Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Perak, Malaysia

Limestone cliffs prominently feature in Perak, leading to rugged landscapes and enigmatic cave temples.

During the British colonial period, the region flourished as a tin mining hub. The echoes of this prosperous era are evident in the remarkable architecture of Ipoh and Taiping.

Those who appreciate beaches will find solace on Pangkor Island. Awaken to serene coastlines devoid of visitors and gentle waters lapping against the soft sand.

Enhance your experience with forest reserves, exhilarating white-water rafting, and Malaysia’s own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Welcome to Perak: Malaysia’s hidden gem!

GoTravelDaily presents the 25 premier activities to engage in while visiting Perak, featuring stunning architecture, cave temples, and invigorating adventure pursuits.

1. Colonial architecture in Perak’s cities

Perak thrived during the colonial era, as its tin reserves attracted entrepreneurs who amassed wealth.

Both Ipoh and Taiping, relatively under-visited cities in Malaysia, bear witness to this prosperous period.

The state capital, Ipoh, showcases several grand edifices including the Railway Station, Birch Memorial Clock Tower, and the High Court. Visitors can trace the Ipoh Heritage Trail, which encompasses 24 colonial-era buildings and monuments.

Former capital Taiping is home to a British-inspired center, Lake Gardens, and Maxwell Hill.

2. Malaysia’s most underrated island

Pangkor Island, situated in the Straits of Melaka, boasts unoccupied coastlines, mountainous jungles, and a multitude of hornbills.

The Perak state government aims to transform this tranquil island into a tourist haven; however, it presently retains an air of obscurity.

This allows visitors to revel in breathtaking sunsets, snorkeling, and kayaking amidst a backdrop devoid of crowds. Find a secluded spot on the beach, and you may encounter hardly anyone throughout the day.

A few guesthouses dot Pangkor’s western coast near Nipah Bay and Coral Beach, while more upscale resorts line the southern shore.

GoTravelDaily encourages you to visit the dilapidated Dutch Fort, capture the vibrancy of Pangkor Town’s colorful houses, and feed wild hornbills at Sunset View Chalet.

3. A spooky, half-finished mansion hidden in the jungle

Kellie’s Castle is a haunting and purportedly haunted colonial mansion situated near Ipoh.

William Kellie Smith, an eccentric Scotsman, migrated to British Malaya in the early 20th century, gaining wealth from his rubber plantations. He commissioned this mansion in Batu Gajah, located 21 kilometers (13 miles) from Ipoh.

The colonial structure harmoniously combines Moorish, Roman, and British Indian architectural styles.

Tragically, Smith died suddenly, prompting his family to return to Britain, leaving the half-finished mansion to succumb to the jungle over time.

Visitors can traverse the multi-storied structure and stand on the rooftop tennis court, while rumors circulate regarding the presence of ghosts in the deserted hallways, or the existence of undiscovered secret passageways.

Travelers can take a cab or Grab Car from Ipoh, negotiating a price to wait for one hour.

4. The mysterious Perak Temple

The cave temples of Perak are amongst the most enigmatic attractions in Malaysia.

Perak Temple, located near Ipoh, is the most frequented.

Religious icons and bronze statues fill the limestone caverns, while murals and calligraphy embellish the cave walls.

Explore the various chambers within this almost magical atmosphere.

Climbing 400 steps leads to a viewing platform that offers 360-degree panoramic views of Ipoh.

Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to dress appropriately prior to entering Perak Temple.

Travelers can use Grab Car or a taxi from Ipoh.

5. Perak’s largest cave temple

Sam Poh Tong is the largest of Ipoh’s three cave temples.

Numerous passageways and cavernous chambers penetrate the limestone cliffs, each exhibiting Buddhist relics.

Incense permeates the moist air, mingling with the vibrant colors, sculptures, and chants to create a mesmerizing ambiance.

Follow the 246 steps to reach a viewing platform.

Local legends recount a captivating tale surrounding the discovery of Sam Poh Tong.

A Chinese monk stumbled upon the cave in the late 19th century. After establishing a temple, he meditated continuously for two decades until his passing.

