Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 26 – Perak Part 4

Posted on December 29, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Taiping
Located approximately 48 km northwest of Ipoh, Taiping is the second largest town in Perak after Ipoh, the state capital. Taiping took over Kuala Kangsar’s role as the state capital from 1876 to 1937 but was then replaced by Ipoh. Its growth slowed after that, but in recent years, the town has been developing rapidly again. Perak State Museum is located in the town.

Taiping is also known as Peninsular Malaysia’s wettest town, receiving an average rainfall of about 4,000mm in Taiping, while the peninsula’s average is 2,000mm–2,500mm. Its unusual rainfall has also led to a fertile collection of flora and century-old rain trees in the Taiping Lake Gardens.

The area developed quickly in the 19th century, when tin was discovered. The mines attracted large numbers of settlers, particularly Chinese. Feuds began between the different groups of Chinese immigrants and became so bitter that, in the early 1870s, the British intervened and assumed control of the town. Before 1937, Taiping was the state capital and the centre of a long and drawn-out war resulting in a change of rulership for the state. Taiping used to be known as Klian Pauh – Klian meaning mine while Pauh is a type of small mango.

Long Jaafar has been historically credited with the discovery of tin in Larut in 1848. According to legend, Long Jaafar had an elephant named Larut and he used to take this elephant with him when journeying between Bukit Gantang and Lubok Merbau. One day the elephant went missing and when the elephant was eventually found three days later Long Jaafar noticed tin ore embedded in the mud that was on the elephant’s legs. It is said that this was how Larut got its name. Eventually, in 1850, Larut district was bestowed upon Long Jaafar by Raja Muda Ngah Ali and the Chiefs of Perak. Sometime later, the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Abdullah, died in 1857 and a series of succession disputes ensued. Unhappy with the abuse and favouritism of various royalties, rival Malay camps took sides with one or the other of the two great Chinese secret societies present at the time.

Long Jaafar established and developed his administrative centre at Bukit Gantang and made Kuala Sungai Limau at Trong the principal harbour of the Larut Settlement. In 1857 Long Jaafar was succeeded by his son Ngah Ibrahim. In the time of Ngah Ibrahim, the Chinese increased in number and by early 1860 two large groups were formed by the Chinese, the Five Associations whose members worked in the mines of Klian Pauh and the Four Associations whose members worked in the mines of Klian Baharu.

The capital of Perak was moved from Bandar Baru or New Town to Taiping after Datok Maharaja Lela assassinated the first British Resident of Perak Mr. James Wheeler Woodford Birch at Pasir Salak in 1875. In 1937, the capital of Perak was moved from Taiping to Ipoh.

The town’s mining industry continued to thrive; the country’s first railway was built to transport tin from Taiping to Port Weld, now known as Kuala Sepetang at the coast for export. The first train in Malaysia took its schedule on 1 June 1885. By 1900, an English language school, a newspaper, and the Perak Museum, the oldest in Malaysia had been established. Although Taiping’s economy declined with the dwindling tin deposits, tin mining remains an important industry in the area as is rubber and rice.

One of Taiping’s most famous attractions, the 64-hectare Taiping Lake Gardens is created on the site of an abandoned tine mine. Taiping’s first public garden was established during British rule in Malaysia, the garden is located near Bukit Larut and is equidistant to the town centre and the Taiping Zoo. Home to 10 man-made lakes and ponds, it is visited for its aesthetics and beauty and is a sight to behold during sunrise and sunset. The gardens are also home to the gigantic Rain Trees. The place is lit with tall bamboo, pines and other trees like Angsena and Hujan that are scattered all over.

There are few private and government houses located near the gardens; among them are the Old Residency, home of the Secretary to the Resident, the Raja’s House at the junction of Birch Road and Residency Road and the army officers’ residences on Batu Tugoh Road.

Popularly known as Kolam Renang Batu Besar, the Burmese Pool is a large rock pool along a stream. This rock pool is quite spacious but shallow. Burmese Pool is named after the natural rock pool fed by a waterfall, which continues from there as Sungai Larut. Since this pool is located in the rainforest, visitors are required to go through the Taiping Lake Gardens and search for the signboard pointing towards the Burmese Pool. Burmese Pool is a favourite local picnic spot and is open between 8 am and 5 pm every day. There is a parking fee of RM 2 per entry.

Located in Changkat Jering, Trong Hotsprings is part of three pools whose access is permitted to those who opt for the RM 10 package. It is open from midnight to noon and then between 4 pm and midnight. Entry fees are RM 2 to soak in hot spring water which can be changed up to three times and RM 10 for access to all three pools.

Taiping Zoo, also known as the Taman Mergastua Sultan Idris Shah enjoys a scenic location at the Taiping Lake Gardens and is positioned right at the foot of the Maxwell or Larut Hill. Dwelling over a vast area of 34 acres, this wildlife park is currently home to more than 2000 animals which includes 180 indigenous and exotic species of amphibians, mammals, and reptiles. There is a sizable African Savannah as well as the Australian exhibit and rare nocturnal animals.

The zoo is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm every day, including weekends and public holidays. The Night Safari is open from 8 to 11 pm daily and from 8 pm to midnight on Saturdays and public holidays. The entrance fee to the zoo is RM 16 for adults, RM 8 for children between 3 and 12 and for senior citizens above 60. The Night Safari costs an adult RM 20 while children and senior citizens need to pay RM 10. The mini train at the night safari is free to all.

Taiping War Cemetery is a burial ground dedicated to the Allied office staff and servicemen martyred during the Second World War. Erected and maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, this cemetery is located in Bukit Larut. About 850 casualties from the Second World War are commemorated here out of which 500 remain unidentified. Most of these buried men originated from the UK, Australia, China, Malaysia, and the Gurkha Regiment.

Segregated into two segments of land, this graveyard has placed Christian graves located on the southeastern side of the road while non-Christian graves are buried on the opposite side. A cross of sacrifice stands on the southeastern boundary and a Stone of remembrance stands on the northwestern boundary. Jalan Bukit Larut is a road that serves as a boundary between these Christian and non-Christian sections of the cemetery. These graves are marked with white granite headstone depicting their regimental badge if known. Muslim graves are aligned in such a manner that they face Mecca, thus following Muslim religious convictions.

When the Japanese invaded the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Taiping was on the British line of retreat. Hosting a garrison of one Indian Army, the Taiping forces were reinforced with a casualty receiving station where 500 beds for the military patients were arranged by the civilian authorities. During the war, the 6th and 15th Indian brigades used Taiping as a resting and refitment centre. At the end of the Second World War, the Japanese surrendered. Major H.J. Ingram was assigned the task of identifying the dead who lost their lives in the British and Commonwealth wars. Major Ingram designed and supervised the erection of this cemetery for the reception of graves that were brought from the battlefields, numerous other temporary burial grounds, and the village and other civil cemeteries. Open all hours of the day, staff are available on the site from 8 am to 5 pm daily.

The Clock Tower is a historical landmark situated in the town’s heart. Originally built in 1881, it was initially constructed of wood and timber but rebuilt with bricks in 1890. Although there were many similar buildings in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, this is the oldest clock tower in Malaysia. The clock tower was originally shaped like a square fort but it has been demolished now. It is located in the Jalan Kota area and today, it is a tourist information centre offering maps and details of Taiping.

There is no provision to get to the top of the tower but the building is admirable from outside. Since it was built during British colonial rule, there is a replica of the medieval red-coloured telephone booth, now used as a kiosk just outside the visitor centre. The 20-metre-high tower has a brick-coloured pyramid-shaped roof with carefully chiselled archways, capped by a small weather vane in the form of a rooster. The middle of the building has a spacious and open balcony-like structure, decorated with flags, right above the main entrance which indeed has two red doors on each side.

Regarded as one of the oldest museums in Malaysia, Perak Museum is a small public museum that stands as a landmark in Taiping. It was founded by Sir Hugh Low, the fourth British Resident of Perak in 1883. This athenaeum is stacked with a whooping 8474 displays out of which 5074 are cultural collections, 523 are nature-based, and 2877 are miscellaneous collections.

Initially, this exhibition centre showcased artefacts based on ethnography, zoology, botany, and geology. The artworks here are segregated into four galleries: Nature Gallery, Cultural Gallery, Indigenous People Gallery, and Temporary Gallery. Rich in archaeological art pieces, this exhibition centre includes some hundred-year-old collections of animal species such as binturong and pulasan, animal skeletons, and extinct smoked clay. The Perak Museum boasts of ancient British-style art deco architecture.

The Nature Gallery displays skeletons of animals like tigers and elephants. Also, there is much taxidermy highlighted with animals stuffed in jungle dioramas. In the Cultural Gallery, Malaysian handicrafts like woven bamboo items from Perak are displayed. Other exhibits of the cultural gallery include Mannequins wearing typical costumes worn at Malay, Indian and Chinese weddings. Over at the Indigenous People Gallery, one can view the lifestyle and physical characteristics of the Orang Asli community. This gallery also holds a fantastic collection of indigenous masks. You will also find old-style earthen pottery and utensils in this gallery. The Temporary Gallery rotates some of the unseen exhibits of the museum.

The basement of the museum is home to some vintage cars and other displays include a carriage of the Perak State Railway Company, a 19th-century steam engine, a Malaysian Air Force jet fighter, and an old anchor reclaimed from the Straits of Malacca. The Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 9 am to 6 pm and is closed on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidil Adha. Entry fees for adults are RM 2 while children below the age of 12 enter free.

All Saints Church is a wooden church that was founded in 1886 and consecrated in 1887. It is the oldest Christian church in Malaysia and boasts a Gothic architectural design. The church is built of meranti panels with hardwood frames and a louvred tower with four tubular bells. Featuring a timber facade, this church has a stained glass that was created in 1911. There is a small cemetery dwelling adjacent to this church. This cemetery is stuffed with finely crafted tombstones of some Europeans and young servicemen who lost their lives. This 120-year-old church has undergone some recent developments. It included a multi-purpose hall in 2008. Apart from an administrative office, this holy place of worship is well-equipped with washrooms, choir rooms, libraries, and vicarage quarters. The main hall in this church can comfortably accommodate 350 devotees at a time. The church is open from 8 am to 8 pm daily.

The Aun Tong Coffe Mill is the oldest coffee mill in Malaysia. The coffee factory located in the main town of Taiping produces the Antong Café brand of coffee. It is also known for some other excellent produce of locally brewed coffee like Ipoh and Durian. The factory displays the procedure of how coffee is produced, roasted and processed. A video is played at the mill explaining the coffee-making process in detail allowing some free coffee sampling and tasting before purchasing it. The factory has an adjacent shop that offers quality coffee powder, biscuits and roti kok and serves as a museum describing the history of Sun Yat Sen.

Orangutan Island is the world’s best rehabilitation and conservation centre for orangutans. Located in the heart of Bukit Merah, about 30 km north of Taiping, it is a 35-acre land neighboured by a beautiful lakeside resort. Started in 2000, Orangutan Island offers an amazing experience to visitors and is only accessible by a 15-minute jetty ride which can be boarded from near the lakeside resort-Bukit Merah Laketown resort. The entire tour of Orangutan Island will take one closer to nature through a steel cage walkway and will give one in-depth knowledge about the endangered yet interesting Orangutans. The entire walk is around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours long which is well guided by staff. Visit the orang-utan infant care unit to meet and see a baby orang-utan or feed and play with the orang-utans for a captivating yet fun experience. The best time to visit Orangutan Island depends on the weather conditions. Months between March to October are considered to be the best and one should avoid going on rainy days. Orangutan Island is open between 9 am to 5 pm and entry fees for foreigners are RM 40 for adults and EM 20 for children. Malaysians need to pay RM 30 for adults, RM 18 for children and RM 15 for senior citizens. Malaysians can also avail of a family package which will cost RM 100 for 2 adults and 3 children or RM 90 for 2 adults and 2 children.

Bukit Larut
Located 10 km east of Taiping, about 1250 m above sea level, Bukit Larut is Malaysia’s oldest and smallest hill resort. Offering a tranquil glimpse of Perak’s colonial past, it was established during the 1880s as a retreat from the lowland heat. Formerly, known as Maxwell Hill, Bukit Larut is popular for its fragrant, cool air, walking trails and foggy mornings.

Bukit Larut is rich in biodiversity and home to 621 highland plant species which accounts for 20.4% of the overall highland plant species found in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as 27 mammal, 227 bird, 9 reptile, and 56 amphibian species. The area receives the highest rainfall in Malaysia with precipitation reaching up to 5,800 millimetres (230 in) annually. Bukit Larut is the location for the annual North Face Malaysia Mountain Trail Festival, which is a qualifier event for the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB).

Reaching the top of Bukit Larut is fun. The 10 km hike from Taiping is a 2.5-hour trek one way If one has a good level of fitness. One can also arrive at the top via the government land rovers which is over a distance of 13 km and has 72 bends in the road, which costs RM10 for adults and RM5 for children for a round trip which is available at the base station. The trips by road are available between 8 am and 5 pm with some extra trips on weekends. The ride takes less than 30 minutes to reach the top from the base and is limited for each day up to 200. Online booking is not available.

Private vehicles are not allowed on the hill road. The telecom tower at the top of the upper station of Bukit Larut offers a stunning panoramic view. Surrounded by several bungalows, nature prevails at its best here with more than 600 varieties of plant species and 200 varieties of birds. Reservations are not accepted beforehand and visitors must go early at 8 am to buy tickets for the day. Visitors must specify what time they want to go up and what time to come down. The cost is RM 4 per person for a round trip.

The history of Bukit Larut dates to the Larut Wars which occurred in 1861 between Chinese underground societies Han San and Ghee Hin over tin mine control in Klian Pauh, the predecessor to Taiping, leading to British intervention into Taiping and later The Pangkor Treaty of 1874 which allowed the British to administer Perak. After the treaty was signed, the British found that tin mining activity could be easily observed from Bukit Larut and that the hill was also suitable as a place of retreat from the hot weather. Construction of the hill station took place in 1884 and the hill was named after George Maxwell, a British Malaya administrator. Maxwell Hill was renamed Bukit Larut in 1979. In early 1997, the government of Perak announced a RM 320 million plan to redevelop Bukit Larut with additional tourism facilities, to enhance its potential as a tourism area in Perak. However, due to opposition by residents and some non-governmental organisations in addition to political pressures, the redevelopment plan was cancelled on July 20, 1997, and the focus shifted to renovating the old colonial-era bungalows and rest houses for RM 2 million. At the same time, the Malaysian Public Works Department revealed that the road on Bukit Larut could not be widened further. It was also announced that construction of the cable car would overwhelm the tourism system in Bukit Larut and would also potentially erode the biodiversity in that area.

The economy of Bukit Larut is limited to tourism and hospitality, with accommodation services providing the main source of income. Accommodations for visitors mostly consist of colonial rest houses and bungalows. No high-rise hotels are available in the area. Historically, Bukit Larut had coffee and tea plantations on an experimental basis, but these were discontinued due to the inflexibility of the transportation system. However, the Tea Garden House, which was previously part of the tea plantation area, continues to operate.

Bukit Larut is the site for an annual international trail running event, The North Face Malaysia Mountain Trail Festival. It is usually held in December and attracts more than 2,100 runners from 35 countries. The trail running event is certified by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and is listed as one of the qualifying races for the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). A portion of the registration fees is channelled to the Bukit Larut Tourism Department for the maintenance of Bukit Larut.

The Tulip Garden at Bukit Larut is the first tulip farm established in Malaysia. Admission to the tulip farm is RM1 outside the tulip season and RM2 during the season. Bukit Larut has a small park covered by tall pine trees and little swings to enjoy the misty mornings. The hanging bridge enhances the beauty of the place with options for photography. To get a panoramic view of Taiping city from above, forget not to experience the Lookout Tower. A nice place for family picnics, this hill has scattered seating arrangements with tables and chairs to serve the purpose.

The best time to visit Bukit Larut is between January to April. One should avoid visiting Bukit Larut in the rainy season, especially from September to December to avoid sudden afternoon showers. The hiking trail becomes slippery and risky to walk along. Landslides are likely to cause more disruption during the monsoon.

Pangkor Island
Pangkor Island or Pulau Pangkor is an island with a population of approximately 10,000. Nearby islands include Pangkor Laut Island, Giam Island, Mentagor Island, Simpan Island, and Tukun Terindak Island. The major industries of the island are tourism and fishing. Pangkor Island has a land area of 18 sq km and is 3.5 km from Peninsular Malaysia. The interior of the island is forested and is home to 65 reptile species, 17 amphibian species, and 82 total herpetofauna species.

Historically, Pangkor was a refuge for local fisherfolk, merchants and pirates. In the 17th century, the Dutch built a fort to control the Perak tin trade, known as the Dutch Fort. In 1874, it was the location of a historical treaty between the British government and a contender for the Perak throne, the Pangkor Treaty, which began the British colonial domination of the Malay Peninsula. The old British name for the Pangkor Island group was the Dindings.

Following the Federal Government’s move to grant the island duty-free status effective 1 January 2020, the island recorded a 40% increase in visitors. Public ferries depart from Lumut to Pangkor Island from the old Lumut jetty.

Batu Gong is a petroglyph or rock carving of an unknown age located on a headland at Pantai Pasir Bogak depicting a gong, which is 100 cm in diameter and is oriented directly north. In 2003, Marina Island, an artificial island was developed by the Marina Island Group of companies and began operation in 2010, with a private investment of RM250 million by 2013. The integrated mixed-development resort island consists of waterfront residential properties, a new jetty, Marina Island Jetty, a private commercial marina called Pangkor Marina Malaysia, service apartments, hotels and shop offices. The jetty has a ferry service that connects to the island.

The west coast of Pangkor is famous for its beaches, resorts and hotels for tourist accommodations. The famous beaches there include Pasir Bogak, Teluk Nipah and Coral Beach. The east coast of Pangkor is where all the residents live and where many of them work in the local food and fisheries activities, including the dry fish factory, boat workshops, and a fish farm. Other attractions on the island include the Fu Ling Kong temple, the Sri Pathirakaliamman temple in Sungai Pinang Besar village; Batu Bersurat, Tiger Rock, the Dutch Fort or Kota Belanda, the tombs in Kampung Teluk Gedung and Tortoise Hill and Batu Gong.

Bukit Pangkor is a forested hill climbing which will lead to Pangkor Island’s highest point at around 350 meters. The trek amidst the lush jungle in the company of hornbills, cicadas and macaques, through marked trails, will be quite a good jungle adventure with a moderate difficulty level.

Pangkor Island’s Chinatown offers a vivid background for snapshots against the colourful traditional Chinese decorations. The restaurants on the red-block path streets of Chinatown serve delectable dishes. The place is good to explore as it exudes an altogether different vibe from the rest of the island.

