Perak
Introduction
-Location Map
-Accommodation
-Tour Package
Perak Darul Ridzuan, the Land of Grace, covers an area of 21,000 square kilometres and has a population of about two million.
The state is divided into nine districts and its major towns include lpoh, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping, Teluk Intan and Lumut. Kuala Kangsar is the royal town of Perak, while lpoh is the administrative centre and state capital.
There are several versions as to the origin of Perak. Some say that the name "PERAK" came from Bendahara Tun Perak of Malacca while some say that it came from the "glimmer of fish in the water" that sparkled like silver, or Perak as it is known in Malay. Therefore, the mere mention of the state’s name will reflect the treasures hidden in its earth.
The Perak State, in actual fact, has been in existence since the prehistoric age. Kota Tampan in Lenggong is the one and only proof that the Palaeolithic Age existed in Malaya. The Perak State went through numerous evolutions between 400 000 BC and 8000 BC.
The state had experienced the Hoabinhian Era and the Neolithic Age as well as the Metal Age, which was proven with the findings of relevant ancient artifacts.
Then came the Hindu/Buddha era. It was thought to have occured simultaneously with the rest of Malaya.
After this period, the history of the state advanced a step further with the formation of minor territories such as Manjung in the Dinding District and Beruas which came into existence after Manjung ceased to exist. This also apply to a few other territories in the Perak Tengah and Hulu Perak. It was also then that Islam began to plant its roots firmly in the state.
Historically Perak’s history actually began with the installation of Sultan Muzaffar Shah 1, who was a descendent of Sultan Mahmud Shah of Malacca, in the year 1528. Although the Perak Sultanate had formed the territorial powers were still in effect. The administrative method was an extension of the democratic feudal system of Malacca.
Perak became more prominent with the discovery of tin in Larut, Taiping in 1848 by Long Jaafar. With this discovery, Perak’s economy boomed and more mining areas were brought into existence. In addition to tin ore, natural rubber also played an important role and is still being planted after the reign of 33 or 34 consecutive Sultans.
Due to this significant implication of economic development resulted in the birth of a multiracial society especially with the introduction of the Chinese into the mining area.
The British who had long been interested Perak, intervened through the Pangkor Treaty in 1874 after a riot in Larut. As a result of this intervention, the Residential system was introduced with James W.W Birch as its first Resident.
Initially, the Residential system was supposed to yield positive results. However, because it deviated from its original cause, compled with the natives’ refused to be colonized led to an uprising against the Resident under the leadership of Datuk Maharaja Lela. As a result J.W.W Birch was assassinated in 1875.
The Residential system continued until the arrival of the Japanese to Malaya in 1941. The Perak State also suffered, as did others, during the Japanese occupation of Malaya until the year 1945.
Even after the Japanese surrendered, the British still colonized Malaya until the year 1948. Violence was rampant then in Perak, due to Communist terrorism.
After the Japanese occupation in Malaya, the Malay States were not stable. The British did their utmost best to maintain their position by introducing new administration systems such as the Malayan Union in 1946, despite the people’s nasionalistic spirit to seek independence.
The people of Malaya combined their efforts with all state dignitaries to fully rebel against all British systems. They continuesly oppressed until the British granted Malaya independence in 1957.
The independence of Malaya meant the freedom for all its Federated States, which Perak was a part of. Rapid development in all fields continued until today, after the reign of 34 consecutive Sultans.
Islands & Beaches
Pangkor Island / Pulau Pangkor
Situated just off the west coast of Perak in Peninsular Malaysia is one of the most enchanting islands you’ll ever come across. Pangkor has for centuries enthralled visitors with her charming beauty. In days of old, she was the refuge of seamen who sailed through the Straits of Malacca. Pangkor’s many idyllic bays made it the perfect stopover. Pirates, adventurers, merchants and soldiers of fortune sought the peace and tranquility she had to offer.
In stark contrast to malaysia’s fast-paced progress, Pangkor remains a haven for those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Soak up the sun on her golden beaches. Catch sight of fishing boats
Remembering Pangkor’s past…
For centuries, Pangkor has been a welcome stopover for weary sea travellers, pirates and adventurers. At one time even ruled by European conquerors. Yet, as if oblivious to the ravages of war and conquest, her natural wonders have remained unscarred. Perhaps to conquer your heart.
Pangkor today is a thriving tourist destination that somehow does not reflect her turbulent past. Visitors will be charmed by the serenity of her fishing villages, her small but bustling towns and her splendid selection of world-class holiday resorts.
Treasures of the island
Nothing beats the wonderful offerings of Pangkor’s pristine beaches. And after you’re had enough of the beach, retreat into the coll shades of virgin jungles for a closer look at nature. There’s so much to do in Pangkor, so come discover at your own pace.
Teluk Batik
Approximately 84 km south of Ipoh is the quiet coastal town of Lumut which is now the base of the Royal Malaysian Navy and the jumping-off point to Pangkor island. Many locals, however, do not take the ferry to Pangkor but instead head for Teluk Batik, a pleasant beach about 6 km from Lumut. Here the white sands and swaying coconut trees make it an ideal site for relaxation and swimming. At low tide, some hard corals become visible. Chalet accommodation is available.
Contact the Manager of Teluk Batik Chalets.
(05-6835554) for reservations.
Cave
Gua Tempurung
More Information About Caves Exploring
Believed to have existed since 8000 B.C., Gua Tempurung is probably the largest natural limestone cave in Malaysia. Situated about 24 kilometres from lpoh, the cave stretches for 1.5 kilometres and is made up of five huge domes whose ceilings resemble coconut shells. 
Each dome has different formations of stalagmites and stalacties as well as differing temperatures, water levels, content of limestone and marble.
Places of Interest
Taiping Lake Gardens
The oldest lake gardens in the country, this park sprawls over 62 hectares at the foot of the hill resort of Bukit Larut. Magnificently sculptured out of the natural environment, these picture-postcard gardens present a serene and panoramic landscape with their lush greenery, lovely lakes and a profusion of colorful flowers and plants. The unforgettable sight here is the huge, ancient angsana trees with their drooping branches that seem to defy the law of gravity.
The Taiping Zoo, probably the oldest zoo in the country, is another attraction located within the Gardens. Visiting hours 8.30 am to 6.30 pm daily.
Fares are RM3.00 for adults, RM1.50 for children, primary student with uniform RM0.50 and secondary student with uniform RM1.00.
Other facilities available at the Gardens include a rest house, fishing and aquabiking in the area.
Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill)
Bukit Larut is Malaysia’s oldest hill station and founded in 1884. It’ located just ten kilometres from quiet Taiping in Perak. Formerly it was called Maxwell Hill. Bukit Larut is approximately 1250m above sea level. It is located in the wettest part of the country, this hill station experiences the highest rainfall in the country.
Bukit Larut is not nearly as developed as more celebrated hill resorts such as the Cameron or Genting Highlands. However, it preserves much more of the atmosphere of a colonial hill station, with modest, welcoming bungalows, carefully cultivated gardens, and a pervasive atmosphere of cool quietude.
Reaching the top of the hill requires a four-wheel drive jeep. Since private vehicles are not allowed entry, the resort authority caters to this service.
A land rover is available at the foot of the hill. It leaves every hour from 7am to 6pm. A 30 minute drive up the steep hairpin bends will bring you to the top. The narrow winding road was reportedly built shortly after World War II and was completed in 1948. 
The road up twist and turns through tropical virgin jungle, and fresh green fragrance and cool air greeting you as you ascend. In the past, coffee and tea were grown on an experimental basis but seized to continue due to transport and logistic complexities.
Midway to the top is the Tea Garden House situated. That was once part of an tea-estate. The view at this point is magnificent and features the entire Taiping town as well as the Lake Gardens. Also visible are the suburbs of Aulong and Simpang and the 19km stretch of Taiping - Port Weld road.
At the summit you are treated to a spectacular view of the West Coast of the peninsula. On a clear day, it is possible to view the sweeping coastline stretching from Pangkor Island to Penang.
Visitors are usually enthusiastic about attempting an invigorating climb to the Cottage, which incidentally happens to be the only accessible summit.
The hill is riddled with groves of evergreens and vibrantly colorful flora and fauna. Nowhere in Malaysia will you witness a wide canvass of roses, dahlias, daisies, pansies, petunias, lupines and marigold abound in profusion. The cool climate also favours golden sunflowers, reputedly the largest variety in the country. To top it all there is a waterfall for cool fun.
Bird life here is plentiful. The best trail for bird watchers is the Gunung Hijau Trail, which spirals up towards the summit of Gunung Hijau, one of the peaks of the hills. The unspoilt mountain forest is also home to smaller fauna such as gibbons and squirrels, while its flora comprises species such as wild orchids, Mountain Giant Fishtail Palm and many species of bracken-like ferns.
Besides leisurely strolls through verdant flower gardens or indulging on relaxation spots, visitors also have the option of playing tennis, 1115 meters above sea level, just below the clouds.
Local rumour has it that there are several Sumatran tigers roaming around in the dense jungle. Occasionally, they loiter on the resort grounds but escape being sighted yet leaving only their footprints behind.
Visitors can either stay at the Bukit Larut Resthouse or by making reservation through the Superintendent of Bukit Larut, Taiping, Tel: 05- 827243 / 827241.
A Land Rover service at the foot of the hill is available at hourly intervals from 7.00am to 6.00pm daily. Fares are RM 2.50 for adults and RM1.00 for children.
Tambun Hot Spring
A 15-minute drive from lpoh towards Tanjung Rambutan brings you to the foot of a limestone hill where a rejuvenating experience awaits you - an invigorating hot bath from a natural spring. The bath is open daily from 3.00 pm to 12.00 midnight. The facilities include saunas and restrooms Entrance fee is RIM 5.00. 
Other hot springs in Perak are at Sungkai, Pengkalan Hulu, Kampung Ulu Slim in Slim River, Kampung Air Panas in Grik and Manong in Kuala Kangsar.
Other place of interest
D R Seenivasagam Park
Darul Ridzuan Museum
Geological Museum
Ipoh Railway Station
Japanese Garden
Kellie’s Castle
Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary
Lata Iskandar Waterfalls
Lata Kinjang
Pasir Salak Historical Complex
Perak Museum
Perak Tong
River Terrapin Breeding Project Bota Kanan
Royal Museum
Sungkai Deer Farm
Teluk Intan Leaning Tower
Temenggor Lake
