Perak Darul Ridzuan

            Perak is bounded to the north by pulau pinang (seberang prai), to the south by Selangor, to the east by Kelantan and Pahang has a coartline facing the straits of Melaka to the west. It is the richest state in tin resources in the country and the kinta valley possessed at one time the richest alluvial deposits in the world. The Perak river is the second longest in the peninsula (400 km).

The state also produces paddy, pineapple, palm oil, rubber and timber. The deep natural harbour of Lumut in dinding provides malaysia with its major

Manjung - Pulau Banding

PLACES OF INTEREST Island and Beaches

Pulau Banding Pulau Banding, situated in the middle of tasik temenggor, is served by a resthouse - Banding Island Resort, and a petronas petrol station. The resthouse has 28 air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms, and offers a restaurant, function rooms that can accommodate 10 to 150 people, and activities for both indoor and outdoor recreation, including fishing, birdwatching, jungle trekking and boating. Pulau Banding is also the venue of the annual banding fishing contest.

Pulau Bubung This is one of the many islands found in Tasik Temenggor (Lake Temenggor). It is inhabited by the Jahai and Temia native tribes. The island has a reputation as a good location for freshwater fishing.

Pulau Chiong Pulau Chiong is one of the many islands at tasik temenggor (lake temenggor) in banding. The island is inhabited by the jahai and temia native tribes, who are expert fishermen and skillful hunters. The island has a reputation as being a good location for freshwater fishing.

Pulau Perhilitan Pulau Perhilitan is one of the many islands at tasik temenggor (Temenggor Lake) in banding. Occasionally, it becomes the station for government officers when conducting research and observations.

Pulau Tekam Pulau Tekam is one of the many islands at tasik temenggor (Temenggor Lake) in banding. This cool and tranquil retreat is an ideal place to associate with the surrounding nature. Definitely gives you the opportunity to relax and unwind. Here, one can find some orang asli (aborigines) settlements.

Pulau Tujuh Pulau Tujuh is one of the many islands at tasik temenggor (Temenggor Lake) in banding. Most of the inhabitants here normally extend a warm welcome to their visitors. They are natives (aborigines) of the `jahai` and temia` tribe who are known to be great fishermen and hunters.

Manjung - Pangkor Island

Places of interest island and beaches

Nipah bay/teluk nipah pantai teluk nipah is situated approx 1 kilometre from pantai pasir bogak. The beach is secluded and is able to maintain its natural beauty. Unlike other beaches, it has corals, sea cucumber and bird lovers can find the hornbill (burung enggang) on this beach.

Pangkor island pangkor island is situated about 7 kilometres from lumut town across the straits of malacca. It comprised of 9 small islands, pulau pangkor laut, pulau mentagor, pulau glam, pulau dua, pulau tukun terinduk, batu orang tua (batu mandi), pulau simpan, pulau jarak and pulau tukun pekan.

Pangkor laut resort this is malaysia's very own fantasy island. It has three main beaches, namely emerald bay which is ideal for swimming, sunbathing coral beach, a haven for skin divers in search of colourful corals and underwater marine life and royal bay.

Pantai puteri dewi pantai puteri dewi, which literally means beach of the lovely princess, offers a stretch of fine white sand and shimmering blue seas on the fringes of lush green tropical forest. Here, the shallow crystal-clear water enables you to frolic in the water along the vast coral reef. along the stretch of beach, there are various accommodations ranging from hotels, government rest house to budget chalets. In fact, the pan pacific resort pangkor here offers elegant accommodation with 161 rooms, a sports hall, a golf course, convention rooms as well as facilities for snorkelling and wind surfing.

Pantai pasir bogak accessible by road from pangkor town, this is the most popular beach on pulau pangkor (pangkor island). It has been described as 'the biggest swimming pool in the world'. The water is shallow and crystal clear, offering endless hours of fun and frolic in the sun-kissed sea along the vast coral reef. the two-kilometre crescent-shaped beach offers a host of facilities such as sailing, fishing, snorkeling and wind surfing (available at sea view and beach hotels) making pasir bogak beach a more popular recreation spot for the local population. thronging the beach are open-air stalls offering local delicacies such as barbecued squids, satay and fish crisps. In fact, accommodation is easily available, ranging from luxury hotels, chalets to the more spartan comforts of 'attap' huts and camping sites.