Foo Lin Kong Temple is a Taoist temple set against a hill in a stunning landscape. Adorned with large rocks and stones, the temple is more than 100 years old and has some mysteries attached to it. The temple’s garden has a mini Great Wall of China. Also, visitors can climb the hill behind the temple for some fascinating views of the scenery around.

Dutch Fort is a 17th-century fortress initially built to store tin ore, now in a state of complete ruin. It consists of just 3 worn-out brick walls with some windows in between. The area around it has a park and some souvenir stores.

Located at Pulau Pangkor, Ling Je Kong Temple is a Chinese temple that sits on the top of a rocky ridge at Coral Beach. Initially, a small place dedicated to the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, it is now a religious temple with Chinese scriptures, figures and surprisingly statues of cartoon Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, etc. The temple provides splendid views of the crystal waters of Coral Beach and Pangkor Island.

And that’s all from Perak! Look out for the next Malaysian state I will be exploring…

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 25 – Perak Part 3

Posted on December 22, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Gopeng
Gopeng was the most important town in the Kinta Valley until 1890, when Ipoh became more prominent. The town was intensively mined by both European and Chinese miners, the latter having significant Hakka representation under Chung Keng Kwee, the leader of the Hai San secret society during the Larut War. He was appointed as the Kapitan Cina after the Pangkor Treaty, and although his main homes were in Taiping and Penang, he maintained his foothold in Gopeng, securing contracts for street lighting there in 1892 as well as building quarters for civil servants thereafter.

For the first few decades after British intervention, Gopeng was run by a tripartite: the Europeans, the Chinese, led by the Eu family, and the Sumatran, led by Assistant Penghulu Imam Prang Ja Barumun. Gopeng is also one of the first places where large numbers of Orang Asli met outsiders in the 19th century.

Seated amidst lofty limestone cliffs, rivers, and historical caves, Gopeng lies approximately 18.5 km south of Ipoh and is known for its lush green rainforests that house the subgroup of Orang Asli called the Semai tribe. The main attractions of Gopeng are its rivers and waterfalls. Guided activities at Gopeng include river boarding and whitewater rafting, caving, wet abseiling, and guided walks to the Rafflesia blooming site. Most of the activities and accommodations go hand in hand at Gopeng and are available as packages. Other prominent sites to visit include Gua Tempurung Cave, Kinta Nature Park and Gaharu Tea Valley.

A place welcoming spelunkers or cave enthusiasts, Gua Tempurung is one of the oldest caves in Peninsular Malaysia. A part of this 3-kilometer-long cave has been developed as a show cave, complete with walkways and electric lighting. It is quite easy to explore and has a 1.6-kilometer-long river passage running through the hills. The hills above the cave are known as Gunung Tempurung and are about 500 m in height.

Popularly known as the Coconut Cave because of its dome-like structure, it is segregated into 5 different caverns that are stacked with stalagmites and stalactites. The Golden Flowstone cavern rises to about 90 m in height and displays a smoothed stone cascade that dazzles in gold when the river flows. The Gergasi, or Giant Cavern, displays a massive 15-meter-high column, whereas the Universe Cavern massively rises to a height of 72 metres. Another cavern is the Battlefield Cavern, where fallen stalactites and rock formations are littered on the ground. A lot of bats reside in these caves, especially during the mating season between March and May. In fact, even these bat droppings have created some bat guano artwork on the ceilings of the domes.

Entry fees are RM 20 for adults and RM 10 for children. If one chooses to take a guided tour, it will cost RM 40 for adults and RM 20 for children. The cave is open between 9 am and 5 pm on Saturdays and Thursdays, from 9 am to 12:30 pm and then again between 2:30 and 5 pm on Fridays.

Kinta Nature Park is known for its 1381 aquatic birds in the wetland, which comprise stork-billed kingfishers, baya weavers, otters, and butterfly lizards. Clouded leopards and foxes are also sheltered in this park. Lake Pucung, expanding over 41 hectares, is the largest pond in this aviary and serves as a visitor’s area. There’s an observation tower here where bird enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of herons and egrets that wander above the clear waters. The nature park has free entrance and is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily.

The Gaharu Tea Valley is a 300-acre agarwood plantation. Agarwood or Gaharu in Malay is an aromatic resinous wood that forms within Aquilaria trees and has medicinal and healing properties. The tea valley is also home to many other small attractions like The Great Wall of Gopeng, Hilltop Viewing Stage, Lover’s Park, and Tree Hugging Park. The Great Wall of Gopeng in the valley allows sightseers to take amazing snaps. The Hilltop Viewing Stage offers a sight of tourists to view the lush green Gaharu trees and the hilly region in the Titiwangsa range. The valley has an RM 10 entrance fee and is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily.

Nestled amidst the most picturesque views of Gopeng, the Kampar River is a whitewater rafting site. It has some 22 rapids ranging from grade 1 to grade 3. Here, the rafting activity lasts for about 3 hours and is guided by experts. During the rafting activity, sight-seekers are accompanied by breathtaking natural beauty and Rajah Brooke butterflies. Many companies are offering this river rafting package, of which some allow visitors to stay overnight followed by a fun activity. The rafting timings are 9 am trip and 2 pm for the afternoon trip.

Located along Jalan Eu Kong, the Gopeng Museum narrates the history of Gopeng. Among the 300 antiques are some vintage objects like old-school sewing machines, watches, clocks, radios, gas lamps, typewriters, cameras, and gramophone records. Visitors can also peep into the lives of the original natives in Gopeng with a wall covered with beautiful old black-and-white pictures. The museum is open on Saturday and Sunday between 9 am and 5 pm and has no entrance fees.

Serving as the annexe of the Gopeng museum, the Gopeng Heritage House is filled with artefacts, antiques, old furniture, and calligraphy paintings that give visitors an insight into the lives of those who lived more than 125 years ago. It has two floors dedicated to unique and traditional exhibits. The ground floor is filled with Chinese furniture, ornaments, and ceramics. The exhibits arranged upstairs include old fur stoles, hats, old radios, clocks, suitcases, beer bottles, vintage cigarette packets, musical instruments, and gramophone records. Entry is free and the heritage house is open from 9 am to 3 pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Kuala Kangsar
Kuala Kangsar is the royal town of Perak, located downstream of the Kangsar River where it joins the Perak River, approximately 25 km northwest of Ipoh. The name Kuala Kangsar is believed to be derived from Kuala Kurang-Sa, which means 100 minus one, usually interpreted as ‘the 99th small tributary to flow into the Perak River.

The Sultan of Perak officially resides in Kuala Kangsar, and it has been Perak’s royal seat since the 18th century. It is one of four towns that play a role in Perak’s complex succession system. The town is also known as the site where the first Conference of Rulers of the Federated Malay States, the Durbar, was held in 1897. By the 1890s, the growth of the tin mining towns of Ipoh and Taiping had eclipsed Kuala Kangsar. The town is also the site of the first rubber tree planted in Malaysia. The first Malaysian scout troop was established in Kuala Kangsar. Consequently, its squad number is 001.

Kuala Kangsar’s signature dish is Kangsar-style laksa, which are wheat noodles dipped in a coconut and tamarind broth. The other must-try dish here includes cendol, or shaved ice, topped with green noodles, coconut milk and toppings.

Istana Iskandariah, or Iskandariah Palace, is the royal palace of the Perak Sultanate and the official residence of the Sultan of Perak since its completion in 1933. All the Sultans of Perak have been installed in the palace since its completion. The palace is named after Sultan Iskandar Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Murshidul Azzam Shah I Rahmatullah, who initiated its construction.

The royal town of Kuala Kangsar was said to have had a strange effect on Sultan Mudzaffar Shah of Perak, who ruled from 1877 to 1887. Unlike many rulers who protected their royal places and strongholds by selecting their vantage points carefully so that they could detect enemy approaches from afar, the Sultan had his first royal palace built beside the riverbank and named it Istana Sri Sayong. Apart from being exposed to the impending threat of invasion, the other problem was the force of monsoon seasons, which led to numerous floods as water gushed down from the jungles above through the many tributaries. One flood was so severe, it almost swept the palace away. Finally, after the Big Flood or Air Bah, in 1926, it was decided to move the place further up onto the knoll where it stands today.

Istana Iskandariah is located at Bukit Chandan on the left bank of Sungai Perak upstream from Hilir Perak on the site of the former Istana Negara or State Palace, which was built in 1895 by the late Sultan Idris Murshidul Azzam Shah I Ibni Almarhum Raja Bendahara Alang Iskandar. It occupies an area of 10,435 square meters.

The design of the palace combines colonial European architecture with the pointed arches and onion-shaped domes of the Middle East and Central Asia. The building is rectangular and faces the sunrise and the river. The roof is designed with one main dome in the centre and four subsidiary domes, one on each of the palaces. The palace is three storeys high. Above the second floor and under the main dome is a minaret. The hall measures 9.8 square meters and is used by the Royal family as a family hall.

Istana Kenangan, or the Palace of Memories, is the former residence of the royal family of Kuala Kangsar. Made of wood without a single metal nail, the exterior of the museum is breathtaking. Today it houses the Royal Museum of Perak. It was built in 1926 for Sultan Iskandar Shah and was previously known as the Valley Palace due to its location. The palace had been the official residence between 1931 and 1933. However, upon completion of Istana Iskandariah, the Istana Kenangan was used to host royal receptions and where the palace guests stayed.

