Perak Nature, Malaysia

Japanese Garden

Just next to the Perak Turf Club in Ipoh, this quaint garden recreates charmingly the aesthetics of a Japanese garden. Landscaped with tropical flowers, plants and trees, including the quintessential Japanese bonsai plant, relax and rejuvenate while gazing at the goldfish in the pond. With a traditional style wooden bridge, a small Japanese house and a colourful clock with traditional Japanese motifs, experience Japan in the heart of Ipoh.

The garden is open from 4.00pm to 8.00pm (Weekdays) and 9.00am to 8.00pm (Weekends).

D.R Seenivasagam Park

Located at Jalan Anderson in the heart of Ipoh (New Town) is the D.R. Seenivasagam Park. The fresh atmosphere and variety of flora are the main attractions of this park. The Park has several sports fields, a flower nursery, a landscaped Japanese garden and an artificial lake with boating facilities. There is also a children's playground with a roller-skating rink and a mini-train.

Gua Tempurung (Tempurung Cave)

One of the most majestic white marble and limestone formations in Malaysia, Gua Tempurung refers to five domes that resemble coconut shells. Located about 24 km from Ipoh, these ancient caves stretch over a kilometer from Sungai Siput to Kuala Dipang.

Concealed within the limestone massif is an intricate system of caves that form breath-taking galleries of stalagmites, stalactites, rimstone pools, curtains, straws, flowstones, crystals, pillars and other amazing rock formations.

As this cave was used by the Communists as a hide out from 1950 to 1960, there are drawings and writings in Mandarin found on the wall in the Rolls Royce Chamber.

In the Gergasi Chamber, you will see some tools left by the Communists and miners who were mining for tin in the early 1970's. There is a beautiful hanging rock garden at Alam Chamber.

To get to Gua Tempurung, take the North-South Expressway and exit at the Gopeng Interchange, about 25 km south of Ipoh. Then, take the Federal Route 1 and continue southwards for about 2 km. At Kampung Gunung Mesah, turn left and drive on the kampung or village road for about 4 km. This kampung road can support heavy vehicles including buses. As you drive through this kampung area you will begin to see the limestone hills in the distance.

The entrance to the cave is at Gopeng, where visitors are required to register to get a permit from the Visitors' Centre (Phone: +605-545 8834). It is open daily all year round from 10:00am to 4:00pm. A short tour cost only RM5 and a spelunking tour cost about RM22.

Tambun Hot Springs

A 15-minute drive from Ipoh towards Tanjung Rambutan will bring you to the foot of the limestone hill where you will find invigorating hot baths in a natural spring. There are saunas, hot water pools and restrooms. Relax whilst soaking in the hot spring to give your body a good health treatment. The water is so hot that you can even boil an egg in it. The bath is open daily from 3.00 pm to 12.30 midnight and the entrance fee is RM4.50.

Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill), Taiping

Bukit Larut, the smallest hill resort in Malaysia is famous for its lake gardens. The unique thing about this hillside resort is that nature has been left on its own to flourish bountifully. Gazetted as a permanent forest reserve in 1910, Bukit Larut's untouched mountain forests are filled with bird life, with squirrels and gibbons roam around freely. This resort is especially popular with nature lovers, bird watchers, day trippers looking for a tranquil getaway.

Bukit Larut was formerly known as Maxwell Hill. It derived its name from George Maxwell, the British Resident of Perak, who set up the hill station about a hundred years ago to serve as a cool retreat for colonial officials. With Taiping's lush greenery, giant trees and placid lakes, it is easy to see why Maxwell adores this hill. Before you ascend the hill, it is worthwhile to visit Taiping's many attractions such as the Taiping Zoo, Night Safari, the war cemetery, museum and its beautiful lake gardens.

Transportation to Bukit Larut will require a small fee. In the olden days, pony back rides and sedan chairs were the only mode of transportation.

Among the many trails in Bukit Larut is the Gunung Hijau trail, considered one of the best places to sight birds. On a clear day, you can see all of Taiping town and even the Perak coastline. For nature lovers, the Mountain Giant Fishtail Palm, wild orchids and many other exotic species can be found here. There are various bungalows and rest houses offering comfortable accommodation, most of them built about a century ago.

