Perak, literally meaning silver, was the silver lining of Malaysia's heyday, now has to its name indecisively sleepy backwater towns and agricultural industries.
Often taking the back seat to its more historical sister state, Malacca, Perak is the next choice destination for travellers who are history lovers.
The Land of Grace inherited its Malaysian history when the Portuguese captured Malacca in 1511. The rulers of the Malaccan empire scattered across the country and tried to re-establish the Malay empire’s sovereignty from the southern state of Johor. Eventually, the eldest son of the Sultan took on the offer to become the first Sultan of Perak, consequently making Perak among the only Malaysian state that is directly descended from the Malacca sultanate.
The state’s natural rich resources in tin made it highly coveted by foreigners. The Achehnese, Bugis, Dutch and Thai attempted to occupy Perak until when in 1820, British involvement kept Thailand from extending its borders into the state. Initially reluctant to establish its presence in Malaya, it eventually began colonial administration in 1874 through the Pangkor Treaty.
British presence in the state continued to bring it rapid prosperity and unprecedented richness through the tin trade and later the introduction of rubber, in the middle of the nineteenth century. However, Perak soon suffered economic downturn when the demand of tin and rubber declined sometime in the mid-twentieth century.
Today, travel through its trunk roads and you will witness snapshots of a glorious era once forgotten. Tin mines, accompanied by half-standing limestone hills, left as mining pools scattered all over the state. Some turned into fresh water fish industries, others neglected and awaiting development. Drive into its it’s towns and be enticed by Chinese mansions and buildings still preserved of its colonial architecture.
Alternatively, Perak is also a destination for agricultural tourism. The central parts of the state surrounding Pasir Salak is home to acres of fruit orchards that export the best of its crops overseas. While animal husbandry also takes over fragments of land that was once mined for tin. Look out for fruit harvest season for particular fruits like durian, mangoes, rambutan and guava.
Places of Interest
Ipoh– The state capital is home to many buildings of colonial and Straits Chinese architecture. A drive through the town would make you feel as though modernity had invaded into a colonial era. Many of its historical buildings have been preserved enthusiastically, as even some of its locals have produced a heritage walk tours organized by heritage societies such as the Lestari Heritage Network and the Perak Heritage Society.
On the outskirts of Ipoh, take a limestone cave tour at Gua Tempurung, and the many Chinese temples, such as the Perak Tong, built into the remnant limestone caves scattered around the valley are a must visit.
Kellie’s Castle – A mansion home to a Scottish planter in the nineteenth century has been preserved and brought back to life again after the Hollywood film, Anna & the King was filmed here in 1999. A 20-minute drive from Ipoh will take you to this quaint Moorish-styled manor that is apparently steeped in a history of romance and mystery.
Taiping – This historic peaceful town was once Perak’s state capital steeped in many of the country’s firsts. The first train in 1885 ran between Taiping and Port Weld, now known as Kuala Sepetang. Although the railway no longer exists, remnants of it can still be found. Other places of interest in Taiping are Malaysia’s oldest museum the Perak Museum, the idyllic Lake Gardens, Taiping Zoo & Night Safari and the Kuala Sepetang Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kuala Kangsar – Explore the culture and history of the Perak royal household in this town that is the official residence of the state’s Sultan. Visit grand Malay palaces – the Istana Kenangan and the Istana Iskandariah, or admire the golden minarets of Ubudiah Mosque. Or even experience the local handicraft industry at the village of Sayong that’s famous for its earthenware vases and containers.
Pulau Pangkor – A delightful mix of fishing settlements and resorts, this island is a quick getaway from the city and industrial life that is merely less than three hours away from Kuala Lumpur, and an hour from Ipoh.