Istana Kenangan is two storeys high, with the top floor consisting of bed chambers, family bedrooms and a dining hall. The ground floor was once used as the official royal office, and its original floor was made out of solid wood. The wooden floor, however, had been replaced by marble.

Sultan Azlan Shah Gallery, the former royal palace, is now a heritage museum. Also known as Istana Kota and Istana Hulu, it is designed to showcase the essence of Renaissance, neoclassical and Moorish styles of architecture. Established in 1903, the museum celebrates the life of Sultan Azlan Shah and houses his items like gem-crusted watches, his Rolls-Royces, and items from his school days. The most fascinating part of the gallery is Malaysia’s largest recorded fungus, which is still preserved.

The gallery building was originally built in 1898 and completed in 1903 to be used as the residence of Perak Sultan Idris Shah I and the gallery was officially opened on December 9, 2003. Housed at the Ulu Palace building, the building was made from wood carving inspired by the natural plants within the surrounding region. The architectural design of the building has common features from the National Palace, Ipoh High Court and Ipoh railway station buildings, along with elements from Moorish, Neoclassical and Renaissance architecture. The gallery is closed on Sundays and from Saturday to Thursday, it is open from 10 am to 5 pm, while on Fridays, one can visit the gallery between 10 am and noon and then again between 2:45 and 5 pm.

The Sultan Iskandar Bridge, or the Iskandariah Bridge, is the longest steel arch bridge in Malaysia, constructed over the Perak River. It was designed in London and constructed by a company based in Klang. It is a beautiful scenic destination that ferries both pedestrians and vehicles. It can be best experienced from the river bank that oversees it, especially during sunset and sunrise. The 308-meter bridge made out of steel is one of four major bridges in Kuala Kangsar. Traffic on the bridge, however, was greatly reduced when the Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Bridge or the Sayong Bridge a little further downstream was opened to traffic in 2003 in conjunction with the completion of the North-South Expressway.

The bridge was constructed in 1932 to replace the Enggor Ponton bridge which was washed away during the big flood in December 1931. The Iskandariah Bridge has 7 steel arches mounted on concrete piers with a maximum span of 45.11 metres. Its total length is 308 metres and it has an overall width of 10.2 metres.

Victoria Bridge is a single-lane railway situated in Karai, about a half-hour drive away from Kuala Kangsar, to serve the local tin mining industry. Encompassing the Perak River, it is one of the oldest railway bridges and was given a gazette of national heritage. The bridge remained in use until 2002 when a wider concrete girder bridge built parallel to the old bridge was completed to take over the role of handling rail traffic. The new bridge is significantly wider, with room to support a second track, but in its early life, it was only required to handle a single track until double tracking and electrification were conducted between the Ipoh-Padang Besar line during the late 2000s and early 2010s. While the old bridge is closed to rail traffic, its adjoining footbridge is still publicly open to motorcycles and pedestrians. Victoria Bridge has become a minor tourist attraction, with signage set up to inform visitors about its history. It is a popular spot for photoshoots.

The Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Bridge is one of two bridges that cross the Perak River in Kuala Kangsar. The other bridge is the Iskandariah Bridge. The bridge connects Kuala Kangsar with the Sayong village, spanning 330 meters across the river. It was officially opened by the late Almarhum Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak in June 2002. This bridge has five 60-meter spans and is an integral arch bridge without expansion joints and bearings. It is thus a state-of-the-art design for bridges built in tropical climatic conditions where temperature variation is minimal.

The Ubudiah Mosque is regarded as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia. Also referred to as Masjid Ubudiah, it means the mosque of self-surrender to Allah. Built in the Mohgul-Gothic style of architecture, this mosque is adorned with a ginormous central dome, four minarets, small gold domes and white Italian marble. The main prayer hall of the mosque is rather small, however; its unique octagonal shape is to look out for. It is adorned with red Italian marble. An exquisite Persian carpet and an intricately decorated chandelier further accentuate the beauty of the mosque. While the structure rises to a height of about 126 ft, the domes breathe at a height of about 60 ft. The mosque was commissioned by the 28th Sultan of Perak, Idris Shah. While the construction began in 1913, it was completed in 1917.

The mosque is located beside the Royal Mausoleum on Jalan Istana at Bukit Chandan. The construction of the mosque was interrupted several times, once when two elephants belonging to the sultan and Raja Chulan fought, ran over and damaged the Italian marble tiles. The outbreak of WWI also affected its construction. The mosque was renovated in 2003. The mosque is open to visitors from Saturday to Thursday between 9 am to 12 noon, 3 to 4 pm and 5:30 to 6 pm.

The Al-Ghufran Royal Mausoleum is Perak’s Royal Mausoleum, located near Ubudiah Mosque. The first Sultan of Perak to be buried here was Sultan Idris Murshidul Azzam Shah I in 1916. Built in 1915, the mausoleum’s architecture is Moghul-style and similar to the Taj Mahal in India.

Overlooking the sports field of Kuala Kangsar Malay College at Jalan Bendahara, the Pavilion Tower is a significant traditional Malay-style monument. Built in 1920, it was once the resting place for the king after polo matches and a recreational centre for court officials and dignitaries. Now it is part of the Pavilion Tower public park.

The Coronation Memorial Clock Tower is a clock tower that was unveiled in September 1939 and constructed as a memorial to the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. It was financed mainly from funds from the British administration’s Coronation Fund with some contributions from private donors and was designed by Charles Geoffry Boutcher, an architect from Penang. The clock tower is located on a traffic island in the town’s main street, Jalan Kangsar, and is 25 feet tall. It was built in the Arte Deco style with a granite, plaster finish, and topped with a golden dome. Around the four clock faces are black marble facings imported from Italy.

Dotted with palaces, forts, mosques and historical sites, the Kuala Kangsar Heritage Trail connects all the 22 heritage assets in the town. The trail’s most famous sites include the Perak War Memorial, Masjid Ubudiah, Istana Kenangan Palace, the Baitul Annur and Baitul Rahmah Mansions, Air Raid Shelter Fort, Victoria Bridge, and Pavilion Tower. Several handicraft hubs, mausoleums, museums and traditional Malay houses are also along the trail. A symbol of Malay art, the Labu Sayong is a traditional clay-built water pitcher shaped like a gourd. They are used to store cool liquids and are said to have healing properties. In Kuala Kangsar, visitors can use moulds or traditional wheels and learn how to craft their Labu Sayong at Labu Sayong Craft Centre, Win Kraf Labu Sayong, and Kilang Labu Sayong, who offer workshops and souvenirs.

Kuala Sepetang
Kuala Sepetang is a coastal town located about 72 km northwest of Ipoh and about 16 km east of Taiping. It is also popularly known by English-speaking locals as Port Weld after a former governor, Frederick Weld. Kuala Sepetang is a thriving fishing village and the main jumping-off point to the river mouth community of Kuala Sangga, which is a Chinese fishing community at the river mouth that specialises in fish breeding in cages, more formerly known as cage culture.

Port Weld is notable for being the terminal station of the first-ever railway line to be built in what is today Malaysia. The Port Weld railway station was located in the centre of town. The railway line from here to Taiping was dismantled in the 1980s, and now only the ticketing booth and the multilingual Port Weld railway signboard remain. The ticket booth is now a Chinese coffee shop, and the shop owner has been maintaining the railway signboard.

Kuala Sepetang is well known for its seafood due to its proximity to the Straits of Malacca, and it has a restaurant situated on the upper floor of a shop lot overlooking the river. Kuala Sepetang is also well known for its mangrove swamp reserve park, the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, which is open to the public daily. A boardwalk was built over the swamp for tourist access, as well as chalets that tourists can rent to stay the night on the riverfront. Kuala Sepetang is also famous for charcoal production using sustainably farmed mangroves and traditional kilns, some of which are open for tourist visits. Besides fishing villages, charcoal kilns and mangroves to enjoy, one can take a boat tour along the mangrove river to see fireflies at night and eagles. The village is very popular with its curry mee, which is only sold at lunch and Pau. Kuala Sepetang is also famous for prawn Noodles also known as Mee Udang Banjir, sold by many Malay stalls.

Another major highlight of the town is the Charcoal Kilns in the Charcoal Factory where charcoal is still made traditionally. An exciting activity in Kuala Sepetang is the Mangrove river boat ride which offers spectacular views of luminous fireflies and feed eagles. The boat ride costs RM 28 and also includes a small trip to a floating fish farm. Kampung Seberang Chinese Village can be visited after crossing the Port Weld Bridge, which offers a perfect place for fishing and enjoying the eventide. The Chinese settlement of Kuala Sangga is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride which is ideal for experiencing archaic life. The lucky ones might spot pink river dolphins on this boat ride!

The winter season, between January to March, is the best time to visit Kuala Sepetang. The average temperature during these months ranges from 30℃ to 32℃. The summer months of May to July must be avoided as the weather is too hot and humid. The average temperature during summer ranges from 32℃ to 33℃. October to December is the rainy season which makes it impossible to explore places. It rains the most in December, reaching more than 130 mm.

Belum Temenggor Rainforest
The Belum Temenggor Rainforest is the world’s oldest and largest rainforest. It borders Thailand to its north and Kelantan in Malaysia to its east. Thriving for 130 million years, it is divided into two sections – Belum is located on the Malaysia-Thailand border while Temenggor is located south of Belum. The Royal Belum State Park lies entirely in the Belum Temenggor Rainforest. A tour to Belum Temenggor includes hiking, rafflesia excursions and exploring Orang Asli village.

