June 2010 ~ SCIENCE BASE

VISIT PERAK

:: Perak :: ::: Islands & Beaches ::: :: Lumut :: Lumut, the gateway to Pangkor Island, is situated about 84 km south of Ipoh City, Lumut is well known for its beautiful shell and coral handcrafts. The best time visit this dreamy little haven is between the months of August and November when the Annual Sea Festival (Pesta Laut) is held. There are sea sports competitions, cultural shows and fun and food fairs for everybody both young and old to enjoy. Do check with the Perak Tourist Information Center for the actual date the festival for the year. Linger awhile on the beautiful palm fringed shores of Teluk Batik, located approximately 6km from the town of Lumut. This strecth of beach is a favourite haunt for campers, picnickers and sun worshippers. The sparkling blue sea is enticingly warm and ideal for swimming. Canoeing ia another favourite sport along this stretch of coastal waters. :: Pangkor Island / Pulau Pangkor :: Situated just off the west coast of Perak in Peninsular Malaysia is one of the most enchanting islands you'll ever come across. Pangkor has for centuries enthralled visitors with her charming beauty. In days of old, she was the refuge of seamen who sailed through the Straits of Malacca. Pangkor's many idyllic bays made it the perfect stopover. Pirates, adventurers, merchants and soldiers of fortune sought the peace and tranquility she had to offer. :: Teluk Batik :: Approximately 84 km south of Ipoh is the quiet coastal town of Lumut which is now the base of the Royal Malaysian Navy and the jumping-off point to Pangkor island. Many locals, however, do not take the ferry to Pangkor but instead head for Teluk Batik, a pleasant beach about 6 km from Lumut. Here the white sands and swaying coconut trees make it an ideal site for relaxation and swimming. At low tide, some hard corals become visible. Chalet accommodation is available. :: Places Of Interest :: ::Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) :: Bukit Larut is Malaysia's oldest hill station and founded in 1884. It' located just ten kilometres from quiet Taiping in Perak. Formerly it was called Maxwell Hill. Bukit Larut is approximately 1250m above sea level. It is located in the wettest part of the country, this hill station experiences the highest rainfall in the country. Bukit Larut is not nearly as developed as more celebrated hill resorts such as the Cameron or 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. Reaching the top of the hill requires a four-wheel drive jeep. Since private vehicles are not allowed entry, the resort authority caters to this service. A land rover is available at the foot of the hill. It leaves every hour from 7am to 6pm. A 30 minute drive up the steep hairpin bends will bring you to the top. The narrow winding road was reportedly built shortly after World War II and was completed in 1948. :: D R Seenivasagam Park :: Located in the heart of Ipoh, the park is known for its scenic beauty and recreational facilities. It boasts of several recreational fields, an artificial lake fill with various types of fishes, a nursery for potted plants and a children’s traffic playground. There are also beautiful arches, modular framework, shelters, pedestrian paths and the Ipoh tree which gave the city its name. The latest addition is the newly landscaped Japanese Garden featuring a typical Japanese Carps pond. The fresh atmosphere and variety of flora are also part of the main attractions of this park. :: Darul Ridzuan Museum :: Opened on 18th Aug 1992, the museum is located in Jalan Panglima, Bukit Gantang Wahab, Ipoh. The collections here include a history of Ipoh's expansion and development, the mining industry and forestry in the state of Perak. The museum building has its own remarkable history. It was built more than 100 years ago. The building was used as the residence of Malay dignitaries in the Kinta District. When the British Administration took over the building, the British built several fortresses as war shelters around the building. One of them was opened to visitors. :: Geological Museum :: Established in 1957, the Geological Museum at Jalan Sultan Azian Shah in lpoh houses a collection of over 600 samples of minerals, classified according to chemical content and structure. The museum is wellknown for its exhibition of tin ore, including the best specimen of cassiterite in the world. There is also an impressive collection of fossils, precious stones and rock specimens. :: Ipoh Railway Station :: The Ipoh Railway Station is affectionately known as the Taj Mahal of Ipoh as it is quite a magnificent structure