Video of the Day! Ipoh my Hometown !

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This is Perak !

Perak (Translated from Jawi: ڨيرق,), is one of the 13 states of Malaysia, and is the second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. It borders Kedah and the Thai Yala Province to the north; Penang to the northwest; Kelantan and Pahang to the east; Selangor to the south, and the Straits of Malacca to the west.
The state's administrative capital of Ipoh was known historically for tin-mining activities until the price of the metal dropped, severely affecting the state's economy. The royal capital, however remains at Kuala Kangsar, where the palace of the Sultan of Perak is located.
The Arabic honorific of Perak is Darul Ridzuan ("Abode of Grace").

How Perak got it's name
The state's official name is Perak Darul Ridzuan (In Jawi: ڨيرق دار الرّضوان), or "Perak, the Abode of Grace". Perak means silver in Malay, which is probably derived from the silvery colour of tin. In the 1890s, Perak, with the richest alluvial deposits of tin in the world was one of the jewels in the crown of the British Empire. However, some say the name comes from the "glimmer of fish in the water" that sparkled like silver. Darul Ridzuan is the state's Arabic honorific, and can mean either "land" or "abode" of grace.

History of Perak Part 1 !

The History of Perak - With The Dutch

Dutch colonialism

The ruins of the Dutch 

Fort of Pangkor Island

The Dutch attempted to control the tin trade in the 17th century, and built defensive forts at the mouth of the Perak River and on Pulau Pangkor.
Early history recorded the arrival in Perak of the Dutch in 1641, when they captured the Straits of Malacca and controlled tin-ore and spice trading. However, the Dutch attempt to monopolise the tin-ore trading in Perak by influencing Sultan Muzaffar Syah failed. They then turned to Sultanah Tajul Alam Safiatuddin, the Sultan of Aceh, to seek permission to trade in Perak, which forced the Sultan of Perak to sign a treaty, allowing the Dutch to build their plant in Kuala Perak on 15 August 1650. This did not go down well with the aristocracy of Perak.
In 1651, Temenggung and the people of Perak attacked and destroyed the Dutch plant. The Dutch were forced to leave their base in Perak. The Dutch sent a representative to Perak in 1655 to renew the earlier agreement and to seek compensation for the loss of their plant. The Perak government however did not honour the treaty and was thus surrounded by the Dutch; in retaliation, the people of Perak, Aceh, and Ujung Salang, launched a surprise attack on the Dutch.
In 1670, the Dutch returned to Perak to build Kota Kayu, now known as Kota Belanda ("Dutch Fortress"), on Pangkor Island. Perak agreed to the construction because of news that the Kingdom of SUX Siam would be attacking the state. Nevertheless, in 1685, Perak once again attacked the Dutch on Pangkor Island, forcing them to retreat and close their headquarters. The Dutch attempted to negotiate for a new treaty, but failed.

British Colonialism (History of Perak Part 2 ! )

British Colonialism 
In this segment, we're going to discuss about the British colonialism during the 1820's and so on. So sit back, relax, and prepare to get bored!

The Sultan of Abdullah of Perak
Introduction

In the 19th century, the Bugis, Acehnese, and the Siamese were all attempted to invade Perak, and only British intervention in 1820 prevented Siam from annexing Perak. Although the British were initially reluctant to establish a colonial presence in Malaya, increasing investment in the tin mines brought a great influx of Chinese immigrants, including Foo Ming, who formed rival clan groups allied with Malay chiefs and local gangsters which all fought for control of the mines. The Perak Sultanate was unable to maintain order as it was embroiled in a protracted succession crisis, .

In her book The Golden Chersonese and The Way Thither, Victorian traveller and adventurer Isabella Lucy Bird (1831–1904) describes how Raja Muda Abdullah (as he then was) turned to his friend in Singapore,Tan Kim Ching. Tan, together with an English merchant in Singapore, drafted a letter to Governor Sir Andrew Clarke which Abdullah signed. The letter expressed Abdullah's desire to place Perak under British protection, and "to have a man of sufficient abilities to show (him) a good system of government." In 1874, the Straits Settlements governor Sir Andrew Clarke convened a meeting on Pulau Pangkor, at which Sultan Abdullah was installed on the throne of Perak in preference to his rival, Sultan Ismail. This Pangkor Treaty also required that the Sultan of Perak accept a British Resident, a post granted wide administrative powers.

In 1875, various Perak chiefs assassinated the British Resident James W. W. Birch, resulting in the short-livedPerak War of 1876. Sultan Abdullah was exiled to the Seychelles, and the British installed a new ruler. The new resident, Sir Hugh Low, was well-versed in the Malay language and local customs, and proved to be a more capable administrator. He also introduced the first rubber trees in Malaya. Perak joined Selangor, Negeri Sembilanand Pahang to form the Federated Malay States in 1896. However, the British Resident system persisted until the Malayan Union was established in 1948. Perak (as a component of the Federation of Malaya) gained its independence from the British on 31 August 1957.

Perak History(Part 3 !)

History Of Perak (An extended version)

                      There are a few forms as to the starting point of Perak. Some say that the name "PERAK" originated from Bendahara Tun Perak of Malacca while some say that it originated from the "glint of fish in the water" that shimmered like silver, or Perak as it is known in Malay. In this way, the negligible notice of the state's name will reflect the fortunes covered up in its earth. 

The Perak State, in genuine actuality, has been in presence since the ancient age. Kota Tampan in Lenggong is the unparalleled verification that the Paleolithic Age existed in Malaya. The Perak State experienced various developments between 400 000 BC and 8000 BC. The state had encountered the Hoabinhian Period and the Neolithic Age and also the Metal Age, which was demonstrated with the discoveries of pertinent antiquated curios. At that point came the Hindu/Buddha time. It was thought to have occurred all the while with whatever remains of Malaya.

                     After this period, the historical backdrop of the state progressed above and beyond with the arrangement of minor regions, for example, Manjung in the Dinding Area and Beruas which started to be after Manjung stopped to exist. This likewise apply to a couple of different regions in the Perak Tengah and Hulu Perak. It was additionally then that Islam started to plant its establishes solidly in the state. Truly Perak's history really started with the establishment of Sultan Muzaffar Shah 1, who was a descendent of Sultan Mahmud Shah of Malacca, in the year 1528. In spite of the fact that the Perak Sultanate had shaped the regional forces were still basically. The authoritative system was an augmentation of the just medieval arrangement of Malacca. 
                     

                Perak got to be more noticeable with the revelation of tin in Larut, Taiping in 1848 by Long Jaafar. With this revelation, Perak's economy blasted and additionally mining territories were brought into presence. Notwithstanding tin mineral, characteristic elastic likewise assumed an essential part regardless is generally planted after the rule of 33 or 34 sequential Sultans. Because of this noteworthy ramifications of financial advancement brought about the conception of a multiracial society particularly with the presentation of the Chinese into the mining region. The British who had long been intrigued Perak, mediated through the Pangkor Arrangement in 1874 after an uproar in Larut. As an issue of this mediation, the Private framework was presented with James W.w Birch as its first Occupant.

                        At first, the Private framework should yield positive results. In any case, in light of the fact that it digressed from its unique reason, complied with the locals' declined to be colonized prompted an uprising against the Occupant under the administration of Datuk Maharaja Lela. As an issue J.w.w. Birch was killed in 1875. The Private framework proceeded until the entry of the Japanese to Malaya in 1941. The Perak State likewise endured, as did others, amid the Japanese control of Malaya until the year 1945. Considerably after the Japanese surrendered, the British still colonized Malaya until the year 1948. Viciousness was uncontrolled then in Perak, because of Socialist terrorism.

                         After the Japanese occupation in Malaya, the Malay States were not steady. The British did their most extreme best to keep up their position by presenting new organization frameworks, for example, the Malayan Union in 1946, regardless of the individuals' nationalistic soul to look for freedom. The populace of Malaya consolidated their deliberations with all state dignitaries to completely oppose all British frameworks. They persistently persecuted until the British allowed Malaya freedom in 1957. The freedom of Malaya implied the opportunity for all its Combined States, which Perak was a piece of fast improvement in all fields proceeded until today, after the rule of 34 back to back Sultans.

Demographics, Economy, and Culture

Demographics

Brief Introduction
Malaysia is known for it's mixed culture. So there would be different varieties of mixed ethical groups in the country consisting not just Bumiputras, but also Chinese and Indians. Here we're going to explain and write down the information of Demographics of Perak hoping one would understand more of it.

Once Malaysia's most populous state, Perak has yet to recover from the decline of the tin mining industry. The economic downturn resulted in massive manpower drain to higher-growth states such as Penang, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur

Perak's population grew at an annual rate of 0.4% as follows:

• 2001: 2,051,236
• 2006: 2,283,000
• 2010: 2,258,428 (official 2010 census)

The ethnic composition of the population in 2001 was:

• Bumiputera: 1,101,105 (53.68%)
• Chinese: 643,129 (31.35%)
• Indians: 262,121 (12.78%)
• Other ethnicity: 6,536 (0.32%), including 2,080 Thai
• Non-citizens: 38,345 (1.87%)

The population breakdown in 2010 was:

• Bumiputera: 1,360,506 (55.74%)
• Chinese: 702,170 (28.77%)
• Indians: 296,600 (12.15%)
• Other ethnicity: 8,842 (0.36%)
• Non-citizens: 72,751 (2.98%)

Economy

                           Perak has a proud track record of making the best of each circumstances. Regardless of the 'tin droop in 1983, it has succeeded in rebuilding its monetary improvement, bringing about nonstop mechanical development. A sound framework and offices of worldwide standard make it a perfect environment for business endeavor.

                          Initially a dark kampung with run down structures, Ipoh, the town that tin fabricated, has turned into one of the biggest urban communities in Malaysian. Ready to turn into a point of convergence of industry, business, venture, training and social exercises, Ipoh reflects the general advancement and improvement that the state is encountering.Perak was one of Malaysia's wealthiest states during Malaya's colonial period, as much of Malaya's mineral deposits were situated here. The tin industry here subsequently flourished under the auspices of the British fueled by the ongoing Industrial Revolution then. The global tin industry collapsed in the 1980s, subsequently forcing the closure of many local tin mines concurrently crippling Perak’s economy.

                            This turn of events led the local state government to diversify the economy's base towards commodity-based manufacturing. The mid-1980s witnessed a large influx of electronics SMEs from Taiwan to Silibin and Jelapang industrial estates, but these have relocated to China in the 1990s as a result of outsourcing. A local car manufacturing hub called Proton City at Tanjung Malim has been developed with the establishment of state-of-the-art car manufacturing facilities, it is the largest manufacturer of Proton cars. However, the economy has never fully recovered from the decline of the tin industry.

                           Agriculture is also one of Perak's main industries, especially those concerning rubber, coconut and palm oil. Tourism is a growing industry given the state's abundant natural attractions.^[11] 
Perak is set to become the second state (after Kelantan) to introduce the gold dinar and silver dirham as official currency.

Attractive places to visit in Perak

Fun and Exciting Places to go in Perak!

The capital of Perak State, Ipoh is Malaysia’s third largest city. In the olden days, it was the city of the rich where fortune from the tin mines of the Kinta Valley produced expansive growth and the city’s most elegant mansions.
There are a few places that will interest and attract tourists when visiting Perak. Here are a few destinations one should visit when travelling to Perak.

1.         Royal Belum State Park

The Royal Belum State Park is one of the few largest park in the northern parts of Peninsular Malaysia. It is one part of an even bigger park named “Belum – Temengor Forest Complex (BTFC)”, professionally shared with a Thailand company. Together with another Malaysian park “Taman Negara National Park”, it is one of the oldest park and rainforest in the world, dating back with over 130 million years.

