Attractions and Places of Interests in Perak

Perak Darul Ridzuan, also known as the Land Of Grace, has just about everything for everyone, places and graces that speak of genuine warmth and charming hospitality. It is rich with history, culture, folklore and heritage. It is the state of ageless architectural splendor, island resorts that offer sun, sea and sand including virgin tropical jungles, beautiful holiday hideaways, natural recreational parks and a host of specialized museums. Discover the treasures that make Perak such a fascinating experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

Taiping Lake Garden


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.

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.