6. Kek Lok Tong’s manicured gardens and turtle pond

Kek Lok Tong combines a captivating spiritual cave temple with serene gardens.

If you have visited Sam Poh Tong, you will notice several similarities: bronze statues, religious artifacts, and wafting incense.

However, what sets Kek Lok apart is its award-winning garden. The landscaped area features a pond teeming with koi and turtles, tropical blossoms, and shaded alcoves.

Stroll along pathways leading to quiet zones conducive to introspection. Discover optimal vantage points for capturing photographs of the temple nestled within the green limestone cliffs.

7. Tin, tea and tiny cars in Ipoh’s museums

Ipoh serves as Perak’s cultural nucleus.

The city boasts several museums that delve into various aspects of its history, from the tin industry to tea cultivation.

Investing time to comprehend the state’s past will illuminate the city’s present and broader region.

Visit the Han Chin Pet Soo, situated in a former Hakka Miner’s Club, to gain insights into Perak’s tin mining. Explore Han Yan Hor, which is entirely dedicated to tea.

The Miniature Wonders Art Gallery uses intricate figurines to depict scenes from Ancient China, with each model hand-crafted from dough.

GoTravelDaily suggests checking out the Geological Museum, Dream Big (featuring model cars), and an art gallery dedicated to the filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad.

8. Street Food in Malaysia’s unofficial food capital

Numerous restaurants line the streets of both old and new Ipoh, offering Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisine.

Ipoh’s culinary scene rivals that of Khuala Lumpur and Penang.

Visit Dai Shu Geok for authentic Hakka Chinese cuisine, or enjoy a traditional Perak-style breakfast at a Kopitiam (Malaysian-style café).

Relish curry noodles at Yee Fatt Dry, where the family has been utilizing the same recipe for over 40 years.

The Central Point Food Court near Parkson Ipoh Parade shopping mall boasts a diverse array of street food options as well.

A meal typically costs only a few dollars.

9. Perak’s most controversial building

Birch Memorial Clock Tower is enveloped in controversy, a fact that 99% of visitors are unaware of.

This narrative originates from the early 20th century.

British colonialists extracted tin in Perak, leading to conflicts with local chiefs. Tensions culminated when Dato Maharajalela assassinated the First British Resident of Perak, James Birch.

The Birch Memorial Clock Tower was inaugurated in 1909 to commemorate the sacrifice of this colonial figure.

However, this memorial faced criticism from Malay villagers, who regarded Birch as an adversary and Dato Maharajalela as a liberator.

Fast forward to the present; the authorities in Perak have defiantly named the streets adjacent to the memorial after Birch’s murderers, their national heroes.

This three-tiered, white-washed structure serves as a magnificent yet contentious monument.

The Birch Memorial Clock Tower is located near Ipoh State Mosque.

10. Ipoh State Mosque: Perak’s largest mosque

Perak’s state mosque stands elegantly adjacent to the Ipoh Railway Station.

This two-storied, white-washed edifice was inaugurated in 1968 and features 44 domes along with a minaret that rises to 38 meters (125 feet), making it an imposing structure within old Ipoh.

Visitors should admire the intricate mosaic patterns that adorn the exterior façades.

The Sultan Idris Shah II Mosque comprises a function room, wedding facilities, and a library within.

GoTravelDaily recommends visiting the mosque as part of a self-guided walking tour along the Ipoh Heritage Trail.

11. Photograph Perak’s spaceship-like tower

At first glance, Ipoh Square (Dataran Ipoh) might not appear particularly impressive.

Government buildings encircle the well-manicured green space, with a significantly large Malaysian flag billowing in the center.

Nonetheless, beyond its stately aesthetics, the park features the intriguing MBI Clock Tower.

This three-legged tower resembles a tripod and evokes imagery from a vintage science fiction film.

At night, the area illuminates and transforms into a favored gathering spot for local youth.

12. Rugged landscapes in Gunung Lang Recreational Park

Gunung Lang Recreational Park, situated a few kilometers north of old Ipoh, showcases the natural beauty of Perak.

