Visit Tapah and Bidor, Perak

This would be interesting to visit Tapah and Bidor in Perak. Usually I do visit Bidor town as it is very near after exiting the Bidor toll (about 5 minutes drive away) and would head to Pun Chun Restaurant for Wantan noodle or their famous duck beehoon soup noodle before heading out to Cameron Highlands.

As for Tapah, well, I confess I have not really explored the town as most times I would just head on strait up to Cameron Highlands because the road to the highlands just bypass the town. But you could actually just pop in to Tapah as it was not very far from the Tapah toll.

This news is not detailed enough for an informed trip to Tapah so will dig around for more to be posted up next time.

Cleaner Tapah and Bidor by end of March 2012
By Elween Loke
Tuesday March 13, 2012

WORK to spruce up the Batang Padang district is underway and visitors can expect to see a cleaner Tapah and Bidor by the end of March.

Tapah District Council president Razali Bakar said operation units had been assigned to pick up garbage at both towns on a frequent basis as part of the Moh Singgah Tapah programme.

"Although the Lata Kinjang waterfall in Chenderiang does not come under our purview, we will still monitor its cleanliness from time to time," he said.

Razali also advised business operators, especially hotels and restaurants, to keep their premises clean and bright to ensure visitors had a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Popular sport: A fishing competition to be held at a pond
in Kampung Tersusun Muhibbah Batu 33, Temoh is one of the
events in the Moh Singgah Tapah programme.

The programme, aimed at promoting Visit Perak Year 2012, would be held from March 23 to 25.

"There will be cultural performances like silat and traditional dances.

"We have also laid out several competitions featuring traditional games," said Razali.

He added that a fishing competition would also be held at the Kampung Tersusun Muhibbah Batu 33 pond in Temoh.

"We hope to attract at least 10,000 domestic and foreign tourists to the three-day event," he said.

"Most tourists usually stop by briefly for meals in Tapah before heading up to Cameron Highlands.

"But by doing so, they don’t get to discover other attractions in Tapah.

"This programme encourages visitors to stay in Tapah and to take time to explore the many sites and experiences we have to offer," he said. -- The Star Metro

Read More

Teluk Intan's Leaning Clock Tower

Teluk Intan's Leaning Clock Tower is a crowd puller for this small town in Perak. You definitely want to view this famous icon if you drop by this place. Make a detour to this small town when you are making your way to Pulau Pangkor and explore the charms of this little town in Perak!

Lighting up Teluk Intan’s leaning pride
By Anthony Law
Tuesday July 19, 2011

A crowd-puller: The leaning clock tower of Teluk Intan.

THE iconic leaning tower of Teluk Intan, which is popular among visitors by day to this coastal town, has found a new niche by night – thanks to the local municipal council thatlighted up the clock tower.

This 25.5 m pagoda structure is decorated with red, blue, yellow, orange, purple and green lights that gradually change colours at intervals, making it a majestic sight in the middle of the town at dusk.

Read More

Tanjung Malim Sights and Attractions

Easy in Tanjung Malim
Text by Faridah Begum
Sunday April 6, 2008

Take a leisurely stroll through Tanjung Malim and enjoy its good food and warm hospitality.

Proton City



Here is the boom for Tanjung Malim, which was almost dying at one time. Now, Proton City is beckoning to Malaysians who want to live in bungalows by a beautiful lake and with good facilities, besides the numerous job opportunities that the city offers with the setting up of the Proton plant here that manufactures some 75,000 cars annually.

Railway Station



This is an eclectic mix of old and new, where the old concrete signage stating the town you are passing through is still in place while the tracks are new with the new double-tracking system in place. Again, this is a walk down memory lane.

Sungai Klah Hot Spring Park



Natural and curative, this hot spring has been turned into a resort, where jacuzzis utilising the hot spring water is available for some of the chalets here. It is nestled in lush forest patches, surrounded by hills and clear cold mountain streams and rivers. A haven close to Kuala Lumpur!

Police Station



This is the place where most of Tanjung Malim’s history was recorded, especially during the communist insurgency. The pre-war building is still sturdy and a walk into this building seems to bring back scenes of yesteryear. Worth a visit, even if only to ask for directions.