with it's Moorish architecture. It actually bears quite a striking resemblance to its Kuala Lumpur counterpart. It is one of the more impressive landmarks in Ipoh City housing modern embelishments within the structure. There is a hotel in the building for the weary traveller or those on the go. The railway station is surrounded by a beautiful floral garden which is quite a charming and warm welcome to visitors and tourists. It's charm and design has recently earned it to be one of the locations for the shooting of the Hollywood remake of Anna and the King staring Jodie Foster.The Ipoh Railway station is situated next to the Central Bus Station and the Main Post Office. :: Japanese Garden :: Located near the Perak Turf Club in lpoh, this public park recreates the aesthetics of a Japanese garden. A small Japanese house, a goldfish pond and a wooden bridge across a stream are some of the elements that conjure up the serenity and meditative atmosphere of the traditional Japanese garden. The grounds are lush with a variety of beautiful tropical flowers, plants and trees. An added attraction is the colourful floral clock on a slope. The park is open from 4.00pm to 8.00pm (weekdays) and 9.00am to 8.00pm (weekends). :: Kellie's Castle :: About 30 minutes drive from Ipoh, near Batu Gajah, stands the ruins of Kellie's Castle. It belonged to William Kellie Smith, an English rubber tycoon during the late 19th century. The castle was never completed as Smith left for England in the midst of its construction, and never returned. Shrouded in dark mystery, it is believed that Kellie's Castle has hidden rooms and a secret tunnel. The road which leads to the Castle follows the contours of the land in dizzying, maze-like fashion, adding to the mystery and romance of the place. :: Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary :: The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary is located in the district of Kerian in the state of Perak Darul Ridzuan. The sanctuary has been established since 1970 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) and the state government of Perak. The main objective of creating the sanctuary is to protect migratory and resident bird species, which have been using the wetland area for many years. The migratory birds utilise the large mudflat area for feeding and resting during their migratory route from the northern to the southern hemisphere. Tens of thousands of migratory birds comprising 48 species of 8 families visit Kuala Gula from September until April each year. Some of these migratory birds come from as far as Siberia in Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Japan and China. The Kuala Gula mangrove swamp forest and mudflat are not only important for migratory birds but also for 600 families of fishermen who depend totally on the mangrove forests and marine ecosystem for their livelihood. Many fishermen involved in fishing, cockle farming, aquaculture, shrimp and crabs derive their income from this wetland area. Currently, eco-tourism activities are getting popular in Kuala Gula. Approximately 5,000 visitors came to Kuala Gula last year. The fishermen living in the vicinity of Kuala Gula for the last hundred years have survived within the natural ecosystem of this mangrove swamp forest. The dependence of man on this natural ecosystem will continue for generations to come. :: Lata Iskandar Waterfalls :: The Lata Iskandar Waterfalls, on the way up to Cameron Highlands from Tapah, is an ideal picnic area and favourite stopover. Its surrounding jungle is home to one of the largest variety of exotic insect and plant life in the world. Traditional earthenware pottery is crafted at Kampung Kerayung. :: Lata Kinjang :: The Majestic Lata Kinjang waterfalls is visible from the north-south Expressway, after passing the Tapah exit. This majestic multi-tiered waterfall cascades 850 metres down the side of a mountain and proves a spectacular sight. The district is also home to several areas inhabited by the Orang Asli, the aborigines of the Peninsular. Villages exist near Lata Iskandar and Kuala Woh. The Orang Asli basically derive their income from the production and sale of fine handicrafts and the collection of jungle produce. :: Pasir Salak Historical Complex :: Situated 70 kilometres from Ipoh city, the Pasir Salak Historical Complex is exactly what its name implies, a memorial to the remarkable history of Pasir Salak and the people of Perak. Pasir Salak is of special importance in the historical development of Malaysia as an independent and sovereign nation in that it was here that the original flames of Malay