Belum Temenggor is a haven for the birdwatchers housing all 10 of Malaysia’s hornbills. The best time to spot these hornbills is August and September. To spot migratory birds, visit during October and November. Butterfly spotting is best experienced in April, May and November.

Permits and guides are required to visit protected areas in the rainforest as well as to explore the Royal Belum State Park which costs RM 20 per permit.

In the forests, one will also find about 3000 species of plants that flower, including You can also find Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower in three variants of species here while the fourth variant is protected by the Royal State Park.

Orang Ali is a collective form of referring to the indigenous natives of Malay and has around 18 ethnic groups. The Orang Asli tribes have lived in this rainforest for more than a millennium. They are the aboriginal or original people who have been natives of the Belum Temenggor. They used to be semi-nomads or nomads, traditionally since ancient times and later settled here to sustain and make a living for themselves. They were crafted in fishing, hunting and gathering, small-scale farming, and trading of herbs used for medicinal purposes and handicrafts and spices. The tribe still exists within the rainforest living in huts made of bamboo, hunting smaller animals, fishing and gathering edibles for their survival. Their villages are referred to as Orang Asli villages that one can visit. Their usual method of communication is through the Aslian languages.

Trekking in the Belum Temenggor rainforest is an experience. Here, one should not miss the incredible boat ride trails on the Tesak Temenggor Lake which is Malaysia’s second-largest lake. The houseboat cruises are a must. All the boats are well equipped including a washroom, kitchen and rooms on all houseboats. These cruises are suitable for smaller groups or families who love being amidst nature. The basic/regular houseboats can accommodate up to 24 people and are usually an expedition of 2 days. These boats have good facilities and a skilled and trained crew. It costs about RM 245 for 2 days and 1 night.

Fishing in Belum Temenggor is a thrilling experience as tourists and locals all come here to spend the day in the angler fishing spot. The trip starts at the jetty of Pulao Banding. This destination provides chasing the Toman fishes that are popular all over the world. It is known as the Giant Snake Head fish or the Fishzilla. The fishing trip is usually very rewarding as the Lake is rich with large fish. You can cruise with the skilled crew, by the streams and waterfalls of the rainforest. The fishing trips usually end by dusk.

A part of the Belum Forest Reserve or Hutan Simpan Belum has been identified as The Royal Belum State Park. It is present inside the Belum Temenggor complex and is a hotspot of diverse species as it hosts multiple ecosystems. The Royal Belum State Park is known for tigers, tapirs and panthers. A permit and guide are mandatory to explore this park. The State Park is was declared a National Heritage Site and gazetted under the Perak State Forestry Enactment or the Enakmen Perhutanan Negeri Perak. Topographically, it falls under the tip of Banjaran Titiwangsa or the Main Range. It divides the east coast and the west coast of the Malaysian Peninsula.

In our next final part on Perak, we’ll explore the historical town of Taiping and Malaysia’s smallest hill resort, Bukit Larut. Stay tuned

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 24 – Perak Part 2

Posted on December 15, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

Ipoh
Let’s start with Ipoh, Perak’s capital. Located by the Kinta River, it is nearly 200 km north of Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, and 150 km southeast of George Town in Penang. It is the eighth-largest city in Malaysia by population and is the country’s third-largest city. The city is also well known for its cuisine and natural attractions, such as its limestone hills and caves within which Buddhist temples were built. In addition, Ipoh has managed to maintain its reputation as one of the cleanest cities in Malaysia and is known as the gateway to Cameron Highlands.

Divided into Old Town on the west side and New Town on the east side by the Kinta River, Ipoh presents a unique mix of old-school charm and modern amenities. The local cuisine of Ipoh comprises freshly caught seafood and Chinese delicacies like Sar Hor Fun, or single-pot noodles and Tau Fu Fa, or soy pudding. The Heong Peng and white coffee are must-try specialties.

The name Ipoh is derived from a local tree, pohon epu, now more commonly known as pokok ipoh. The sap of this plant is poisonous and was used by local indigenous people mixed with Strychnos latex to coat the tips of their blowpipe darts for hunting.

Originally a village, Ipoh, which is located in the central part of Peninsular Malaysia, began to grow rapidly in the 1880s after huge deposits of tin were discovered within its vicinity. The city is in the middle of the karstic Kinta Valley region, on the bank of the Kinta River and the confluence of the smaller rivers Sungai Pinji and Sungai Pari. Hills of limestone, called mogotes, surround the city, which can be found around suburban areas to the northeast, east and southeast. Its geographic location in the rich, tin-bearing valley of the Kinta River made it a natural centre of growth. The Great Fire of Ipoh in 1892 destroyed over half the town but also presented an opportunity to rebuild the town in a more orderly grid pattern.

By 1895, it was the second-largest town within the Federated Malay States, which also consisted of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang. However, following the depletion of its tin deposits and the collapse of tin prices in the 1970s, the city suffered decades of decline and neglect. Ipoh was subsequently rebuilt in time for the second tin rush and grew rapidly as a result of the booming tin mining industry, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s. A local Hakka miner, millionaire Yau Tet Shin, started developing a large tract of the town in the early 1930s, today known as the New Town, from the eastern bank of the Kinta River to Greentown. In 1937, Ipoh was made the capital of Perak, replacing Taiping.

Ipoh was invaded by the Japanese on December 15, 1941. After the liberation of Malaya by British forces, Ipoh remained the capital of Perak, as it does to this day. With the closure of the tin mines, its urban population was forced to seek employment in other cities within Malaysia. Despite this, Ipoh remains one of the largest cities in Malaysia in terms of population, with tourism now a main driver of the city’s economy.

The Keledang mountain range stretches from the north to the west of the city. This range runs parallel to the Bintang mountain range, with the Perak River running on its left bank and the Kinta River to its right. This range is interrupted to the north of Ipoh by a tributary of the Perak River called the Pelus River, which is sourced from the Titiwangsa mountain range, which runs to the east of Ipoh. Mogotes are the most prominent natural features of the city. There are many caves in these outcrops, some of which have cave temples built in them. The Sam Poh Tong Temple is a notable example, along with Kek Lok Tong or the Cavern of Utmost Happiness, which lies on the other side of the same outcrop. It is accessible through the Gunung Rapat housing area. Other cave temples in Ipoh include Ling Sen Tong, Nan Tian Tong, Kwan Yin Tong and Perak Tong.

Gua Tempurung, near Gopeng, south of Ipoh, is a show cave open to the public and popular among spelunkers. More than 3 km long, it is one of the longest caves in Peninsular Malaysia. Part of it has been developed with electric lighting and walkways, and there are tours of varying lengths and difficulty. A river passage runs about 1.6 kilometers through the hill. There are five large chambers filled with spectacular speleothems, which include stalactites and stalagmites.

Located in Gunung Rapat, the Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple is also known as Kek Look Tong. Set amidst huge limestone caves consisting of a number of metal Buddhist and Taoist statues, the temple is known for its award-winning landscape gardens inside the cave. Established as a permanent place for religious activities in the 1970s, the temple is spread over 12 acres of land, comprising a central altar with several Buddhist figures and deities of the Chinese pantheon. Translated as the Cave of Ultimate Bliss, it is a local favourite among Ipoh’s cave temples. The temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm.

Perak Cave Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in a limestone hill at Gunung Tasek. Popular for its stunning architecture, it is built into a huge cave with a 40-foot-tall sitting Golden Buddha statue surrounded by four guardian deities, called goddesses. One interesting feature is the staircase of 358 steps behind the main altar, lined with pavilions and gazebos. The view from the top is spellbinding. Another flight of 400 stairs leads to a double-storey pavilion. The colourful mural on the walls depicts events and characters from Chinese folklore and Buddhist scriptures. The main hall is a huge cave, with the exteriors painted in red and white. The walls are adorned with hand-painted frescoes depicting Chinese mythological events, characters, Buddhist scriptures and Chinese calligraphy. Outside, a lush garden with a pond in the middle and an 18-armed statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, greets the visitors. The temple is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

The Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, situated in Gunung Rapat, is a cluster of three Chinese limestone cave temples, Ling Sen Tong, Nam Thean Tong and Sam Poh Tong, adorned with natural and manmade artistic attractions. The oldest and main cave temple in Ipoh affords a spectacular view of the town. A major attraction is the reclining Buddha statue. The temple consists of a columbarium that looks like a 4-story blue apartment with 246 steps to reach an open area to get an unmissable view of Ipoh. In front of the temple is an attractive landscape garden consisting of a large fishpond and a feeding area for fish and tortoises. Ling Sen Tong and Nam Thean Tong are close to each other, while Sam Poh Tong is a little further. The temple is open from 7 am to 2:30 pm.

Also located at Gunung Rapat, the Ling Sen Tong Temple is a charming Taoist temple located next door to Nam Thean Tong and Sam Poh Tong. The temple comprises several attractive statues of different characters and deities from Chinese folklore and mythology. Ling Sen Tong translates into rocks of heavenly spirits and presents a combination of Taoist and Buddhist culture. There are numerous worship altars in the temple, developed in the main compound. Statues of the four heavenly kings can also be found on the front roof. The renowned pomelos of Ipoh are available at the shops situated in front of the temple. The temple is open between 9 am and 6 pm daily.

