If you’re planning a trip just to take a break from work, why not embark on a Perak-Kedah road trip? These states in northern Malaysia are filled with interesting attractions that you can visit!
Perak
While Perak is known for its famous taugeh (beansprouts) chicken rice and white coffee from Ipoh, there is definitely more to the state than meets the eye. There is so much to see and do in the Perak leg of your road trip!
1. Go on a caving adventure at Gua Tempurung
One of the longest caves in Peninsular Malaysia stretching over 3 kilometres, Gua Tempurung is a popular attraction in Gopeng, Perak. This limestone cave features spectacular stalactites and stalagmites that can be seen from the lit walkways.
For a more wholesome experience, you can choose the river adventure where you will get wet in the underground river of the cave. Expect to crawl through holes and slide down slippery stones so make sure you’re comfortably dressed! Don’t worry if you prefer not to get wet, as there are also dry tours for you to choose from.
Address: Pusat Pelancongan Gua Tempurung, 31600 Gopeng, Perak
Opening Hours: 9.00am - 4.00pm (note that wet tours are only conducted before noon as they make take up to 3.5 hours)
Admission Fee: Tours cost from RM20 for adults and RM10 for children (depending on the type of tour you select)
Contact: 05-318 8555
P.S. Love hidden gems? Then you'd love these 11 hidden gems in Malaysia!
2. Visit the IG-worthy Kellie’s Castle
Said to be haunted, Kellie’s Castle was designed with the palaces in India in mind with its obvious Moorish-style structures. It was built by a Scottish planter, William Kellie Smith especially for his wife. The construction was not completed and was abruptly halted when he died in 1926.
Get your cameras clicking to the beautiful castle with its many picturesque corners. While locals and tourists alike may fill you in with stories of supernatural sightings at the castle, do not be scared to explore! You may gain an unforgettable experience of your own that you may share with others after your trip ?
Address: Batu Gajah, Perak
Opening Hours: 9.00am - 5.30pm on weekdays, 9.00am - 6.00pm during the weekends
Admission Fee: RM5 (adults), RM3 (children)
3. Go up the Teluk Intan Leaning Tower
Next, make your way to Teluk Intan to see the famous leaning tower. Coincidentally, the abbreviation for the Teluk Intan Leaning Tower is TILT which is what it literally does!
The distinct incline of the tower may remind you of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Constructed in 1885, it was built to store water for local usage as preparation for drought and fire. Due to a soft foundation, the 25.5-meter tower began tilting to one side.
Fun fact: From the outside, it looks like the tower is 8-storeys high but in actual fact, it is divided to only 3 storeys inside.
Address: Lot 1 & 2, Kompleks Menara Condong, Jalan Bandar, Pekan Teluk Intan 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak
Opening Hours: 8.00am - 5.00pm on weekdays (closed on Mondays), 9.00am - 6.00pm during the weekends
Admission Fee: Free
4. Take a relaxing stroll at the Taiping Lake Gardens
Spreading over 64 hectares, the Taiping Lake Gardens is a must-visit when you’re in Perak. It was once an abandoned tin mine and was the very first public garden in then-Malaya (when Malaysia was still under British rule).
With huge rain trees lining the road with their branches arching into the lake, the garden is beautifully lit with sunlight seeping through the trees. Soak in the natural beauty as you take a relaxing stroll at the Taiping Lake Garden. There is also a beautifully-manicured Japanese garden within it!
Address: Jalan Pekeliling, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission Fee: Free
P.S. Check out these 7 amazing things to do in Taiping!
Kedah
Known as the “Rice Bowl of Malaysia”, Kedah is home to the country’s rice supply. With a vast green landscape of paddy fields, Kedah is the largest producer of rice in Malaysia. Marvel at the beautiful sights of the picturesque paddy fields as you drive into Kedah.
5. Feel like you’re on top of the world at Gunung Jerai
Standing at 1,217 meters tall, Gunung Jerai (also known as the Kedah Peak) is the second-highest peak in Kedah (after Gunung Bintang at 1,826 meters). Fret not if you don’t have the physical capability to hike up the mountain, as it is possible to drive up!
With the 8,560 hectares of forest reserve enveloping the mountain, expect a scenic and tranquil drive up as you slowly ascend the mountain. On a clear day, you will be able to get spectacular views of the rolling paddy fields and the sea surrounding the neighbouring Penang and Langkawi Island.
For a more unique experience, you can check into The Regency Jerai Hill Resort for a relaxing stay at the peak of the mountain. Nothing beats waking up in cooling fresh air!
6. Walk down memory lane at Rumah Kelahiran Tun Dr. Mahathir
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the family home of the fourth and seventh Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. At the age of 93, he made headlines last year when he was elected as the Prime Minister of Malaysia for the second time after his previous reign as the fourth Prime Minister.
Catch a glimpse into the life of the world’s oldest Prime Minister in the house he grew up in. Tracing his humble roots to Alor Setar, walk down memory lane in the well-maintained family home. You'll get to learn more about his life from the informative exhibits in the family home.
Address: No. 18, Lorong Kilang Ais Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Pegawai, Jalan Seberang Perak, Taman Persisiran Tanjung Chali, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah
Opening Hours: 10.00am - 5.00pm daily closed on Mondays)
Admission Fee: Free
7. Visit the beautiful Zahir Mosque
One of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques, Zahir Mosque seats majestically on Dataran Alor Setar. It features a clean, white facade topped with five Moorish-inspired domes. With its walls decorated in Arabic calligraphy, the mosque is an architectural beauty exuding serenity.
The beautifully-manicured garden surrounding the mosque acts as the perfect backdrop for plentiful of photography opportunities. This historical landmark is definitely a must-visit in Alor Setar!
Address: Jalan Kampung Perak, Bandar Alor Setar, 05150 Alor Setar, Kedah
Contact: 04-733 3288
P.S. Check out these 9 amazing mosques in Malaysia for your next trip!
8. Get a panoramic view of the city at the Alor Setar Tower
Looking like a giant spaceship towering over the city, the Alor Setar Tower is an iconic landmark and is popular among tourists. Apart from providing telecommunication and broadcasting services, it also houses an observation deck, banquet hall, revolving restaurant and souvenir shop.
Get a stunning bird’s eye view of the city and its surrounding paddy fields from the observation deck. You can also dine at the revolving restaurant for a romantic setting with your loved ones!
Fun fact: The Alor Setar Tower is the second tallest telecommunication tower in Malaysia at 165.5 meters (after the KL Tower standing at 421 meters) and the 22nd tallest in the world!
Address: Lot 99 Darul Aman Highway, Bandar Alor Setar, 05000 Alor Setar, Kedah
Opening Hours: 10.00am - 10.00pm
Admission Fee: RM12 (adults), RM8 (children between the ages of 4 and 12 & senior citizens)
Contact: 04-720 2906 / 04-720 2901
While Penang has always clinched the top spot of places to visit in northern Malaysia, we sure hope you’d see it in a different light now. There’s also much to see in Perak and Kedah as well, so time to pack your bags and hit the road!