Top 30 Perak Attractions (2023)
Perak, also known as the Land of Grace is a state located in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia bordering Kedah, Pahang and Selangor. Home to some of the best cuisines in Malaysia, Perak is also famous for its limestone caves and natural beauty. With so many places to visit here, check out these top 30 Perak attractions.
- Bagan Datuk
- Batu Gajah
- Gopeng
- Ipoh
- Kampar
- Kuala Kangsar
- Kuala Sepetang
- Manjung
- Sitiawan
- Taiping
- Teluk Intan
Bagan Datuk
1. Blue Tears
Witness the Blue Tears phenomenon at Sembilan Island, where the sea water glows prominently in neon blue when there is water movement. The blue glow near the shore comes from a type of rare bio-luminescent plankton which creates a breathtaking sight at night, making it one of the must-visit Perak attractions. If you want to experience this phenomenon, make sure to check out the respective local tours.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates
Batu Gajah
2. Kellie’s Castle
Kellie’s Castle is located in Batu Gajah and built by a Scottish rubber plantation owner by the name of William Kellie Smith to celebrate his child’s birth. Unfortunately, the construction was never completed as William Kellie Smith passed away from pneunomia during the construction and what stands today is the testament of the love, tragedy and mystery of the Smith family. This majestic landmark is also said to be one of the few haunted Perak attractions that attracts a lot of visitors.
Operating Hours: Subject to tour rates
Ticket Price(s): Free
Gopeng
3. HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley Gopeng
‘Gaharu’ or Agarwood is a wood known for its distinct fragrance and medicinal properties. To ensure the highest quality of this wood, the Gaharu Tea Valley was set up to replicate a natural ecosystem such as introducing a large number of earthworms in the ground. This is quite a huge area with more than 200,000 trees and you can visit this Perak attraction to not only see how the crops are taken care of, but also to taste the organical Agarwood tea.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
4. Gopeng White Water Rafting
If you are into outdoor adventures, you will be glad to know that you can enjoy white water rafting in Gopeng. The crystal clear water of the river provides an exhilarating rafting experience that is not too tough and suitable for everyone. Located just 15 minutes away from Ipoh, you can drive to this location, or opt for pick up from your hotel.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates
5. Tempurung Cave (Gua Tempurung)
Tempurung Cave is one of the largest limestone caves in Peninsular Malaysia. It got its name from the 5 big domes in the cave which resembles a coconut shell. This 400 million-year-old cave is also a popular spot among mountain climbers and caving enthusiasts for its distinct cave formations. Just outside the cave, you can sign up for a spelunking tour that has various difficulty levels.
Operating Hours: RM10
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates
Ipoh
Ipoh, the “hipster capital of Malaysia”, is the perfect getaway for someone looking for a place with the ideal combination of nature and historic and modern structures. This city has various things to offer, from limestone caves, cave temples, a hot spring spa and historical sites to some contemporary street arts and trendiest cafes. Not only that, you will be glad to know that Ipoh is the second food capital of Malaysia after Penang, so you are sure to find something that excites your taste buds.
6. Sunway Lost World of Tambun
Sunway Lost World of Tambun is a theme park that is quite similar to the Sunway Lagoon, the theme park located in Selangor. It has a dry park that includes outdoor rides, wet park where all the water attractions are and a safari as well. However, that makes the Sunway Lost World of Tambun different is the 100% natural mineral hot spring spa that has the ability to heal skin problems, boost blood circulation and reduce stress.
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – RM117 | Child – RM110 (senior citizen as well)
7. Perak Tong Cave Temple
With a history that traces back to 1926, the Perak Tong Cave Temple is one of the most popular Perak attractions where people from all over the place come for prayers and blessings. On the temple grounds, you will get to see the intricate carvings and drawings of the Buddha’s journey here. Apart from that, there is also a 40 feet high golden Buddha seated in a lotus position in one of the caves here.
Operating Hours: Adult – RM117 | Child – RM110 (senior citizen as well)
Ticket Price(s): RM10
8. Gunung Lang Recreational Park
Another popular Perak attraction is the Gunung Lang Recreational Park which covers an area of 30.35 hectares. The main highlights of this park are the man-made waterfall coming down from a limestone hill, 2km walkway over the swamp and a lookout tower for you to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the place. It also has a lake which covers takes up around half of the area of the park. Some other facilities that you can find here include a children’s playground, mini zoo and a campsite for those looking to stay for a night here.
