Perak

Introducion

Perak, the Land of Grace, has long been renowned for its tin deposits. In fact, its name "Perak", which means silver in Malay, is derived from the silvery tin ore that was found and mined in abundance here until the turn of the century. The state is situated along Malaysia's western coast at the northern approach to the Strait of Malacca. It extends deep into the peninsula, with its eastern border marked by mountains of the Main Range.

Economy

Agriculture is also one of Perak’s main industries, especially those concerning rubber, coconut and palm oil. Tourism is fast catching on as more and more people discover Perak’s hidden gems in the form of natural attractions and cultural sights.

While the economy is growing through the industrial sector, Perak's sound infrastructure and world class facilities of make it an ideal environment for businesses.

Getting There

Ipoh's Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is accessible via air from Medan. There are taxi and bus services from the airport to ipoh as well as other major towns in the state. Several bus companies operate services from the north and south of the country to ipoh while various taxis ply between ipoh and major towns in the peninsula. As regular rail services are available, travellers can also take north-bound trains as they stop at major towns in Perak.

Popular Attractions

Pangkor Island
This popular island offers visitors the unique opportunity to live near fisher folk and abserve their lifestyle, savour seafood delicacies, or simply enjoy the sun, sea and sand at the numerous beaches along its beautiful coastline. Just 90km south-west of Ipoh, this fun island getaway is laden with modern facilities and water sports activities.

Royal Museum
Built as the royal residence in 1926, it was originally named istana Kenangan. It was built without any architectural plans and without using a single nail.

Pasir Salak Historical Complex
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. Within the complex are memorials erected in honour of Malay warriors such as Dato '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.

Kellie's Castle
In 1915, William Kellie Smith, an English rubber planter commissioned the construction of this mansion which was never completed. It is believed that this mysterious mansion 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.

Ipoh Railway Station
Constructed between 1914 and 1917, the station is affectionately known as the Taj Mahal of Ipoh to the locals. Situated near Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab it bears a resemblance to its Kuala Lumpur counterpart, and combines Moorish and Victorian architecture.

Ubudiah Mosque
Kuala Kangsar's crowning glory, the mosque was constructed at the turn of the century and features islamic architecture in its magnificent domes and minarets. 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.

Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah
Formerly know as istana Hulu, the state's first concrete palace, when it was built in 1898. it mainly features a collection of gifts and awards presented to the ruler of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah. A separate wing displays the Sultan's vehicles, including those which formed the royal motorcade when His Highness reigned as the King of Malaysia.

Teluk Intan Leaning Clock Tower
The town of Teluk Intan is mainly noted for its unusual leaning clock tower. This pagoda-like structure has a leftward slant and stands at 25.5m. It was built in 1885 and was originally used as a covered water tank.

Royal Belum
Covering a vast area of 117500ha, the Royal Belum state park ranks second after Taman Negra. A wildlife haven, it possesses an immense wealth of flora and fauna which includes large mammals such as elephants, rhinoceros, tapir and tigers.

Taiping Zoo
Taiping Zoo, which is located at the Taiping Lake Gardens, covers an area of 34 acres. It is also the only zoo in the northern region of Peninsula Malaysia. Taiping Zoo is currently home to more than 180 species of animals including tigers, lions, elephants, hippopotamus, giraffes, hornbills, orang utans, deer and others.

Bukit Larut
Bukit Larut was formerly known as Maxwell Hill. The oldest hill resort in the country. The ascent is a must for city dwellers who are in need of fresh and cool hill top air. After the ride up, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view at the Larut Resthouse.

Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary
The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary located in north-west Perak is home to many migratory and Malaysian birds. More than 160 species of exotic birds have been spotted, some of which are in danger of extinction. The best season for bird watching is from September to December.

Gua Tempurung
Gua Tempurung limestone hills was once described as the state's best kept secret. Of interest are the various caverns, stalactites and stalagmites as well as fascinating limestone formations such as the ''golden'' flowstone and images of dragons and legendary figures on rock surfaces.

Sungai Klah Hot Spring
Relax and rejuvenate at the family baths as well as swimming and therapeutic pools which are reputed to have healing properties. Also available here are a garden, pebbled reflexology path and water reflexology courses.

Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple
It is a temple with a huge cavern and a small reclining Buddha and other smaller caverns. There is a turtle pond in a small natural courtyard. This temple is particularly busy during the Chinese All Souls Festival or Ghost Festival, where prayers and offerings to the dead are performed. The famous Tambun pomelos other local Chinese biscuits can be bought at the many stalls lining the highway.

Lost World of Tambun
This exciting water theme park features a wave pool, natural hot spring, children's area as well as tube slides and speed coasters. Visitors can also take the opportunity to see the thema park's tigers in action at the Tiger Valley.

Bukit Merah Laketown Resort
Within this fun-filled resort are a unique Orang Utan Island cum sanctuary, hotel, water theme park, an eco-pack as well as water sports and entertainment facilities.

Tasik Temenggor (Temenggor Lake)
About 45 km from Grik in north-east Perak near the mid point of the EastWest Highway, is a lake measuring about 15,200 hectares. It is a man-made lake. It was created when a rock-filled dam was built in 1974, creating a hugh lake out of the mountains. The dam also generates electricity for the Northern region of the country.

It is rich in different species of fish including the Kelah, Tenggalan and Baung. There are jungle treks and camping and picnicking facilities.

Homestay
Come experience rural life in charming agricultural villages. Stay with the locals, take part in their daily activities and explore the scenic countryside. Homestays are avallable at villages in Bagan Datoh and Bukit Gantang.

Contact
Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan
Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan (Perak State Tourism Action Council),
No 7 & 9, Jalan Medan Istana 3
Bandar Ipoh Raya,30000 Ipoh,Perak Darul Ridzuan

Tel: +605 255 0413, +605 255 0414
Fax: +605 253 6027
Email : webmaster@peraktourism.com