Here Are The Top Things To Do In Perak That Blends Hidden Natural Beauty, Famous Attractions, And Adventures Rooted In Culture For The Ultimate Trip
This not-so-sleepy state may be known to locals for the nationwide beloved Ipoh white coffee, salted chicken, and kai see hor fun.
But travellers seeking to experience not only food, but also a blend of natural beauty, cultural wonder, and new adventures for their next trip can only imagine what Perak has to offer. Think limestone caves, natural hot springs, an ancient fortress, theme parks, and more.
The state has enjoyed its relatively recent status as a rich tourist site, and for good reason. It's got everything—beautiful nature spots, ancient sites rife with history, and a uniquely Malaysian aura that makes everyone, both locals and visitors from far and wide, feel at home no matter where they’ve come from.
Whether you’re a morning trekker, a foodie, a collector of trinkets, or all of those at once, embark on a more than memorable journey to enjoy the absolute best things to do in Perak for the perfect trip.
Top 25 Fun Things To Do in Perak for The Perfect Trip
1. White water raft or abseil down the Gopeng waterfalls
Adrenaline-seekers will find white water rafting down Kampar River, or the Gopeng River, one of the more thrilling things to do in Perak. Even so, this activity is suited for people of all ages, skill levels, and swimming proficiencies.
If you’re looking to up the ante, you can opt to abseil down the Ulu Geruntum Waterfall, surrounded by the lush greenery and scenic backdrop, for an exhilarating and altogether unforgettable experience.
Entrance Fee: Paid entry and car park fee, activity fees differ depending on chosen guides
Operating Hours: 8am – 5pm, daily
Address: Lata Merkor or Geruntum Falls, 31600 Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia
2. Visit the lovely Taiping Lake Gardens
The first public garden established during the British colonial era, the Taiping Lake Gardens offers 160 acres of breathtaking views with its gardens, lakes, and ponds – linked by footpaths and ripe with natural beauty.
Even if you’re not a nature lover by default, it’s easy to see why visitors effortlessly fall in love with this magnificent place.
Bonus Tip: Catch the most stunning sights during sunrise or sunset, as the sky’s reflected in the numerous lakes and ponds to create a wonder that you’ll never forget.
Entrance Fee: Free entry
Operating Hours: 8am – 10pm, daily
Address: Jalan Pekeliling, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak, Malaysia
3. Experience The Lost World of Tambun
The Lost World of Tambun, tucked away in Sunway City Ipoh, is an enormous theme park resort consisting of a water park, amusement park, natural hot springs, and a night petting zoo, and is also the entrance to the culturally significant Gua Datok limestone cave trail.
With its array of parks, this self-contained wonderland provides hours of fun for the whole family. Don’t forget to enjoy one of its more distinguishable night acts – the Flaming Percussion stage, which combines fire eaters performing to the rhythm of a set percussion.
Entrance Fee: Ticket prices vary depending on age
Operating Hours: 11am – 6pm on Mondays to Fridays, and 10am – 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Address: 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1, Sunway City Ipoh, 31150 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
4. Visit Kellie’s Castle and discover its tragic history
Haunted houses might be familiar to you, but are haunted castles?
One of the more well-known things to do in Perak, Kellie’s Castle is the unfinished ruins of a mansion built by a Scottish planter named William Kellie Smith for his wife, Agnes. Sadly, tragedy struck as he died, and the castle remained unfinished, even after Agnes sold it off soon afterwards.
Combining an intricate fusion of Moorish, Indo-Saracenic and Roman architectural styles, the castle attracts flocks of tourists, who either admire the four-storey tower in its incomplete, well-preserved glory – or those who want to chance a glimpse of some spirits roaming around.
Entrance Fee: Ticket prices vary depending on age
Operating Hours: 9am – 6pm, daily
Address: Lot 48436, Kompleks Pelancongan Kellie's Castle, KM 5.5, Jalan Gopeng, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia
5. Check out the Taiping Zoo’s Night Safari
For animal lovers like myself, there’s no better adventure than taking a trip to Malaysia’s oldest zoo in the cool night temperatures.
After a free tram ride through the zoo, you’re then able to disembark and visit your favourite nocturnal animals. Animals are also placed in their natural habitat, with specialised lighting that doesn’t disrupt their activities while allowing you to spot them easily.
Bonus Tip: It’s advisable to slap on mosquito repellant, and wear lightweight garments that cover your arms and legs, to avoid getting bitten.
