route 76 in the direction of Baling. The Lenggong Archaeological Museum or also known as Kota Tampan Archaeological Museum is situated here. It is located near Bandar Lenggong.
Belum Forest Reserve
Belum Forest Reserve (northern parts of Lake Temenggor, northern Peninsula Malaysia, 5½ hours from Kuala Lumpur) is one of the largest untouched forest reserves in Peninsula Malaysia. It is home to many large mammal species such as elephants, tapirs and tigers and sued to have some rhinoceroses. This forest possesses an immense wealth of flora and fauna with much of the area still unexplored and undisturbed by humans. Various tour operators now offer guided tours to certain areas of the reserve and will arrange for the necessary permits, river and road transport and accommodation, which may include camping.
Belum Forest Reserve was nominated to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 According to UNESCO: “The total area of the Royal Belum State Park is 117,500 hectare and straddles the northern undisturbed and pristine lowland dipterocarp, hill dipterocarp and lower montane forests (up to about 1,533 meters above sea level) of northern Peninsular Malaysia forming the northern and strategic component of the Central Forest Spine (CFS). The State Park is considered as one of the oldest, protected, undisturbed and pristine land mass in Peninsular Malaysia of more than 130 millions years old, relics of the geological confluence of the southern Gondwanaland supercontinent and northern Laurasian supercontinent. Geographically, about 57 percent of its area is located in the range of 80-300 meters above sea level and 41 percent in the range of 300-1,533 meters above sea level. There is only one main river system, Sungai (River) Perak that originates from the Perak-Kelantan border in the north-east and flows southward to the Straits of Malacca at Bagan Datoh. Among the smaller rivers that are found in the State Park and drain most of the areas are Sungai Kenarong that originates on the west, Sungai Tiang and Sungai Kejar that originate on the east of the State Park, in addition to more than hundreds of smaller tributaries and streams that feed the Lake Temengor. [Source: UNESCO]
“Geologically, the Royal Belum State Park is situated on the eastern side of the Western Belt of Peninsular Malaysia, right along the tectonic boundary of two continental plates (Sibumasu and East Malaya plates). This area consists of diverse rock formations of mostly metamorphosed marine sedimentary rocks of Early Silurian-Devonian age (~ 440 to 400 meters.y. ago) belonging to the Baling Group, and the Triassic granites. The igneous body intrusion that occurred in the Late Triassic age (ca. 220 meters.y.) had lifted the area and became a land mass and physical landscape what we observed today. This intrusion and other related tectonic activities resulted from the collision of two supercontinental plates had shaped the area to what it is today as a metamorphed and uplifted Baling Group. This substratum has become the niche and habitats for the rich and diverse biodiversity in the State Park.”
Getting There: By Road: To get there from Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South Expressway and head north towards Ipoh. Passing Ipoh, take the Kuala Kangsar exit, and head towards Gerik. Take route 4, which is the East- West expressway. This will take you to Pulau Banding, the jumping off point for your adventure. The journey from KL is about 5 1/2 hours. Admission to Belum Rainforest is best arranged with resort owners in the area. [Source: Contact: Belum Rainforest Office, Tel: 605-791-6800]
Animals and Plants in Belum Forest Reserve
According to UNESCO: “Biodiversity (Fauna): With respect to fauna biodiversity, the State Park also hosts a total of 10 species of iconic hornbills, the highest number in the country, in the region and is also believed in the world as well, per unit area. As far as recorded, the hornbills have been using the State Park as their nesting and breeding grounds as well as where they find their food sources, namely the fruits. Besides, it also has 80 species of mammals including the threatened Asian elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), the iconic and threatened Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni), the Malayan gaur (Bos gaurus hubbacki), the Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus) and etc. These big four have been under great threats ever since Malaysia has embarked on intensive agriculture, and the State Park has been their refugia where they could roam the whole range and breed freely, thus ensuring their survival and conservation. In addition, the State Park also contains a total of 18 species of frogs and toads, 67 species of snakes, and amongst the insects, there are more than 132 species of beetles, 28 species with possibly three new species of cicadas, 97 species of moths and 41 species of dragonflies and damselflies had been recorded via a few past scientific expeditions.
