Perak is the second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia and has one of the richest alluvial deposits of tin in the world. The name Perak in Malay means silver owing to the silvery colour of the abundant metal. The modern history of Perak began with the fall of the Malacca Sultanate and when Raja Muzaffar Shah, eldest son of the last Sultan of Melaka fled from the Portuguese to establish his own dynasty on the banks of the Sungai Perak (Perak River) in 1528. The region was under almost continuous threat from outsiders because of its richness in tin.
Geographically Perak borders Kedah and Yala Province of Thailand to the north, Penang to the northwest, Kelantan and Pahang to the east, Selangor southward and is along the straits of Malacca on the west. Legends speak of a Hindu-Malay kingdom called Gangga Negara in the northwest of Perak. Archaeological discoveries indicate that Perak has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Double click the map to zoom in on Perak!
Ipoh the capital city is known historically for its tin mining activities from Kuala Kangsar, which till today remains the royal capital as the sultan and his palace are situated there. As is Malay practise, the name Ipoh is derived from a local tree pokok Ipoh. The sap of the tree is known to be poisonous and the aboriginal Orang Asli used it to coat the tips of the darts of their blowpipes.
The name is also derived from the Cantonese word Yee Poh meaning “Found treasure”. Attracted by its mines, the Cantonese were the first to move to this area and aptly called it so. They then build a small town for trading of food and hardware for the miners. Today 70% of the population are Chinese.
The Kinta River basically runs through the middle of the town. Ipoh is also known as “New Town” as the East part of the city was rebuilt in 1892 after a great fire ravaged it. The reconstruction of the New Town also made way for deliberate town planning and the symmetrical grid system found in the city. The beautiful city still retains much of the charm that enveloped it during its heyday. Many quaint and rustic Pre-World War II buildings still line its old quarter.
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Ipoh houses some of the best limestone cave systems in Malaysia. Gua Tempurung stretches over 1.3KM and is probably the largest natural limestone underground cavity in the country. The formation of its glistening stalactites and stalagmites took place over millions of years. The name Tempurang means coconut shells in Malay and Gua means cave. Rightfully so the cave is made up of five huge domes with ceilings resembling coconut shells.
Inside the cave is a gallery of calcium and marble formations existing in differing temperatures and water levels, stalagmites, stalactites and other speleological delights.
In keeping with its Arab honorific name, Darul Ridzuan meaning “The Land of Grace”, Perak has diversity in sights and activities to suit every palate. From mystical caves to 4X4 trails adventures to river boarding and white water rafting.
You can also plan a perfect weekend getaway on Pulau Pungkor and its cluster of islands including the exotic island resort Pungkor Laut. Just 10 miles south of Pulau Pangkor lay a cluster of nine breath-taking islands known collectively as Pulau Sembilan. Secluded and mostly uninhabited these islands are known for their refreshing clear blue waters, perfect white sandy beaches and relaxing spa resorts and hotels. Snorkelling and diving are two 'must do' activities here. At a depth of 15 metres the sandy bottoms of these islands are dotted with the most colourful and exotic marine life ever seen.
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Get on board fishing trawlers to get to spectacular diving and adrenaline pumping river boarding spots. RiverBug and Nomad Adventures are some of the most popular tour operators here.
The water fun continues an hour’s drive from Ipoh at Bukit Merah Laketown and its exciting water theme park. This premium eco resort has 174 comfortable rooms for its guests as well as shopping and many restaurants to feast their senses.
Perak is also a haven to ecologists, conservationists and nature enthusiasts.
Kuala Gula, located in the northwestern part of Perak where the Gula River meets the straits of Melaka is 8,200 hectares of bird paradise. The region is a sanctuary for migratory birds that use the large wetland area for feeding and resting enroute their migration from the northern to the southern hemisphere. Besides birds, the park is also home to various types of mammals and primates. The sanctuary is easily accessible by road from Kuala Lumpur and requires an entry permit, which can be obtained from the Kuala Gula Conservation Centre or The Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
An excellent place for jungle trekking and camping is the Royal Belum State Park. Exotic fauna and flora including the popular Rafflesia abound in its somewhat unexplored rainforests. Covering an area of 134,167hectares, the forest reserve has been found to contain new and unknown species of trees and insects. Its landscape is dotted with valleys and mountains, pristine cascades and few limestone outcrops.
Off road enthusiasts can explore the countryside in their 4WD. It is advisable to go with one of the tour specialists as the terrain could get a little difficult to handle.
For some good old-fashioned family fun there’s also The Lost World of Tambun at New Sunway City in Ipoh, Perak royal museum and Night safari at the Taiping zoo.
