If your idea of a perfect weekend getaway involves warm mineral pools, the sound of rushing water, and a shaded spot to unpack a proper picnic, Lubuk Timah Hot Spring is worth putting on your list. Tucked in Simpang Pulai, about 15 km from Ipoh city, this recreational park sits at the foot of lush hills and combines two things you rarely find in the same place: natural hot springs and a cascading waterfall, all within easy walking distance of each other.

It is the kind of spot that locals have known about for years but that rarely makes it onto the tourist trail, which is precisely part of its appeal. Here is everything you need to know before making the trip.

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What sets Lubuk Timah apart from the more developed hot spring options in Perak is its unpretentious, kampung-style charm. There are no admission wristbands, no Instagram-ready LED pools, and no resort pricing. What you get instead is a genuine recreational park where families spread out on rented gazebos, children splash in the river, and the adults settle into warm mineral pools with nowhere urgent to be.

The site has an interesting history too. The land was once part of an active tin mining operation in the early 20th century, and the old reservoir dam that the miners built still stands today, now silted up and sending water tumbling over both sides to form two natural waterfalls downstream. That colonial-era dam, framed by jungle and limestone hills, is one of the more quietly striking sights in the area.

Its location also makes it a convenient stop if you are driving up to Cameron Highlands via the Simpang Pulai route, or combining it with a day in Ipoh old town before or after.

Here are the top activities to enjoy during your visit.

The main draw, naturally. Lubuk Timah has several open-air pools of different sizes and temperatures, ranging from comfortably warm to noticeably hot, the hottest pool sits at around 50 to 60 degrees Celsius, so dip a foot in first before committing. The pools closest to the river are the most popular and tend to fill up quickly on weekends. The mineral-rich water is believed to help ease joint pain and improve circulation, making it a favourite with older visitors in particular.

A short walk from the hot spring pools, the waterfall formed by the old colonial-era dam is the natural complement to the soaking experience. After warming up in the pools, heading over to stand in the cool waterfall spray is genuinely refreshing, and the setting, greenery everywhere, water cascading over mossy stone, makes it one of the most photogenic spots in the park. The walk there is easy and flat, suitable for all ages.

Lubuk Timah is very much a picnic destination. The park provides shaded gazebos and picnic tables available for rent at RM10 per day, and enclosed private pondok cabanas are available for those who prefer more space. Pack your own food or pick something up from Ipoh before heading out, and settle in for a proper afternoon by the river. Many families spend the entire day here without running out of things to do.

The park also provides BBQ facilities for groups who want to make a full event of the visit. It is a popular option for family gatherings and office trips, and the riverside setting adds to the atmosphere. If you are planning a BBQ session, it is worth calling ahead to check on availability and any booking requirements.

For those who want a bit more activity, Lubuk Timah also offers light jungle trekking through the surrounding secondary forest. The trails are not particularly demanding, making them accessible for casual hikers and older family members. The combination of a short morning trek followed by a long soak in the hot spring pools makes for a very satisfying day out.

An unexpected offering for a hot spring park, but horse riding is available on-site at an additional fee. It is a fun option for children especially, and something different from the typical wet-and-soak experience.

Lubuk Timah's location near the Simpang Pulai toll exit makes it easy to combine with other Perak attractions. Ipoh old town with its white coffee, cave temples, and heritage streets is only about 20 to 30 minutes away by car. If you are travelling from or to Cameron Highlands via the Simpang Pulai route, the park is a natural halfway stop to break the drive and stretch out.

Lubuk Timah Hot Spring (Pusat Rekreasi Lubuk Timah) is located in Simpang Pulai, Perak, approximately 15 km from Ipoh city centre. The park is accessible via Route 185, the Simpang Pulai to Cameron Highlands road, near the PLUS Expressway Simpang Pulai exit.

Important note: Grab and ride-hailing services do not reliably service this area. If you are not driving, arrange your own return transport before you leave, do not assume you can call a ride once you are ready to head back.

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Despite its laid-back, nature-based character, Lubuk Timah is reasonably well-equipped for a full day visit:

Operating hours and entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please verify with the park directly or check the latest information on Traveloka before your visit.

There are restaurants and cafes on-site, but the selection is limited. If you are going for a full day, packing your own food and snacks is a good idea, especially if you are visiting with children. Do not forget dry clothes, a towel, slippers, and sunscreen.

Lubuk Timah is genuinely popular with local families on weekends and public holidays. Arriving by 9 AM gives you a better chance of securing a good gazebo spot and enjoying the pools before they get crowded.

As mentioned, ride-hailing services are unreliable in this area. If you are not driving, the most practical option is to rent a car from Ipoh or arrange a charter taxi for a return trip.

The higher-temperature pools at Lubuk Timah can reach up to 60 degrees Celsius. Test the water gradually before soaking, and avoid putting children in the hottest pools unsupervised.

Soaking in warm water causes your body to lose fluids faster than you realise. Drink plenty of water before and throughout your visit, and take regular breaks in the shade between soaks.

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A day at Lubuk Timah pairs beautifully with a night or two in Ipoh, where the food scene alone is worth the trip. Whether you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or elsewhere in Malaysia, you can  Book your flights, hotels near Ipoh, and other Perak attractions conveniently through Traveloka.

From comfortable stays in Ipoh city to options closer to the Simpang Pulai and Cameron Highlands corridor, Traveloka helps you piece together the kind of relaxed Perak getaway that Lubuk Timah is the perfect centrepiece for. Plan your trip today and let the warm mineral water do the rest.