Sultan Idris Teaching University



The Sultan Idris Teaching University is a tribute to the Sultan Idris Training College for Malay teachers, founded in 1917 by the Malay Federated States and Straits Settlement assistant director of education, R.O. Winstedt. Its establishment was to ensure adequately trained teachers were available for the education of locals in Malaya. The college, now a university, has since become an icon for this town and is a tourist attraction.

Hindu Temple



From afar, it is awash with colourful statues. Inching your way closer to it, you will see statues in their most resplendent hues and forms. It is truly a work of art and a beautiful example of what a peaceful and beautiful place of worship ought to look like.

Yik Mun Pau



No visit to Tanjung Malim would be complete without a stop at the Yik Mun Restaurant. One of the first food outlets to produce halal pau, most travellers would make a beeline for this restaurant where they get not only good and tasty pau, especially the savoury ones with curried meat, but also good toasted bread with thick kaya and aromatic Hainanese coffee. There are also frozen pau for sale if one wants to bring Tanjung Malim’s No.1 fast food home.

Tanjung Malim Rest House

This building has old-world charm, being constructed and completed in 1880. The prestigious Rest House is famous for its Mee Hailam and Chicken Chop. The rest house is also a popular stop for VIPs when they come to Tanjung Malim and despite age, the rest house stands proud and tall as a heritage building.

Slim River – Water Rafting



Not too far from town is Slim River where Four-Wheel Drives go on a trail through the river and more often than not, it is water rafting time down this body of water, which promises a great time with the rapids. If you are feeling adventurous, then this is a must-try Sport.

Masjid Jamek Tanjung Malim

Built in 1926, this mosque is very popular with visitors to Tanjung Malim as it has beautiful architecture and many Muslims from abroad actually make their way here besides many wanting to pray in this old and mesmerising place of worship. The mosque was designed by an English architect.

It is really easy getting to Tanjung Malim. Once you get on the North South Highway, head on towards Ipoh and you would pass the little towns of Rawang and Behrang. Once you reach an arch near Proton City, look out for the exit for Tanjung Malim, which is about 40 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur. -- The Star Leisure.

Read More

Ever peaceful Taiping

Ever peaceful Taiping
Sunday February 10, 2008

A visit to this lovely town brings much bliss and serenity.

Kuala Sepetang Wildlife Sanctuary

The Matang Mangrove Forest is the recipient of numerous international awards. This mangrove swamp is one of the best managed in the world and noted as an outstanding example of conservation and management of its rich biodiversity and mudflat ecosystems. It is a place no one should exclude from the itinerary when in Taiping



Taiping Prison

Taiping Prison is the first prison to be opened in 1879 and was the first purpose-built prison in Malaya. It remains in operation today.

Taiping Lake Garden

This 64ha garden has been the focal point of Taiping since 1880. Besides a lake created from a former tin mine, it also hosts a recreational park and a Japanese garden and is a stone throw from a golf course and zoo.



Natural Water Bodies

Taiping is home to many pools, rivers and streams that have kept Taiping cool and nice, even in hot weather. Among them are the Burmese Pool, which has a natural water slide; the Austin Pool that has a very deep square granite pool with a waterfall flowing into it; the Taman Suria streams which flow from Bukit Larut; the Coronation Swimming Pool located at the foothill of Bukit Larut and has very cold mountain stream water even on hot days; and the Hot Water Well in Batu 9, off Jalan Trong.

Perak State Museum

Built in 1883, it is the oldest museum in the country and is home to an impressive collection of ancient weapons, aboriginal implements and archaeological treasures, including artefacts from Perak’s rich historical culture and heritage. Admission is free.



Bukit Larut(Maxwell Hill)

It was previously the rest and recreation centre for British high-ranking officials from 1884. At 1,250m above sea level, it reminded most of them of their cool homeland. Up until 1948, the only way up was by sedan chairs. Tarred roads were later constructed. It is still one of the most natural hill resorts in the country and was renamed Bukit Larut in 1979.



Bukit Merah Laketown Resort

One of the premier theme parks in Malaysia, it also includes the Orang Utan Island, where preservation of the orang utan is carried out. The theme park is a favourite with Perak folk as well as those from other states, especially during the school holidays. It is also a popular venue for corporate companies’ team-building programmes. There is an eco-park for those who want to bask in the natural surroundings.