“Recently, two new species of thrips, the pollinating insects of the tropical timber trees were described and reported from the area, namely Biltothrips perakensis and Scirtothrips temengorensis, both named after the state and forest reserve, respectively. Obviously the biodiversity of the insect fauna is well-underestimated and it is under-studied as well. Probably there are more insect fauna species that are yet to be discovered and recorded from the State Park and only conservation will ensure its richness is ascertained. The long interaction between the ecosystems and habitats of the State Park with the plants and animals in it had paved the future for biodiversity conservation of the tropical humid world. The above statements illustrated the significance of biodiversity conservation and scientific value of the State Park not only to Malaysia, probably South-east Asia but also the tropical old world. As far as it is currently known and recorded there is no extinction yet of the flora and fauna in the State Park.
Biodiversity (Flora): The most iconic flora in the world are the gigantic rafflesias whose flowers are the largest in the plant kingdom. In the world there are about 26 species, in Malaysia there are eight species and in the State Park and its vicinity it is represented by four species namely, Rafflesia cantleyi, R. kerri and R. azlanii, the latest was named after the Patron of the Malaysian Nature Society Heritage Expedition in 1998. The fourth species for Peninsular Malaysia, R. sumeiae occurs south of the State Park, as far as currently known. The occurrence of four endemic species of Rafflesia in the protected State Park is most significant for biodiversity conservation in the World. The State Park also hosts more than 3,500 species of seed plants and many of them are endemic to the area, hence not found elsewhere in the world and many also are rare in Malaysia and the region. A total of more than 89 species of mosses; 48 taxa of ferns and fern-allies (or lycophytes), more than 374 species in 84 families of flowering plants were listed and recorded including 15 endemic species such as Etlingera triorgyalis (Zingiberaceae), Ternstroemia evenia (Theaceae), Orchidantha fimbriata (Lowiaceae), Areca tunkui (Palmae), Ryparosa fasciculata (Falcourtiaceae) and Drypetes oxyodonta (Euphorbiaceae) amongst others.
“The keystone family of the tropical flora, the Dipterocarpaceae is well-represented in the State Park with at least 32 species including the gigantic and rare Shorea foxworthyi, S. acuminata, and etc. Other threatened dipterocarps which are found in the State Park include Dipterocarpus costatus, D. kerri, Hopea helfer, H. odorata, H. sublanceolata, Parashorea stellate, Shorea faguetiana, S. ovata, S. parvifolia, S. platyclados, to name a few. The Quenn of the flowering plants, the orchids are represented by more than 150 species including the rare and threatened Cleissostoma complicatum, C. williamsonii, Plocoglottis javanica and etc; and aroids are also well-represented by more than 80 species, as far as they are currently known. The gymnosperm is represented by some species of climbing Gnetum including the dinosaur-aged cycads, Cycas macrocarpa and C. clivicola which occur in the State Park. The number of species and individual of plants reflect the highest density of biodiversity per unit area probably in the World. The vegetation of the Royal Belum State Park is typical of the ever-wet and ever-green tropical rainforest of the Sunda Shelf that may be classified as the lowland dipterocarp, hill dipterocarp and sub-montane forests with some elements of deciduous monsoon forests too. The monsoon forest which exhibits deciduous phenomenon in dry season represents the southern portion of the Asiatic influence. The vegetation and flora, hence represent the confluence of the southern Malesian and Australian elements and the northern Asiatic of Thai-Burmese-Indochinese elements. This mixture of the floras augurs well for the conservation of plant diversity. The richness of the plant species and the high endemism occurring in the State Park justify its potential in in situ biodiversity conservation in the World.
Bukit Larut: the Wettest Place in Malaysia
Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut) is named William Edward Maxwell, a British official in Perak, who explored the area in 1884. Perched at 1250 meters above sea level, it is the wettest place in Malaysia, with an annual rainfall of over 500 centimeters, Temperature here hovers around 15 degrees centigrade in the early morning and late afternoon, dipping to 10 degrees centigrade at night.
The Tea Garden House, situated mid-way up the hill, was once the office of a tea plantation. However, when their tea plants did not grow very well here, the British shifted their agricultural endeavour to the Cameron Highlands, where the Boh Tea Plantation is now. All types of Malaysian flowers including the rare giant fishtail palm thrive here while tulips are grown on an experimental basis. The golden sunflowers grown here are the largest in the country.
