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Perak is Malaysia's fourth largest state after Sarawak, Sabah, and Pahang. It is situated on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula, sharing a border with Kedah at the north; Kelantan and Pahang to the east; Selangor to the south, and the Straits of Malacca to the west. The state's capital town is Ipoh, known for its sumptuous food and hipster cafes.
Perak offers different type of attractions and activities that you can surely enjoy. From beaches to nature and adventure, you will definitely have something worthwhile to do while in the region. Here's our travel guide on what to do and see, where to stay, and where to eat in Perak, Malaysia.
Things to Do in Perak
Experience Malaysia's Homestay Program
Malaysia is known for its reliable homestay program and two homestay programs that I have personally experienced are Homestay at Labu Kubong and Homestay at Bagan Datuk. Both offers different type of experience which will make you more understand the local culture and traditions.
See the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan
The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan is a clock tower in Teluk Intan, Hilir, Perak, Malaysia. It is the Malaysian version of the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. It was built in 1885 by contractor Leong Choon Chong. It stands at 25 meters with 110 steps and originally housed the water tank that supply water in the town area.
Enjoy Nature and Adventure at Perak Agro Tourism Resort
Located in Tanjung Tualang, Perak, Malaysia, Perak Agrotourism Resort is a serene and beautiful resort which mixes the elements of nature, agriculture and rural tourism. PATRO is must-visit place in Perak especially for those families and travelers who love nature and adventure. It provides a quiet environment as well as a number of recreational activities such as ATV, cycling, kayak, paddle boat, horseback riding, fishing, paintball, and many others.
See the TT5 Tin Dredge - Malaysia's Last Remaining Tin Dredge
Located approximately 9 kilometers south of Batu Gajah on the Tanjung Tualang road in the state of Perak, Malaysia, Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5 (TT5) is Malaysia's last remaining tin dredge. It was built in 1938 by F.W. Payne in England. It was formerly owned by Malayan Tin Dredging Limited before it was donated to the State Government of Perak by Malaysian Mining Corporation (MMC).
See the Orangutan Up Close
Orangutan Island is a short 15 minute boat ride from the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort. The facility has progressed from being a sanctuary, where visitors experienced first-hand awareness and education on the orangutan, to a recognised ex-situ conservation facility and referral centre for the endangered Bornean orangutan.
Cruise at Lake Banding
One of my favorite activities during our Visit Perak trip was cruising the Lake Banding on board a traditional boathouse. It was one of the most memorable experience I had during the entire familiarization tour. There was a very limited network coverage so we had time to really talk to each other and enjoy the beauty and serenity of Lake Banding. Read more about our Lake Banding experience here.
Visit Taiping Zoo
Taiping Zoo is located in a charming natural setting in Taiping Lake Gardens close to the foot of the Larut Hill. It is home to 1,300 animals from 180 different species. These includes lions, tigers, hippopotamus, giraffes, zebras, elephants, hornbills and a lot more. The zoo also offers a night safari which is first of its kind in Malaysia.
HOTELS IN PERAK : Where to Stay in Perak
Patro Agro Tourism Resort
The resort is owned and managed by the Perak State Agriculture Development Corporation. It is situated on a 600-acre agricultural site. It consists of 12 well-designed modern villas and a traditional Malay house called Rumah Kutai overlooking a man-made lake. It can comfortably accommodate around 28 guests at a time. Read more about PATRO.
Belum Rainforest Resort
The Belum Rainforest Resort is one of Malaysia's premier ecotourism holiday destinations. Located in the middle of Belum-Temengor Rainforest in Pulau Banding, the Belum Rainforest Resort is an ideal getaway for nature lovers and holiday-goers who want to experience serenity and relaxation. Guests of the resort have a rare opportunity of experiencing nature at its best. Check rates and availability.
Bukit Merah Laketown Resort
Bukit Merah Laketown Resort is about 3 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and can easily be reached through Bukit Merah toll exit (Exit 150) using the North-South Expressway. The resort is surrounded by green vegetation and is fronting one of Malaysia's largest freshwater lake. Check rates and availability.
Hotel Casuarina @ Meru
Hotel Casuarina@Meru is one of Perak's best lifestyle hotel ideal for both leisure and business travelers. It is situated in the heart of Ipo's extended township of Bandar Meru Raya, an upcoming township which offers a complete range of facilities and amenities that will suit your needs. Check rates and availability.
RESTAURANTS IN PERAK : Where to Eat
Restoran Udang Galah Teluk Intan
If you want something local, try eating at Restoran Udang Galah. They offer sumptuous local cuisines. Must-try is their udang (freshwater shrimp) in sambal sauce. Don't expect too much about the place, it's more of a roadside eatery than a restaurant.
Goreng-Goreng Cafe
Located in Meru, Ipoh, Goreng-Goreng Cafe offers delectable food offerings at very affordable prices. Enjoy delicious food and good music at Goreng-Goreng.
So, there you go, Perak is definitely worth a visit. In fact it is ranked number nine on Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel 2017". Visit Perak now! Book your train / bus ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh here.
Big thanks to Empayar Awan Biru for organizing the Social Influencers Fest 2017. Also thanks to the sponors: Malaysia Inbound Toursim Association (MITA), Homestay Malaysia, GetFi, Destination Perak, MB Inc. MK Land Inc., Koridor Utara, Royal Belum, Tourism Malaysia, Perak Agrotourism Resort, Swiss Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Casuarina Hotel Ipoh, & Laketown Resort.
Visit Perak 2017 Blog Series:
Homestay at Bagan Datuk : Living Like A Local in Perak
Perak Agrotourism Resort : Nature Meets Adventure
TT5 Tin Dredge : Malaysia's Last Remaining Tin Dredge
A Memorable Sojourn at Bukit Merah Laketown Resort
Belum Rainforest Resort : Your Gateway to Nature
Cruising Lake Banding on a Traditional Boathouse
Homestay at Labu Kubong : Experience Tranquility in Perak
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