 Perak
takes its name from the silvery color of the rich tin deposits for
which featured prominently in the history and economy of the state.
The growth of its major towns and the rise of numerous wealthy millionaires
in bygone years can be attributed to tin. Although tin-mining has
ceased to be a major industrial activity, Visitors can still catch
a glimpse of Perak's tin-mining history at the Geological Museum in
Ipoh, its capital city.
The saga of tin-mining aside, modern-day Perak is a vibrant state
and has numerous options for those willing to traverse its over 21,000
sq km of territory. Ipoh is appealing with its beautifully landscaped
parks, orderly streets and pleasant surroundings. It is also known
for its many fruit stalls selling the state's famous Tambun pomelos
and groundnuts. Guava is also commercially cultivated, mostly on what
was once mining land. Another appealing characteristic of Perak is
the imposing beauty of its limestone hills. Set within these hills
are two well-known cave temples, Sam Poh Tong and Perak Tong.
 Kuala
Kangsar, the royal town of Perak features many old buildings and structures
of historical value such as the Ubudiah Mosque and the Iskandariah
Palace. Here, the last surviving rubber tree of the original batch
that was brought from London's Kew Gardens in 1877 by H.N.Ridley,
can be seen at the district office. Just 15km south of this town is
the site of a unique cottage industry producing Perak's well known
earthernware, Labu Sayong. Taiping, 40km north, is home to the country's
oldest museum and the cool hill resort of Bukit Larut. Its scenic
Lake Gardens and the Taiping Zoo are favourites with locals and visitors
alike. There are several other points of interest that should not
be missed. One of these is Kellie's Castle in Batu Gajah. It was built
by a wealthy Scottish rubber planter, William Kellie Smith. Lovers
of history can visit the historical site of Pasir Salak, further west
of Batu Gajah. Pangkor, Perak's island in the sun draws throngs of
visitors annually to its lovely beaches, reputed to be among the best
in the world. Bird lovers should head north for the fascinating Kuala
Gula Bird Sanctuary where over 100 species of birds can be sighted.
Getting
There
Air: Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, Ipoh.
Rail: Ipoh Railway Station
Road: From Penang/ Kula Lumpur to Ipoh via the North-South Expressway
takes about 2 hours.
Sea: Lumut has a deep port, but it is more commonly associated as
the entry point for the holiday island of Pulau Pangkor.
Capital
City: Ipoh
Ipoh, takes its name from the ipoh tree. A species of the ipoh tree
can be seen in front of the Ipoh Railway Station.
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