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Chinese characters meaning ‘great’ and
‘peace’, so calm is all but guaranteed!
Life moves a little slower in Taiping,
and the activities are of a more sedate
sort: lake gardens and a hill station called
Maxwell Hill where cooler temperatures
and charming chalets combine for a little
oasis of peace.
The presence of a hill station is a clue
to the origins of Taiping. Like Ipoh, the
city was established when the discovery
of tin deposits attracted first the Chinese
and then the British colonials. The indus-
try has waned, leaving behind a place
that attracts people from Kuala Lumpur
for weekend breaks, especially when you
factor that the sedate pleasures can be
balanced with an evening of night safari
at Malaysia’s oldest zoo.
Calming Waters
Island seekers will not be dis-
appointed with Perak, as the
coastal city of Lumut (84km
from Ipoh) is the gateway to some
of the country’s most stunning
islands that sit pretty in the Straits
of Malacca. Do not rush through
Lumut, especially if it is August
or September, as the annual ‘Sea
Festival’
(Pesta Laut)
is a sight worth
catching. Competitions, fairs and all
manner of cultural shows enliven this
current home of the national navy and
promises a jolly time for all.
But then, inevitably, visitors are
drawn onwards across the water to
Pangkor island, and who can blame
them? Pangkor offers everything that
could be hoped for in an island escape.
Water sports, fishing, beautiful beaches
and world-class resorts are there for the
taking, while quaint villages dot the
coastal roads and temples and forts offer
a slice of the cultural history of the place.
You would be foolish to miss the
opportunity to boat across to nearby
Pangkor Laut, a privately owned island
home to what is claimed to be one of the
world’s most beautiful beaches: Emerald
Bay. There are also other islands in the
area worth exploring, so hop around,
identify a favourite, then luxuriate.
Despite such industrious beginnings,
Perak has blossomed into a superb travel
destination and a locale of peace and
calming experiences, providing you do
not douse your
Chee Cheong Fun
with
too much chilli. Take some time out and
get to know this ‘Abode of Grace’ – you’ll
return recharged and rejuvenated, and
likely with an appetite for chicken rice
the Ipoh way.
Walk on the wild side with a
night safari at Taiping Zoo,
the oldest in the country
Pankor island is a must-visit for those
who need some beachside beauty
Ipoh has some
beautiful heritage
houses to admire
Top selling Chee Cheong Fun