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00am – 12:00pm (1:30pm – 7:00pm) | Friday, 8:00am – 12:00pm (2:45pm – 4:00pm) | Satuday to Sunday (and public holidays), 8:00am – 6:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
9. Birch Memorial Clock Tower
The clock tower was built in 1909 by James W. W. Birch at a cost of $25,000 in the middle of a square. The tower is mainly painted in white with black trimmings, has a mother bell and 4 smaller bells, and 4 panels. Each panel depicts the elements of the different phases of human civilisation such as the Stone Age, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Byzantine Empire, and modern science, art and social services.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
10. Ho Yan Hor Museum
Ho Yan Hor is a a famous Chinese herbal tea brand in Malaysia that goes all the way to 1941. This museum houses the legacy of the visionary herbalist, Dr. Ho Kai Cheong, a Chinese immigrant’s journey in perfecting the recipe of herbal teas. At the end your tour here, you will be given three cups of different herbal teas to sample.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
11. Concubine Lane
It was said that these lanes were given by a mining tycoon to his 3 wives as gifts after a fire destroyed the old town in 1892, before it was rebuilt with lanes of shops. It is the reason why the Concubine Lane that you see today has 3 lanes in total. In recent times, the state government has revitalised these lanes to be one of the top heritage spots in Perak known for their murals, specialty cafes and boutique hotels.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
12. Ipoh Mural Art Trail
If you are looking to see some street arts in Ipoh, you can join the Ipoh Mural Art Trail to hunt for these wall arts drawn by local and foreign artists. You can get a map from the Ipoh Tourist Office to find the exact locations of these murals. Some of the popular murals that you get to find here are ‘Paper Plane’ and ‘Old Uncle Drinking Coffee’.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
13. Gerbang Malam Ipoh
Gerbang Malam Ipoh is a night market that is famous among the locals. If you are looking for affordably priced items, you will be glad to know you can find them here, items such as snacks, clothes, handicrafts and T-shirts as well. Not only that, you can also have your dinner in one of the many popular restaurants located near to this street.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00pm – 12:00am
Ticket Price(s): Free
14. Kong Heng Square Artisan Market
One of the more quirky and unusual spaces for youngsters to hang out is Kong Heng Square. What makes this place stand out from other Perak attractions is how they ensure the retro revival of this place while keeping the history intact. Located alongside the restaurant, ‘Plan B’, you will find small stores selling arts and crafts and unique looking traditional food such as “ais kepal” (shaved ice).
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 12:00am
Ticket Price(s): Free
15. Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
Ipoh is famous for its hot springs, and it is not surprising to find that a hotel was built in this incredible landscape of hot springs and limestone hills. Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is one of the luxurious resorts in this area, offering guests a chance to rejuvenate in this serene place. Some of the things that you will find here are one of the most unique wine bars in the world, massages, spas and more.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Subject to hotel rate
16. Ipoh Railway Station
Originally built to be a hospital, it was later converted to be a railway station. Also known as the ‘Taj Mahal of Ipoh’ by the locals, it is one of the oldest stations in Malaysia which has been serving as a transportation hub in Ipoh for both locals and foreigners. This station also has a hotel, Majestic Hotel furnished with a bar, restaurant and rooms where weary travellers can freshen up.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
17. Time Tunnel Ipoh
Often described as one of the best museums in Ipoh, Time Tunnel Ipoh provides visitors with a glimpse of Malaysia’s past. Located on the first floor of a shophouse in Jalan Panglima, it replicates the 1940s settings of a house, old streets and more. As an added bonus, another one of the famous Perak attractions, KooKee Ipoh Oldtown is located on the ground floor of the same building.
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 9:00am – 4:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – RM6 | Child – RM4
Kampar
18. New Agacia Town Kampar
If you have always dreamt about going to Disneyland, you will be glad to know about New Agacia Town Kampar, one of the hottest Perak attractions. Modelled after Hong Kong Disneyland’s Main Street, the walls of the buildings here are painted in pastel colours to provide you with a perfect photo backdrop. Not only that, there are also Disney-themed cafes and a replica of Hollywood’s famous ‘Walk of Fame’ as well.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
19. Japanese Carbide Factory Chimney
Another historical attraction that you should check out is the Japanese Carbide Factory Chimney, located in Malim Nawar. During the World War 2, the Japanese used this factory to produce military weapons and equipments. Today, what’s left of the factory are a 18m high brick chimney and a small guard house.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
Kuala Kangsar
20. Victoria Bridge
Built 40 feet above ground, Victoria Bridge is one of the oldest railway bridges in Malaysia. Officially opened by the then Sultan of Perak in 1900, this railway bridge was constructed to support the local tin mining industry. This heritage spot remained in use until 2002, when a bigger and wider bridge was built to handle more rail traffic.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
21. Ubudiah Mosque
Known as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia, Ubudiah Mosque is situated at Bukit Chandan Royal Mausoleum. Designed by a government architect, Arthur Benison Hubback, what makes this mosque stand out are its golden dome and minarets. Completed in 1917 at a cost of RM200,000, this Perak attraction is now a symbol of great pride to all Muslims in the state.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
Kuala Sepetang
22. Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve
Spanning across an area of 40,000 hectares and due to its importance, the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve was gazetted as a permanent forest reserve by the state government in 1906. Due to the government’s active efforts in preserving this mangrove forest, Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve is recognised as one of the world’s best managed sustainable mangrove ecosystem. If you are visiting this place, you can thread through the thick forest on a wooden platform bridge.
On top of that, on the northen tip of this forest is the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary where you can find more than 160 species of birds. If that is not amazing enough and if you are lucky, you may spot dolphins and dugongs swimming along the river mouths and river deltas. Finally, if you want to experience a beautiful night here, you can go for the fireflies river tour and be amazed by the sparkling displays of the fireflies.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
Manjung
23. Dutch Fort
Located in Pangkor Island, this is the remnant of the old Dutch Fortress which was built in 1670 for the storage and protection of tin supplies. Destroyed in 1690 by the Malays due to the Dutch’s attempts to monopolise tin ore trading, it was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1743, before it was abandoned in 1748. The state government later reconstructed this fort in 1973 as an important heritage monument and tourist attraction.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
24. Pangkor Island
Pangkor Island is one of the top Perak attractions situated along the Straits of Malacca. Though it might be a more tranquil island compared to the Langkawi Island and Perhentian Island, it has its unique attributes as well. Not only can you find pristine and quiet beaches here, you can also snorkel in one of Malaysia’s calmest and clearest waters.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
Sitiawan
25. Tua Pek Kong Temple
If you are looking a religious place to visit, you can check out Tua Pek Kong Temple (‘Tua Pek Kong’ means Grand Uncle in Chinese), a 100-year-old Chinese temple located in Sitiawan. Not only is this place famous for its divine blessings, you can find a row of giant white statues overlooking the sea. Koi ponds, artifical rocks, pagoda and a large seated Buddha statue can also be found here.
Apart from all the above attractions, there is also a dragon-shaped tunnel which you can walk inside through its mouth. The walls in the tunnel are lined with panels with illustrations of ‘The Ten Chambers of Hell’.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
Taiping
26. Taiping Lake Gardens
Taiping Lake Gardens is one of the oldest lake gardens in Malaysia and is also the first public garden established under the British rule. Opened in 1880, the vast lake is encircled by lush greeneries and complete with facilities such as jogging and reflexology tracks, paddle boat rides and a playground. On top of that, there are a number of heritage structures nearby such as ‘Old Residency’, formerly home of the Secretary to the Resident, the Raja’s House and army officers’ residences.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
27. Taiping Zoo
With Taiping having one of the oldest lake gardens in Malaysia, it is not surprising that one of the oldest zoos in Malaysia is also here. Established in 1961, Taiping Zoo covers 34 acres of land and houses more than 1,000 animals across 180 animal species. Among the highlights of this zoo are its feeding time in the morning and the night safari.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 11:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – RM16 | Child – RM8
28. Perak Museum
Not only one of the oldest Perak attractions, Perak Museum is also one of the oldest museums in Peninsular Malaysia. Built in 1883, this all white museum has 4 main galleries where more than 8,000 collections and artefacts are displayed. The collections comprise cultural collections, nature collections (such as animal, bird, fish and snail), and miscellaneous collections, including archaeological findings.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – RM2 | Student – Free (And child below 12 years old)
29. Spritzer Eco Park
Spritzer Eco Park first opened its door to the public in 2015 with the aim of preserving the nation’s heritage through fun and education. Among the attractions available here are the Signature Hole Golf and 18-hole mini golf courses. Apart from that, you can also visit Cactus Rock, a 214 million years old rock to make a wish with your loved ones and seal your love at the Heart Lock Corner (inspired by the ‘love locks’ in Pont des Arts bridge, Paris).
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 9:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
Teluk Intan
30. Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan
Sharing resemblance to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan. It was built in 1885 to be used as a water tank by the people nearby and also as a time keeper. Today, it is a popular stop-over tourist spot when people visit Perak.
An interest fact about this iconic 25.5-metre building is that it is actually a 3-storey building, though the exterior might look like an 8-storey building. On special occasions, the building will be adorned with flags and lanterns, and at night it will be illuminated with different coloured lights.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
With so many beautiful, historical and natural Perak attractions that will amaze you, it is definitely a place that you should include in your travel itinerary. You will also notice that this place is more serene and affordable compared to other major cities in Malaysia. Not only that, you will also be able to find one of the best ‘tau foo fah’ (soybean pudding) here.