Pulau sembilan one sure sign of a good fishing sport is to look out for the anchovies. Where there are lots of them, there is certainly plenty of fish around as it is mother nature's rule for the big fishes to feed on the smaller ones. One spot off the coast of perak which teems with anchovies is the waters near pulau sembilan, a group of nine islands about an hour and a half boat ride off the south-west of pangkor. Naturally, all these add up to make pulau sembilan something of an angler's paradise. A perfect spot to head to for those with fishing on their minds and also the most likely spot t land a whopper or two with every cast of the line.

Hulu Perak

Places of interest nature and adventure

Baring peak the baring peak that spans along the way from banding in gerik to kelantan is indeed the east-west highway's highest peak. One will definitely enjoy the lushful, green scenery from the top of bukit baring since it is surrounded by other hills and mountains which are part of the titiwangsa range.

Belum forest reserve towards the north and northwest of tasik temenggor lie a vast area of virgin jungle known as belum forest reserve. It was out of bounds to visitors until recently, but permission has to be sought to enter the area as it is still a security area. Nevertheless, belum forest reserve is of great interest to ecologists, conservationalists and nature enthusiasts.

Inai park this recreational park is situated in the town of gerik, up north of the perak state.

Lata batu tergantung this is one of the many cascading waterfalls in perak and a good location for a picnic or a quiet snooze out in the open. The locals would sometimes do their fishing at the river tributaries.

Lata kekabu set in the locale of lenggong, this waterfall is encompassed by forest reserves abundant with a diverse range of tropical trees and foliage. For those who wish to be one with nature and desire a different mode of accommodation, there is a camping site near the waterfalls. There is also a multi-purpose hall nearby which is used for meetings and receiving visitors.

Mount kenderong for eco challenge enthusiasts or those who prefer to go off the beaten track, check out the challenging gunung kenderong (4,014 m) also known as 'twin peaks of hulu perak'. available here are camping facilities and mountain guides at reasonable rates for interested parties. Pengkalan Hulu Lake Garden One of the main attractions at the Pengkalan Hulu is its lake gardens. It is truly a good place to unwind and drink in the surrounding vistas, the exuberant greenery and colourful flora. For fishing enthusiasts, try your luck at the lake. 'Perak Man' Cave Human skeletons, said to be that of the early settlers of Perak, were found in this cave. They were believed to be from the earlier centuries, perhaps 4 BC. The cave where the skeletons were found has since been graced with the name `Perak Man` Cave. Located in Kampung Gelok in Lenggong, about 86 km from Ipoh City. Puteri Cave Legend has it that during the territorial wars between the Sultan and local chieftains, Her Royal Highness, the Princess would seek refuge in this cave. Many times the enemy could not locate her, as the cave was well protected by thick foliage and well camouflaged. Located in Kampung Gelok in Lenggong, about 86 km from Ipoh City. Tampan Fort Kota Tampan in Lenggong, believed to be where the earliest civilisation in the region first set foot, has now turned into an archaeological site. Many tools dating back to the Bronze Age had been revealed through excavation works. Tanjung Kala This beautiful five-level waterfall is one of many popular local waterfalls in the state of Perak. The refreshing atmosphere and the cascading sounds of the waterfall give this place a unique charm of its own and many could not resist taking a dip in the cool ice-cool mountain water. Located at Tanjung Kala. Temenggor Lake Covering 15,200 hectares, Tasik Temenggor is the largest man-made lake in Perak. The lake's panoramic beauty is complemented by the rich flora and fauna. This enchanting atmosphere is further enhanced by the unique lifestyle of the orang Asli (aborigines) who make their homes in the jungles surrounding the lake.

Hilir Perak Teluk Intan

PLACES OF INTEREST Nature and Adventure

Teluk Intan Formerly known as teluk anson, this sleepy little town was once an outlet for tin export from the kinta valley. Today, it is just a small town that deals with retail and general trading.but on its outskirts, business is as usual for people of the coastal villages. For centuries, they have been wooden boat makers and designers, and the boatyards located in and around Teluk Intan bear testimony to this.

Teluk Intan leaning tower The pride of Teluk Intan, 84km from Ipoh, is its spectacular leaning tower. Reminiscent of the leaning tower of pisa this pagoda-like structure was built in 1885 by chinese contractor, leong choon choong. The dominating 25.5m tower was once used for water storage.

Batang Padang - Tapah

PLACES OF INTEREST Nature and Adventure

Aborigines Settlement Most of the Orang Asli settlements can be found in the vicinity of Lata Iskandar (Iskandar Waterfall) and Kuala Woh. Visit them and see how they live. The main source of income for these people come from the sale of traditional handicraft like rattan baskets, fruits like durian and forest produce like petai (green edible seeds which locals eat raw).

