As attractions are spread across the districts, sightseeing in Perak forms a steady trail of discovery. The state holds years of history, seen through its long-standing landmarks and heritage sites. Where to begin depends on which part of Malaysia one is coming from (WHAT TO DO IN BENTONG, PAHANG).
Travelling to Perak is by road. From Kuala Lumpur, the drive to Ipoh takes about two to two and a half hours via the North–South Expressway, with several worthwhile stops along the route.
These places are part of what makes discovering Perak meaningful. Each one carrying its own significance within this Malaysian state (CAMERON HIGHLANDS TOP SITES).
Things to Do in
Perak, Malaysia
HOGA Gaharu Tea
Valley - Gopeng, Perak
A hidden gem in
Perak, HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley sits on hilly terrain in Gopeng. Over the years,
it has grown steadily as an agro-tourism destination and is considered one of
the best nature spots in Perak.
Unlike typical tea plantations, HOGA grows special hybrid gaharu (agarwood) trees, combining the best traits from several types. “HOGA” stands for Holistic Gaharu, focusing on all parts of the tree- leaves, wood, oil, and resin. Gaharu forms inside certain Aquilaria trees when they are injured or infected, producing a fragrant and highly valued wood. Wild gaharu is rare, so plantations like HOGA help protect this endangered species.
The drive up the hill is scenic, passing lush slopes and trees across approximately 300 acres, planted with over 200,000 trees. At the valley, a guided tour or walking trails are available. A shutter van tour is recommended for comfort and to listen to the narration, which shares the plantation’s history since 1992, when the first gaharu saplings were planted.
HOGA was developed for sustainable cultivation of this rare tree species, which is under threat and listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Along the trails, you can see koi ponds, Lover’s Park, and Hugging Park, where trees are decorated and the setting encourages pausing to take in the surroundings.
The tour ends with a sampling of gaharu tea, made from leaves and small branches. The tea has a woody, herbal flavor and is caffeine-free, ideal for wellness and relaxation. At the retail outlet, products made from gaharu are available for purchasing, including tea, incense, oil, and souvenirs.
At the deli, it’s time to sit back and relax over gaharu-infused food and drinks, such as tea noodles, tea eggs, soft serve ice cream, and beverages made from local gaharu leaves.
Gua Tempurung -
Gopeng, Perak
The spectacular
Gua Tempurung in Gopeng, Perak, is a stunning heritage of the state and one of
Peninsular Malaysia’s longest and most impressive limestone cave systems. The
cave stretches about 4.5 km, though approximately 1.9 km is developed for
public tours. Its name, “Tempurung,” means coconut shell, inspired by the
dome-like ceilings of the cave.
Nature,
geology, adventure, and history, all of these come together
in Gua Tempurung, Gopeng, Perak.
Activities in Gua Tempurung, Gopeng vary depending on the package chosen. A basic package allows walking through the dim interior, seeing little streams formed by water dripping inside, and stalactites and stalagmites. It’s simple yet satisfying before returning to the entrance.
Other packages go further, passing through the five large domes, each with unique features in temperature and water levels, an underground river about 1.6 km long, and historic tin-mining signs. There are also sections once used as shelters during the Malayan Emergency. Adventure tours take it to another level, crawling through tunnels and wading through shallow water, getting wet and dirty along the way.
Whichever package is chosen, Gua Tempurung, Gopeng, Perak is jaw-dropping. It must be recognised as one of the top caves in the world and is a must-visit for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Perak Herbal
Garden - Batu Gajah
About a
25-minute drive from Gopeng, the Perak Herbal Garden (Taman Herba Negeri Perak)
covers 22 hectares, roughly the size of 54 football fields. The Perak Herbal
Garden is home to over 500 species of herbs, including medicinal, aromatic,
cosmetic, and culinary plants.
Herb plots are
grouped by categories such as heritage, medicinal, aromatic, cosmetic, and ulam
(local edible herbs). Plants are displayed in pots, on the ground, or trailed
upwards, including those flowering and fruiting.
The Perak Herbal Garden is one of the top nature spots in Perak for discovering traditional herbal gardening and the uses of local herbs. Key plants include Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) and other herbs traditionally used for remedies.
Within the Perak Herbal Garden, there are walking trails, lakes formed from former mining pools, and open green spaces, making it ideal as a nature spot for those interested in herbs, wellness, or outdoor activities.
Taman Herba Perak is open on weekdays from around 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and on weekends from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Entrance fees are affordable. The sun can get intense, making it uncomfortable when going the distance on foot, so it’s best to visit during cooler weather or in the morning.
Kellie’s Castle
- Batu Gajah, Perak
Be forewarn.
Especially when visiting Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajah, Perak on quiet
weekdays. It does feel something, though it may not been seen. There is
definitely a sense of jittery in the heart. Maybe because Kellie’s Castle in
Batu Gajah has made it known as one of Malaysia’s most haunted places. There
have been reports of ghost sightings, strange whispers, and footsteps with no
one around.
Stories of its
original owner, William Kellie-Smith, being said as wandering the halls does
strike the mind when in Kellie’s Castle, Batu Gajah.
Built by none other than William Kellie-Smith, the Scottish planter, around 1915, as a mini castle for his family. Blending Scottish, Moorish, and Indian architectural styles. Featuring pillars, arches, and underground tunnels. Sadly though, Smith died of pneumonia in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1926 while traveling, before the castle was completed. His family returned to Scotland after his death.
The remnants of the unfinished castle are what is being seen when visiting Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajah, Perak. Left as it is. Though well maintained and spot on clean, as the number one tourist attraction in Perak.
Walking
throughout the unfinished grand halls. Outside and inside courtyards, hidden
passageways, and secret tunnels. All related to Smith and the haunting in
Perak. Climbing the staircase will lead to the rooftop towers. Where it opens
up to the broad overview of Batu Gajah.
Kellie’s Castle
in Batu Gajah, Perak is worth every bit praise as the top sites in Perak. It
draws countless number throughout the year. In fact, it is one of the top
photographed sites in Malaysia.
Tanjung Tualang
Tin Dredge No. 5 - Batu Gajah, Perak
Tanjung Tualang
Tin Dredge No. 5 (TT5) is the last surviving tin dredge in Malaysia and a
legendary landmark in Perak. Located in the Kinta Valley near Ipoh, Batu Gajah,
and Tanjung Tualang, TT5 is a key part of Perak’s tin-mining heritage. Built in
England in 1938 by F.W. Payne & Son, the dredge operated until around 1982,
playing an important role in Malaysia’s tin industry.
Today, TT5 is
preserved as a heritage tourism site, showcasing Malaysia’s industrial history
and the engineering achievements of the early 20th century.
Weighing approximately 4,500 tons and supported by a massive pontoon, TT5 features a towering bucket-chain mechanism once used to extract tin-bearing soil. The site also includes small exhibits, a souvenir shop, and a café set in a converted wagon, highlighting Perak’s tin mining legacy and its place in Malaysia’s industrial heritage.