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Guide to Ipoh |
Perak is a state that is defined by the course of its namesake river. Perak's population is about two million. Until the nineteenth century, Perak's people were concentrated along the Perak River , and the chief city was riverside Kuala Kangsar. However, the discovery of wondrously rich tin deposits in surrounding valleys lead to the establishment of and transfer of the capital to Taiping and, later, Ipoh. The tin mines around Ipoh are reputedly the richest in the world, and it is no surprise that the city has expanded steadily from the time the mines were discovered in the nineteenth century. Today, Ipoh is one of Malaysia 's larger cities, with a population of about half a million people. |
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Location
Perak covers an area of 21,000 square kilometers, making it the second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia (Pahang is larger). The state is situated along Malaysia 's western coast at the northern approach to the Strait of Malacca . It extends deep into the peninsula, with its eastern border marked by mountains of the Main Range . |
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For more information, visit:
www.heritage.com.my
www.tourismperak.com
www.allmalaysia.com
www.virtualmalaysia.com
www.tripadvisor.com
www.cari.com.my
www.perak.gov.my
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Eateries |
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Tanjung Tualang Freshwater Prawns
Tanjung Tualang, Perak is a town well known for its fresh water prawns and its seafood offerings. Order sweet and sour crab, teochew steamed cat fish, oyster omelettes, some fried rice and the most irresistible steamed fresh water prawns this side of town! The best of course, is the steamed fresh water prawns that are locally bred in the Tanjung Tualang area. The prawn is steamed and egg white added to the sauce to give it a creamy taste. The flesh tastes very sweet and the prawn has 'kou' (Cantonese) at the head of the prawn. 'Kou' is that yellowish and greenish stuff on the head of the prawn. Taste a little bitter but good.
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Ipoh 'Sar Hor Fun' noodle
The most famous dish is the 'sar hor fun' or kuey tiow (rice) noodle. Although the kuey teow can be found in many other places, people believe Ipoh has the unique recipe that makes the noodle smoother, softer and tastier. Some people travel as far as satisfy their cravings. Many believe the clear pure water source from the mountains surrounding Ipoh is the main secret behind this special delicacy. |
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Ipoh “Tau Geh” (Beansprout) Chicken
Deliciously blanched with some soy sauce and garlic, the chef's skill managed to prefectly retain the beansprouts springiness whilst making it still extremely juicy. And the boiled chicken is very tender . T he bean sprouts chicken is really a balanced dish. They contain vitamin C from the cucumbers, protein and fat from the chicken and carbohydrates from the noodles. It's always a pleasure eating bean sprouts chicken in Ipoh . Opening times: 1.30pm to 3.00am
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Ipoh White Coffee
The White coffee also believes to be originated from the old town in Ipoh . The owner of one of the oldest restaurant in old town have managed to blend the unique taste of the white coffee by mixing the conventional and new method of preparing the coffee powder. Ipoh is also famous for its Kampar Chicken Biscuits, fresh steamed pau (dumplings), Curry BBQ Roast Pork Noodle, Ipoh Chee Cheong Fun (picture) and Ice Kacang. |
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For more information on Ipoh 's famous delicacies, visit:
http://www.thingsasian.com/goto_article/article.2581.html
http://www.friedchillies.com/review.php?id=166
http://www.foodiesnfriends.com
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| Places of interest |
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Kellie's Castle
The ruins of Kellie's Castle is located near Batu Gajah and is about 30 minutes' drive from Ipoh . The castle remains in ruins because the construction was never completed by the original owner due to his untimely death. The property of English rubber tycoon William Kellie Smith, the incomplete 19th-century building remains dark and mysterious with much speculation among locals and visitors about hidden rooms and secret tunnels. Its allure and romance led these ruins to be chosen as one of the set locations for the filming of "Anna and the King" in the mid 1990's.
(Extracted from: http://allmalaysia.info/news/attraction.asp?id=440&pt=7)
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Perak Tong Temple
This Temple in Limestone Caves of Gunung Tasek, was built in 1926 by a Buddhist priest from China . The temple houses over 40 Buddha's and behind the main altar leads to the caves interior. After a steep climb of 385 steps the cave opens again to reveal a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside.
Open daily: 8am to 6pm (Admission free).
Location: Jln Kuala Kangsar, about 6 Km North of Ipoh .
(Extracted from: http://allmalaysia.info/news/attraction.asp?id=440&pt=7 |
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Sam Poh Tong
Another famous cave temple is the Sam Poh Tong temple, located in Gunung Rapat, 5km south of Ipoh . The temple is an impressive work of art and faith, with various statues of Buddha among natural stalactites and stalagmites. There is also a pond where visitors can feed tortoise, (symbol of longevity) with stalks of vegetables and a wishing well for those seeking better fortunes. Outside the temple is a vegetarian restaurant. The vegetarian restaurant is open daily for lunch only.