nationalism can be said to have begun. The assassination of the then British Resident of Perak, J.W.W. Birch, sparked off a war between the British colonial administration and the Malays. Although the better-equipped British army prevailed, there was no stopping of the sentiment of freedom and sovereignty that had been aroused among the Malays, leading eventually to the declaration of independence, from colonial rule. The Pasir Salak Historical Complex is actually located by the banks of the Perak River, and is often a venue for river-related activities, apart from being noted for its historical displays. The Complex is open everyday (including public holiday) except Friday from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm. Admission for an adult is RM.5.00 and a child (6-12 years old) is RM.3.00. :: Perak Museum :: Built in 1883, the Perak Museum is the oldest museum in the country. It houses an impressive collection of ancient weapons, aboriginal implements, ornaments and archaeological treasures. Also on display are artifacts from Perak's rich historical culture and heritage. An excellent place to begin an in-depth study of the state and its past achievements. Visiting hours: 9.30am to 5.00pm. Admission - Free. :: Perak Tong & Sam Poh Tong :: Within the huge limestone caves of Gunung Tasek, 6 km to the north of lpoh, nestles the Perak Tong temple. Built in 1926 by a Buddhist priest from China, the temple houses over 40 Buddha. Beyond the main altar, a passage leads into the cave's interior. After a steep climb of 385 steps, the cave opens again to reveal a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. Another famous cave temple is the Sam Poh Tong temple, located in Gunung Rapat, 5 km south of lpoh. The temple is an impressive work of art and faith, with various statues of Buddha among natural stalactites and stalagmites. There is also a pond where visitors can feed tortoise, (symbol of longevity) with stalks of vegetables and a wishing well for those seeking better fortunes. Outside the temple is a vegetarian restaurant. :: River Terrapin Breeding Project at Bota Kanan :: A breeding farm for 'Tuntung' (river terrapins or Bataqur baska) is located at Bota Kanan, about 40km from lpoh. Opened in 1967 by the State's Dept of Wildlife and National Parks, the primary aim of this project is the conservation of this species. To date the hatchery at Bota Kanan has released more than 25,000 hatchings into the Perak river. Between November and March, visitors can witness migrating river terrapins laying eggs in the wilds. :: Royal Museum (Istana Kenangan) :: Previously known as Istana Kenangan, lstana Tepas and Istana lembah, the Perak Royal Museum is an amazing achievement in architecture. It was built without any architectural plans and without using a single nail. Situated near the lstana lskandariah, the Sultan of Perak's official palace at Kuala Kangsar. It was planned and built in 1926 after the great floods of 1926. Shaped like a sword, the entire palace was built without a blueprint and not a single nail was used. The walls are made of woven sliced bamboo, and patterned in diamond motifs called the 'kelarai'. The roof is in the shape of the 5 ridges of a traditional Malay house and the ridge of a row of bananas - known as 'perabung 5 and perabung pisang sesikat'. The palace was completed in 1931 and set up as a temporary residence for Sultan Iskandar Shah (1918 - 1938, the 30th Sultan of Perak) while the original royal palace or istana negara was being torn down for the new Istana Iskandariah. Open to public everyday from 9.30am - 5.00pm. Fridays closed from 12.15pm - 2.45pm for prayers. :: Sungkai Deer Farm :: At the Manderang vicinity of the Sungkai area lies a sprawling 100 hectares deer farm established and managed by the wildlife department. Here, deer of various species are allowed to roam freely, as if in their own natural habitat. Set up in 1978 jointly by the state and The Widlife Department, the farm also provides a reserve for certain species of birds and other wildlife, as a further effort towards conservation and prevention of their extinction. Admission free. Open from 8.00am to 4.15pm (everyday including public holiday) For more information, contact the Dept of Wildlife and National Parks at Sungkai 05 -5273411. :: Tambun Hot Spring :: A 15-minute drive from lpoh towards Tanjung Rambutan brings you to the foot of a limestone hill where a rejuvenating experience awaits you - an invigorating hot bath from a natural spring. The bath is open daily from 3.00 pm to 12.00 midnight. The facilities include saunas and restrooms Entrance