Five Reasons Why Southern Perak Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
Perak may be better known for popular destinations such as Ipoh, Taiping and Pangkor Island, but a journey through Teluk Intan, Bagan Datuk, Slim River, and Tanjong Malim proves that the southern part of the state also has plenty of exciting experiences waiting to be explored.
From sampling local food and discovering history to enjoying nature and unique stays, here are five reasons why Southern Perak deserves a place on your travel list.
1. Enjoy nature in a more peaceful setting 🌿
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Southern Perak offers several destinations where you can enjoy the beauty of nature at a more relaxed pace.
One of them is Dē MOCCIS Lake Resort in Changkat Jong, Teluk Intan. Surrounded by greenery, the resort offers a range of activities including kayaking, ATV rides, cycling, fishing, hiking and a visit to its mini zoo.
Meanwhile, in Tanjong Malim, UAP Glamping UPSI offers an overnight experience in domes or tents, surrounded by greenery with views of the Titiwangsa Range from the glamping grounds. Opened in 2025, the site provides an alternative for visitors looking to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city, while enjoying a cool and relaxing environment.
2. Discover the history and identity of old towns 🏛️
If you enjoy exploring the history of a destination, Teluk Intan has several places worth adding to your itinerary.
One of them is the Teluk Intan Leaning Tower. The tower is one of the town’s iconic landmarks and was built in 1885. Originally, the building served as a water storage tower. Today, the three-storey structure has become one of Teluk Intan’s best-known heritage landmarks.
Not far from there, visitors can take a stroll through Old Town Teluk Intan to discover heritage buildings, rows of traditional shophouses, and glimpses of local life. Its location along the lower reaches of the Perak River also gives the old town its own distinctive character.
Meanwhile, Tanjong Malim Street Art showcases a more modern side of the town, with murals and artworks adorning its streets. Visitors can take photographs around the area, with colourful murals making it an appealing spot to explore and capture as a keepsake.
3. Hunt for local food from morning until night 🍜
A trip to Southern Perak would not be complete without sampling its local food. In fact, it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to try at least a few dishes that are popular among the local community.
In Teluk Intan, you can begin your food journey at Restoran Udang Galah Teluk Intan, which serves a variety of dishes, particularly those featuring freshwater prawns.
Next, enjoy locally made coffee at Kilang Kopi Cap Arnab. With a coffee-making heritage dating back to 1950, visitors can not only savour local coffee but also purchase a variety of products to take home as souvenirs.
You can also stop by Gerai Pak Deris Roti Canai Kari Kambing for roti canai served with mutton curry, including its popular roti sarang. A variety of other breakfast options, such as nasi lemak, different types of noodles and local dishes, are also available. Simply choose whatever takes your fancy before continuing your journey.
Finally, seafood lovers can stop by Rosli Ikan Bakar Ketagih in Bagan Datuk. The restaurant offers grilled seafood and local dishes at reasonable prices. Although it is located slightly further inland, the experience of enjoying seafood grilled with special spices while taking in the kampung atmosphere is certainly worth the trip.
4. Discover local produce and community experiences 🥥
Beyond its main attractions, a journey through Southern Perak also brings visitors closer to local produce and the activities of the surrounding communities.
For example, the MARDI Bagan Datuk Agro-Technology Park highlights research into coconut cultivation and production, including community-based experiences. Visitors can learn more about how quality coconuts are grown and cultivated, making them one of the area’s notable local products.
For those who want to see first-hand or learn more about coconut cultivation and production, MARDI Bagan Datuk is a worthwhile addition to the itinerary.
Experiences like this make a trip about more than simply taking photographs at different locations. They also offer an opportunity to discover local products, activities and the everyday lives of the communities that call the area home.
5. Enjoy plenty of laid-back experiences in one trip 🚐
What makes Southern Perak particularly appealing is the variety of experiences that can be combined into a single journey.
After enjoying the food and exploring the town, you can see Teluk Intan from a different perspective aboard the Teluk Intan River Cruise along the Perak River. The leisurely journey offers views of old buildings, a fish aquarium area, various species of egrets and more, accompanied by a boat guide throughout the trip.
For those who enjoy strolling through sunflower gardens, Sunflower Garden Bagan Sungai Burung in Bagan Datuk offers a more cheerful setting, with stretches of sunflowers that are perfect for leisurely walks and photographs. The attraction, however, is not limited to its sunflower fields, as it also features various interesting photo spots that are sure to excite visitors.
The journey can then continue to Tanjong Malim, where you can enjoy coffee and food at Sarang Art Hub. This creative café also places a strong emphasis on its art gallery, which was founded by the late legendary Malaysian filmmaker Mamat Khalid.
The cultural hub not only pays tribute to his filmmaking legacy but also serves as a relaxed space to enjoy local and Western food, live music performances, and a variety of unique art activities. Fans of the late Mamat Khalid’s work can also get a closer look at his collection of antiques and film props.
So, if Ipoh has always been your go-to destination when holidaying in Perak, why not make southern Perak your next stop? From its rich history and natural beauty to its unique local experiences, the region offers a different side of Perak waiting to be discovered.
Gaya Travel Magazine team members extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tourism Perak for closely collaborating with the team in promoting Southern Perak.
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