Entrance Fee: Ticket prices vary depending on age
Operating Hours: Night safari opens 8:00pm - 11:00pm, daily
Address: Jalan Taman Tasik Taiping, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak, Malaysia
6. Discover the stunning hidden lake surrounded by limestone karst towers
The tucked-away Mirror Lake or Tasik Cermin, is a beautiful lake situated at the foot of famous limestones that is aptly named after its beautiful reflection-like surface. Encompassing two main lakes, Tasik Cermin 1 Mirror Lake and Tasik Cermin 2 Hidden World, you’ll first need to journey through the tunnels to reach your destination.
However, the view more than makes up for it at the end, where you can feel free to take in the beauty of the lake for yourself. Feel free to take a stop at the viewing platform to drink in the splendour of the natural world in all its glory.
Entrance Fee: Ticket prices vary depending on age
Operating Hours: 9am – 6pm, daily
Address: Tasik Cermin, Off Jalan Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, Gunung Rapat, Lembah Kinta, 31350, Perak, Malaysia
7. Splurge on a Malaysian onsen vacation at the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
If you’re looking for the opportunity to let your troubles melt away in the depths of a local version of the ever-popular onsen experience, this is exactly what you need.
Surrounded by towering limestone hills and verdant rainforests, this Ipoh-based spa resort touts luxury at its finest to let you relax, reset, and indulge in different treatments, on top of offering a plethora of villas that will make your stay and spa experience one that will revitalise your every sense.
Operating Hours: 24 hours, daily
Address: The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, 1, Persiaran Lagoon, Sunway 3, 31150 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
8. Experience the more affordable Trong Hot Springs
You don’t need to splurge to get the full hot springs experience. Trong Hot Springs offers a no-fuss, no-frills rejuvenating site that boasts three pools that can be explored for just one package of RM10.
It’s especially popular amongst the elderly, as their warm waters are known to help those with joint or bone problems – great news for those who might need a break from daily physical activities, or even just the everyday stress of work!
Entrance Fee: Ticket prices vary depending on number of hot springs visited
Operating Hours: 9am – 9pm on Sundays to Fridays, and 9am – 11pm on Saturdays
Address: Batu 9, Jalan Trong, Village, 34850 Changkat Jering, Perak, Malaysia
9. Feast your eyes on the Blue Tears phenomenon at Sembilan Island
Caused by a chemical reaction, called bioluminescence, from algae or marine plankton which shine blue-green upon nightfall, the blue tears phenomenon can be spotted at beaches all across the globe, including right here at Pulau Sembilan.
Formed from a cluster of nine islands off Perak’s coast, you’ll have to take a boat to the archipelago as there are no accommodation options on the island itself, but with a sight like that – it’s well worth it.
Entrance Fee: Ticket prices vary depending on the package selected
10. Traverse through the breathtaking limestone formation at Gua Tempurung
The roughly 400 million-year old Tempurung Cave, or Gua Tempurung, is one of the longest and largest caves in Peninsular Malaysia at 4.5 km long, famous for its limestone formation.
Divided into five domes with an array of sights in each one, the biggest of them is the Golden Flowstone Cavern, known for its smooth stone cascade. You can choose to explore the cave on land, or through wade through its underground rivers for a more adventurous tour.
Entrance Fee: Ticket prices vary depending on age
Operating Hours: 9am – 4pm, daily
Address: Jalan Gua Tempurung, 31600 Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia
11. Witness the night-time splendour of Ipoh’s very own Taj Mahal, the Ipoh Railway Station
An architectural marvel, the Ipoh Railway Station boasts a Mughal style of architecture, crowned the Taj Mahal of Ipoh, serves as a hallmark monument of the city, and stands out even more distinctly after dark when mapped against the background of nightscape.
Constructed by Arthur Benison, the building was initially proposed as a hospital, but was later was opened to the public as a railway station in 1935 and further reconstructed in 2008 as part of KTMB’s double tracking and electrification project.
Entrance Fee: Free entry
Operating Hours: Stores open from 6:30am - 10pm
Address: Stesen KTM, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
12. Explore the remains of the old Dutch Fortress, Pangkor Island
Malaysia has its fair share of surviving relics from the colonial era, but the ancient Dutch Fortress on Pangkor Island stands as one of the rare few that you can actually get up and close to. This ancient fortress rests at the picturesque Kampung Teluk Gedung and it encapsulates the remains of an old warehouse that dates back to the 17th century which was built to store tin ore.
