Perak State In Malaysia

Perak. The Land of Grace

Stark, looming limestone cliffs, green valleys and steep drops greet you as an unforgettable introduction to the northern state of Perak. Beyond lies beyond a wealth of treasures from balmy warm white sand beaches to secluded islands and tranquil lakes, virgin rainforests and relaxing hill-resorts as well as quaint old fashioned townships. The laid back charms of Perak, the land of grace, will delight you!

Geography

Perak, which means silver in Malay, is believed to have derived its name from the silvery tin ore that was once found in vast quantities here at the turn of the last century, boosting the economy of the state and attracting world attention. Located along the northwest coast of

Peninsular Malaysia, Perak, the second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, stretches from the shoreline to the central mountainous spine of the Peninsular. The state, which covers approximately 21,000 sq km, borders Kedah and Thailand to the north, Penang to the northwest, Kelantan and Pahang to the east and Selangor to the sourth. Along the west coast it faces the Straits of Melaka.

Perak is divided into nine districts and its major towns include lpoh, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping, Teluk Intan and Lumut. Ipoh is the state capital while Kuala Kangsar is the royal town of Perak. Ipoh, a large town that lies almost halfway between the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and the state of Penang in the north is a favourite stopping off point for road and rail travellers. It’s attractions include wonderful parks, gardens and other sights and activities. It is also well known for its cuising and it is not uncommon for those from neighbouring states to drive in for a short break and to sample the delicious cuisine in Ipoh.

History & Culture

The history of Perak is closely linked to the fate of Melaka and its capture by the Portuguese in 1511. Upon their defeat the leaders of the Malaka Empire dispersed to the north and south to re-establish their power. The eldest son of the Sultan, headed to the north, where he became the first sultan of Perak. Today, only Perak possesses a royal house descended directly from the rulers of the legendary Melaka Empire.

The discovery of tin deposits in the mid 19th century thrust Perak into a cycle of prosperity and political turmoil involving local and foreign powers. It also led to the influx of varied ethnic communities adding to the eventual colourful mix of Perak’s resident community. Perak shared a similar fate to other states during World War II with the Japanese occupation. Towards the end of the 19th century conditions stabilized and Perak moved on to develop and grow in new directions.

Today Perak has a population of around 2.3 million. The majority are Malays, followed by a large Chinese segment, Indians and various other ethnic groups.

Getting There & About

Perak is easily accessible by air, road and rail. Malaysia Airlines operates regular flights to Ipoh from Penang and the Kuala Lumpur to Perak’s airport in Ipoh, the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport. There are taxi and bus services from the airport into town. Buses and taxis regularly ply the major routes from other parts of the country to Perak using the North-South Highway. KTM (the Malaysian Railway) also stops at major towns in Perak i.e. Tanjong Malim, Batu Gajah, Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping and Parit Buntar.

Getting around Perak is also relatively easy using either road or rail. Most parts of Perak are easily accessible as there is an extensive network of roads. Plans are afoot to also upgrade its airport and rail services.

Heritage Discovery

Royal Museum

The Perak Royal Museum was built as a royal residence in 1926. Its 'Saracenic Moorish' architectural facets include walls are made of sliced bamboo particularly unique are the doors at the top of its stairs, which are set horizontally rather than vertically. Further, no nails were used in its construction. On display are the photographs of the Perak Royal Family, royal regalia, illustrations and artifacts belonging to the past and current monarchs of the state.

Perak Museum

The oldest museum in the country, the Perak Museum, was built in 1883. It houses an impressive collection of ancient weapons, aboriginal implements, ornaments and archaeological treasures. Other exhibits include artefacts from Perak’s rich historical cultural heritage. A dominating exhibit in the Museum is the throne of the late Sultan of Perak.

Darul Ridzuan Museum

Located along Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab the over 100 year old building housing the museum was previously home to Malay Chieftains of Kinta and also the British rulers. Exhibits on display include a collection of history and interesting artefacts from the state’s mining and forestry industries.

Pasir Salak Historical Complex

The Pasir Salak Historical Complex pays tribute to Malay warriors such as Dato' Sagor and Dato' Maharaja Lela. Here you will find memorials erected in their honour such as the monument in the shape of a sundang (broad sword), a replica of the type of knife used in the killing of Mr. Birch. Other attractions at the complex are the J.W.W. Birch Monument, the grave of Sipuntum, Datuk Maharaja Lela's fort, the Lela Rentaka cannons used against the British colonial army, and two Rumah Kutai (Perak traditional house) filled with local historical and cultural artifacts. Located by the banks of the Perak River it is often a venue for river-related activities,

Geological Museum

For a museum with a difference visit the Geologicla Museum with its impressive display of more than 600 samples of minerals, fossils, precious stones and rock specimens. The museum located at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah is also well known for its exhibits of tin ore, which include the best specimens of cassiterite in the world.

Lenggong Archaeological Museum

The Lenggong Archaeological Museum, the first Prehistoric Archeological Museum in Malaysia, is located on a paleolithic-era archaeological site that existed 31,000 years B.C. The Museum displays artifacts excavated from the Kota Tampan site. Among the most interesting of its exhibits is the 10,000-year old Perak Man skeleton.

Ipoh Railway Station

The Ipoh Railway Station is a famous landmark of Moorish and Gothic architecture. It carries the prestigious nickname the �Taj Mahal of Malaysia’