In the foothills of the limestone hills of Gunung Rapat lies the Buddhist cave temple of Mercy, the Kwan Yin Tong Temple. Extending up to 20 meters below the cliff, this cave temple worships the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin, or Guan Yin. The Kwan Yin Tong Temple is the second-oldest cave temple in Ipoh and has seventy-five Kwan Yin statues surrounding the cave area, along with hundreds of small golden Buddha statues. Open 24 hours a day, the whitewashed temple area is serene, possesses wall murals depicting religious stories about the Kwan Yin and has a natural cave-structured roof. Quite famous for the wish-granting water fountain, this cave temple also has a small terracotta pagoda, attracting tourists from around the world. Also known as Tokong Kwan Yin Tong, visitors can also buy small Kwan Yin statues from the temple area along with incense from the residing stall. A little trek from the cave will lead you to the bigger statue of Buddha seated at a higher level under a Bodhi tree, set against the backdrop of the beautiful limestone hills. Apart from this the 3-D Art Museum, statues of eighteen arhats and animals, and the shrine for pet dogs are located here.

Art of Oldtown is a collection of seven beautiful murals scattered across Ipoh. The murals are beautiful 3D wall paintings giving a glimpse of the local style, culture, and history of the town. The murals were created by Ernest Zacharevic. The seven murals include an old uncle with a coffee cup and a paper plane outside the Old Town White Coffee café, Kopi-O, a yellow hummingbird, very close to the Kopi-O one, evolution which is based on Ipoh’s tin mining past, a trishaw which consists of an actual trishaw which has been cemented to the wall and represents a man collecting recyclable items like tins and cartons on the trishaw, and a girl standing on plastic chairs and some thick books so that she can reach the cage in which there are birds.

The Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No 5, also known as TT5, is a former tin mining dredge, open to the public for taking a guided Dredge Tour, a panning and a self-tour inside the gallery while also exploring the magnificent view of the landscape. At a 40-minute drive away from Ipoh, it is the only remaining tin Dredge in Malaysia and provides an insight into the tin mining heydays of Malaysia.

This Dredge remained in operation for 44 years until the sharp decline in the Malaysian tin industry in 1982. It was then all the dredges were disposed but this Dredge was saved under the ‘Save the Dredge’ campaign. It was restored and preserved and then opened to the public. The tin dredge scooped loads of tin bearing soil from the water, which was passed through an oscillating drum and a system of jigs and screens to extract the tin. The waste material was then spewed out.

Located next to the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum, the Ho Yan Hor Museum shares amazing stories of Ho Yan Hor, the tea brand who have been in existence since the 1940s and who are known for their Chinese herbal tea. The museum is built at a two-story building where Dr Ho started this tea business. The tea has a special blend of 29 natural herbs blended with premium Pu Erh tea leaves. It is said that the original recipe had many health benefits. It lessened the heatiness of the body, helped overcome illnesses like the common cold and had antioxidants. The museum has colourful walls painted by Chin Choon Yau with exhibits showing the growth of Ho Yan Hor. The 25 secret ingredients of the tea on display. On the ground floor, there is a kitchen with antique cupboards and cabinets and a large stove in the centre. Near the end of the exhibits, visitors can see a short video about Ho Yan Hor and at the end of the museum tour, visitors can sample some of their best teas. The museum is closed on Mondays and on other days, is open from 10 am to 4 pm.

Han Chin Pet Soo is a three-storey Hakka tin mining museum located along Jalan Bijeh Timah, close to the Kinta River in Ipoh’s Old Town. This heritage building houses antiques, collectibles, furniture, decoration, photographs, authentic tools, and equipment from the tin mining era. The museum was originally a miner’s club named Hakka Miners’ Clubhouse founded in 1893 by Leong Fee, a tin miner. Entry to the Han Chin Pet Soo museum is only through prior appointment. With a collection size of 1500+, the museum vividly brings to life streets scenes, the regular ongoings of the club in its heydays and tin mining process. To visit the museum one needs to make an appointment at least 30 days prior through their official website or in person. The maximum number of persons allowed at a time for 1 tour slot are 20.

An 11-minute black and white documentary explaining the methods and process of tin mining is shown in a small cinema, formerly a bedroom. The section illustrates the mining process with the help of original mining equipment on display. The ground floor has a long dining table, laid with enamel tableware, kept in between 2 large mirrors. This was the dining area when the club held parties. 1929-style kitchen has been recreated full of kitchen equipment belonging to that era like brass utensils, tins, charcoal, and wood-fired stoves. A town square has been shown in the rear courtyard bringing the scene from a typical Ipoh Street to life. Wall murals depicting a tin shop, a tin dredge, a street along with original artefacts and period hats, form a perfect background for a picture.

The first floor of the building is designed in such a way so as to give a picture of how the club would have looked had it been in full swing. The 4 Evils refer to the 4 activities that the club members, aka miners indulged in – gambling, smoking, prostitution and triads or secret societies. The top floor lays light on the eventful 1000-year long history of Hakka people and their wide-scale migration from China. This was the guest floor which today has recreated bedrooms of the 1930s and 1960s. Appointment slots are available from Tuesday to Sunday at 9, 10, and 11 am as well as at 2, and 3 pm. The museum is closed every Monday. Entry fees are free for personal or family tours. For those who wish to donate for the upkeep of the museum, the recommended donation is RM 10 for adults and RM 5 for children. Commercial tour companies need to compulsorily pay RM 10 per head for adults and RM 5 per head for children and students.

The Geological Museum Ipoh exhibits the heritage of the geology of Malaysia since 1957. Crafted with modern architecture, the museum encircling an area of 343 Square Metres, also houses 600 minerals, more than 200 gemstones of the region, crystals, and dinosaur fossils. The Geological Museum has seven divergent zones exhibiting history to artefacts, murals, mining equipment, mineral exploration journeys, and several aspects of geo-heritage. A section of the Department of Minerals and Geoscience in Malaysia, this museum exhibits more than 200 fossils and 150 rock specimens placed within a timeline. The museum is divided into seven different zones, depicting artifacts and the history of Malaysia and its geology. Entry is free and and the museum is closed over the weekends and on public holidays. On Mondays to Thursdays, it is open, it is open from 9 am to 12:30 pm and then again from 2 to 4:30 pm. On Fridays, it is open from 9 am to 12 noon and then from 3 to 4:30 pm.

Also known as the Menara Jam Peringatan Birch, the Birch Memorial Clock Tower is a beautiful clock tower in a square inside Old Ipoh. The four-sided tower is surrounded by four statues representing the four pillars of the British administration. According to some, the four sides or the four bells of the clock tower depicts the four stages of civilisation. The Clock Tower was built in 1909 in honour of James W. W. Birch, the first British resident of Perak who was murdered by a local Malaysian chief in 1875. It is a beautiful place for walking around and capturing pictures.

The four-sided Victorian style tower majorly consists of two levels. On the first level there are four statues around the centrepiece which demonstrate the pillars of British administration namely justice, loyalty, patience, and fortitude. The four panels on the second level showcase the growth and development of civilization with murals. Panel A towards north depicts the iron age and stone age, Panel B towards west depicts the far East, Greece and Rome, Panel C towards South depicts The Age of Chivalry and the Byzantine Empire, Panel D towards East depicts modern science, social service and art. The murals exhibit professions from different eras. The chief bell is a 6 feet 6 inch one with a 1.95m-diameter bell and four other bells used for striking the chimes of Big Ben.

The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan is a clock tower located in Teluk Intan and is known to be equivalent to the Leaning Tower of Pisa because it is also tilted to the left. Originally built as a water storage tank to be used in the dry season, the tower is also used as a time-keeper as it holds a massive clock at the top. It became a national monument after Malaysia’s independence. The tower has a pagoda-style structure influenced by Chinese architecture. It is 25.5 meters tall and appears to be an eight-storeyed building. However, with a closer look at the Tower, one will find the monument to be three-storeyed and not eight. Each of these storeys is five meters high, and one needs to climb 110 steps to reach the top of the tower. The reasons for the tower to lean in the southwest direction are because of the soft ground it has been made on and the weight of the water in the water tank. The building is made of bricks and wood, and the local people have contributed to the cost of constructing it.

Located 3 km southwest to the city, the Ipoh Railway Station is built in the Mughal style of architecture and is known as the Taj Mahal of Ipoh. Constructed by Arthur Benison, the station was opened to the public in 1935 and has been reconstructed in 2008 as part of KTMB’s double tracking and electrification project. The building was initially supposed to serve as a hospital; however, it was converted to a railway station. There is a cenotaph in front of the building where visitors can pay their respects to martyrs. The station combines Moorish and Victorian styles of architecture and is influenced by the Mughal style, like Kuala Lumpur Station. The exterior is western in design and its lower base follows rustication, which is a stark difference to the smooth textures on the top. There is a large dome in the centre of the building which is supported by engaged columns. Visitors can also find miniature chhatris, a popular Indian architecture, on either side of the column in the station.

The station is overlooked by the Ipoh Station Square which basically functions as a garden park. It has been revamped several times and currently features as Ipoh’s Heritage Square. A War Memorial has been erected in the square as a tribute to those who died in the world wars as well as those who died in their duty to their nation. It is also home to the Ipoh Tree, which was planted around 1980, as a tribute to the city. The colonial-era Ipoh Town Hall is built in an Edwardian Baroque architectural style. Formerly housing many government offices, the building is now used as a venue for weddings and other public events.

Dr Seenivasagam Park is a prominent recreational park in the city with the main highlight being the Japanese Mini Garden. The park was opened in the 1950s and is named after Dr Seenivasagam, a prominent politician. The park also features lakes that have beautiful concrete bridges on top of them. Apart from its natural beauty, it also features a gigantic bamboo thicket and a playground for small kids. The D.R. Park, as called among the locals, also houses the Lions Monument and a time capsule.

