Breezing On A Malayan Float - Perak

Perak used to be one of the richest states in Malaysia. In fact, its name means silver, and was probably derived from the colour of tin, which was(is still?) found in abundance in the state. However, as the world's reliance of that mineral waned, so did the state's prosperity.  Today, for many Singaporeans (at least in my circles), Perak is synonymous with Ipoh and its glorious food (there is Hor Fun and then there is Ipoh Hor Fun) as well as its many cave temples.

Personally for me, however, as someone who frequents the North-South Highway from Singapore to KL, the change occurs earlier, on the road. Whereas the scenery up to KL is largely flat, with large plains of palm trees and a few undulations, the surroundings turn a little bit more rugged once one leaves KL, and one begins to see mountains in the truer sense of the word.

And talk about scenery, Perak is a lot more than just Ipoh. I myself only found out relatively recently. For one, it shares a border with Thailand and contains a good deal of the Titiwangsa mountain range. Traversing it via the Timur-Barat Highway is quite an experience. Some have spoken of elephants crossing but unfortunately I had no such encounter.

But what good is driving along the Timur-Barat if you have nowhere nice to stop. Behold the scenery at the Bellum Forest Reserve... These pictures were taken from Pulau Banding, which is an artificial island situated in a lake (Lake Temenggor) created by the damming of a river, the same way its more well-known cousin in Terengganu, Tasik Kenyir was born.

Ok... Yes, all right. There has to be mention and pictures of the food and temples which abound in Ipoh...

Interestingly, in a bid to make the place more interesting, they have started to play up the street art (the type that first sprung up in Penang) in the more historic parts of town as well...Unlike Penang, however, where street art, of whatever quality, is everywhere, in Ipoh, there are 7 official murals for the curious tourist to find. Here are some of them.