acrosstheSTRAITS
acrosstheSTRAITS
Taman Tasil Taiping
The Lost World
Nature
Gua Tempurung
Pulau Pangkor
properties. The original purpose of this plantation was to preserve this species because of its
popularity and regular use in Middle Eastern
and Chinese cultures. Its high commercial value
led it to become one of the most endangered
species on the planet. Currently, it is the home
of over 200,000 organically cultivated trees of all
ages, and is a conservation project that still operates. Various products made in a local factory
are available in the retail shop along with Gaharu Tea, Gaharu Cookies, Gaharu Instant Noodles, Gaharu Soup Mix, Gaharu Nougat, Gaharu
Oil, Gaharu Fragrance, and Gaharu Wood Chips.
Located in Gopeng, Perak Malaysia, Gua Tempurung, (translated into English as Tempurung
Cave), is one of the most popular destinations
on earth for spelunking, often frequented by
cave enthusiasts. It is also one of the longest
caves in the Malaysian peninsula and is an extremely beautiful river cave, with different sizes
of stalactites and stalagmites creating spectacular natural scenery. The white marble slabs of
the cave walls are a variety of different hues, the
most beautiful being the Golden Flowstone.
The longer you stare into the beauty of the
caves, images of dolphins, jellyfish, tigers, lions,
cows, seahorses, old men and even Lord Bud- Other attractions
dha are some of the illusion shadows that apThe Taiping Lake Gardens may not be as popupear cast upon the walls.
lar a destination as the tea plantation, but it cerFrom being confined underground in a marve- tainly deserved some credit of its own for being
lous maze of caverns, to wide-open beautiful one of the most beautiful places on earth. Built
spaces in the Gaharu Tea Valley, Gopeng seems on top of an abandoned tin mine, these Britishto have its beauty cut out for it. Founded 20 era gardens were the first ones established
years ago, the plantation covers 300 acres, and during colonial rule. With a fantastic backdrop
despite its name it is actually an agarwood-filled of high jungle mountains, it is a serene and
valley. Agarwood—or Gaharu (as its namesake tranquil venue often visited by joggers, nature
says in Malay), is a highly prized tree for its pun- lovers and soon-to-be-wed couples posing for
gent and exotic fragrance along with medicinal photos. Angsana - massive ancient rain trees line the lake, providing ample shade for those
Anantara Bangkok
Riverside Resort & Spa
Weekendin 124
hot days, and make this park a favourite go-to
location for reflexology. Structures of heritage dot the environment, including the Raja’s
House, Old Residency, and old Army Residences.
The beauty of nature does not end there, you
don’t have to travel far to get to some of the best
beaches in Malaysia. You can take the 35min
ferry ride to reach the exotic island of Pangkor.
Despite being better known as a budget tourist destination, it has the peninsula’s most delicious dried seafood, anchovy and cuttlefish—
seafood still being its main industry. Because of
this, it provides a nice secluded, away from the
city feel far from the cement sidewalks and busy
streets of city life. The two beaches you’ll want
to visit are Nipah Beach and Coral Beach, two
of the most exciting snorkeling spots on the
planet. Top the adventure off with a night-swim
with blue plankton that glow in the dark, making you feel like you are dancing with the stars.
History
Perak’s history however is not limited to the
tranquil Taiping Gardens, and one of the most
interesting, mind-boggling places is known as
Pangkor Island
Rasa Sayang Spa & Resort
Gua Tempurung Water
the Lost World, Tambun. Yes, the original Lost
World, not the one from the Jurassic Park Movie. Lost World Tambun is Malaysia’s very own,
and unfortunately not well-known enough
theme park with its own natural hot springs. It
includes the Water Park, Amusement Park, Tiger Valley, Lost World Petting Zoo, Lost World
Hot Springs and Spa, and Tin Valley. Although
it is included as a history-site for its Tun Valley
experience into the past of Perak’s tin mining
community, it still remains one of the most
exciting places to v