Accommodation
* Cendana Bungalow
* Beringin Bungalow
* Rumah Hijau
* Bukit Larut Rest House

What to See and Do

Nature's Splendour
Visitors who come up to Bukit Larut are mostly nature lovers, bird watchers, day trippers and tourists who seek a change of climate and pace. Besides leisure strolls through colourful gardens or just mere relaxation, visitors can also enjoy a game of tennis.

Bird life is plentiful. Sightings of forest birds can be done even without venturing on long walks as the undisturbed environment naturally attract birds. The best trail for bird watchers is the Gunung Hijau Trail which spirals up towards the summit of Gunung Hijau (1449m). From here, on a clear day, an uninterrupted view of Taiping town and the Perak coastline can be seen.

The forest is also home to smaller fauna such as gibbons and squirrels while its flora comprises species like wild orchids, Mountain Giant Fishtail Palm and bracken-like fern.

Food
Malaysian and European food are available at the Bukit Larut Resthouse. At the bungalows, meals can be arranged with the caretaker. Visitors are also allowed to do their own cooking. At some of the bungalows, barbeque pits are provided.
Practical Tips:
It is advisable to bring along rain gear as it rains quite regularly in Taiping.

How to Get There
Situated about 290 km from Kuala Lumpur and 9 km from Taiping, you can only go up to Bukit Larut using the government shuttle service, which operates daily from 8 am to 5 pm. Bookings for accommodation can be made at the office at the bottom of the hill. Fares range from RM2 to RM2.50 depending on one's destination.

Contact:
Bukit Larut Recreational Area Office
Bukit Larut
Taiping, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Phone : (605) 8077 241 / 243

Lata Kinjang, Tapah

One of the highest falls in the region Lata Kinjang, which means 'cascading falls', is a truly magnificent sight. This multi-tiered waterfall cascades for an amazing 850m with one particular tier as high as 100m. Also here are a parking area, food stalls, an enchanting orchid garden, a bamboo park and even an artificial slide.

To get to Lata Kinjang, which is visible from the North-South Expressway, exit at Tapah and head towards Cenderiang.

Sungkai Deer Farm

About 82 km from Ipoh and 40km from Teluk Intan at Sungkai is the Sungkai Deer Farm, where more than 100 deer roam freely on a breeding and conservation site. Established in 1978, this deer farm is the only one of its kind in the country.

Nearby are an exotic bird sanctuary and nature-walk paths. Visitors can camp overnight to observe the animals up close. It is open all year round from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

To get there, take the North-South expressway towards Ipoh. If you prefer, take the exit out of the expressway at Tanjung Malim and head towards Bidor. Pass through Trolak and head towards Sungkai. The turn off into the narrow road to the reserve is not obvious. Be on the look out for the Wildlife Department's sign 'Sungkai Sambar Deer and Pheasant Wildlife Conservation Centre'. The centre is about 15 km from Sungkai.

Kuala Woh Jungle Park

Located about 13km from Tapah that lies at the foot of Cameron Highlands, the Kuala Woh Jungle Park is perfect for fun-filled outdoor activities.

Picnic by its natural hot springs or three large majestic waterfalls. Or maybe even take a hike to an Orang Asli settlement while admiring the myriad of flora and fauna that abound including colourful dainty Malaysian butterflies.

Lata Iskandar Waterfalls

Located on the way to Cameron Highlands via Tapah Road, Lata Iskandar Waterfalls is a popular stopover point.

Its multi-tiered cascades gracefully flow into clear pools at different levels. Also here are restrooms, food stalls and a colourful handicraft bazaar that sells Orang Asli crafts.

Nearby is Kampung Kerayung, which is known for its traditional pottery.

Bota Kanan Terrapin Conservation Centre

About 40 km southwest of Ipoh at Bota Kanan lies the River Terrapin Breeding Centre - a breeding farm for tuntung or river terrapins.

To conserve the species, the Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department established the centre. The hatchery has since released tens of thousands of hatchlings into the Perak River.

From November to March, visitors can observe migrating river terrapins swimming upstream to lay their eggs.

