Perak~~

Introduction Perak Darul Ridzuan, the Land of Grace, covers an area of 21,000 square kilometres and has a population of about two million. The state is divided into nine districts and its major towns include lpoh, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping, Teluk Intan and Lumut. Kuala Kangsar is the royal town of Perak, while lpoh is the administrative centre and state capital. There are several versions as to the origin of Perak. Some say that the name "PERAK" came from Bendahara Tun Perak of Malacca while some say that it came from the "glimmer of fish in the water" that sparkled like silver, or Perak as it is known in Malay. Therefore, the mere mention of the state's name will reflect the treasures hidden in its earth.The Perak State, in actual fact, has been in existence since the prehistoric age. Kota Tampan in Lenggong is the one and only proof that the Palaeolithic Age existed in Malaya. The Perak State went through numerous evolutions between 400 000 BC and 8000 BC. The state had experienced the Hoabinhian Era and the Neolithic Age as well as the Metal Age, which was proven with the findings of relevant ancient artifacts. Then came the Hindu/Buddha era. It was thought to have occured simultaneously with the rest of Malaya. After this period, the history of the state advanced a step further with the formation of minor territories such as Manjung in the Dinding District and Beruas which came into existence after Manjung ceased to exist. This also apply to a few other territories in the Perak Tengah and Hulu Perak. It was also then that Islam began to plant its roots firmly in the state. Lata Kinjang The Majestic Lata Kinjang waterfalls is visible from the north-south Expressway, after passing the Tapah exit. This majestic multi-tiered waterfall cascades 850 metres down the side of a mountain and proves a spectacular sight. The district is also home to several areas inhabited by the Orang Asli, the aborigines of the Peninsular. Villages exist near Lata Iskandar and Kuala Woh. The Orang Asli basically derive their income from the production and sale of fine handicrafts and the collection of jungle produce. Japanese Garden Located near the Perak Turf Club in lpoh, this public park recreates the aesthetics of a Japanese garden. A small Japanese house, a goldfish pond and a wooden bridge across a stream are some of the elements that conjure up the serenity and meditative atmosphere of the traditional Japanese garden. The grounds are lush with a variety of beautiful tropical flowers, plants and trees. An added attraction is the colourful floral clock on a slope. Lata Iskandar Waterfalls The Lata Iskandar Waterfalls, on the way up to Cameron Highlands from Tapah, is an ideal picnic area and favourite stopover. Its surrounding jungle is home to one of the largest variety of exotic insect and plant life in the world. Traditional earthenware pottery is crafted at Kampung Kerayung. Tambun Hot Spring A 15-minute drive from lpoh towards Tanjung Rambutan brings you to the foot of a limestone hill where a rejuvenating experience awaits you - an invigorating hot bath from a natural spring. The bath is open daily from 3.00 pm to 12.00 midnight. The facilities include saunas and restrooms Entrance fee is RIM 5.00. Other hot springs in Perak are at Sungkai, Pengkalan Hulu, Kampung Ulu Slim in Slim River, Kampung Air Panas in Grik and Manong in Kuala Kangsar. Teluk Intan Leaning Tower Malaysia boasts its own equivalent to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, right here at the heart of the Teluk Intan town centre. Like its Italian counterpart, the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan has a leftward slant, and all the ingredients to make it an architectural sight to behold.Standing at 25.5 metres tall, its construction detail gives it an appearance comprising of 8 different levels. Once inside, however, one will be surprised to discover that the building is actually divided only into 3 storeys. This pagoda-style structure was built in 1885 by a Chinese contractor named Leong Choon Chong, and was originally used as a covered water tank to store potable water for the immediate vicinity. Today, it stands as an architectural oddity that continues to attract visitors to Teluk Intan