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22 | FireFlyz
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W o r d s :
S a r a h R e e s
T
here
remains some
discussion about the
true meaning of the
name Perak, Malaysia’s
fourth largest state, but
all the options paint a
pleasing picture: the
official moniker is ‘Abode of Grace’ and
the name translates in Malay as ‘silver’,
which has been interpreted as the riches
of tin or the glimmer of fish in the water.
Lost World
Both names go some way to indicate
what might lie ahead during a visit
to Perak. The state sits in the north-
west corner of Peninsula Malaysia and
initially found its place on the map due
to the large tin mining industry situated
there during colonial times. History
predates that industry though, with
findings to suggest habitation since
prehistoric times, making Perak a place
of interest for the history-seeker.
Many encounter Perak initially when
heading to Ipoh, the state’s capital and
a place renowned among Malaysians for
The state of Perak,
once fuelled by the
tin industry, has
mellowed into a true
‘abode of grace’ and a
destination that gives
back to thosewho
make time to visit.
Relaxing Present
Industrious Past,
its food. Do not be surprised to hear that
local people would drive for two hours
from Kuala Lumpur just for lunch! So
what draws them? Ipoh’s chicken rice
is high up on the list – a simple but
flavourful dish of chicken served with
rice and bean sprouts.
Chee Cheong Fun
is also a top-seller, these steamed rice
noodle rolls topped with goodies such as
mushroom sauce, dried shrimps, chilli
and crushed peanuts.
The great thing about Ipoh is that the
feasting can be broken up with visits to
the city’s interesting sights or adventure
activities such as caving and jungle trek-
king. The Lost World of Tambun is great
if you have young children. This water
theme park has natural hot springs, a
petting zoo and lots of activities to keep
the youngsters thrilled.
Great Peace
Once the joys of Ipoh have been ex-
hausted, a trip northwards takes the
visitor to Taiping, the state’s second city
and a superb place to relax and unwind.
Even the name is derived from two
Firefly flies to
Ipoh fromvarious
destinations.
Information on
flight routes and
schedules can be
found at www.
fireflyz.com.my
Kids of all ages will love the
wet thrills and spills at the
Lost World of Tambun
The caves are a popular attraction
in Perak, and a chance to marvel at
the hand of nature