Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill)
Bukit Larut is Malaysia's oldest hill station and founded in 1884. It' located just ten kilometres from quiet Taiping in Perak. Formerly it was called Maxwell Hill. Bukit Larut is approximately 1250m above sea level. It is located in the wettest part of the country, this hill station experiences the highest rainfall in the country.
Bukit Larut is Malaysia's oldest hill station and founded in 1884. It' located just ten kilometres from quiet Taiping in Perak. Formerly it was called Maxwell Hill. Bukit Larut is approximately 1250m above sea level. It is located in the wettest part of the country, this hill station experiences the highest rainfall in the country.
Bukit Larut is not nearly as developed as more celebrated hill resorts such as the Cameron or Genting Highlands. However, it preserves much more of the atmosphere of a colonial hill station, with modest, welcoming bungalows, carefully cultivated gardens, and a pervasive atmosphere of cool quietude.
Reaching the top of the hill requires a four-wheel drive jeep. Since private vehicles are not allowed entry, the resort authority caters to this service.
A land rover is available at the foot of the hill. It leaves every hour from 7am to 6pm. A 30 minute drive up the steep hairpin bends will bring you to the top. The narrow winding road was reportedly built shortly after World War II and was completed in 1948.
The road up twist and turns through tropical virgin jungle, and fresh green fragrance and cool air greeting you as you ascend. In the past, coffee and tea were grown on an experimental basis but seized to continue due to transport and logistic complexities.
Midway to the top is the Tea Garden House situated. That was once part of an tea-estate. The view at this point is magnificent and features the entire Taiping town as well as the Lake Gardens. Also visible are the suburbs of Aulong and Simpang and the 19km stretch of Taiping - Port Weld road.
At the summit you are treated to a spectacular view of the West Coast of the peninsula. On a clear day, it is possible to view the sweeping coastline stretching from Pangkor Island to Penang.
Visitors are usually enthusiastic about attempting an invigorating climb to the Cottage, which incidentally happens to be the only accessible summit.
The hill is riddled with groves of evergreens and vibrantly colorful flora and fauna. Nowhere in Malaysia will you witness a wide canvass of roses, dahlias, daisies, pansies, petunias, lupines and marigold abound in profusion. The cool climate also favours golden sunflowers, reputedly the largest variety in the country. To top it all there is a waterfall for cool fun.
Bird life here is plentiful. The best trail for bird watchers is the Gunung Hijau Trail, which spirals up towards the summit of Gunung Hijau, one of the peaks of the hills. The unspoilt mountain forest is also home to smaller fauna such as gibbons and squirrels, while its flora comprises species such as wild orchids, Mountain Giant Fishtail Palm and many species of bracken-like ferns.
Besides leisurely strolls through verdant flower gardens or indulging on relaxation spots, visitors also have the option of playing tennis, 1115 meters above sea level, just below the clouds.
Local rumour has it that there are several Sumatran tigers roaming around in the dense jungle. Occasionally, they loiter on the resort grounds but escape being sighted yet leaving only their footprints behind.
Visitors can either stay at the Bukit Larut Resthouse or by making reservation through the Superintendent of Bukit Larut, Taiping, Tel: 05- 827243 / 827241.
A Land Rover service at the foot of the hill is available at hourly intervals from 7.00am to 6.00pm daily. Fares are RM 2.50 for adults and RM1.00 for children.
Pasir Salak Historical Complex
Situated 70 kilometres from Ipoh city, the Pasir Salak Historical Complex is exactly what its name implies, a memorial to the remarkable history of Pasir Salak and the people of Perak. Pasir Salak is of special importance in the historical development of Malaysia as an independent and sovereign nation in that it was here that the original flames of Malay nationalism can be said to have begun. The assassination of the then British Resident of Perak, J.W.W. Birch, sparked off a war between the British colonial administration and the Malays. Although the better-equipped British army prevailed, there was no stopping of the sentiment of freedom and sovereignty that had been aroused among the Malays, leading eventually to the declaration of independence, from colonial rule.
Other interesting sights at the complex include Mr. Birch’s grave, the burial site of Sipuntum, the man who actually carried out the said assassinations, the sight of Datuk Maharajalela’s fortress, the lela rentaka cannons used against the British colonialist army, 2 beautiful examples of traditional Malay Rumah Kutai of the olden days, an interesting souvenir shop as well as an information counter.
The Pasir Salak Historical Complex is actually located by the banks of the Perak River, and is often a venue for river-related activities, apart from being noted for its historical displays. The Complex is open everyday (including public holiday) except Friday from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm.
Admission for an adult is RM.5.00 and a child (6-12 years old) is RM.3.00.
Teluk Intan Leaning Tower
Malaysia boasts its own equivalent to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, right here at the heart of the Teluk Intan town centre. Like its Italian counterpart, the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan has a leftward slant, and all the ingredients to make it an architectural sight to behold.