(Extracted from: http://www.heritage.com.my/ipoh/tour_guide/#L) |
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Kek Lok Tong
These picturesque structures nestled within the high limestone caves and cavities located near Gunung Rapat are a sight to behold. There are impressive works of art, with statues of Buddha in various forms among natural stalactites and rock formations. One can savour vegetarian food, served here at the temples, in peaceful surroundings amidst lotus ponds.
(Extracted from: http://www.heritage.com.my/ipoh/tour_guide/#L |
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D R Seenivasagam Park
Located in the heart of Ipoh , the park is known for its scenic beauty and recreational facilities. It boasts of several recreational fields, an artificial lake fill with various types of fishes, a nursery for potted plants and a children's traffic playground. There are also beautiful arches, modular framework, shelters, pedestrian paths and the Ipoh tree which gave the city its name. The latest addition is the newly landscaped Japanese Garden featuring a typical Japanese Carps pond. The fresh atmosphere and variety of flora are also part of the main attractions of this park.
(Extracted from: http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Perak/guide_drseen.htm) |
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Darul Ridzuan Museum
Opened on 18th Aug 1992 , the museum is located in Jalan Panglima, Bukit Gantang Wahab, Ipoh . The collections here include a history of Ipoh 's expansion and development, the mining industry and forestry in the state of Perak. The museum building has its own remarkable history. It was built more than 100 years ago. The building was used as the residence of Malay dignitaries in the Kinta District. When the British Administration took over the building, the British built several fortresses as war shelters around the building. One of them was opened to visitors. The Museum Darul Ridzuan is open daily from 9am to 5pm except on Thursday when it is open for half a day and is closed on Sundays. Entrance is free.
(Extracted from:http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Perak/guide_dridzuan.htm) |
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Tambun Hot Springs
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.
(Extracted from:http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Perak/guide_tambun.htm)
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The Lost World
The Lost of World of Tambun, Ipoh , a 40-acre waterpark, is the latest venture of Malaysia 's Sunway Group costing. This RM60 million attraction is located at the foothills of the limestone cliffs. With man-made ancient ruins and grottos that create a feel of an “undiscovered” lost civilisation, the theme park is landscaped with vines, creepers and lush tropical plants to give the illusion of a “lost world.”
(Extracted from: http://tourism.gov.my/news/details.asp?newsid=360 )
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Indian Temple
Cultural Hindu festivals such as Deepavali and Thaipusam are widely celebrated in Ipoh . Kallumalai Arul Migu Subramaniar, set amongst the limestone hills, is not to be missed.
(Extracted from: http://www.heritage.com.my/ipoh/tour_guide/) |
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For more information on other places of interest nearby, please visit:
www.visitmalaysia.com
www.heritage.com.my/ipoh
www.perak.gov.my
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| Freshest variety of fruits & nuts |
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Ipoh is famous for its fruits and nuts. A trip to Perak isn't complete without a taste of the sweet juicy pomelos and seedless guavas. Pomelos are seedless citrus fruits usually the size of a soccer ball, and are grown exclusively in the state. Other succulent fruits include seasonal rambutan, mangosteens, mangoes, durians, Golden Star Fruit, Red Dragon Fruit (Pitaya) and the tasty Menglembu groundnuts.
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| Special interest areas |
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Bird Watching at Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary (Mangrove forest)
This coastal bird sanctuary attracts a wide variety of exotic birds, particularly during the migratory season between August and December. Hundreds of species of birds have been sighted here, as well as a number of fascinating mammals, the dusky leaf monkey, smooth otter, and ridge-back dolphin among them. For information, contact the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Ipoh . |
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Caving
Malaysia has some of the biggest and longest limestone caves in the world, some are archaeological sites, others are beautiful with stalagmites and stalactites, and maybe underground rivers. Some caves are home to a wide variety of cave fauna such as bats, swiftlets, snakes, and invertebrates. In Perak there are many cave temples which can be visited. Gua Tempurung is a show cave with electric lighting and walkways, and a variety of tour options. It has a fine river passage and some enormous upper chambers. There are other 'wild' caves which can be visited by equipped cavers. The Lenggong area is an archaeological site, home to the 11,000 year old Perak Man, and a 70,000 year old stone tool industry.
For more information on caving in Gua Tempurung, visit: http://www.cuticuti.com.my/outdoor/caves/tempurung_rate.htm
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Fresh Water Prawn Culture
www.sadc.perak.gov.my
Fruit Cultivation
www.agrolink.moa.my |
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