Perak Offers More Than Food, With Rich Heritage, Natural Wonders

IPOH, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- Beyond Ipoh’s famed food scene and heritage streets, Perak offers travellers a wealth of experiences, from exploring prehistoric discoveries and ancient rainforests to witnessing traditional pottery-making and cruising through mangrove waterways.

Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAHB) said in a statement today that the journey begins in Lenggong Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into thousands of years of human history.

“At the Lenggong Archaeological Gallery, travellers can learn about Perak Man, the most complete human skeletal remains estimated to be around 10,000 to 11,000 years old, and the discoveries that have made the valley an important archaeological landscape in Southeast Asia.

“Nearby, Kota Tampan offers another connection to the past. The site is associated with the discovery of ancient stone tools, giving visitors a glimpse into the lives of early communities who once inhabited the area,” it added.

MAHB said Perak's historical journey also extends to the skies, with Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh tracing its beginnings to a small airfield in the 1930s, when tin mining and rubber production were shaping the state's economy.

Then known as Ipoh Airport, it formed part of the transport network serving a region whose industries helped drive Malaya’s growth.

While Lenggong preserves evidence of prehistoric communities, the airport tells a more recent story of movement, commerce and change, reflecting another chapter of Perak's development.

Beyond its historical landmarks, Royal Belum State Park invites visitors to explore one of Peninsular Malaysia’s oldest rainforest landscapes. A boat ride across Temenggor Lake takes travellers towards the rainforest, followed by guided excursions to explore its trails, waterfalls and wildlife.

“Depending on the itinerary and conditions, visitors may trek in search of the striking Rafflesia, which is the world’s largest flower, venture towards Sungai Kooi Waterfall or look out for hornbills among the forest canopy. The wider Belum-Temengor forest complex is particularly significant for birdwatchers, as all 10 hornbill species recorded in Malaysia found there," it said.

For Haziq Luqman, 28, a teacher from Teluk Cempedak, the experience also offered valuable lessons beyond the forest.

“Getting there by boat and exploring the forest with a guide made the whole experience feel like an adventure. It also gave me stories and real-life examples I can share with my students to help them better understand Malaysia’s natural heritage and why it is important to protect it,” he said.

MAHB said travellers seeking a cultural experience can head to Sayong near Kuala Kangsar, where labu sayong - distinctive black, gourd-shaped pottery traditionally used to store water - remains an enduring symbol of Perak's cultural identity.

At local workshops, visitors can watch artisans shape clay into the vessel’s familiar silhouette before it undergoes traditional finishing and firing processes that give it its characteristic dark appearance. Depending on workshop arrangements, visitors may also have the opportunity to try pottery-making themselves,

A labu sayong maker from Sayong, Zainal Hanun, said every stage, from shaping the clay to the final firing, requires patience and experience. Sharing the process allows visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each vessel and understand why the tradition remains an important part of Perak’s heritage.

From Sayong, the journey continues west to Kuala Sepetang, a fishing town known for its connection to the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve. Boat excursions through the mangrove waterways offer views of the dense coastal forest and its network of tidal channels, as well as opportunities to observe the environment that supports local fishing communities.

Visitors can also learn about the traditional charcoal-making industry, which uses mangrove wood in purpose-built kilns.

The brick kilns around Kuala Sepetang offer a glimpse into an industry closely tied to the town’s history and livelihoods, while local eateries provide opportunities to sample fresh seafood, including prawns, fish and cockles sourced from the surrounding coastal waters.

“For a more community-focused experience, Ulu Geroh, near Gopeng, offers opportunities to learn about the relationship between the Semai community and the surrounding forest. With arrangements made through local guides and community operators, visitors may discover traditional uses of forest plants and learn about aspects of Semai knowledge and everyday life.

“The area is also known for Rafflesia excursions, where guided walks offer the possibility of encountering the enormous flower in its natural habitat when it is in bloom. As sightings depend on flowering cycles and local conditions, the experience is best planned with guides familiar with the area,” it added.

MAHB said such experiences provide a more personal perspective on Perak, allowing travellers to appreciate the state's archaeological heritage, natural landscapes, traditional crafts and community knowledge, while recognising the importance of protecting the environment and respecting local practices.

-- BERNAMA