Standing at 25.5 metres tall, its construction detail gives it an appearance comprising of 8 different levels. Once inside, however, one will be surprised to discover that the building is actually divided only into 3 storeys.
This pagoda-style structure was built in 1885 by a Chinese contractor named Leong Choon Chong, and was originally used as a covered water tank to store potable water for the immediate vicinity. Today, it stands as an architectural oddity that continues to attract visitors to Teluk Intan
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
.
Kellie's Castle
About 30 minutes drive from Ipoh, near Batu Gajah, stands the ruins of Kellie's Castle. It belonged to William Kellie Smith, an English rubber tycoon during the late 19th century. The castle was never completed as Smith left for Scotland in the midst of its construction, and never returned.
Shrouded in dark mystery, it is believed that Kellie's Castle has hidden rooms and a secret tunnel. The road which leads to the Castle follows the contours of the land in dizzying, maze-like fashion, adding to the mystery and romance of the place.
Temenggor Lake
Located in Gerik and covering 15,200 hectares, Temenggor Lake is the largest man-made lake in Perak. The panoramic beauty of the lake is complemented by the diverse flora and fauna. This enchanting atmosphere is further enhanced by the unique lifestyle of the ‘orang asli' who make their homes in the jungles surrounding the lake.
The lake has a rich source of freshwater fish like Kelah, Tenggalan and Baung, which although found here are extinct in other places. This only serves to make Tasik Temenggor a more attractive and important fishing area in Perak.
Banding Island Resort
The Banding resort, 35km from Grik, is the ideal place for fishing enthusiast and those who really want to get away from it all. This remote resort covers 103.6 hectares next to the Temenggor lake at the mid-point of the East-West highway. The lake delivers fish of generous proportions and there is ample opportunity for trekking, camping and picnicking. At present, there is a modern restaurant and resthouse which provides comfortable accommodation. Plans are underway for expansion and improvement ofthe existing facilities.
Tambun Hot Spring
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.
River Terrapin Breeding Project at Bota Kanan
A breeding farm for 'Tuntung' (river terrapins or Bataqur baska) is located at Bota Kanan, about 40km from lpoh. Opened in 1967 by the State's Dept of Wildlife and National Parks, the primary aim of this project is the conservation of this species. To date the hatchery at Bota Kanan has released more than 25,000 hatchings into the Perak river. Between November and March, visitors can witness migrating river terrapins laying eggs in the wilds.
Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary
The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is located in the district of Kerian in the state of Perak Darul Ridzuan. The sanctuary has been established since 1970 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) and the state government of Perak. The main objective of creating the sanctuary is to protect migratory and resident bird species, which have been using the wetland area for many years. The migratory birds utilise the large mudflat area for feeding and resting during their migratory route from the northern to the southern hemisphere. Tens of thousands of migratory birds comprising 48 species of 8 families visit Kuala Gula from September until April each year. Some of these migratory birds come from as far as Siberia in Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Japan and China. The Kuala Gula mangrove swamp forest and mudflat are not only important for migratory birds but also for 600 families of fishermen who depend totally on the mangrove forests and marine ecosystem for their livelihood. Many fishermen involved in fishing, cockle farming, aquaculture, shrimp and crabs derive their income from this wetland area. Currently, eco-tourism activities are getting popular in Kuala Gula. Approximately 5,000 visitors came to Kuala Gula last year. The fishermen living in the vicinity of Kuala Gula for the last hundred years have survived within the natural ecosystem of this mangrove swamp forest. The dependence of man on this natural ecosystem will continue for generations to come.
INTRODUCTION
The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is among the well-established bird sanctuaries in the Asian region. The establishment of the bird sanctuary started in the early 70s. The main objective is to protect and conserve the migratory as well as resident bird species. There are about 161 species of birds found in the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary comprising 48 species of migratory birds and 118 species of resident or local birds (Appendix 1). The mangrove swamp forest and a long stretched of mudflat beaches provide an excellent feeding ground and nesting habitat for migratory and resident bird species.
Taiping Lake Gardens
The oldest lake gardens in the country, this park sprawls over 62 hectares at the foot of the hill resort of Bukit Larut. Magnificently sculptured out of the natural environment, these picture-postcard gardens present a serene and panoramic landscape with their lush greenery, lovely lakes and a profusion of colorful flowers and plants. The unforgettable sight here is the huge, ancient angsana trees with their drooping branches that seem to defy the law of gravity.
The Taiping Zoo, probably the oldest zoo in the country, is another attraction located within the Gardens. Visiting hours 8.30 am to 6.30 pm daily.
Fares are RM3.00 for adults, RM1.50 for children, primary student with uniform RM0.50 and secondary student with uniform RM1.00.
Other facilities available at the Gardens include a rest house, fishing and aquabiking in the area
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source : cuti .com
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