Perak

Perak, the tin-mining state of Malaysia, is the second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, bordering Kedah and Thailand to the north, Penang to the northwest, Kelantan and Pahang to the east and Selangor to the south. Perak means silver in the Malay language, and the state has rich deposits of the silver coloured tin. Perak was also the birthplace of the Malaysian rubber industry, a mainstay of the local and national economy. As Perak is rich in tin, it attracted many outsiders. The Dutch attempted to monopolise the tin trade in the 17th Century. In the 18th Century, the Bugis, Acehnese and the Siamese also tried to lay claim to Perak. Finally, the British established a colonial presence in Perak and took control of the tin mining. In 1874, the Straits Settlements governor Sir Andrew Clarke convened a meeting on Pulau Pangkor, at which Sultan Abdullah was installed on the throne of Perak in preference to his rival, Sultan Ismail. This Pangkor Treaty also required that the sultan accept a British Resident, who would control all administrative issues other than those pertaining the religion or Malay custom. In 1875, various Perak chiefs assassinated the British Resident James W.W. Birch, resulting in the short-lived Perak War of 1876. Sultan Abdullah was exiled to the Seychelles, and the British installed a new ruler. The new resident, Sir Hugh Low, was well versed in the Malay language and customs, and proved to be a more capable administrator. He also introduced the first rubber trees to Malaya. Perak gained independence from the British on 31 August 1957 after joining the Federation of Malaya in 1948.

ATTRACTIONS

The capital of Perak State, Ipoh is Malaysia’s third largest city. In the old days it was the city of the rich where fortune from the tin mines of the Kinta Valley produced the expansive growth and the city’s elegant mansions. There are a few places of interests and the Old Ipoh Town located west of Sungai Kinta, and is worth wandering for the old Chinese and British architecture. The Old Town remains largely free from development and has one of the most extensive areas of later shophouse architecture in Malaysia. Rows and rows of old Chinese shophouses offer goods and services catering to the everyday needs. The many coffee shops with hawker food stalls have become very popular with the locals as well as from people as far away as Kuala Lumpur. The Ipoh train station, built in 1935, is a blend of Moorish and Victorian architecture, known locally as the ‘Taj Mahal’. It contains the wonderfully old-fashioned Majestic Station Hotel. Directly opposite is the Dewan Bandaran or Town Hall, a dazzling white neoclassical building of grand proportions. It was designed and built in 1916 by a government architect, A.B Hubback, who also designed the train station.

Located at the end of the short Jalan Dato Maharajalela from the Town Hall, just a walking distance from the Ipoh Internal Bus Terminal, is the Chung Thye Pin building. The building belonged to miner Chung Thye Pin (1879-1935). This abandoned elegant three-story corner building dates back to 1907. It originally housed the Medical Hall established by Dr. R.M. Connolly, an Irishman trained in Trinity College. The Tudor designed Royal Ipoh Club and the imposing three-story school of St Michael’s Institution overlooking the field are some of the colonial buildings to be seen here. A short walk away on Jln Dato’Sagor is the memorial fountain of J.W.W Birch, the first British Resident of Perak. It is made of Ipoh marble and was presented to the public by the Chinese community of Perak. During the Japanese Occupation, the head of a man executed by the Japanese was exhibited on a spike at this spot.

Cave Temples of Gunung Rapat
Sam Poh Tong is just a few kilometres to the south of Ipoh. 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. It can be reached by Kinta Bus No.66 bound for Kampar town.

The neighbouring Nam Thean Tong was established in 1867. A series of steps lead up to the upper chamber. Ling Seng Tong next door is a small chamber filled with black smoke from the offerings

Located in the vicinity of Sam Poh Tong, just 15 minutes away is the newer Kek Look Tong (Cave of great happiness) temple. The cavern consists of the Chinese Buddha of Future Happiness and three other Bodhisattvas. Behind the cave is an ornamental garden with manicured ponds and pagodas.

Perak Tong is a popular temple complex consisting of a large complex of caverns and grottoes, with murals on the interior walls. It was founded by a Buddhist priest in 1926. There are Buddha figures and a huge bell can be found in the main chamber. A winding series of 385 steps lead up through the cave and outside to the balconied areas above. It is located 6km north of Ipoh. From the city bus station, take bus 141 to Perak Tong.

Cave Temples of Gunung Lanno
One Indian temple, Sri Siva Subramanium is located here. Next to it is the Chinese temple Kong Fook Ngam which was established in 1884.

Muzium Darul Ridzuan
This museum is housed in a 1926 tin miner’s mansion and showcases the history of tin mining in Perak with photos, documentaries and a model of a mine. It is about half a kilometer north of the Padang at Jln Panglima Gantang. Free Admission; 9am-5pm. (605) 2530 8906.

Geological Museum
There are hundreds of mineral samples and fossils on display. For those who have an interest in minerals can take a Tanjung Rambutan bus from the city bus station to the museum, which is located 3km east of the town. Free Admission. (605) 557 644, Jln Sultan Azlan Shah 8am-12.30pm & 2-4pm Mon-Thur, 8-12.30pm Sat, Closed Sun.

Kellie’s Castle
This old unfinished mansion, nicknamed Kellie’s Folly, was commission by a wealthy Scottish rubber-plantation owner William Kellie Smith. Seventy Hindu artisans were brought from India to work on the mansion. Smith died of pneumonia in Lisbon in 1926 on a trip back to England and the house was left unfinished. Now, the imposing six-storey structure with a lift shaft is well tended and attracts a fair number of visitors. It is interesting to walk around the castle and into the rooms, with views of the surrounding countryside, can be seen from the accessible rooftop. An underground tunnel is closed to the public though.

In close proximity across the courtyard along a covered walkway, no more than a few yards form the castle, is the remains of their first house. Adult/Child RM5/RM2. 8.30am – 6pm.

Gua Tempurung
This is a limestone cave which offers an interesting visit. It stretches 1.3km and made up of 5 dome with various formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Take the dry guide which takes you through trails in the cave. The guide will point out to you the many different shapes that resemble humans or animals and even an “aircond room”. Unfortunately, some of the guides may not explain things in English and may leave English speaking tourists dumbfounded. If possible, try to get a local to explain to you or ask the guide if he can explain it in English. If you choose the dry and wet trials, this package extends from the dry trial to include going through streams of water and mud, sometimes actually swimming. It is quite an unforgettable experience. Do bring extra clothes for change.

Tambun Cave
Neolithic rock paintings are a definite attraction in the Tambun Caves situated at Tambun, which is just outside Ipoh. The 5,000-year old paintings, which were first discovered in 1959 by more recent rock artists, speak of early dwellers of the Malay Peninsula. Most of the paintings are quite clear; there are wild boar and a dugong, a tapir and some deer. The deer are particularly interesting, they all have the appearance of pregnant does, and one even has a small infant drawn inside its swollen belly. At one time, this gallery of pictures extended for more than a hundred feet, but time and the weather have obliterated a great number. Enough remain to demonstrate that at some time men living in Lembah Kinta, although unsophisticated, were able to paint and draw vividly and realistically. Perched high among hill peaks, visitors to these caves can enjoy a panoramic sunset view of Ipoh City.

Pulau Pangkor
Pangkor island can be reached with a short ferry ride from Lumut. It is an 8 sq km island with a village population of 25,000. East coast of the island, facing the mainland, is the village of Sungai Pinang Kecil, Sungai Pinang Besar and Pangkor Town. There are fine beaches at Pasir Bogak, Teluk Nipah and Coral Bay.

Pasir Bogak is the most developed beach, with a string of big, mid-range hotels and a few restaurants. Teluk Nipah has most of the budget accommodations. At the north end, near the airport, lie Pangkor’s up market resorts. At Teluk Belanga, the Pantai Puteri Dewi beach is pleasant but restricted to Pan Pacific Resort guests only. Outsiders need to pay a fee to use the beach. Snorkeling gear, boats and jet skis can be hired at hotels or on the beach at Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah. Boats can be hired to take you snorkeling at small nearby islands or Pulau Sembilan, a group of nine islands where sports fishing is popular. Jungle trekking in the million year old jungles is another activity that can be organised from most guesthouses.

Kuala Kangsar
This is the seat of the Perak Sultan and royal town of Perak state since the 18th century. By the late 19th century, the rapid growth of Ipoh and Taiping overshadowed Kuala Kangsar and the town remains a quiet backwater steeped in Malay tradition. Located 50km northwest of Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar has a few sights worth visiting and the first is the stunning Ubudiah mosque. Its golden domes and minarets have a well-deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. It has graced many front page magazine covers and postcards, and is a source of pride to the locals as well as a symbol of their faith. It is located at Bukit Chandan Recreational Park and was built during the reign of Sultan Idris Mursyidul Azam Shah I (1887-1916), the 28th Perak ruler. It was completed in 1917, after delays due to WWI and when elephants belonging to the Sultan and Raja Chulan wrecked some of the imported Italian marbles. Non Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque but it is possible to visit the compounds of the mosque. The royal mausoleum for Perak rulers since the min 18th century is located beside the mosque.

Taiping
This rather large town is the oldest mining town in Malaysia and once the state capital of Perak. Just like Ipoh, it started out as a mining town, but has a rather troublesome beginning. When tin was discovered in the 19th century, it developed quickly, attracting large groups of Chinese settlers. These settlers formed Chinese secret societies and bitter feuds broke out with injury and killings taking place on all sides. This forced the colonial administrators to step in and take control of the town. By the late 19th century, Ipoh has begun to overshadow Taiping and the state capital was moved there in 1935. Taiping is now a low-key town with little development in the old town centre.

The many historical buildings of interest in Taiping are the neoclassical District Office on Jln Alang Ahmad, the perpustakaan Merdeka, established in 1882, which is just around the corner and the 1890 Old Clock Tower on Jln Kota(now the tourist information centre). Malaysia’s first railway line and train station is from Taiping to Port Weld. It opened in 1885 and ran a distance of 13.5km. The original train station is next to colonial King Edward VII school at Jalan Stesyen. On the same road, you can find the St George’s School, built in 1915, and the Town Rest House, built in 1894.

Teluk Intan
Once known as Teluk Anson, after the colonial planner who developed it. A place of interest in this town is the pagoda-style leaning clock tower. It was built by a local Chinese in 1885 to house the town’s water tank. It is not opened to the public. Apart from that, it is a lazy town with a few fine colonial buildings and old Chinese shophouses. The District Courthouse, built as a church during the 1890s, is no longer in use. But despite modern extensions, its original facade is retained. Another interesting landmark is the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple (1899), founded by the Chettiar community. The first Chinese settlers were Penang Hokkiens who built the Hock Soon Keong temple in 1883. The roof ridge with beautifully decorated upturned eaves is characteristically Hokkien. Next is the Church of Saint Anthony (1894), a three-storey porte cochere tower topped with an elegant steeple. The simple cross plan of the church can be easily seen. The Teluk Intan Boatyards are located 1km from the town. The people of the coastal villages of Perak have for centuries been designers and makers of wooden boats, and the boatyards that dot this area continue to make the boats for the locals. The choice of wood used is chengal because of its toughness and durability. It is a unique wood that is found only in Malaysia. The central bus station is south of the clock tower.

Pasir Salak
Pasir Salak is the site of the 1875 murder of James WW Birch, the first British Resident of Perak. This quaint riverside village contains the Kompleks Sejarah Pasir Salak. It consists of many old and restored traditional Malay houses such as the 2 rumah kutai filled with local and historical artifacts. Another house, over 120 years old describes the killing of unfortunate Mr. James. Another displays traditional Malay wedding customs and musical instruments. The largest house depicts Perak from prehistoric times to independence and more stories on Mr. James. A memorial marks the exact spot of the assassination. His killers, Maharaja Lela, a local chief and Dato Sagar, who were arrested and hanged, have been enshrined as national heroes, and the memorial dedicated to them in the shape of a traditional sundang.(broad sword). The grave of Sipuntum, the assassin, is also found here. (605) 631 1462. Admission RM2; 10am-5pm, Mon –Thurs, 10am-noon, 2.45pm-5pm Friday. Sat & Sun 10am-6pm.

Matang mangrove forest & Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary
For lovers of nature, mangrove forest is a unique river and seaside forest ecosystem that should not be missed. The Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve in Perak has been gazetted as a Permanent Forest Reserve in 1906, and since 1908, the Perak Forestry Department has intensively managed it. It contains rich diversity of wildlife and habitats that thrive throughout the mangrove and mudflat ecosystems. It is the largest single tract of mangrove in Malaysia. The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is located north of the Mangrove forest reserve. During the migration season between August and April every year, more than 200,000 migratory birds representing some 50 species stop over here. You will also get a chance to spot the highly endangered milky stork here. There is a visitor centre with detailed educational programmes and displays of photos which highlight the local flora and fauna and the importance of preserving them.

CUISINE
Kong Heng - Pork Satay
This old Kopi Tiam ( one of the oldest food places in Ipoh) is ever so popular with the locals and tourists alike
Location: Jalan Bandar Timah, Ipoh Old Town. Next to House of Mirrors (Thean Chun). Open mornings and afternoons only.

Durian
The king of all Malaysian fruits, durian, is well known for its odour (which is hard to describe). Where, it may not be a pleasant smell to Westerners, but the taste is creamy and luscious.

The durian is a tall tree towering as high as 40m in the jungle rainforest or in semi-orchard. Seed trees may take 8-10 years to fruit. A grafted durian tree grows to 15 - 20m tall. The fruit is green to yellowish brown in colour, pendulous, round to oblong in shape almost roughly like a foot ball and is completely covered with strong sharp thorns which is usually opened by a large knife or a machete.

This fruit which can be split into five parts when ripe where each segment contains brown seeds covered with thick, custard like yellow pulp where you can eat it plain, mixed with rice or coconut cream and even made into ice cream.

Laksa Kuala
Laksa is the quintessential coffee shop dish. You walk into a typical coffee shop, approach the lady whose stall bears the word laksa, and ask for "laksa big" or "laksa special."

What transpires next is a minor miracle of culinary simplicity. The laksa stall comprises two enormous metal vats, one containing boiling water for cooking the noodles, and one containing gallons of bubbling laksa. The noodles are dunked in the boiling water for a few seconds, along with a handful of large, fresh beansprouts. They are then retrieved and placed in a large soup bowl, into which about half a pint of laksa gravy is poured.

Subtle fragrances of candle nut, lemon grass, sour tamarind and garlic blend together with a sharply flavoured curry-like spice mix and lashings of santan to form a liquid that seems to posses a hundred different flavours simultaneously. The taste – delightfully hot.

Petai
Parkia speciosa or better known as Petai, is a flat edible beans with bright green seeds the size and shape of plump almonds which have a rather peculiar smell.

Petai tree is a native of the Malay Peninsula, growing wild in lowland forests, often cultivated in Malay kampungs. The pods taste like garlic and leaves a very strong odour in your breath. The immature seeds young leaves and fresh parts of the flower stalks can be eaten raw. Half-ripe pods are pickled in salt. Petai are commonly cook with tumis sambal or eaten raw with belacan. Old folks believe Petai is said to be good for health, these beans contain natural sugars and fibers, which gives you almost instant energy and brainpower.

According to medical research, these beans can also prevent certain ailments and sickness like Depression, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Blood Pressure, constipation and even smoking.

Rendang Tok
Rendang is a dish which originated from the Minangkabau people of Indonesia. It is one of the characteristic foods of the Minangkabau culture, and it is served at ceremonial occasions and to honor guests. Being also popular in Malaysia, rendang is traditionally prepared by the Malay community during festive occasions.

The delicious rendang tok in Perak is sometimes described as being like a curry, and the name is sometimes applied to curried meat dishes in Malaysia, authentic rending however is nothing like a curry and doesn't contain curry powder.

Rendang is made from beef or occasionally chicken, mutton, water buffalo meat or vegetables like jackfruit or cassava, slowly cooked in coconut milk and spices for several hours until almost all the liquid is gone, leaving the meat coated in the spicy condiments. It is commonly eaten with rice.

Rojak Tanjung
Rojak means a mixture of many different things. It is the same as the salad you can find in Western countries. This dish has been very much appreciated by Malaysian. There are many types of rojak as well just like Rojak Tanjung in Perak; Malay rojak, Indian rojak, Penang Rojak, Fruits rojak, Rojak with cuttlefish and others.

In Malay rojak, ingredients used are yau cha kway, pieces of turnip, cucumber and pineapples are mixed with sweet gravy with peanuts. Chicken meat and chili could be added in as well. Likewise there are many different style in preparing rojak, depending on the cultural background in a particular state.

Rojak could be easily found in hawker centers and food courts. The price is reasonable. Therefore, it is a great value for your money.

Ais Kacang
The King of Desserts! Also known as ABC (Air Batu Campur), this mountain of delight is the best solution to a hot day or after a spicy meal. This famous dessert can be found at Medan Selera Stadium Perak or any hawker centres in Ipoh. Ais kacang if literally translated means iced beans but it contains more than that. It is a concoction of shaved ice, sweet corn, red beans, cendol, jelly and sago topped with evaporated milk and rose syrup. Ice cream and fruits like banana and raisins are alternative choices of toppings.

This dessert is so fulfilling and so easy to eat, there are no rules on where to dip your spoon in first, but beware of "brainfreez" if you decide to take it in all at one go! . It is a dessert that never fails to quench your thirst and also fill the tummy with all the juicy items thrown in altogether.

ACTIVITIES

Virtually anyone will be spoilt for choice in regards of things to do while visiting Perak. The state has a diverse selection of destinations that can cater to the interests of almost any holidaymaker.

For the adventurous, Perak is famous for its caves such as Gua Angin or Gua Kandu as well as its many challenging 4X4 routes or its white water rafting at Sungai Kampar. For those that want a more subdued, cultural experience, try taking a walk around the Town of Ipoh, snapping some photos and taking in the beauty of the many quaint and rustic Pre-World War 2 buildings that line its old quarter.

And for some good old-fashioned family fun, The Lost World of Tambun at New Sunway City Ipoh will not disappoint. Diversity is perhaps the main element when spending a holiday in Perak. Either it is a quiet relaxing weekend on a tropical island or a bone rattling ride through its dense jungles, Perak has it all

Bird Watching at Kuala Gula
Located in the district of Kerian in the Northeastern part of Perak, South from Bagan Serai, the 8,200 hectare of Kuala Gula, where the Gula river meets the Straits of Melaka became not only home to birds but also bird lovers.

This sanctuary is to protect and conserve the migratory birds which has been using the large wetland area for feeding and resting during their migratory route from the northern to the southern hemisphere.

Caving at Gua Tempurung
Known to the locals as Gua Tempurung, the word "Gua"in Malay means cave and "Tempurung" means coconut shell. Hence the name Gua Tempurung which comprises of five huge domes with ceilings resembling coconut shells. The name conjures images of mystery and intrigue that ensures a peek into its deep and dark secrets.

Dating back 8000BC, Gua Tempurung is one of the largest natural limestone caves in Peninsular Malaysia. Each of these domes is made up of different calcium formations and marble that exist in differing temperatures and water levels.

