'''Perak''' [http://www.perak.gov.my/english/], the fourth largest of Malaysia's thirteen states after Sarawak, Sabah and Pahang, is situated on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. Its capital is the town of Ipoh (population: half a million).
There are several tourist destinations of moderate interest within the state, but the main tourist destination would probably be Pangkor Island, about 85km from Ipoh, and Ipoh itself because of its great food.
Regions
Cities and Towns
Ipoh - the capital city of the Perak state, known for its great food, tin mines and limestone mountains and caves.
Teluk Intan - a town famous for its pagoda-style leaning tower and unique steamed Chinese rice rolls (Chu-cheong-fun). It is home to a derelict palace that used to house the Raja Dihilir of Perak. Rumours abound about the palace being haunted, especially since it is in the vicinity of Muslim and Chinese cemeteries and is located right next to a Christian burial ground. Trespassing the palace grounds is prohibited and it is unknown whether ghost hunters have successfully been there.
Taiping - a quiet pensioner's paradise with century-old trees lining its roads. Attractions include a large park around the famous Taiping lake and the nearby Taiping Zoo.
Kuala Kangsar - the official royal town of Perak, it is home to the Raja Muda and Sultan of Perak (as of 2006).
Pasir Salak - a small but historic town in Perak which houses a museum detailing the struggle against colonialists in Perak.
Lumut - a town by the sea home to the famous Outward Bound School. It is close to the town of Sitiawan, famous for its fresh and cheap seafood and Chinese-Foochow cuisine and also Teluk Batik, a beach on the coast of the Malacca Strait. Ferries to Pangkor Island depart from Lumut.
Other destinations
Pangkor - a popular west coast island. Beautiful beaches, small fishing villages.
Bukit Merah - an eco-tourism destination that houses a theme park, eco park and the country's only orang-utan island.
Kellie's Castle, Batu Gajah - Known as the 'Taj Mahal' of Perak, the castle, located a short drive from Ipoh, was built by the Scottish planter William Kellie Smith as a sign of love for his wife. The construction of the castle was never completed and it has since been shrouded in mystery and romantic stories of love and tragedy.
Understand
Talk
Get in
Get around
See
There are many limestone hills in the central part of the state (such as between Ipoh and Chemor to the north, and Ipoh to Gopeng in the south), and most of them contain caves. Many of these hills have Chinese temples (called ''tong'') or Hindu temples, many are built into the caves. Drive through the state and look at this beautiful scenery, and visit one or more of the caves. If you're staying in Ipoh, you can take a medium-distance bus to a cave.
If you have occasion to travel to the east coast from Perak, make sure to take the East-West Highway from Grik to Tanah Merah, Kelantan. The scenery of mountains topped by virgin jungle is gorgeous.
Do
Most people would choose to hang out at the beaches like in Lumut, visit the Menara Condong in Teluk Intan or just go to the museums, or even go visit the guas. The best place to 'lepak' that I recommend would be IPOH PARADE on Friday afternoons and JUSCO during the weekends.
What is cool about Ipoh is that the clubs keep increasing and keep making it more of a place of entertainment. It is almost like a replica of Kuala Lumpur but more culture.
Eat
there's another place famous for its fresh seafood, in Tanjung Tualang, an hour drive from Ipoh town. Fresh water prawns are a speciality, the price is reasonable. And a must try drink is ice blended Sarsi with wheatgrass! It goes very well with seafood during a sunny day especially. Another local drink is ''ais lengkong kuning'' which is a mix of yellow jelly, lime, sugar and water.
Another famous food would be 'kai shi hor fun', which is located in Old Town, Ipoh. Has been through many generations of that family.
If you're looking for amazing seafood dishes, you should probably drive to Sitiawan for fresh seafood.
If you're looking for amazing and classy Chinese food, there is restaurant called Restaurant Overseas. It is pretty costly but it is worth it. The best investment for your tummy and your satisfaction.
Drink
Sleep
Accommodation varies from cheap old hotels through to five-star hotels and exclusive villas.
Tucked in the quaint locale of Sungkai is [http://www.plantationresorts.com.my/HotSprings/index_ap.shtml/ Felda Residence Hot Springs], a tranquil resort set amidst lush forest patches. With five exclusive villas luxuriously endowed with a hot tub Jacuzzi, a spacious living area and a fully-furnished kitchen, this verdant sanctuary is the perfect hideaway for those seeking a relaxing breather away from the bustle of the city. It also offers an array of recreational and wellness treats including a sprawling Therapeutic Park and a hot springs swimming pool.
Perak River Safari - The LangBuana Outdoor Camp has been conducting river adventures since 1989. This profesional outfit are ready to give you more experience dealing with water activities and camping by the river side. The place is surrounded by thousand acres of fruits orchard and rainforests which flank both sides of the Perak river, Malaysia. Located near by Kuala Kangsar, Perak. Also well knowns as Kuala Kangsar, Bandar Diraja. Please visit http://perakriversafari.com.my/ or http://www.kemmotivasi.com/
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