Located just 5 km from Ipoh, the Gunung Lang Recreational Park has many facilities like boating, fishing, canoeing, and relaxing in the gazebos. Set against the backdrop of limestone mountains of Gunung Lang and Gunung Bilike, the park covers an area of 30.35 hectares including 14.16 hectares of lake areas. The park is open from 8 am to 12 noon and then again from 1:30 to 7 pm on Mondays to Thursdays and from 8 am to 12 noon and then from 2:45 to 4 pm on Fridays. On weekends and public holidays, the park is open from 8 am to 6:30 pm. Boat rides cost RM 3 for adults and RM 1.5 for children between 3 to 12. Entry fees into the park are free.

Located in Jalan Tambun, Sultan Abdul Aziz Recreation Park is ideal for walking, jogging, exercising, relaxing, and other leisurely activities. A section of the park is a children’s playground, complete with swings, slides, merry-go-rounds, trampolines, and more. The red clay jogging tracks are distinctly marked and lined with trees. There are steel bars for exercise and gymnastics as well. A separate courtyard is assigned for skaters and rollerbladers. There is also a lake with lotus leaves floating near the shore. If famished, you will find mobile food vendors inside the park. The park is locally referred to as the Polo Ground.

Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village is an eco-tourist spot near Ipoh. Nestled amid sky-high cliffs of limestone hills covered in lush forests, the village features emerald-green lakes, koi ponds, and lakeside cottages where visitors can feed fish. The blend of staying in an authentic Malay hamlet with well planned amenities. There are natural caves, dirt trails, and mountain brooks to explore. Visitors can have their fortunes told by a practitioner of Ba Zhi, a Chinese astrological concept based on the Four Pillars of Destiny. At the centre of the cultural village is a vast ancient Banyan tree with many red strings tied around its trunk. This tree is believed to grant wishes, as per Chinese myth. At Memory Lane one can take a nostalgic uphill walk along the hills lined by windmills and make-believe street shops.

The Gerbang Malam or the Night Gate Market is located at Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar in Taman Jubilee. It is a vibrant marketplace that comes alive every evening with the cacophonous exchanges of buyers and sellers. Shops sell all kinds of goods here and the food stalls are very popular. The market is open daily from 6 pm to midnight.

Located centrally in the Jalan Market in Ipoh Old Town, the Miniature Wonders Art Gallery is a small but unique gallery that displays dough sculptures. The gallery is owned and managed by Phoon Lek Kuin and his wife. The figurines, as much as 5.5cm in height, are mainly made by Phoon’s father-in-law, Xu Shi- Ying whereas the landscaping is left to Phoon. There is no entry fee but RM 5 has to be paid to visit the second storey. The art gallery is open between 8:30 am and 6 pm.

The unfinished, gothic, and ruined mansion of an ambitious Scottish Planter, Mr. William Kellie Smith, Kellie’s Castle is in Batu Gajah. With several ghost-sighting reports, the castle is believed to be haunted by many. Set on a hill with a gorgeous backdrop, the Kellie’s Castle has been used for filming scenes in movies.

In 1926, Scottish engineer William Kellie Smith arrived in Malaya. After a few years, he ventured into the rubber plantation business and made his fortune. In 1915, he started building his dream castle with elements from Indian, Tamil, Moorish, and Scottish architectural styles. With bricks and marble imported from India, he hired 70 highly skilled Tamil craftsmen to work on the opulent castle. World War I led to shortage of funds during the castle’s construction and the Spanish fever epidemic decimated the artisans. This halted construction and on the request of the workers, a Hindu temple was built 1.5 km from the castle as a means of protection against the disease. Construction resumed after the epidemic ended, but another tragedy unfurled.

William Kellie Smith died an untimely death at the age of 56 after contracting pneumonia. The family never returned to Malaya and sold the unfinished castle to Harrisons and Crosfield, a British company. Left dilapidated in the jungle, the mansion never reached its completion. Later, on realizing its potential as a promising tourist attraction, Kellie’s Castle has been restored enough to be visited by tourists.

As per the original plan, the mansion was meant to have Malaysia’s first-ever elevator, a rooftop courtyard, and an indoor tennis court. A tunnel running under the castle is believed to be connected to the nearby Hindu temple. However, it has been sealed citing security reasons. It is also believed there are several other tunnels as well. What further adds a spooky element to the structure is the several secret chambers in the castle never dared to be explored owing to weak staircases. The wooden wine cellar and the elevated shaft for the elevator are other intriguing features.

Kellie’s Castle is regarded as a spooky place with many visitors claiming to witness dark shadows of supernatural figures in the mansion. Many others have narrated the same account of a how a ghost of a 6-year-old child with curly hair wearing a white blouse roam in Helen’s who was William’s daughter’s room and is believed to be that of Helen. Another tale talks about a how a woman tourist who visited the castle with her husband, saw a ghostly man, standing on the balcony staring into nowhere. Many believe that the ghost of William guards the castle. Yet another story says that the mansion was secretly used as a torture-house by the Japanese, and thus, the ghosts of the victims haunt the castle. Kellie’s Castle is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm and entrance fees for adults is RM 10 while children need to pay RM 9.

Kledang Hill offers a spectacular loop hike route ideal for beginners and experts alike. The total distance of the trek is 10.3 km, gaining an average altitude of 824m, and will take 4.5-5 hours to complete. The trail is easy in most parts but challenging in some. The gradient is quite steep, and can exhaust the trekker. The course is a combination of asphalt roads, dirt trails, and concrete staircases with railings. The first stop is the viewpoint at 350m, from where one will get an unobstructed, serene vista of Perak below. At the summit is a gazebo where one can rest before descending. There are toilets and resting shacks here and there.

Located in the northern stretch of Ipoh, the limestone formations of the Lang mountain, also known as Gunung Lang, is a must-visit spot. This area was explored in 1880 and discovered by a Malay tin miner. Adjacent to the Gunung Lang is the Gunung Lang Recreational Park, attracting tourists to its serenity bounded flora and fauna, lake, and boat rides.

Surrounded by hills cloaked in a verdant tropical rainforest, the 20-metre-tall Ulu Chepor waterfall is frequented by locals and tourists alike for bathing along the riverbed. A suspension bridge is built across the river for visitors to cross without getting their feet wet. The site is well-maintained with food stalls, chalets, campsites, children’s play areas, a surau and pondoks.

In the next part, we’ll explore some of the smaller towns in Perak.

Travel Bucket List: Malaysia Part 23 – Perak Part 1

Posted on December 8, 2023 by memoriesandsuch

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Located on Malaysia’s west coast, the state of Perak borders Kedah to the north, Penang to the northwest, Kelantan and Pahang to the east, and Selangor to the south. Thailand’s Yala and Narathiwat provinces both lie to the northeast. Perak’s capital city, Ipoh, was known historically for its tin-mining activities until the price of the metal dropped, severely affecting the state’s economy. The royal capital remains Kuala Kangsar, where the palace of the Sultan of Perak is located. The state has diverse tropical rainforests and an equatorial climate with the state’s mountain ranges belonging to the Titiwangsa Mountains, part of the larger Tenasserim Hills system that connects Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia.

The discovery of an ancient skeleton in Perak supplied missing information on the migration of Homo sapiens from mainland Asia through Southeast Asia to the Australian continent. Known as Perak Man, the skeleton is dated at around 10,000 years old. An early Hindu or Buddhist kingdom, followed by several other minor kingdoms, existed before the arrival of Islam. By 1528, a Muslim sultanate began to emerge in Perak, out of the remnants of the Malaccan Sultanate. Although able to resist Siamese occupation for more than two hundred years, the Sultanate was partly controlled by the Sumatra-based Aceh Sultanate. With the arrival of the Dutch East India Company (VOC), and the VOC’s increasing conflicts with Aceh, Perak began to distance itself from Acehnese control. The presence of the English East India Company (EIC) in the nearby Straits Settlements of Penang provided additional protection for the state, with further Siamese attempts to conquer Perak thwarted by British expeditionary forces.

The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 was signed to prevent further conflict between the British and the Dutch which enabled the British to expand their control in the Malay Peninsula without interference from other foreign powers. The 1874 Pangkor Treaty provided for direct British intervention, with Perak appointing a British Resident. Following Perak’s subsequent absorption into the Federated Malay States (FMS), the British reformed administration of the sultanate through a new style of government, actively promoting a market-driven economy and maintaining law and order while combatting the slavery widely practised across Perak at the time.

The three-year Japanese occupation in World War II halted further progress. After the war, Perak became part of the temporary Malayan Union, before being absorbed into the Federation of Malaya. It gained full independence through the Federation, which subsequently became Malaysia on 16 September 1963.

Perak is ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse. The state is known for several traditional dances, including bubu, dabus, and labu sayong, the latter name also referring to Perak’s unique traditional pottery. The head of state is the Sultan of Perak, and the head of government is the Menteri Besar. Islam is the state religion, and Malay and English are recognised as the official languages of Perak. Perak’s economy is mainly based on services and manufacturing.

There are many theories about the origin of the name Perak. The most popular theory is silver, which is what Perak means in Malay and is associated with tin mining from the state’s large mineral deposits, reflecting Perak’s position as one of the world’s largest sources of tin. Some local historians have suggested that Perak was named after Malacca’s bendahara, Tun Perak. Other historians believe that the name Perak derives from the Malay phrase kilatan ikan dalam air or the glimmer of fish in water, which looks like silver. Perak has been translated into Arabic as Dār al-Riḍwān, or the abode of grace.