These caves are famous for its breathtaking gallery of stalagmites, stalactites and other amazing rock formations that are superb speleological wonders. When exploring the cave, get ready to crawl through the labyrinth of stalagmites and stalactites. Bring along flashlights or headlamps as it is really dark in there and you have to watch your footing. You might hear squeaking of bats, so its advisable to keep your voices low when you are in the cave.

Snorkelling and diving just off Pulau Pangkor
Just 10 miles south of Pulau Pangkor lies a cluster of nine breath taking islands known collectively as Pulau Sembilan; Pulau Agas, Pulau Payong, Pulau Nipis, Pulau Rumbia, Pulau Lalang, Pulau Saga, Pulau Buluh, Black Rock and White Rock.

From November to March, holiday makers flock to these islands. Secluded and uninhabited, the most popular is Pulau Lalang, which is known for its refreshing clear stream and perfect white sandy beach.

Snorkelling and diving are 'must do' activities if one were to visit these islands - Pulau Rumbia and Pulau Lalang. At 15 metres deep, the sandy bottoms of both islands are dotted with countless of colourful corals. While among the many exotic marine life found here are groupers, snappers and barracudas.

Another great spot; between Pulau Buluh and Pulau Saga. Here, big boulders and green tree coral can be found at a depth of ten metres. In the waters on the eastern side of Pulau Buluh, there are small rocks, hard corals and coral fish.

Jungle Trekking in Belum
An excellent place for jungle trekking and camping is the Royal Belum State Park. Depending on which trek you are being led on by your guide, you can expect at least six hours of jungle trekking into a somewhat unexplored rainforests. Along the way, you can stop and marvel at some of the flora and fauna that exist there like Rafflesia, blooming Wild Ginger as well as few salt licks spots.

Here at Belum, you can see valleys and mountains, pristine cascades and few limestone outcrops. Most of the areas are occupied by the Orang Asli (the indigenous people). If you are lucky, you may catch glimpses of animals rarely spotted in other other parts of the country. These include bears, deer, tiger and other species of mammals and reptiles.

Royal Belum State Park is of great interest to ecologists, conservationists and nature enthusiasts. Covering an area of 134,167ha, the forest reserve has been found to contain new and unknown species of trees and insects since the Malaysian Nature Society's expedition there in 1993.

Night Safari at Taiping Zoo
Taiping Zoo has a beautiful natural setting with streams, lakes and abundance of flora; conducive environment for visitors. Also known as Taman Mergastua Sultan Idris Shah, the zoo is located at Taiping Lake Gardens, close to the foot of the Larut Hill (Maxwell Hill). It covers an area of 34 acres. It embarks on an expansion programme which includes the building of new "Open Concept" animal enclosures.

The unique aspect of this zoo is the night safari. This safari is an attempt to display nocturnal animals in its natural looking settings and provide the opportunity for visitors to appreciate nature.

Taiping Zoo is currently home to more than 180 species of animals. These include tigers, lions, elephants, hippopotamus, giraffes, hornbills, orang utans and others. Furthermore, attempts to breed these animals have been very successful. This has seen the proliferation of such animals like the Malaysian Tiger, Lion, Siamang, Deer, Nilgai, Night Heron and many others.

River boarding/Whitewater Rafting in Perak Rivers
For those who crave a little more excitement in their holiday experience, river boarding might just be the thing. Adrenaline pumping, white water fun at face level and with just a board to cling to, riverboarding is one of fastest growing extreme sports in the world.

Jungle Geckos, the only riverboarding operator currently operating in Malaysia offers riverboarding trips in Sungai Sungkai, Sungai Kampar, Sungai Ulu Slim and Sungai Chilling.

Here, visitors will experience how thrilling it is to go down rapids head first, wearing a full body wetsuit, booties and fins plus life jacket and a board. Be warned though that this is not for the fainthearted.