Kuala Woh Recreational Forest Kuala Woh presents a natural backdrop for fun-seekers to swim, picnic and fish. Interesting features include the natural hot-water pool, various waterfalls, Tebing Merbau, 30-metre suspended bridge crossing over the Batang Padang River as well as the opportunity to spot butterflies of the Rajah Brooks species along the forest walking tracks. In fact, Orang Asli, or aborigines, live their traditional way of life in this area. Situated on the way to Cameron Highlands, about 13 km from Tapah town.

Lata Iskandar The Lata Iskandar waterfall, on the way up to cameron Highlands from tapah, is an ideal picnic area and favourite stopover. Its surrounding jungle is home to one of the largest variety of exotic insects and plant life in the world. Traditional earthen ware pottery is crafted at kampung kerayung.

Lata Kinjang Lata Kinjang is located about 18 km from tapah. The main attraction at this waterfall is the impressive series of cascades winding down a 100-metre drop. There are parking bays and eating stalls for picnickers. Visitors may also an orchid garden and a bamboo park..

Lata Sungai Bil Lata Sungai Bil is one of many popular local waterfalls in the state of Perak. This ice-cool mountain stream, dotted with huge rocks and river boulders, is a grand sight to behold, especially from high vantage points off its banks. Visitors usually could not resist the temptation to take a dip in the cold waters of this crystal-clear stream.

Orang Asli Handicraft Centre The orang asli (aborigines) handicraft centre has an assortment of crafts up for sale. The area around is inhabited by the orang asli community whose main source of income is from the sale of traditional handicraft as well as forest produce. Items like wood carvings, wooden blowpipe and traditional rattan fish traps which make unusual souvenirs to take home. Located beside Lata Iskandar, about 22 km after tapah, along the road to cameron Highlands.

Kerian

PLACES OF INTEREST Nature and Adventure

Bukit Merah Lake Town Bukit Merah Laketown is a 1500-acre township-in-the-making integrated with waterfront development. This premier waterfront township in the northern growth triangle is situated in the fast developing linear belt, along the North-South Highway south of Butterworth. It lies near the border of three States, namely Penang, Kedah and Perak. This development is an integrated commercial, leisure, recreational and residential township fronting the 7000-acre fresh water Tasik Bukit Merah (Bukit Merah Lake). Situated off the Bukit Merah Interchange along the North-South Expressway (PLUS), only a mere 35-minute drive from the Penang Bridge.

Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary Located in the Kerian district, Kuala Gula or literally known as the `Sugar Estuary' is famous for the variety of exotic birds that come here to nest. It is also a sanctuary for migratory birds from all over the world. Over 160 species of birds, some of them protected, have been sighted in this area making it a haven for bird watchers. One particular bird species, milky stork, has even made its home here. The best time to visit the bird sanctuary is between the months of September and December when thousands of birds come to rest and feed in the area.The sanctuary is also home to the smooth otter, dusky leaf monkey, long-tailed macaque and the ridgeback dolphin.

Tok Ali Cannon Panglima Tok Mat Ali was a legendary warrior who was famous among the locals in fighting the British. In his struggle for nationalisation, Tok Mat Ali used a very powerful cannon to ward off the advancing British troops into the Kerian district. The cannon was not discovered until 1938, when a group of villagers accidentally dug it out from the ground. Nevertheless, the ravages of time have not left a mark on this mysterious cannon which weighs 150 kilograms and stands at 4.57 metres high. One Interesting fact about the cannon is that it wouldn't budged, not even a single centimetre, making efforts to relocate the cannon to a nearby museum futile. Locals attribute this spectacle as that, 'one that is faithful to its owner'. Situated in the compound of the Kerian District Police Headquarters in Bagan Serai town.

Menderang Menderang is a countryside destination that offers the thrill of the outdoors. The undulating hills, the caves at gua tempurung, mountain adventure on gunung besout, the Sungkai Deer Farms and ostrich farms are some of the attractions of this area. It is also the venue of the Menderang water festival. Accommodation is available at Trolak Country Resort.

Sungkai Deer Farm Sprawled over 100 hectares of land, the deer farm is established and managed by the Wildlife Department. Here, deers of various species are allowed to roam freely in a habitat similar to their own natural environment. The farm jointly set up in 1978 by the State and Federal authorities also provides a reserve for certain bird species and other wildlife, as part of efforts toward conservation and prevention of their extinction. Located at the Manderang vicinity of the Sungkai area.