Historical Sites

Perak

It’s time to take a trip down Perak’s memory lane. The historical buildings here - be it centuries ago or just decades ago, all have stories of their own. Places such as the Cave of Great Happiness or “Kek Lok Tong”, has gained popularity over the years. Then there’s the ever-haunting and mysterious Kellie’s Castle, and not forgetting the magnificent Ipoh Railway Station. These places are bound to keep you clicking away at your cameras from the moment you lay eyes upon them.

Kellie’s Castle
Kellie’s Castle
Kellie's Castle was meant to be a home away from home for Scottish Planter, William Kellie Smith in the 19th century in Perak. The castle is perched on top of a hill. Construction of this unique castle begun in 1915. However, work came to an abrupt halt with Kellie's sudden death in 1926. Recently, efforts have been made by the Perak State Government to rescue this magnificent structure from falling into ruins.

Add: Kellie’s Castle, 31610 Batu Gajah, Perak

Dutch Fort Pulau Pangkor
Dutch Fort Pulau Pangkor
Located at Teluk Gedung village, south of Pulau Pangkor, the 330-year-old stone foundation of a Dutch Fort built in 1670 remains one of the Dutch strongholds against pirates and local Malays. As time passed, the locals who were unhappy with the treatment of the Dutch and destroyed the fort sometime in 1690. Later in 1973, the National Museum undertook its reconstruction to restore as much as possible the remains of the fort and retain its historical significance and heritage.

Add: Dutch Fort, 32300 Pangkor Island, Perak

Ipoh Railway Station
Ipoh Railway Station
The Ipoh Railway Station bears a close resemblance to its counterpart in Kuala Lumpur. Affectionately known to locals as Ipoh's "Taj Mahal", it is an impressive landmark that combines Moorish architecture with modern embellishments. Currently, the second floor of the building is hosted by the Majestic Station Hotel. In all honesty, the hotel interior looks fairly average with room rates start at slightly below RM100 per night. Facing the building is a beautiful floral garden that serves as a charming welcome for tourists to the city.

Add: Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, 30590 Ipoh, Perak

Teluk Intan Leaning Tower
Teluk Intan Leaning Tower
The pride of Teluk Intan, 84km from Ipoh, is its spectacular leaning tower. Reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa this pagoda-like structure was built in 1885 by Chinese contractor, Leong Choon Choong. Initially, it was used as a covered water tank to store water sufficient for 800 Teluk Intan residents at that time. These days, it just tells the time.

Add: via Jalan Selat, 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak
Tel: 05-2531562

Geological Museum
Geological Museum
The Geological Museum houses more than 600 samples of minerals and ores found in the state of Perak. Among the minerals recovered from the local grounds are copper, coal, galena, hematite, iron, tungsten, sulphur, calcite, corundum, gold, wolframite, monazite, and alluvium. Established in 1957, the Geological Museum is also famous for its display of the best specimen of cassiterite in the world.

Add: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 34100 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-557644

Perak Museum
Perak Museum
The Perak Museum in Taiping, Perak is the first museum built in Malaysia and is one of the oldest in Asia. Built by the British in 1883, the architecture of the Perak Museum still depicts a traditional British architecture. The museum has held many social and educational programs aimed at instilling a love for traditional culture. The Perak Museum also collaborates with the Department of Museums and Antiquities in historical and cultural research as well as restoration programs.

Add: Muzium Perak, Jalan Taming Sari, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Tel: 05-8072057
Fax: 05-8063643

Perak Royal Museum
Perak Royal Museum
Previously known as Istana Kenangan, Istana Tepas and Istana Lembah, the Perak Royal Museum was built as a royal residence in 1926. It is an amazing architecture which was built without a single nail. The museum rests majestically on Bukit Chandan, a hilly landscape also known as Changkat Negara. The museum now showcases Perak's Royal regalia as well as pictures and history of the Royal family.

Add: Istana Lama Bukit Chandan, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Tel: 05-7765500
Fax: 05-7765500

Kek Lok Tong (Cave of Great Happiness)
Kek Lok Tong (Cave of Great Happiness)
Opened in the 1970s, Kek Lok Tong is the most recent of the Ipoh cave temples and perhaps the most spectacular of them all. The temple is set in a huge cave in the limestone outcrops behind Gunung Rapat. The temple has impressive works of art, with statues of Buddha in various forms among natural stalactites and rock formations. Vegetarian food is also served here at the temple.

Add: Taman Rapat Indah, Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak

Masjid Ubudiah
Masjid Ubudiah
Located at Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, the Ubudiah Mosque is reputed to be one of the most beautiful mosques in the country and a symbol of pride and faith for all muslims in Perak. The construction of the mosque began in the reign of Sultan Idris Murshidul Adzam Shah 1 but was interrupted a number of times. The mosque was officially opened by Sultan Jalil Karaamatullah Shah in 1917.

Add: Bukit Chandan, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak

Sam Poh Tong
Sam Poh Tong
Sam Poh Tong is a famous cave temple located in Gunung Rapat, about 5km south of Ipoh. It is said to be the biggest cave temple in the country, with various statues of Buddha located among the stalactites and stalagmites. The present temple facade dates back to the 1950s and a stiff climb of 246 steps will lead you to an open cave with an excellent view of Ipoh and its surroundings.

Add: 36543, Jln Gopeng, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-3120813

Perak Tong
Perak Tong
Perak Tong is a limestone cave temple located at Jalan Kuala Kangsar. This temple houses over 40 Buddha statues, the centre piece being a 12.8m high sitting Buddha. Beyond the main altar, there is a passage which leads into the interior of the cave. After a steep climb of 385 steps, the cave opens again to reveal a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. Visitors will also be fascinated by the beautiful mural paintings of the cave's walls.

Add: Gunung Tasik, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, 33000 Ipoh, Perak

 

HOTELS IN PERAK

From 5-star establishments to beautiful breathtaking island resorts – Perak has it all! You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which kind of accommodation that would best suit your taste as each and every hotel and resort here are simply good in its own ways. Whether you’re a budget traveler or one who simply wants to experience the luxury taste of a 5-star island resort, you’re bound to find something here that will suit you.

Guide to Perak Hotels