Best of HULU PERAK

Hulu Perak is the northen part of Perak, flanked by Kedah and Kelantan. However, the state government has started refering to Hulu Perak as The Lake Districk. Its not just and advertising or promotional gimmick as the area really has a massive network of lakes - both man-made an natural. There are four main lakes - Tasik Temenggor, Chenderong, Kenering and Bersia.

Tasik Temenggor, a vast man-made lake created after the Temenggor Dam was built in 1978, found itself on the country's tourism map when the Royal Belum Forest opened to visitors.

Besides its reputation as one of the most untouched forest in the peninsula, it is also famous as home for endangered and rare animals as well as the giant rafflesia.

Another crowd puller here is Tasik Raban, the first lake to greet motorists coming from Kuala Kangsar along the Kuala Kangsar-Grik road which cuts through the vast lake.

It is actually Tasik Chenderoh, formed when Sungai Raban was flooded after the construction of Chenderoh Dam. But locals convenienty call it Tasik Raban after the small village of Raban.

There are waterfalls and caves for nature lovers and the adventures. Along the main road, look out of signages leading to Lata Kekakbu, Lata Air Ibol, Lata Papan, Lata Pusing and lata Bahagi.

For those into caving, the caves to explore are Dayak, Harimau, Ngaum, Batu Tukang, Kajang Singa, Teluk Kelawar and Gunung Runtuh, some of which are historically significant.

Gua Gunung Runtuh is where the remains of Perak Man (a stone age man aged 10,000 to 11,000 years old) was found. The discovery of what was believed to be the most complete human skelton ever found in Southeast Asia attracted worlwide attention.

Getting There:-

The nearest town to Lenggong is Kuala Kangsar, 46km or 40minute drive away. From the toll plaza on the north-south expressway,take the road to the Grik. Lenggong is between the royal town Kuala kangsar and Grik,another 40-minute drive from Lenggong.Both towns are connected to Kota Baru by the East-West Highway.From Baling,Kedah,Lenggong is accessible via Pengkalan Hulu.There is limited express bus service from major cities like Ipoh and Kota Baru but there are regular bus and taxy services.

Where To Stay:-

Lenggong offers comportable lodgings in the from of rest-house and Chalets.Located in the heart of town is Lenggong rest House(05-7678702) while at tasik Raban,there are small resorts with basic Chalets,bungalows and camp sites. In Grik, the choice is slightly better with several budget hotels and a Government rest-house. At the Royal Belum Forest, a number of nature resort are located around Tasik Temenggor.

Where To Eat:-

With so many lakes, naturally there is an abundance of fish. Indeed, ikan bakar and ikan pekasam (fermeted fresh - water fresh) are to the Lake District ad durian is to Changkat Jering and pamelo to Tambun. Ikan bakar restaurant line the Kuala Kangsar-Grik road and there are many in the town itself.

However the best seafood is to be had at Tasik Raban Tourism Complex. Its plus point is its strategic location by the lakeside and the main road, and its commanding view of the lake. There's ample parking space, toilet facilities, a surau and shops selling Lenggong's specilities like ikan pekasam, ethic craft and traditional cookies.