Perak, a land that is full of history, culture, folkfore and heritage, promises something for everyone. Offering visitors beautiful holiday hideaways that includes island resorts with sun, sea and sand, verdant tropical jungles and great heritage sites, there are many other interesting things to experience here.
Perak is also called the Land of Grace, and occupies 21,000 sq km. It is a state with a fascinating history. The state became more prominent with the discovery of tin in Larut, Taiping in 1848 by Long Jaafar. With this discovery, the state's economy boomed and more mining areas opened.
Although tin mining has ceased to be a major activity, visitors can still see Perak's tin mining history at the Geological Museum in Ipoh, its capital city. Today, Perak is a blend of modern towns, quaint villages, idyllic lakes, and many other natural attractions.
Surrounded by rugged limestone outcorps with colourful caves built into temples, and dotted by grand heritage buildings, is bustling Ipoh, which is also famous for its gastronomic delights, especially Chinese cuisine such as Chee Cheong Fun, Chicken Rice, Ipoh Laksa and Ipoh Hor Fun (flat noodle).
Kuala Kangsar, the royal town of Perak, boasts many old buildings and structures of historical value such as the Ubudiah Mosque and the Iskandariah Palace. The town is also well known for its unique cottage industry producing Perak's famous earthernware, Labu Sayong.
Another enchanting town is Taiping - home to the country's oldest museum and the cool hill resort of Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill). Its scenic Lake Gardens and the Taiping Zoo are favourites with locals and visitors alike.
Perak is a cultural and historical haven. Kellie's Castle in Batu Gajah, famous for its architecture and romantic milieu, was built by a wealthy Scottish rubber planter William Kellie Smith more than a century ago. Another historical site is Pasir Salak, located further west of Batu Gajah. The pride of Teluk Intan town, 84km from Ipoh, is its amazing leaning tower. Reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, this pagoda-like structure was built in 1885.
Pangkor, Perak's island in the sun draws throngs of visitors annually to its lovely beaches.
For nature lovers, there is a vast area of virgin jungle known as Royal Belum State Park. This pristine forest is excellent for trekking, bird watching and animal sighting. Covering an area of 134,167ha, the forest reserve has been found to contain new and unknown species of trees and insects.
Perak offers many treasures that make visiting the state a fascinating experience.