And it’s not just history. Perak is full of food heritage too. From unassuming local eateries to modern cafes, traditional flavours are everywhere, waiting to be tasted.
Birch Memorial Clock Tower - Ipoh Heritage Trail
Located on Jalan Dato’ Sagor/Post Office Road, directly across from the Perak State Mosque, the Birch Memorial Clock Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks on the Ipoh Heritage Trail. Built in 1909 to commemorate J.W.W. Birch, the first British Resident of Perak, the tower cost approximately $25,000.
The clock tower features four clock faces and a set of bells designed to chime like London’s Big Ben, showcasing classic British colonial architecture in Ipoh. Terracotta figures at each corner represent the “Virtues of British Administration”: Loyalty, Justice, Patience, and Fortitude.
Surrounding the tower are murals depicting the “growth of civilisation,” featuring 49 notable figures in world history and symbolising the educational and civilising mission of the British administration. The Birch Memorial Clock Tower remains a must-visit landmark among heritage attractions in Ipoh.
There is no need to translate the word “concubine.” It can be described as the mistresses, side keeps, or unofficial wives of wealthy businessmen during the tin mining era. Concubine Lane, located in Lorong Panglima, is one of the most famous streets in Ipoh Old Town. Today, it is no longer about concubines. The heritage buildings have been converted into shops, with street stalls lining both sides of the alleyways between the buildings.
Concubine Lane is for street shopping, with local snacks, souvenirs, and cafes scattered throughout the area. Street art and murals add a colourful touch, making it a popular spot for photography and videos. Whether for a simple stroll, shopping, or tasting local treats, Concubine Lane remains one of the must-visit attractions in Ipoh.
Other Things to Do in Ipoh Heritage Trail
Aside from the Birch Memorial Clock Tower and Concubine Lane, there are other
notable spots within the Ipoh Heritage Trail. Walking from one to another and
viewing each site brings the history of the town to life.
Perak State Mosque/Masjid Negeri Perak
(1966)
Perak State Mosque features modern Islamic
architecture with Malay and Moorish influences. Its striking blue and white
domes, tall minarets, and serene surroundings make it one of Ipoh’s key
landmarks.
Han Chin Pet Soo Museum (established 1929
as a miners’ club)
Once a Hakka tin miners’ club, Han Chin Pet Soo Museum showcases Ipoh’s tin mining history, Chinese immigrant life, and Hakka culture. Things to see range from artefacts, photographs, and recreated interiors reflecting the town’s past.
Ipoh Railway Station (1917)
Colonial-era “Taj Mahal of Ipoh,” iconic
starting point for travelers.
Ipoh Town Hall (1916)
Classic colonial building representing
civic history.
St. Michael’s Institution (1912)
Heritage school with neo-Gothic
architecture.
Perak State Museum & Art Gallery
(1883)
Showcases Perak’s history, culture, and
arts.
Old Post Office (Yau Tet Shin Street,
1928)
Colonial post office with a clock tower.
Gunung Lang Recreational Park - Ipoh
About 15 minutes’ drive from Ipoh town, Gunung Lang Recreational Park sits at
the foot of limestone formations (RAUB PAHANG THINGS TO DO). The area was originally part of an old mining
site in Perak and was converted into a recreational park in the 1990s. Legend
has it that some caves in the hills at Gunung Lang were once hideouts for
pirates and tin miners. Also, locals believe the hills are protected by
guardian spirits.
While the park carries the mystery of its
past, today Gunung Lang Recreational Park is known for its limestone hills,
tranquil lake, and lush greenery, making it one of the top nature attractions
in Ipoh, Perak.
Tropical flora line the paths, and boat
rides include going across the water to the base of the limestone hills. Other
activities in Gunung Lang are walking up the hill, and also picnicking. Even standing across the lake for admiring the
greenish water, tinted by the surrounding limestone hills and natural
vegetation, is simply breathtaking. On clear days, the lake takes on an emerald
hue.
Waterfalls in Perak
The numerous waterfalls are part of the sightseeing spots in Perak, or even as
nature and recreational activities, shaped by the state’s hills and rivers. In
some areas, limestone formations create dramatic cascades, while in others,
rivers flowing through granite cliffs form tall, striking drops. Some of the
waterfalls are noticeable from the highways, whereas others are hidden gems in
Perak.
One of the most famous waterfalls in Perak, Lata Kinjang Waterfall, visible from the North-South Expressway, is simply mind-blowing. It seems to call closer - and it works, considering the number of people who drive further inside from the main road, where parking can get really tight even on weekdays.
Lata Kinjang Waterfall stands tall, flowing from high up and cascading into chilling natural swimming pools, both large and small.
Lata Iskandar Waterfall - Tapah
Another famous waterfall in Perak, Lata Iskandar Waterfall spills over broad
granite steps into shallow pools. The sound of the water can be heard, and the
falls are visible from across the road. It attracts a large number of people
even on weekdays, including foreign tourists, some arriving with a complete set
of equipment for videoing.
Flowing across the rocks and cascading downward, Lata Iskandar is a sheer natural pleasure in Perak, stretching wide into big natural swimming pools. Climbing on the larger rocks is possible, though not during the rainy season.
Batu Berangkai Waterfall - Kampar
Water tumbles over a series of rock steps into natural pools below. This is the
Batu Berangkai Waterfall. The surrounding forest is quiet and shaded, so use
discretion when coming over. A short walk from the roadside leads to the base,
where climbing on some rocks is possible when the water is low.
Sungai Bil Waterfall - Kuala Woh
Featuring clear water flowing over a granite ledge into a broad pool, Sungai
Bil Waterfall is set within a forested area. It is suited for short nature
walks and picnics. The pool is large enough for dipping, and the gentle slope
of the rocks allows easy access from the riverbank.
Ulu Kenas Waterfall - Lenggong
Ulu Kenas Waterfall forms a tall, narrow cascade into a rocky pool below.
Reaching the falls requires a short hike along a marked trail through dense
vegetation. The natural pool at the base is suitable for cooling off during dry
days.
What to Eat in Perak
The heritage and culture of Perak linger in its food. Eating in Perak is never
short of options, with food available throughout the day. Classic and authentic
Perak food is also available on the menus of modern cafes, also featuring
Western food.
What makes it truly special, however, are
the unassuming shops. Nothing fancy or frilly, yet they have earned their
reputation for Perak’s most popular and beloved food.
Worth trying in Ipoh are Hainanese dishes
like Hainanese Chicken Chop and Black Pepper Chicken Chop. Noodles are also
popular, ranging from specific types like Hakka Mee to broader options such as
Curry Mee. In Ipoh, the famous Ipoh Chicken Rice paired with crunchy bean
sprouts is a must-try. Chinese snacks, sweet or savory, are available in
Chinese-style bakeries with a wide array of breads, buns, and pastries.
Where to eat in Perak? It’s a matter of trying and testing, and discovering personal favorites. Still, some popular eateries in Perak need no introduction.