This fort at Pangkor was intermittently used by the Dutch, before being abandoned for another warehouse in 1784. The Museums Department partially restored the fort as a tourist attraction in 1973, reconstructing the walls using the original floor plan.
Entrance Fee: Free entry
Operating Hours: 8am – 6pm, daily
Address: Teluk Gedung, Pulau Pangkor, 32300 Perak, Malaysia
13. Visit Perak’s iconic Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan
Don’t be fooled by its Chinese pagoda-like appearance, the Teluk Intan Leaning Tower (appropriately shortened to TILT) is a miniature replica of its Italian counterpart, the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Designed primarily to store water during the dry season before becoming a Japanese watchtower during the World War, the 3-storey tower began leaning due to its soft soil foundations, and has cemented itself as one of the more unique things to do in Perak ever since.
Entrance Fee: Ticket prices vary depending on age
Operating Hours: 8am – 5pm, daily
Address: Lot 1&2, Komplex Menara Condong, Jalan Bandar, Pekan Teluk Intan, 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak, Malaysia
14. Food-hunt for Perak’s signature local eats
Perak is a foodie’s heaven, and that’s saying a lot for a country filled with delicious food. Aside from Malaysian fare, Perak also has its specialised seafood dishes, such as its gulai tempoyak, a gravy made from pickled durian, while its ikan pindang daun seniar is also a cultural luxury – where the fish is cooked in ‘daun seniar’ leaves and left to stew for 48 to 72 hours, making every part of the fish extremely easy to eat.
Alternatively, you can treat your sweet tooth to Ipoh’s famous Tong Sui Kai – literally translated to mean “dessert street” – hawker street, to enjoy your fill of ice kacang, ABC, cooling lime jelly, kuih, and more.
PS: Don’t miss out on trying the authentic Ipoh white coffee with a side of kaya butter toast for a classic pairing!
15. Traipse down the vibrant Concubine Lanes
Take a trip down the hustle of the three Concubine Lanes, which lives up to its name as a former area gifted by a tycoon to house his wives and concubines, and is now one of the most famous things to do in Perak.
Split into Wife Lane (Lorong Hale), Concubine Lane (Lorong Panglima) and Second Concubine Lane (Market Lane), the site was established around 1894, and now is home to an assortment of shop houses, cafes, pop-up stalls, dessert houses, creative murals, and souvenir shops.
Entrance Fee: Free entry
Operating Hours: Generally open from 10am – 6pm
Address: Lorong Panglima, Concubine Lane, 30000, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
16. Shop artisanal crafts at Ipoh’s Kong Heng Square Artisan Market
Nestled right in the centre of Ipoh Old Town, Kong Heng Square features abandoned rows of old buildings that have become a tourist essential. Its star feature is the artisan market filled with locally-handcrafted goods, from household items to jewellery and other accessories.
I would also recommend the BookXcess outlet, where you can spot its previous life as a bank through its metal vaults and deposit cash boxes – plus, cinephiles can geek out at the late Yasmin Ahmad’s personal belongings and famous works stored here.
Entrance Fee: Free entry
Operating Hours: Varies depending on the store
Address: 75a, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
17. Trek through the 2-million year old Pangkor Laut rainforest
Surround yourself with the soothing sights and sounds of nature with a guided jungle trek through the island’s wondrous virgin rainforest.
Each trail offers stunning views of flora and fauna that inhabit the area, as well as ocean views from the top of the southern perimeter. Immerse yourself fully in the natural world, and then take a dip in the beautiful Emerald Bay as a reward!
Bonus Tip: Remember to wear long trousers, a sleeved top, and comfortable walking shoes. Ideally, you should invest in good travel storage to keep all your valuables safe as well.
Entrance Fee: Prices vary based on stay at the resort
Operating Hours: Guided tours 9am and 2:30pm, daily
Address: Pangkor Laut Island, Pulau Pangkor 32200, Perak, Malaysia
18. Visit the Qing Xin Leisure and Cultural Village
The cultural park seamlessly merges natural beauty and cultural experiences calling back to the nation’s rich heritage, making it one of the quintessential things to do in Perak.
With serene surroundings and picturesque scenery, it’s ideal for people who wish to take a leisurely uphill trek or enjoy a relaxing bike ride. Alternatively, the lines of stores evoke a sense of nostalgia with their vintage decor and designs, certain to put a smile on your face as you reminisce on childhood memories.
Entrance Fee: RM12 for Malaysians and RM20 for foreigners
Operating Hours: 9:30am – 5pm, Mondays to Saturdays
Address: 22A, Persiaran Pinggir Rapat 5a, Taman Saikat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
19. Explore one of Malaysia’s biggest cave temples at the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple
Located at Gunung Rapat in Southern Ipoh, Sam Poh Tong is directly translated as the “Cave of Triple Gems”, and houses a temple, crematorium, and columbarium.
According to legend, the cave was discovered by a Buddhist monk who walked through Ipoh, and then decided to lived there until his death. Aside from its reconstructed temple facade and ornamental garden, the cave also serves as a major historical site, with mural-based evidence to suggest the multicultural history that makes the DNA of Malaysia.
Entrance Fee: Free entry
Operating Hours: 8am – 1:30pm, daily
Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
20. Discover Perak’s industrial heritage at the Gopeng Museum
Travel back to Gopeng’s early tin-mining days of the 19th century at Muzium Gopeng (Gopeng Museum), which houses antiquities and artifacts from those years. While entry is free, I’d suggest getting a tour guide or buying a brochure to properly understand each artefact.
The Gopeng Heritage House, annexed from the museum, is also a short walk away and houses a tea house where you can sit down and enjoy some refreshments!
Entrance Fee: Free entry
Operating Hours: 9am – 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays
Address: Muzium Gopeng, 28, Jalan Eu Kong, 31600 Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia
21. Immerse yourself in nature at the Mangrove Park in Lumut
Enjoy tranquility when you visit Lumut’s Mangrove Park. Hosting bridges and walkways, it’s easy to explore and stroll around, taking in all the wonders of nature.
Forming part of the River Dinding estuary, this swamp comes with educational programmes to help understand its environmental contribution.
You’ll also most likely spot some local macaque monkeys. Remember, they might be cute, but don’t engage with them, and keep your belongings safely tucked away close to your person around them.
Entrance Fee: Ticket prices vary depending on age
Operating Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, daily
Address: Jln Pundut Raya 5, Desa Manjung Raya, 32200 Lumut, Perak, Malaysia
22. Embark on a mural and retail hunt at Ipoh's Taman Jubilee
Witness Malaysia’s creativity at its highest when you take a trip down mural arts lane of Jalan Masjid, Taman Jubilee, featuring stylistically varied murals of all kinds that depict Ipoh’s history and heritage.
However, if you need some respite from the hot sun, feel free to enjoy some indoor retail therapy at any of their local stores, or sit down for a bite at their many cafes that line the iconic street.
Entrance Fee: Free entry
Operating Hours: Varies depending on store
Address: Jalan Masjid, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
23. Eat your way through the night with local Ipoh street food
Night markets, or pasar malam, are a dime a dozen in Malaysia, but Ipoh’s brand of them might be one of the must visit attractions for every traveller and local alike.
Bargain food prices down at the Pasar Malam Ipoh at Taman Jubilee, or experience a seafood paradise at the Taman SPPK Night Market. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, give the black tofu at the Taman Ipoh Timur Night Market a try – though you have to watch out, as they’re only open every Tuesday!
Check out this article to discover more night markets and things to do in Ipoh at night.
24. Catch a ferry over to Orang Utan Island
Established in 2000 as a research institution and sanctuary dedicated to the preservation and research of the orangutans, Orang Utan Island continues its mission through its architecture, meant to resemble the orangutan’s natural habitat as closely as possible.
It’s temporarily closed due to receding water levels, but don’t let that stop you from bookmarking it for future visits. Enclaved within the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, this island has now become a popular eco-tourism destination and one of the most distinctive things to do in Perak.
Entrance Fee: Ticket prices vary depending on age
Operating Hours: 9am – 5pm, daily
Address: Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation, Jalan Bukit Merah, Kampung Kubu Gajah, 33400 Simpang Empat Semanggol, Perak, Malaysia
25. Visit the organic agarwood tea plantation, Gaharu Tea Valley
Covering 300 acres of elevated grounds, the sustainable tea valley was given its name due to the fleet of Gaharu (agarwood) trees that enshrines its land.
Formed initially to meet rising demands for these trees’ wood from various countries in the ASEAN region, the tea is made through the leaves of the trees. Visitors are able to take a nice, relaxing stroll through the plantation via guided tours, or sit and sip on some refreshing tea amidst the breathtaking views of the tea valley instead.Entrance Fee: Tickets required for guided tours
Operating Hours: 9:15am – 6pm, Wednesdays to Mondays (Closed Tuesdays)
Address: Jalan Sungai Itek, 31600 Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia
