Perak has no shortage of things to see and do, with attractions wide ranging. Kuala Kangsar has some interesting buildings as well as Malaysia’s first rubber tree, while Teluk Intan is the home of Malaysia’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Taiping and Lumut are pleasant places to visit, as is Bukit Larut, Malaysia’s first hill station. When you’re done with sightseeing, there are some fantastic beaches for you to relax on.

Banding Resort
Banding Resort, situated 22 miles (35kms) from Grik, is the perfect destination for people who want to really relax and enjoy some tranquillity or those who simply want to do some quality fishing. The resort is next to Temenggor Lake and is over 100 hectares large. The fishing here is said to be some of the best in the area, but aside from fishing there is plenty of opportunity for trekking and camping. If you don’t want to camp, there is a rest house with decent accommodation.

Bukit Larut
Previously known as Maxwell Hill, Bukit Larut was Malaysia’s first hill station and has retained a lot of its original charm. Situated about six miles (10kms) from Taiping, Bukit Larut is not as famed these days as Genting and the Cameron Highlands, and therefore not as developed, but this adds to its charm. It still has the feel of colonial times and with comfortable welcoming bungalows and beautiful gardens, it’s a lovely place to escape to. The hill can only be reached by four-wheel drive, but a land rover leaves from the foot of the hill every hour and is reasonably priced.

Emerald Bay (Pantai Teluk Belanga)
Perak has many stunning beaches, but Pangkor Laut Island’s Emerald Bay ranks as one of the most beautiful. The bay’s location means it’s perfectly protected and provides beautiful clear and calm waters. The beach is covered with soft white sand, while lush green vegetation forms a postcard backdrop. There is also a rich history here, as it was Pangkor where the Dutch established themselves in the 19th century in their attempt to dominant the tin industry. The beach witnessed many battles between the Dutch, Malays and Bugis pirates, and remains of the fort can still be seen. Today the bay is a perfect tranquil spot to relax, with fishing and boat trips available. There’s also a seafood restaurant that is well respected.

Kellie's Castle
As the rubber industry grew in Malaysia, it attracted people from all over looking to seek their fortune. William Kellie Smith came from Scotland and was one of the most well-known and successful people in this field. He decided to spend some of his money by building a stunning castle, which today provides a wonderful view across the river on the Ipoh–Batu Gajah road. Sadly for Kellie, he died before the Gothic castle was completed and never got to see it in all its glory. It’s a pleasant place to stroll around and can be reached via a sampan (boat) across the river, or if you prefer by tour from Ipoh. Phone: +60 5 313 9187.

Kuala Kangsar
The royal town of Kuala Kangsar is situated on the Perak River, just 25 miles (40kms) north of Ipoh. There are three important buildings that are the focal points of the town. The Iskandariah is the largest of the buildings, but the Istana Kenangan, which was used as a temporary home when the Iskandariah was being built, is more impressive. The Ubudiah Mosque is often considered to be Malaysia’s most beautiful. Construction of the mosque was delayed by WWI, but the mosque was finally completed in 1919. The town is also of historical interest as the birthplace of the Malaysian rubber industry; Hugh Low planted nine rubber trees here in 1877.

Kuala Woh Jungle Park
On route to the Cameron Highlands is Kuala Woh Jungle Park, around eight miles (13kms) from Tapah. It’s a stunning spot to have a picnic with waterfalls and hot-water pools, and if you’re keen there is some good fishing too. There are also aboriginal people (Orang Asli) who live in the area and maintain a traditional lifestyle.

Lumut
The quaint fishing village of Lumut is located 52 miles (84kms) from Ipoh and is common as a stopover for people on the way from the mainland to Pulau Pangkor. It’s a pleasant place and is particularly known for its intricate coral and shell handicrafts, which are good gifts for friends back home. Every year in August there is a Sea Festival (Pesta Laut), which attracts lots of visitors. The festival is great fun for all the family, with various competitions and entertainments taking place.

Taiping
At the end of the 19^th century Taiping succeeded Kuala Kangsar as the nation’s capital. While Kuala Kangsar became the foundation of the rubber industry, Taiping was the centre of the tin industry. The remnants of the industry can be seen in the beautiful Lake Gardens, which were transformed in the 1890s from disused mining pools. Taiping is a quiet town but it makes for a pleasant visit. The nearby State Museum is the oldest in the country and has enough artefacts to hold interest for a visit.

Teluk Intan Leaning Tower
Malaysia’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is in Teluk Intan, located just over 50 miles (80kms) from Ipoh. While perhaps not quite as impressive as the Italian tower, this tower is spectacular nonetheless. Built in the late 19^th century by Leong Choon Choong, a Chinese building contractor, the vast 25-metre tower was used formerly used as a water store. Phone: +60 5 622 6166.

Teluk Sekadeh Beach
If you’re looking to get away from it all and enjoy perfect tranquillity with few other tourists, then this is the place. This bay, made up of two sections, Sekadeh Kecil and Sekadeh Besar, is at the southern tip of Pangkor Islands. It’s generally quiet as it’s not the most easily accessed beach in the area. Most people arrive here by boat, but if you’re keen you can trek here on the island road. The crystal clear waters and white sands are the attraction, although you should exercise caution when swimming here.

Go Caving. Spelunking, or caving, is a very popular activity in Perak and there are caves scattered around the state. Whether you are an experienced caver or a total novice, it is possible to enjoy this activity. There are literally hundreds of caves to explore. Your best bet is to ask at your hotel about the best caves nearby.

Marvel at the River Terrapin Breeding Project. This may seem a slightly unusual activity, but a visit here is a delight. The Terrapin Breeding Project opened in the 1960s in Bota Kanan, 25 miles (40kms) from Ipoh, with the primary aim of conserving the species. The project has so far released over 25,000 terrapins, or tuntung, into the river. If you visit between November and March you’ll be able to witness river terrapins laying eggs in the wild on the riverbanks.

Relax in the Tambun Hot Springs. A short drive from Ipoh, on the way to Tanjung Rambutan, takes you to the Tambun Hot Springs at the foot of a limestone hill. This natural hot bath will totally relax you and is said to have healing qualities. A great way to heal any aches and pains, the spring is open every day and there are saunas and changing facilities on site.

Relax on the Beach. There’s no better way to relax in Perak than on the beach. Perak has lots of wonderful beaches and islands and a good range of activities for all the family including gentle boat trips or snorkelling and swimming. If you are looking for an adrenalin rush, you can jet-ski, windsurf, or parasail. Popular beaches include: Pantai Teluk Belanga, Pasir Panjang, Teluk Sekadeh, and Perindu among many others.

See Malaysia’s First Rubber Tree. With rubber having played such an important role in the history and economy of Malaysia, it seems fitting to visit what is said to be the country’s first ever rubber tree. Strictly speaking, this tree in Kuala Kangsar was one of the nine that were planted in 1877, but this is the only one that survives today. The tree seeds were brought from Kew Gardens in London, via Singapore, and resulted in rubber becoming an important commodity for the country.

Visit a Waterfall. Alongside numerous caves, Perak also has an abundance of waterfalls, most of which are easily accessible. Some falls require a jungle trek to reach the site, which can add to the joy. Pack yourself a delicious picnic and spend a leisurely afternoon by some falls. Your hotel can advise as to the best falls to visit in the area.