Alternatively, whitewater rafting is also another choice when visiting the rivers of Perak. Various whitewater tour operators such as RiverBug and Nomad Adventures offer exhilarating whitewater adventure packages.

Off Road Driving in Lasah
Off road enthusiasts can now add to their list of thrill-and-skill rides the routes available in Perak, namely Lasah which runs all the way through to Gua Musang in Kelantan as well as Cameron Highlands in Pahang.
If you want to explore Malaysia's backcountry, it's probably best to go with one of the several local 4WD tour specialists as the terrain may prove to be too difficult to handle. These specialists would normally have local knowledge of trails, weather conditions, camping locations and scenic attractions.

The best time to go off road is during the dry seasons between March and October. For those who want more challenge, there is the monsoon between November and February.

Frolicking at Bukit Merah
Bukit Merah Laketown has much to offer as it is one of Malaysia's premier eco-tourism destinations in the northern region. It is an exciting place with its Water Park being the main attraction.

Anyone who has paid a visit here will have enlightening stories about fun and exciting activities they had there, particularly one on the water theme park.

There are also shops to hunt for souvenirs and among other things at very reasonable prices as well as restaurants to feast your senses.

A one day trip may not be enough as you will be tempted to spend at least another day at one of the 174 rooms available for guests at the resort. The facilities available include in-room fridge, amenities and movie channels.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Grand Kampar Hotel
2188 Jalan Timah, 31900 Kampar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Tel: 60 5 466 2111

Bukit Merah Laketown Resort
Jalan Bukit Merah, 34400 Semanggol, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Tel: 60 5 890 8888

Heritage Hotel Ipoh
Jalan Raja DiHilir 30350 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Tel: 60 5 242 8888

DWJ Hotel
No C-G-1,C-1-1,C-2-1, Jalan Dato' Seri Ahmad Said,
Greentown Suria, 30450 Ipoh,Perak
Tel: 605 242 8777
Fax : 605 241 1544

Hotel Excelsior
43, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, 30300 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
Tel : 605 253 6666
Fax : 605 253 6912

Hillcity Hotel
No. 227, Jalan Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Tel : 60 5 313 5555
Fax: 60 5 312 9355
Impiana Hotels, Resorts & Spas
21st Floor, Menara KH, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: 60 (3) 2141 6233
Fax: 60 (3) 2142 2295

Paragon City Hotel
No.1, Jalan Dato Haji Megat Khas, Taman Bandaraya Utama,
31400 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
Tel: +605-545-0900
Fax: +605-545-1900

Regaldodge Hotel Ipoh
131 Jalan Raya Ekram, 30450, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Tel: 605 242 5555
Fax: 605 241 1555

Hotel Ritz Garden
No.86 & 88, Jalan Yang Kalsom, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan.
Tel: 605 2427777
Fax: 605 2425845

Syuen Hotel
Syuen Hotel 88 Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil 30300 Ipoh, Malaysia
Tel: 605 253 8889

Virgo Batik Resort
Persiaran Teluk Batik, Teluk Batik, 32200
Lumut, Perak, Malaysia
Tel: 605-6691334, 05-6836334, 05-6835334
Fax : 605-6692334

Flemington Hotel Taiping
No.1, Jalan Samanea Saman, 34000 Taiping, Perak, Malaysia
Tel: 605-820-7777
Fax: 605-808-0177

Panorama Hotel
No. 61-79, Jalan Kota, 34000 Taiping, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
Tel: 605 808 4111
Fax: 605 808 4129

Taiping Golf Resort
Jalan Bukit Jana, P.O. Box 4, 34600 Kamunting, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia
Tel : 6 05 883 6700
Fax : 6 05 883 6780

Belum Rainforest Resort
Pulau Banding, 33200 Gerik, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Tel : 6 05 791 6800
Fax : 6 05 791 7600
RESTAURANTS

Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum
32 – 36, Jalan Leong SIn Nam
it’s the road behind Excelsior Hotel
30300 Ipoh
Tel: 605 2557 134

