Cheap Travel - Perak : Teluk Nipah

Teluk Nipah beach

Pulau Pangkor/ Pangkor Island is one of tourist attraction in Perak. Pulau Pangkor is easily accessible through Lumut Jetty. Since 2010, the access has become easier because we can opt to board from Marina Island (terms and condition apply).

If you are board from Lumut Jetty, it takes approximately 30 minutes because it is quite further and it has two stops. It first stop at the fishermen village and the second one is at the tourist jetty. The best thing if we board from Lumut is we can also bring our bike onto the ferry. Of course charges apply. The ferry from Lumut Jetty is however quite crowded.

Marina Island Jetty

The new jetty at Marina Island is brand new private facilities. RM10 for return tickets and it takes approximately 10 minutes to Pulau Pangkor.

Main transportation at Pangkor Island either by big taxi or motorbike. Motorbike can be easily rented at RM30/day (if I'm not mistaken, correct me if I'm wrong).

The BBQ area

Pulau Pangkor has few beaches, but the one and only for me is Teluk Nipah. My recent trip to Teluk Nipah, I can see a new face of Teluk Nipah. Some of the new facilities are well-lit BBQ area, more organized souvenir and food stall. And the best thing is the beach remain unchanged, still nice and beautiful.

Taking afternoon boat from Lumut and I will reach at the hotel just nice for check-in. Upon check-in, it is highly recommended to try the Lempeng Pisang (Banana pancake) and the Pulut Panggang sold by the beach. It is easily recognized because it is the only stall selling Lempeng Pisang and Pulut Panggang.

Once you get your tank filled, then you can enjoy the beach while watching the sunset. The weather usually is very cooperative. With that, I can say it is one of the best sunset view that we can experience. Not far from Teluk Nipah, there is also a observation tower where you can enjoy the sunset.

For those who are looking for water sports, there are few provider readily waiting for you. Some of the water sports available are Island hopping (not the best), snorkelling (worth the price), kayak, banana boat and many more. Do not forget to negotiate to get your best price.

All in all, Pulau Pangkor trip is a budget island trip. Everything is considerably cheap compare to other island in Malaysia yet not at the expense of the activity, view and the ambiance.

Cheap Travel - Perak: Gunung Lang

Gunung Lang is a beautiful recreational park nestled between limestone hills in Ipoh, just 5km away from the city center. It comes as a surprise to discover such a natural wonder within easy access from major parts of Ipoh. A small road leads to the entrance of Gunung Lang from Jalan Kuala Kangsar, just before the North Ipoh Highway exit and with lush greenery. Across the lake lies a landscaped park that accessible only by boat. Fortunately, a jetty provides ferry services on water taxis for visitors to reach the park

Cheap Travel - Perak: Zoo Taiping & Night Safari

Over 180 local and exotic wildlife species can be observed at the 34-acre Taiping Zoo. The country's first zoo, featuring orang-utans, Malaysian Tigers, siamangs, and many more in open-air enclosures with natural settings. The Night Safari includes a mini train ride that takes you through various aprts of the zoo where you can watch nocturnal in actions - feeding, hunting or just being playful. The lively chirpings of night creatures add to the exciting atmosphere.

Admission:

RM12 for adult

RM 8 for child

map to Zoo Taiping:

Cheap Travel - Perak: Gua Tempurung

Located in Gopeng, Perak about 20km to the south of Ipoh,Gua Tempurung is popular among caving enthusiasts. For more than 3km long - one of the longest caves in Peninsula Malaysia - Gua Tempurung has so much to offer with its has been developed as show cave with electric lighting, proper walkways and there are range of tours in different lengths and difficulties. The river passage runs about 1.6 km through the hill. There are three very large chambers and some spectacular stalactites and stalagmites to be watched.

There are 4 tour packages available to be choose from:

Tour 1: Golden Flowstone (40 minutes) RM6.00

As you enter through the walkway on stilts over the cave river, you will see layers of white marble stone slabs and walls with different hues. Walking deeper to the dimmed showcase gallery, you will be struck by the beauty of the Golden Flowstone. Standing at a height of 90 metres, Golden Flowstone describes the sloping and wavering floor and wall of the cave which has a golden hue when water flows over it and illuminated by gentle light. Stalagmites and stalactites on walls and ceilings take various astounding sizes and shapes. Your eyes seem to play tricks on you when images of dolphin, jellyfish, tiger, lion, cow's head, seahorse, old man, Lord of Buddha and Zorro's eye come into view

Tour 2: Top of the World (1H 45M) RM9.00

You get to enjoy all the sights in Tour 1 and lots more when you climb higher to platform 5, standing 120 metres high. By then, you would have climbed 640 steps! Take a breather at the Wind Tunnel and feel the cool breeze before you proceed to the Gergasi (Giant) Cavern, which holds a huge column that looks like a space ship. Next, you will reach the Tin Mine Cavern where you will have a peek into tin mining activities that took place in the old days. Then Alam (Universe) Cavern comes into view. There, you will see a slender stalactite called Tongkat (Walking Stick or Cane) before coming across the Fallen Warrior and Battlefield Cavern with an amazing formation that looks like a warrior falling down in a battlefield. At the end of the journey, you will be rewarded with a rainbow of colours from sunshine reflected off the cave walls

Tour 3: Top of the World & Short River Adventure (2H 30m) RM11.00

Not only will you see the Golden Flowstone and climb to the Top of the World, you will also go down 230 steps and get wet in the underground river! You will have lots of fun crawling through holes and sliding down slippery stones before getting out to be greeted by the beautiful sight of the greenery outside

Tour 4: Grand Tour (3h 30m) RM22.00

Expect thrilling moments as you have the adrenalin-pumping spelunking adventure of your life time. You will wade through the underground river that reaches chest level at certain stretches, duck-walk and crawl through holes, climb almost vertical walls and slide down slippery stones. The physical challenges will be worth it. You get to see lots of fascinating rock formations - stalactites, stalagmites, multi-tier ponds, volcano-like rocks, glittering crystal-covered walls and lots more. Of course, the Golden Flowstone and the Top of the World Caverns are included in this tour that also takes you to the eastern side of the cave facing the North-South Expressway. Your return journey will take you entirely through the underground river

Map to Gua Tempurung: