Kampar was a tin mining town founded in 1887 that lies within the Kinta Valley. There is one theory that Kampar is named after the Kampar River. The Kampar River itself got its name given by the immigrants coming from the Kampar Regency in Riau. Furthermore, it is said that the first Sultan of Perak was based in Kampar Regency before becoming Sultan of Perak in Perak.

However, the local Chinese community had the impression the name Kampar was derived from the Cantonese word “kam pou” which means “precious gold” that refers to the town’s large tin reserves.

Kampar is a district in Perak, Malaysia that can be broadly divided between the ‘old town’ and ‘new town’ areas. The old town consists of two main streets resembling the original appearance of pre-war shop houses, namely Jalan Gopeng and Jalan Idris. The new town refers to new residential developments. It is just a term to introduce Taman Bandar Baru whereby literally the word ‘Taman’ means residential areas.

How to Get There

By Plane

There are flights to Ipoh provided by Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Firefly and Air Asia. From the airport, guests may hail up a taxi to Kampar.

By Car

People driving from Kuala Lumpur may drive through the North-South Expressway (PLUS) to Kampar that will take approximately two to three hours journey.

Among the available express bus services are Perak Transit, Edaran, Super Ria, Konsortium and Parit Express giving direct links from Kuala Lumpur to Kampar.

Other option is to take the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) Intercity or KTM Electric Train Service (ETS) trains that offers stop at the Kampar Railway Station.

Tourist Attractions

In Kampar, visitors could get to know the tin mining history by witnessing the tin dredge up close at the Kinta Tin Mining Museum. The original tin dredge is three-storeys high and weighs 4500 tonnes and it is considered as ‘the largest tin dredge in Malaysia’.

Popular activities among nature lovers is caving activity at Gua Tempurung or bird-watching at Kinta Nature Park. Gua Tempurung is a 3 km long cave, one of the longest in Peninsular Malaysia directly located below the two limestone hills in Ipoh, namely Gunung Tempurung and Gunung Gajah. As for the Kinta Nature Park, if visitors happen to come at the right season in between September until March, thousands of migratory birds from as far away as China, Mongolia and Russia can be seen as they escape the winter cold.

Kampar’s most recognized signature delicacy is the Curry Chicken Bun. It is famous for its original taste of curry that is not very spicy, but tasty. The curry broth combines well with the golden brown, soft fluffy buns.

For many more authentic Kampar cuisine, visitors may head to hawker centres in Kampar known as the “36 stalls” in Jalan Baru. Most of the stall owners have been operating for decades selling assam laksa, wanton, curry and beef noodles.

Hotels

Sahom Valley Agro & Eco Resort

A great hotel situated in Kampar. A simple hotel with decent facilities.

Sakura Homestay Kampar

Hotel SK Kajang has a very good location. It offers splendid service together with wide range of facilities provided.

Grand Kampar Hotel

One of the most common preferred hotel situated in Kampar. This hotel is likable by many tourist travelling solo, accompanied with friends or family.

The Trails of Kampar

For family vacation or leisure, this place provides a satisfactory comfort during your stay in Kampar.