Taiping Zoo

Also known as Taman Mergastua Idris Shah, the zoo is on a 16ha land where in the day it is a typical zoo but transforms into a night safari after dusk. It is home to some 1,300 animals from more than 180 species,all flourishing due to its successful breeding programmes. It is the only zoo in the north of the peninsula.



Food

Taiping is famous for its cheap and delicious food and visitors must have some of these famous delicacies such as: Cendol in Jalan Barrack; Chinese fried kway teow in Taman Sri Hijau, Taman Sungai Mas; Malay fried kway teow at Restoran Doli in Jalan Tupai; Roti Canai at Bismillah Restaurant on Jalan Taming Sari; Popiah at the Prima Restaurant and the Popiah stall in the Larut Matang food court; Nasi Lemak Special/ Mahal/ Orang Kaya on Jalan Tupai; Mee Rebus at the Larut Matang Market, Prima Food Court and the Pokok Assam night market; Steamed Chicken Rice in Jalan Barrack.



Kota Ngah Ibrahim Historical Complex

It used to be the residence of Ngah Ibrahim, who was found guilty of murdering British Resident J.W.W. Birch. It served as the country’s first teachers’ training college called the Matang College and was also the headquarters of the Japanese army during the Second World War. Today, it serves as the Matang Historical Complex.
-- Sunday Metro.

Read More

Gua Musang - a vibrant border town

Vibrant border town
Sunday December 30, 2007

The old town of Gua Musang seems like most other small towns in Malaysia, but there is more to it than meets the eye. This little town is full of history and stories, and locals were more than happy to share them with us.

It stands on the border between Pahang and Kelantan, and was once one of the most remote towns in the country.

According to Abdul Wahab Matdiah who grew up Gua Musang, the British was first attracted to the area because of the gold deposits in Pulai. They started mining the gold, and constructed the railway lines that connected Gua Musang to other parts of the country. The railway station later became the heart of town.

Discovering the town ... The BRATs speaking to a shopkeeper at the Gua Musang market.

---

The 62-year-old veteran soldier joined the army because he was inspired by the bravery of the locals who fought against the Japanese during the second World War.

“I was only a teenager then, but I still remember how the locals fought against oppression during the Japanese occupation.

Many locals who died defending their own land were buried under two trees located in the old town area,” recounts Abdul Wahab.

Gua Musang’s Chinese Business Association president Lee Rong Xin also has bitter memories of the Japanese occupation.

“The Japanese set fire on the shoplots to retaliate against the locals who were against them. The shopkeepers were the main supplier of food in this area, and the Japanese wanted to disrupt the food supply.

Some of the participants braving the rain to get their assignments.

---

We all fled to Kampung Tiung, which is across the river behind the shoplots,” recalls Lee at his shop on the town’s main road.

Lee says that the Chinese were first brought in by the British in the 19th |century as labourers to develop the area.

The introduction of the Felda scheme in the 1970s brought an influx of settlers from different parts of the country.

Before independence, the only transportation link to the town was by train. It was then one of the most inaccessible towns in Malaysia.

However, the town’s people pooled together their resources to develop the area. Now the town is a busting centre of activities.

As the population grew, the roads were paved to make the town more accessible.

Cars, motorcycles and lorries drive through the town to the nearby areas.

There are two parts of the town. The old town, with its two rows of shophouses on the main road, remains the commercial hub where people come to do their shopping and banking.

There are many shops selling provisions, farm equipment, and junk food in bulk.

There are coffee shops where locals congregate to exchange gossips and news, and a popular Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet. At the end of the main road is the railway station, with limestone hills looming majestically behind it.

Gua Musang has expanded beyond the old town. There are many rows of new shoplots and sprawling government buildings on both sides of the road leading to the old town.

There is a new market in Gua Musang, where there are many stalls selling Kelantanese food such as laksam, nasi berlauk and akok.

These days, there is a good network of roads and highways that link Gua Musang to Koto Bharu, Cameron Highlands and other parts of the country.

Residents like Abdul Wahab are happy to live in Gua Musang.

“The community is very close-knit and peaceful,” says Abdul Wahab.

Although he is glad there has been development in Gua Musang, the retiree is also concerned about some of the side effects such as noise and pollution.

“A lot of the children are getting ill more often,” says Abdul Wahab who does not want to see his beloved hometown become as busy as the urban jungle. -- The Star Lifestyle

Read More