Big Tree Foot
1427 Jalan Prince
Kampung Pasir Pinji Baru, 31650 Ipoh, Perak

David's Diner
B-G-1, Ground Floor, Greentown Square, Ipoh.
Citrus Wine & Dine
No 38-46, Laluan Ipoh Perdana, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.
Tel: 605 5451 010

Sin Eng Heong
No. 64, Jln Mustapha Al-Bakri,
Jln Clare,30300,Ipoh Perak.
Tel: 05 2439 659

Pakeeza Restaurant
15-17, Jln Dato Seri Ahmad Said (Green Lane), 30450 Ipoh.
Tel: 605 241 4243

Pusing Public Seafood Restaurant
No. G 57-65 Jalan Verasamy Ipoh , 30300 Ipoh

Momo Cafe & Steamboat
17, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 30000 Ipoh

Koh Samui Restaurant
1.Main branch: 83 & 85, Jalan Raja Ekram, 30450, Ipoh, Perak.
2.28, Lebuh Medan Ipoh, Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 605 255 6608

Foh San Dim Sum
No. 2, Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar
Tel: (605) 254-0308
Fax: (605) 253-5432

Funny Mountain Soya Bean
49, Jala Theatre, 30300 Ipoh, Perak.
Tel: 605 546 9968

Pun Chun Restaurant
38 & 40, Jalan Besar, 35500 Bidor, Perak.
Tel: 605 434 1554, 605 434 1562

1919 Restaurant and Gallery
1,Jalan Medan Ipoh 6, Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh
31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Tel: 605 547 7196

GETTING THERE

There is a variety of ways to get to and around Perak. The choice of travelling by air, rail and road is for one to decide according to their preference. Each of these modes of travel would reveal little by little about this historical state.

By Road
A vast road network that is convenient and safe for travellers surrounds Perak. There are rest stops located along the expressway for travellers. In fact, the North-South Expressway leading towards Perak is a boost to the domestic tourism. The Expressway stretches from the Thai border in the north to the southern part of the state of Johor Bahru. Using the expressway, one would be required to pay toll along the highway. The amount would depend on the distance and the type of vehicle used. Therefore, it would be advisable to carry some lose change along the way.

If you would like to hire a car and drive on your own, for foreigner you would be required to have an international driving license, a clear and detailed road map and insurance coverage. Payment by major credit cards would be accepted.

By Taxi
There are hired taxis available whereby the fares are paid by the meter or at a fixed rate depending on the destination. To travel to any places of interest within Perak it would be advisable to make return arrangements to prevent being stranded in the place.

By Bus
From Puduraya in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, one could see that there are regular bus services to go around Peninsular Malaysia. Express buses are usually air-conditioned and the prices differ depending on the seating capacity of the bus. Getting around the states to smaller towns would require one to get on several different buses at a time because bus routes only reaches the major towns only.

By Ferry Service
This would apply to going to the islands in Perak. The ferries runs on schedules and the prices are reasonable. One could choose to have hired boats as well but the prices would be according to the boatmen.

You can contact Pangkor Feri Express Sdn Bhd at 05-6851509 for more information on the schedules and prices.

By Train
The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) or the Malaysian Railway may not be fancy like the Eastern & Orient Express but it offers a journey full of scenic views about the countryside as you chug along the railroad.

Coaches are air conditioned and divided into various classes. The ride is comfortable and exciting as the train stops in the little towns along the way. KTM offers a variety of travel plans thus it is advisable to check with the authorities for more information.

By Plane
Malaysia's national carrier Malaysian Airlines (MAS) provides services to all major towns in Malaysia with Kuala Lumpur as the centre. The domestic links would then link you to Ipoh. Besides the national carrier there are also the Pelangi Air and the Berjaya Air which usually offer links to island resorts. For further enquiries, please check with your travel agent or the respective airlines. Price quoted is for economy class only.