fee is RIM 5.00. Other hot springs in Perak are at Sungkai, Pengkalan Hulu, Kampung Ulu Slim in Slim River, Kampung Air Panas in Grik and Manong in Kuala Kangsar. :: Taiping Lake Gardens :: The oldest lake gardens in the country, this park sprawls over 62 hectares at the foot of the hill resort of Bukit Larut. Magnificently sculptured out of the natural environment, these picture-postcard gardens present a serene and panoramic landscape with their lush greenery, lovely lakes and a profusion of colorful flowers and plants. The unforgettable sight here is the huge, ancient angsana trees with their drooping branches that seem to defy the law of gravity. The Taiping Zoo, probably the oldest zoo in the country, is another attraction located within the Gardens. Visiting hours 8.30 am to 6.30 pm daily. Fares are RM3.00 for adults, RM1.50 for children, primary student with uniform RM0.50 and secondary student with uniform RM1.00. Other facilities available at the Gardens include a rest house, fishing and aquabiking in the area. :: Teluk Intan Leaning Tower :: Malaysia boasts its own equivalent to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, right here at the heart of the Teluk Intan town centre. Like its Italian counterpart, the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan has a leftward slant, and all the ingredients to make it an architectural sight to behold. Standing at 25.5 metres tall, its construction detail gives it an appearance comprising of 8 different levels. Once inside, however, one will be surprised to discover that the building is actually divided only into 3 storeys. This pagoda-style structure was built in 1885 by a Chinese contractor named Leong Choon Chong, and was originally used as a covered water tank to store potable water for the immediate vicinity. Today, it stands as an architectural oddity that continues to attract visitors to Teluk Intan. :: Temenggor Lake :: Located in Gerik and covering 15,200 hectares, Temenggor Lake is the largest man-made lake in Perak. The panoramic beauty of the lake is complemented by the diverse flora and fauna. This enchanting atmosphere is further enhanced by the unique lifestyle of the ‘orang asli' who make their homes in the jungles surrounding the lake. The lake has a rich source of freshwater fish like Kelah, Tenggalan and Baung, which although found here are extinct in other places. This only serves to make Tasik Temenggor a more attractive and important fishing area in Perak. :: Banding Island Resort :: The Banding resort, 35km from Grik, is the ideal place for fishing enthusiast and those who really want to get away from it all. This remote resort covers 103.6 hectares next to the Temenggor lake at the mid-point of the East-West highway. The lake delivers fish of generous proportions and there is ample opportunity for trekking, camping and picnicking. At present, there is a modern restaurant and resthouse which provides comfortable accommodation. Plans are underway for expansion and improvement ofthe existing facilities. :: Bukit Merah Laketown Resort :: Perfecting the meaning for leisure and recreation conveniences, the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort in Taiping, Malaysia has all the right components to relieve you from the pangs for the busy city life where almost everything is hurried and congested. Nothing but the opulence of nature and its captivating serenity, the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort is an integrated zone that is built for leisure, pleasure, recreation and edification of nature and its creations and how we can further enjoy them. As a premier eco-tourism destination for families, it is also the preferred retreat and team building center for corporate and organizational groups in the country to date.

SCIENCE BASE

WIKIPEDIA

TRANSLATE

WORLD VISITORS

Popular Posts

Atmospheric CO2

GOOGLE

Science CS (HSP)

S- Yearly Plan

EXTINCT

Categories

Y6 SCIENCE NOTES

SCIENCE SONGS

Download

S- Courseware

SCIENCE PICTURES

SCIENCE EXTRAS

CNN SCI&TECH NEWS

MOON PHASE

DISCOVERY-TEC

SCIENCE CHAT

THINK ! & VOTE

Monday, June 28, 2010

THEME 2: FORCE

Sunday, June 27, 2010

THEME 1: INTERACTION

Share

Search This Blog

TIME

CALENDER

BLOGGER FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK

VISITORS

ENDANGERED ANIMALS

THE STAR

The Star e-paper

Blog Archive

Labels

EDUCATIONAL NEWS

ENDANGERED ANIMALS

MORE ANIMALS

THE SOLAR SYSTEM

S-QUESTIONS

S- POWERPOINTS

S-PUZZLES

S-GAMES

SCIENCE LINKS

GUEST BOOK

THE UNIVERSE

SCIENCE

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

SCIENCE & TECH

VISIT PERAK