Bukit Bunuh and Kota Tampan are ancient lakeside sites, with the geology of Bukit Bunuh showing evidence of a meteoric impact. The 10,000-year-old skeleton known as Perak Man was found inside the Bukit Gunung Runtuh cave at Bukit Kepala Gajah. Ancient tools discovered in the area of Kota Tampan, including anvils, cores, debitage, and hammerstones, provide information on the migrations of Homo sapiens.

In 1959, a British artillery officer stationed at an inland army base during the Malayan Emergency discovered the Tambun rock art, identified by archaeologists as the largest rock art site in the Malay Peninsula. Most of the paintings are located high above the cave floor, at an elevation of 6–10 metres. Seashells and coral fragments scattered along the cave floor are evidence that the area was once underwater.

The significant numbers of statues of Hindu deities and of the Buddha found in Bidor, Kuala Selensing, Jalong, and Pengkalan Pegoh indicate that, before the arrival of Islam, the inhabitants of Perak were mainly Hindu or Buddhist. The influence of Indian culture and beliefs on society and values in the Malay Peninsula from early times is believed to have culminated in the semi-legendary Gangga Negara kingdom, which, according to the Malay Annals, fell under Siamese rule once upon a time before Raja Suran of Thailand sailed further south down the Malay Peninsula.

By the 15th century, a kingdom named Beruas had come into existence. Inscriptions found on early tombstones of the period show a clear Islamic influence, believed to have originated from the Sultanate of Malacca, the east coast of the Malay Peninsula, and the rural areas of the Perak River. With the spread of Islam, a sultanate subsequently emerged in Perak; the second-oldest Muslim kingdom in the Malay Peninsula after the neighbouring Kedah Sultanate. The Perak Sultanate was formed in the early 16th century on the banks of the Perak River by the eldest son of Mahmud Shah, the 8th Sultan of Malacca, who ascended to the throne as Muzaffar Shah I, the first sultan of Perak, after surviving the capture of Malacca by the Portuguese in 1511 and living quietly for a period in Siak on the island of Sumatra. Perak’s administration became more organised after the Sultanate was established. With the opening of Perak in the 16th century, the state became a source of tin ore and anyone was free to trade in the commodity, although the tin trade did not attract significant attention until the 1610s.

Throughout the 1570s, the Sultanate of Aceh subjected most parts of the Malay Peninsula to continual harassment. Sultan Mansur Shah I’s eldest son, Raja Alauddin Mansur Syah, married an Acehnese princess and subsequently became Sultan of Aceh. The Sultanate of Perak was left without a ruling monarch, and Perak nobles journeyed to Aceh in the same year to ask the new Sultan Alauddin for a successor, who sent his younger brother to become Perak’s third monarch. Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Shah ruled Perak for seven years, maintaining the unbroken lineage of the Malacca dynasty. Although Perak did fall under the authority of the Acehnese Sultanate, it remained entirely independent of Siamese control for over two hundred years, from 1612. In 1620, the Acehnese sultanate invaded Perak and captured its sultan. After Sultan Sallehuddin Riayat Shah died without an heir in 1635, Aceh’s Sultan Iskandar Thani sent his relative, Raja Sulong, to become the new Perak Sultan Muzaffar Shah II. Aceh’s influence on Perak began to wane when the Dutch East India Company (VOC) arrived in the mid-17th century.

When Perak refused to enter into a contract with the VOC as its northern neighbours had done, a blockade of the Perak River halted the tin trade, causing suffering among Aceh’s merchants. In 1650, Aceh’s Sultana Taj ul-Alam ordered Perak to sign an agreement with the VOC, on condition that the tin trade would be conducted exclusively with Aceh’s merchants. By the following year, 1651, the VOC had secured a monopoly over the tin trade, setting up a store in Perak. Following long competition between Aceh and the VOC over Perak’s tin trade, on 15 December 1653, the two parties jointly signed a treaty with Perak granting the Dutch exclusive rights to tin extracted from mines located in the state.

The early 18th century started with 40 years of civil war where rival princes were bolstered by local chiefs, the Bugis and the Minang, all fighting for a share of tin revenues. The Bugis and several Perak chiefs were successful in ousting the Perak ruler, Sultan Muzaffar Riayat Shah III in 1743. The mid-18th century saw the rule of Sultan Muzaffar ruling inland Perak while the coastal region was ruled by Raja Iskandar, animosity grew between the two as Raja Iskandar was unable to reach the tin-bearing highlands while the sultan had restricted access to the strait. Reconciliation occurred later with Iskandar’s marriage to the sultan’s daughter. His accession in 1752 saw unprecedented peace in Perak, especially due to an alliance, which lasted until 1795 with the Dutch to protect Perak against external attacks. When repeated Burmese invasions resulted in the destruction and defeat of the Siamese Ayutthaya Kingdom in 1767 by the Burmese Konbaung dynasty, neighbouring Malay tributary states began to assert their independence from Siam. To further develop Perak’s tin mines, the Dutch administration suggested that its 17th Sultan, Alauddin Mansur Shah Iskandar Muda, should allow in Chinese miners.

The Fourth Anglo-Dutch War in 1780 adversely affected the tin trade in Perak, and many Chinese miners left. In a move which angered the Siamese court, neighbouring Kedah’s Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah then entered into an agreement with the English East India Company, ceding Penang Island to the British in 1786 in exchange for protection.

In 1818, the Dutch monopoly over the tin trade in Perak was renewed, with the signing of a new recognition treaty. The same year, when Perak refused to send a bunga mas tribute to the Siamese court, Rama II of Siam forced Kedah to attack Perak. Siam’s tributary Malay state, the Kingdom of Reman, then illegally operated tin mines in Klian Intan, angering the Sultan of Perak and provoking a dispute that escalated into civil war. Reman, aided by Siam, succeeded in controlling several inland districts. In 1821, Siam invaded and conquered the Sultanate of Kedah, angered by a breach of trust. Siam’s subsequent plan to extend its conquests to the southern territory of Perak[40][65][68] failed after Perak defeated the Siamese forces with the aid of mixed Bugis and Malay reinforcements from the Sultanate of Selangor. As an expression of gratitude to Selangor, Perak authorised Raja Hasan of Selangor to collect taxes and revenue in its territory. This power, however, was soon misused, causing conflict between the two sultanates.

In 1823, the Sultanates of Perak and Selangor signed a joint agreement to block the Dutch tin monopoly in their territories and the EIC policy shifted with the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1824, Siam then becoming an important ally.

In 1873, the ruler of one of Perak’s two local Malay factions, Raja Abdullah Muhammad Shah II, wrote to the Governor of the British Straits Settlements, Andrew Clarke, requesting British assistance, resulting in the Treaty of Pangkor, signed on Pangkor Island on 20 January 1874, under which the British recognised Abdullah as the legitimate Sultan of Perak. In return, the treaty provided for direct British intervention through the appointment of a Resident who would advise the sultan on all matters except religion and customs, and oversee revenue collection and general administration, including maintenance of peace and order. The treaty marked the introduction of a British residential system, with Perak going on to become part of the Federated Malay States (FMS) in 1895.

Under the Anglo-Siamese Treaty, Siam ceded to Great Britain its northern Malay tributary states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu and nearby islands. Exceptions were the Patani region, which remained under Siamese rule, and Perak, which regained the previously lost inland territory that became the Hulu Perak District.
During World War II, the Japanese occupied all of Malaya and Singapore. Under a reform plan proposed by Tokugawa Yoshichika, the five kingdoms of Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah-Penang, and Perlis would be restored and federated. Johor would control Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Malacca. An 800-square-mile area in southern Johor would be incorporated into Singapore for defence purposes.

In 1943 the Empire of Japan restored to Thailand the former Malay tributary states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu, which had been ceded by the then-named Siam to the British under the 1909 treaty. The indigenous Orang Asli stayed in the interior during the occupation. Much of their community was befriended by Malayan Communist Party guerrillas, who protected them from outsiders in return for information on the Japanese and their food supplies. Strong resistance came mainly from the ethnic Chinese community, some Malays preferring to collaborate with the Japanese through the Kesatuan Melayu Muda (KMM) movement for Malayan independence.

In 1961, the Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman, sought to unite Malaya with the British colonies of North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore. Despite opposition from the governments of both Indonesia and the Philippines, the Federation came into being on 16 September 1963. With the end of British rule in Malaya and the subsequent formation of the Federation of Malaysia, new factories were built and many new suburbs developed in Perak.

Perak is the second largest Malaysian state on the Malay Peninsula, and the fourth largest in Malaysia. Mangrove forests grow along most of Perak’s coast, except for Pangkor Island, with its rich flora and fauna, where several of the country’s forest reserves are located. Perak’s geology is characterised by eruptive masses, which form its hills and mountain ranges. The state is divided by three mountain chains into the three plains of Kinta, Larut and Perak, running parallel to the coast. An extensive network of rivers originates from the inland mountain ranges and hills. The jungles of Perak are highly biodiverse.

The tertiary sector is Perak’s main economic sector. In 2018, the state was the second most popular destination for domestic tourists in Malaysia, after the state of Pahang. The state also contains several natural attractions, including bird sanctuaries, caves, forest reserves, islands, limestone cliffs, mountains, and white sandy beaches.

In the next part, let’s learn more about Perak’s capital, Ipoh.

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Tag Archives: Perak

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