On a clear day, one can view the peninsular coastline and the Straits of Malacca, sometimes stretching as far as Penang to the north and Pangkor Island to the south. The scenery is captivating during the day, magical and bewitching at night. However, the view is often obscured by cloud build-up in the afternoon, especially from September to December.
Getting There: By Road On the North-South Highway, take the Taiping exit. Follow the signs leading to Taiping after the toll and from Taiping town head towards the lake gardens. There are signs showing the way to Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill). Contact: Bukit Larut Office, Tel: 605-807 7241/ 7243
Taiping Lake Gardens
Taiping Lake Gardens (in the city of Taiping, 3½ hours from Kuala Lumpur by car) is built on top of an abandoned tin mine, the gardens were opened in 1880, earning them a place in the history books as the first public garden in then-Malaya. Huge ancient rain trees (“angsana”) line the lake; their branches stretching from one end of the road into the waters across, making the perfect backdrop for couples taking their wedding photos.
Spread over 64 hectares, the lake has ten scenic lakes and ponds, a Lotus Pool, charming bridges, tracks for jogging and reflexology, all surrounded by tropical plants, flowers, trees and wildlife. For kids, a roller-skating rink, paddleboat rides, and a playground ensure that the outdoors appeal more than the latest video game.
Getting There: By Air: The nearest airport is the Penang International Airport, about a 90-minute drive from Taiping. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is about a four-hour drive south via the North-South Expressway. By Road: To get to Taiping from the North-South Expressway (PLUS), exit at Changkat Jering Interchange and take the Simpang route before turning right towards Taiping. The Taiping Lake Garden is easily accessible through Jalan Istana and Jalan Kelab Baru. By Bus: Taiping is well connected to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia by express buses, which arrive at and depart from the long-distance bus station at Kamunting (6 kilometers from the town centre) and Simpang (7 kilometers from the town centre). Buses also travel direct from Taiping to Singapore and Hat Yai in southern Thailand. Southbound buses depart from Kamunting and call along Simpang (Medan Simpang) to pick up passengers before heading to the highway via the Changkat Jering interchange. Bus tickets are available from counters located at Medan Kamunting and Medan Simpang. By Train: Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) operates a number of daily services along the main north- south line which stop at Taiping station. Contact: Perak Tourism Malaysia Office: Address: 12, Medan Istana 2, Bandar Ipoh Raya, 30000, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, Tel: 605-255 9962/2772, Fax: 605 253 2194, Email: mtpbperak@tourism.gov.my
Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary
Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is located in Matang Mangrove Forest, the largest mangrove area in Peninsular Malaysia. This ecologically diverse and abundant mangrove habitat stretch along the west coast tidal mudflats of northern Perak for almost 50 kilometers plus another 40 kilometers along the shorelines of the sheltered river systems within the reserve's five estuaries. During the migration season between August and April every year, more than 200,000 migratory birds from 50 species to stop over here.
There are also well-equipped and informative visitor centres where you can get detailed educational programs and displays, which focus on the importance of safeguarding and preserving the mangrove ecosystems and the large numbers of resident and migrant bird species. The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary has won the "Best Tourist Attraction (Natural Attraction)" category during the Malaysia Tourism Awards, a prestigious award presented to agencies and organisations which contribute to the development of tourism in Malaysia.
Getting There: By Road: Although the bird sanctuary is in the state of Perak, it is actually easier to get to it from Butterworth (Penang). Take the North-South Expressway south from Butterworth (Penang) for about 30 minutes, then turn off at Jawi for the town of Kuala Kurau. Another 30 minutes onwards and you should see the signs for the sanctuary. Contact: Contact: Pn. Haliza, Chairperson of the Kuala Gula Eco-tourism Committee, Tel: 605-807 0842, En. Jalani bin Din, The Village Head, Tel: 605-890 5481.
Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons
Text Sources: Malaysia Tourism websites, Malaysia government websites, UNESCO, Wikipedia, Lonely Planet guides, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Japan News, Yomiuri Shimbun, Compton's Encyclopedia and various books and other publications.
Updated in January 2026