Perak is one of the states in Malaysia and boasts for the fact of being the second largest state by size in the Penisular. With Ipoh being capital city of Perak, this state is known for its rich historical reputation in top-notch tin mining activities. Perak was the richest state in Malaysia too until there was a drop in the price of tin that severely affected the economy of the state.

Perak translates to Darul Ridzuan in Arabic, which carries the meaning of “Abode of Grace”. In Malay, the meaning of Perak means silver and it is believed that it was named Perak due to the silvery colour of tin. This state was a great target of the British empire in the 1890s for it was the richest tin-deposits in Malaysia and today, the capital, Ipoh, houses more than half a million people.

Being the center of attractions for tourists, there are many places that would surely excite the adventurous spirit in every visitor. Pangkor Island is definitely the major tourist destination here and is located about 85 km away from Ipoh and Ipoh itself for its great food, limestone caves and beautiful mountains.

How to Get There

Getting in and out of Perak is fairly easy as the transportation here is well developed and easily accessible.

By Plane

There is one airport in Ipoh that serves only domestic flights, Sultan Azlan Shah Airport. Flights flying in are mainly from AirAsia, Malindo and FireFly.

By Train

The major element of transportation here in Perak is their railway and it is well developed. From Kuala Lumpur, The ETS (Electic Train System) runs on an hourly basis all the way up to Ipoh. The journey takes about 2 hours and a half depending on the train that is taken.

By Bus

The Malaysian Express Bus offers reliable and highly convenient transportation all over Perak, mainly to Ipoh, Taiping, Tanjung Malim, etc. The buses from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan has a shuttle going to Ipoh on an hourly basis.

Tourist Attractions

Listed are some of the famous attractions in Perak that must surely be in your list of places to visit. Enjoy exploring the rich heritage of the state and discovering fascinating facts about Perak.

Ipoh Railway Station

Locals affectionately calls the Ipoh railway station the Ipoh’s Taj Mahal and there are certainly some good reasons behind it. This railway station has a close resemblance to the one in Kuala Lumpur and it is one of the most impressive landmarks in the state. It features a unique combination of the Moorish architecture with some classic modern embellishments, which make it an iconic site worth seeing. An incredibly beautiful floral garden surrounds the railway station which serves as a warm and charming welcome for the tourists.

Gua Tempurung

This is reputed as being the largest and most popular natural milestone cave that is found in Malaysia and has been in existence since 8000 B.C. Visitors can the scenic route and explore the beautiful domes in the cave with each of them having its different and unique formations of stalactites and stalagmites via the well-lighted up man-made bridge. Or they can choose to take the rough trail, a whole new caving adventure which will bring them through a stream inside the cave.

The Royal Belum State Park

This is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and covers over 300,000 hectares of land. This tropical paradise offers tourists a chance of enjoying nature at its unspoiled and purest form and houses over 3,000 different animal and plant species. There 14 most threatened mammals in the world at the park like the Malaysian Tiger, Sumatran Rhino, Malaysian Sunbear, Asian Elephant and the Malayan Tapir. It is surely the hottest destination in Perak for tourism lovers.

Hotels

Perak has indeed some nice range of hotels to crash at, reflecting the balance of eco-cultural destination that can be found here.

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Nestled in a 16.19-acre valley and cradled by 260 million-year old towering limestone hills, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is the perfect gateway to regain balance and to rediscover your sense of true self. This uniquely hidden heaven is surrounded by a landscape of wondrous, eternal beauty. Featuring 25 sumptuous Garden and Water villas, a relaxing Spa and Wellness Center as well as Geothermal Hot Springs Dipping Pools, this hotel screams serenity, calm and total peace.

The Western Premier The Haven Ipoh

At Best Western Premier The Haven Ipoh, every effort is made to make guests feel comfortable. To do so, the hotel provides the best in services and amenities. For the comfort and convenience of guests, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms, daily housekeeping, taxi service, wheelchair accessible, facilities for disabled guests. The hotel features 150 beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which include complimentary tea, closet, towels, slippers, complimentary instant coffee.

M Boutique Hotel

Well-positioned in Kampung Kuchai, M Boutique Hotel is the ideal point of departure for your excursions in Ipoh. With its location just 3 km from the city center and 3.4 km from the airport, this 3-star hotel attracts numerous travelers each year. A haven of rest and relaxation, the hotel will offer total renewal just steps away from the city's numerous attractions. M Boutique Hotel offers impeccable service and all the essential amenities to invigorate travelers. A selection of top-class facilities such as free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, gift/souvenir shop, portable wi-fi rental can be enjoyed at the hotel.