Perak- the silver state

Perak, located in the north-west half of Peninsular Malaysia, is the fourth largest state in the country. The state’s official moniker is ‘Perak Darul Ridzuan’ which translates as ‘Perak, the abode of grace’. The name Perak, itself means silver and it was probably coined during a time when the state’s capital city, Ipoh was a prominent hub for tin-mining in colonial Malaya.
Perak offers various diverse attractions guaranteed to enthrall and enchant all ages. Listed below are some of its most prominent attractions:-
Ipoh
Ipoh is the administrative capital of the state of Perak. This city, which is amongst the most populous cities in Malaysia, is situated 200km to the north of Kuala Lumpur and is easily accessible via various modes of transport.
Ipoh is renowned as a ‘foodie destination’ in Malaysia and offers a culinary landscape littered with much delectable hawker fare. The city is especially associated with much loved delicacies like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Kai See Sar Hor Fun (rice noodles in a soupy broth), Tauge Ayam, Wantan Mee, Ipoh white coffee, Char Quay Teow and many more.
Other attractions in and around Ipoh city, include the Gunung Lang and the Lost World of Tambun theme parks and various stunning colonial-era edifices like the Town Hall, the High Court and the Ipoh Railway Station.
Pangkor Island
Favored by honeymooners and scuba diving enthusiasts, Pangkor Island located off the coast of Perak offers an enchanting mix of quaint fishing villages and upscale resorts set amongst a landscape of tranquil bays, virgin rainforest sand white sand beaches.
http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/Web-Page/Places/States-of-Malaysia/Perak/Pangkor-Island-Perak
Kellies Castle
The popular tourist attraction, Kellie’s Castle is located near Batu Gajah on the outskirts of Ipoh. This castle which is in fact is an unfinished mansion, was conceived by a Scottish plantation owner in colonial Malaya, William Kellie Smith. Smith wished to recreate a piece of Scotland in Malaysia and began to construct the mansion in 1915. However, construction on the mansion was aborted in 1926, when Smith passed away. The castle which today is in a ruined state is situated atop a hill in the midst of verdant lands, which once formed a part of a rubber estate. The castle which is believed to be equipped with secret rooms and an underground tunnel is a popular tourist attraction in Perak.
Sungai Klah Hot Springs Resort
The scenic Sungai Klah Hot Springs Resort situated at the foothills of the Titiwangsa Range 200 feet above sea level is a much favored wellness destination in Perak. The resort which is surrounded by verdant hills, dense palm oil plantations, fruit-filled durian orchards and cool mountain streams, extends over 6.5 acres and offers a free-flowing hot springs swimming pool and a therapeutic park. Another popular attraction at the resort is its spa menu which features several traditional Malaysian massage packages.
Belum Forest Reserve
The Belum Forest Reserve situated near Lake Temenggor in Perak, is one of the largest, untouched forested areas on Peninsular Malaysia. This lush virgin forest paradise is host to wide array of native flora and fauna like Malayan tigers, elephants, tapirs, rhinoceroses and many more.
Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill)
Founded in 1884, by William Edward Maxwell, the British Assistant Resident of Perak, Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) is the oldest hill resort in Malaysia. The resort which is located at a distance of 10km from Taiping in Perak is perched at a height of 1250 meters above sea level within the Titiwangsa Range.
Believed to be one of the rainiest spots in Malaysia, Maxwell Hill receives more 500 cm of rain a year. The resort which has a distinct old-world air about it features a landscape dotted with English-style cottages and verdant gardens. The lush environs of the resort provide much scope for bird-watching. Private vehicles are not permitted into the hill resort and Maxwell Hill can only be accessed by travel aboard government-owned 4X4 vehicles
The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary
The Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, situated  within the Matang Mangrove Forest in northern Perak is used as prominent rest stop by migratory birds on their annual migration flight from the northern to the southern hemisphere. These birds are known to flock around sanctuary’s large mudflat area as they recuperate from their long flight. More than 48 species of migratory birds hailing from far away countries like Japan, China, Siberia, Mongolia and more have been spotted at the sanctuary.
The above mentioned are but a few of the many interesting attractions Perak has to offer  and if this listing has stirred your interest, then why not plan a trip to this Malaysian silver state so that you can discover more ?