The conservation centre is open daily 8:30 am to 5:00pm except for Fridays and Sundays. There is accommodation available for those who wish to stay over.

Getting there
From the North-South Expressway, exit at Batu Gajah or Gopeng and head towards Batu Gajah. Look out for signs with 'Pusat Pemuliharaan Tuntung Bota Kanan' or 'Bota Kanan Terrapin Conservation Centre'.

Temenggor Lake

Sprawling across 15,200 hectares and fringing the 117,500-hectare Belum Forest, Temenggor Lake is ideal for outdoor relaxation and recreation. Rich in different species of fish, it is a favourite playground for anglers. Also popular here are jungle trekking and picnicking.

Located about 200km from Ipoh, the lake is accessible via the North-South Expressway. From Kuala Lumpur, exit at Kuala Kangsar and head towards Gerik. Then, take Route 4 (the East-West Expressway) to Pulau Banding.

Taiping Lake Gardens

The first cultivated gardens in Malaysia Taiping Lake Gardens is still among the best. Beautifully landscaped, the soothing ambience is perfectly complemented with a myriad of flora and fauna. A definite 'must-visit' here is the country's first zoo, Taiping Zoo.

Now, visitors can observe the nocturnal habits of animals on a Night Safari. Other recreational facilities at the park include boats, 'aqua-bikes' and a rest house.

Lenggong and Kota Tampan Archeological Site

Still in a state of exploration, near the town of Lenggong are Gua Badak (Rhinoceros Cave), Gua Harimau (Tiger Cave), Tasik Raban (Raban Lake) and Lata Kekabu (Kekabu Waterfalls). Prehistoric wall paintings have been discovered in the Rhinoceros Cave and Tiger Cave. Some 5 km from Lenggong is the Kota Tampan Archaeological Site.

Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary

At the north west of Perak lies the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, which is home to many exotic migratory and residential birds. Over 160 species of birds, some on the brink of extinction, have been spotted here. The best season for bird-watching is from September to December.

Also here are other fascinating animals such as the Smooth otter, Dusky Leaf monkey, Long-tailed macaque and Ridge-backed dolphin.

From either Kampung Gula or Kuala Kurau, you can take a scenic boat trip around the park's wetlands.

The Belum Forest Resort

Towards the northern parts of Lake Temenggor lies a vast area of virgin jungle known as the Belum Forest Reserve. The area is one of the largest untouched forest reserves in Peninsular Malaysia. The presence of large mammal species such as elephants, rhinoceros, tapirs and tigers makes Belum very special.

This forest possesses an immense wealth of flora and fauna with much of the area still unexplored and undisturbed by humans.

Various tour operators now offer guided tours to certain areas of the reserve and will arrange for the necessary permits, river and road transport and accommodation, which may include camping.

Contact a local travel agent or the Perak State Tourism Authority for details.

To get there from Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South Expressway and head north towards Ipoh. Passing Ipoh, take the Kuala Kangsar exit, and head towards Gerik. Take route 4, which is the East-West expressway. This will take you to Pulau Banding. Journey from KL is about 5 1/2 hours. Entrance to Belum Rainforest is best arranged with resort owners in the area.

Bersia Grazing Reserve

This place is primarily a cattle-breeding farm, located 15km from Grik in Northern Perak. It also offers other activities like night fishing, visiting an Orang Asli village and feeding cattle. Spanning an area of 300 hectares on undulating greenery beside the Perak River, the farm provides basic accommodation in four hotels with bamboo walls and bertam roofing. The relatively unknown and untraversed area of Grik with its serene surroundings such as tropical rain forests, rivers, numerous salt licks, fish- spawning grounds and flora and fauna awaits adventurous tourists and naturalists.

The Bersia Grazing Reserve can only be reached by boat from Kg. Bersia which is 15 km from Grik along the East-West Expressway. From the put-in point in Kg. Bersia, a 30-minute boat ride along the Perak River will take you to the Grazing Reserve. The Grazing Reserve is situated on rolling hills on the east bank of the Perak River dammed up by the Temenggor Dam in the east and the Bersia Dam in the west.