A patchwork of green vividly blankets the limestone cliffs surrounding the central turquoise lake, with rocky formations jutting towards the sky in the distance.

Meander along the boardwalks leading to cascading waterfalls, lookout towers, and swampy environments. Observe tropical birds, flying foxes, and macaques.

This recreational park presents a refreshing slice of nature conveniently located within reach of the vibrant city.

13. Neolithic cave painting in Tambun Cave

Tambun Cave, located near Ipoh, features approximately 600 cave paintings.

Archaeologists date these crude depictions of humans and animals to the Neolithic period, estimated to be between 2,500 and 4,000 years ago.

It was not until the mid-19th century that a British soldier discovered these ancient images, which were designated National Heritage in 1986.

Follow the path towards Tambun and stop at the Caltex Petrol Station, proceeding along the lane leading to the distant fields. Cross the bridge for signposts marking the way.

Regrettably, some of the lower paintings have suffered vandalism, while those on the upper rock face remain intact as they were thousands of years ago.

14. Aerobics in Malaysia’s oldest public park

Taiping Lake Gardens encompasses a sprawling 160-acre park in central Taiping.

In 1880, the British transformed a former mining pit into a public park, establishing Malaysia’s first public garden.

Today, the park features 10 artificial lakes, a lotus pond, and multiple bridges.

Rain trees, believed to be over a century old, create an archway above pathways on one side of the lake. The amalgamation of trees, hills, and often overcast skies transports visitors momentarily to England.

Follow the jogging path encircling the lake or visit the nationally famous Taiping Zoo.

Regular events are hosted at Taiping Lake Gardens, including complimentary aerobic sessions.

15. Explore Perak’s finest collection of colonial architecture

Taiping is seldom included in Malaysian travel itineraries; however, the former capital of Perak holds a rich history intricately linked to the region’s thriving tin mining industries.

Taiping was among the first British towns established in Malaya (the historical name for Malaysia), and many of its early colonial structures have survived.

The Taiping Heritage Trail spans approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), offering tourists a glimpse into the town’s history.

Make sure to visit West Malaysia’s first modern railway, the Taiping Railway Station, and explore Malaysia’s oldest museum, the Perak Museum, among the ‘33 firsts in Taiping.’

Each monument features detailed informational boards that provide context in English.

16. Malaysia’s oldest museum

Established in 1883, Perak Museum holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s first museum.

The museum in Taiping houses thousands of exhibits across multiple collections. Several natural history displays feature specimens gathered over a century ago.

Others focus on ethnography and the diverse ethnic communities of Perak.

The Orang Asli, Malaysia’s indigenous people, are substantially represented within the museum, acknowledging their over 40,000-year presence in West Malaysia.

Perak Museum is also an architectural marvel, showcasing an eclectic mix of Moorish, Victorian, and Neo-Classical styles in its façade.

17. Colonial bungalows in Malaysia’s first resort

Maxwell Hill (locally known as Bukit Larut) is recognized as Malaysia’s oldest resort.

Established as a hill station by the British in 1884, it provides an altitude of 1,036 meters (3,399 feet), with Taiping’s humid climate resembling England’s summer ambiance.

A few residents of Taiping still inhabit the numerous colonial-style bungalows. The cooler temperatures and vegetable gardens reveal a different facet of Malaysia.

Maxwell Hill is located approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northwest of central Taiping.

Consider hiring a 4×4 jeep for the ascent, as standard vehicles are prohibited on the road.

Hiking typically requires over four hours.

18. Explore the eerie mangroves

Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve extends across a substantial area along Perak’s western coastline.

Spanning over 50 kilometers (31 miles) from top to bottom, it stands as Malaysia’s largest mangrove reserve.

The mangrove trees are primarily utilized for charcoal production, which occurs in roughly three-quarters of the reserve. Stringent regulations govern its rich biodiversity and ecosystems.

River cruises navigate the narrow channels within these eerie environments. Upon nightfall, fireflies illuminate the dark sky.

Boardwalks wind throughout the reserve, leading to viewing platforms where visitors can observe migratory birds, including herons and storks.

19. Malaysia’s Leaning Tower

While Italy is renowned for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Perak boasts its own Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan.

Standing at 25.5 meters (84 feet) in Teluk Intan, this tower is a significant state monument.

The pagoda-like structure was inaugurated in 1885 as a water tank; however, due to its weight, it gradually sunk into the soft earth.

Today, it exhibits a subtle leftward tilt and operates as a clock tower.

The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan lies just under 90 kilometers (56 miles) south of Ipoh.

It is worth stopping by while traversing to or from Kuala Lumpur.

20. Ipoh’s Kinta River waterfront

The Kinta River meanders through rugged limestone landscapes for over 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) in Perak.

Kinta, a primary tributary of the Perak River, divides Ipoh into two sections, with old Ipoh on one side and the more modern city on the other.

Stroll along the Kinta riverfront in Ipoh and observe the murky waters flowing past. After dark, LED lights adorn the waterfront.

Capture photographs of Ipoh’s Guan Yin Temple with the Kinta River providing a picturesque foreground.

21. Perak’s birdwatching paradise

Kinta Nature Park in Batu Gajah spans 9 square kilometers of protected environments.

Following extensive restoration and renovation, the park has reopened with public amenities such as boardwalks and observation platforms.

The 14 former tin mines have transformed into serene, lily-filled ponds.

What makes Kinta Nature Park exceptional is its rich avian population, home to over 150 bird species within the protected territory. The marshlands serve as habitats for various egrets and herons as well.

Kinta Nature Park is conveniently located near Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajah.

22. Trek in Perak’s ancient rainforest

Situated 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) from Ipoh, the Ulu Kinta Forest Reserve provides a glimpse of the jungle within a mere 30 minutes from the city.

Towering dipterocarp trees surround well-maintained boardwalks leading through the dense forest.

Certain paths direct towards mangrove habitats while others lead to ideal picnicking spots and various waterfalls.

Follow the trail to Tanjung Rambutan Waterfall and witness the white water cascading down the rocks.

Viewing platforms offer stunning panoramic images of Perak’s breathtaking landscapes.

Visitors should allocate up to four hours to explore the forest reserve thoroughly.

23. Have an adventure in one of West Malaysia’s largest caves

Wherever limestone cliffs exist, caves often follow.

Tempurung Cave extends approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles), ranking among West Malaysia’s largest caves.

Surreal stalagmite and stalactite formations populate five expansive chambers, with millions of bats squeaking in the pitch black above.

Travelers can opt for two types of guided excursions.

‘Dry tours’ traverse the more accessible routes through the chambers, while ‘wet tours’ resemble obstacle courses featuring gaps, waist-deep water, and sliding down walls.

Ensure you arrange your tour in advance of your visit.

Tempurung Cave is located approximately 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Ipoh.

24. White water rafting surrounded by jungle

The Kampar River in Perak serves as West Malaysia’s thrill-seeking epicenter.

This rushing river features 14 rapids, ranging from Class I to Class III, and winds through scenic jungle landscapes recognized as among Malaysia’s most picturesque regions.

Beginners can receive instruction from an expert as they navigate the gentler sections, while experienced rafters can brave the more tumultuous waters.

Sessions typically commence either in the morning (9:00 am) or afternoon (1:00 pm) and last for three hours.

The Kampar River is located approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of Ipoh.

25. Scale one of West Malaysia’s toughest peaks

Standing at 2,180 meters (7,152 feet), Mount Yong Belar dominates the skyline of eastern Perak.

This peak ranks third in height among West Malaysia’s Titiwangsa Mountains and requires exceptional physical endurance.

Hikers must tackle challenging terrain, and many opt to stay overnight near the summit. Be prepared for muddy paths, steep inclines, and oppressive temperatures.

Despite these challenges, the ensuing adventure is rewarding for those who are capable.

The trail commences in Kampong Raya, located 69 kilometers (43 miles) from central Ipoh.

For those not prepared for the arduous trek, day trips to admire the mountainous beauty rising above Malaysia’s jungles are feasible.