|
| |
 |
|
Kellie’s
Castle
Located just 40 km south of Ipoh, Kellie’s Castle is
an amazing architectural structure. A peach coloured mansion,
William Kellie Smith began construction in 1915, until his
death in 1926. The castle houses countless room, dungeons
and tunnels.
Getting
There
Perhaps the best way of getting to Kellie’s Castle is
by taxi. There are however, busses which run from Ipoh to
the village just on the outskirts of the castle. |
|
| |
 Kuala
Kangsar
Kuala Kangsar, located 48km north of Ipoh on the Perak River, is
the royal town of Perak. It is dominated by three beautiful buildings:
Istana Iskandariah, Istana Kenangan and the Ubudiah mosque. The
Istana Iskandariah, situated on a hill overlooking the river, is
the palace of the Sultan of Perak. Although an imposing structure,
it is of less interest architecturally than the smaller and more
beautiful Istana Kenangan, which was built as a temporary residence
during the Iskandariah's construction. The Ubudiah mosque, begun
in the late nineteenth century though not completed until after
the First World War, is a magnificently picturesque structure topped
with a constellation of bright golden domes.
Kuala Kangsar is also the home of the Malaysian rubber industry.
It was here, in 1877, that nine rubber trees were planted by the
British resident Hugh Low, marking the arrival of an industry would
within decades vie with tin as the country's most important export. |
| |
 Ipoh
Cave Temples
The countryside around Ipoh is studded with dramatic limestone outcroppings,
many of which are dotted with cave temples. While many of the temples
are of recent origin, cave paintings dating back two millenia have
been located at one site. The most famous of the temples are Perak
Tong and Sam Poh Tong, both built by Chinese monks who arrived in
Perak with the wave of Chinese immigrants around the turn of the
century. Perak Tong is clustered with over forty Buddha statues,
the most impressive of which is almost 13 meters high. Sam Poh Tong,
which continues to be inhabited by a community of Buddhist monks
and nuns, houses various statues of Buddha among the cavern's natural
stalactites and stalagmites. Perak Tong lies 6 km north of Ipoh,
and Sam Poh Tong is 5 km to the south. Both shrines make pleasant
stopover visits, and at Sam Poh Tong one can enjoy lunch afterward
at the tasty vegetarian restaurant on the temple grounds. |
| |
 |
|
Bukit
Larut (formerly Maxwell Hill)
Bukit Larut, located just 10 km from Taiping, is Malaysia's
oldest hill station. Bukit Larut is not nearly as developed
as the more celebrated Cameron and Genting Highlands. However,
it preserves much more of the atmosphere of a colonial hill
station, with modest, welcoming bungalows, carefully cultivated
gardens, and a pervasive atmosphere of cool quietude. The
hill is accessible by four-wheel drive only. A land rover
is available at the foot of the hill. It leaves every from
7am to 6pm. Fare: RM2.50 for adults and RM1 for children.
|
|
| |
 Taiping
Taiping succeeded Kuala Kangsar as the capital of Perak in the late
nineteenth century. Taiping was during that time the thriving center
of the tin industry in the surrounding valley. In the 1890s, disused
mining pools at the edge of town were cleverly landscaped to form
the beautiful Lake Gardens. The Gardens are still tranquil and restorative,
though this once bustling town has become equally quiet. The country's
oldest State Museum is within the vicinity, containing artifacts
such as ancient weapons, handicrafts and aboriginal implements. |
| |
|
Pangkor
Island
Pangkor Island offers serene fishing villages, small bustling
towns, stretches of powder white sand and sparkling clear
sea. Kota Belanda (Dutch Fort) provides a historical feature
for the island, being 300 years old. The fort was used to
protect the island’s inhabitants from unwelcome pirate
attacks. In 1743, it was rebuilt, providing a garrison for
60 Dutch soldiers. A variety of resorts are situated on the
island, as well as cheaper chalet accommodation. Most of the
larger hotels offer beach-front views with a range of water sports such as jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkelling and water skiing. Visitors to Pulau Pangkor must visit the smaller island of Pangkor Laut which has been affectionately dubbed “Fantasy Island,” being so picturesque.
|
|
|
|
|
Getting
There
A 40-minute
ferry ride from Lumut (about 84 km from Ipoh) will get you to Pangkor
Island for a nominal charge. Busses run from Ipoh to Lumut. Alternatively,
a taxi or car can be hired in Ipoh. |
| |
|
|