It is one of Perak biggest attractions and houses up to over a variety of flora & faunas and a mix variety of wildlife. Its rainforests remain fairly untouched by any outside organizations or cooperation’s due to the fact it’s objective of protecting these variety of Mother Nature. The park also houses the 14 of the world’s most endangered and threatened animals.

This includes mammals which are the Malaysian tiger, the white handed gibbon, and the Asiatic elephant. Other animals are the Malaysian sun bear, and the tapir, an herbivorous mammal that strikes a similar resembles like a big only with a long nose. (Picture provided)

It is said by tourists and even locals that the park is the only place in Malaysia where all species of hornbills can be spotted. It is also the place where the parasitic plant, the “Rafflesia” can be seen here (Picture provided).

Within the park coincidentally, lies a lake called “Lake Temenggor”, which is the second largest lake after Lake Kenyir which both can be located in Peninsular Malaysia. Just like “Lake Kenyir”, it is another manmade lake intended for water catchments, and consisting of a variety of aquatic species of freshwater variant, including the Kelah, and Toman and much more which makes it an ideal destination for fishing or for anglers. As the lake was once an island before becoming into a lake, there are also small forested areas which is full of small island (Too be more accurate, mountain peaks of big mountains and hills) can be visited by locals or tourists. There are also resorts in this area to satisfy lounging needs. (Left to Right; A Kelah fish and the resort “A – Hut Chalet”)

How to Get There

“Royal Belum State Park”

Belum can be located at the northeast end of Ipoh, Perak. There are many ways on how you can get there, most commonly renting a car, or motorbike, and can go there by using public transportation like the bus or train. The Gateway to the park is a small village of Pulau Bindang which is not hard to identify with the help of nearby locals and destination maps. Once tourists have reached the village, there will be a jetty point where tourists can get to their resort by boat.

Another faster alternative is to go to Kota Bharu by aeroplane and then rent a car, or take a taxi. From there on, tourists can drive to Belum in less than 3 hours.

Tourists and locals who wishes to visit the park must have a permit to enter with terms and conditions from the “Perak State Parks Corporations” (PSPC). Permit fees are in ringgit Malaysia (RM) 10 per entry, all gender and ages and bringing in a camera will charge an additional RM5 per unit of camera. The park is opened till night time and visitors are allowed to experience the night activities of the park with again T & C.

2.         Gua Tempurung

Gua Tempurung (translated as Shell Grotto), is a cave that can be located in Gopeng, Perak. It is a popular destination among cave explorers, spelunkers, and caving fanatics. Being one of the longest caves in Peninsula Malaysia, it is over 3 Kilometers long and only part of it has been developed as a attraction cave with an electrical lightings and walk paths. The cave also gave tourist the option of choosing which range of the cave they wishes to explore, as well as choosing the difficulty.

Historically, the cave was found and identified in 187 in the maps provided by the then “Perak – Malay Peninsula”. The mountain is geologically estimated at the age between 200 to over 400 million years old and spectacularly most of its natural minerals still hold elusive texture even after years of harsh climate changes. The cave is systematically rebuild in some ways, with large intricate cave system with spectacular speleotherms like stalagmites and lime stone contents. Interestingly, these and more forms of natural limestone formations can be seen as a form of architectural genius, gaps and formations which originally allowed easy access for people.

How to get there, locations and places to stay

The cave can be located in “Lembah Tempurung (Tempurung Valley) which is near Gopeng, Perak, and 25 Kilometers to the south of Ipoh, which is also known as the capital of Perak. Going there is easy as tourists can take public transportations or take shutters from the facilities that provides them.

Tourists can consider lounging at “Adeline Rest House” which provides transportation services to the caves. It can be located at Kampung Geruntum near Sungai Itik, which is just 7 km from the Perak town of Gopeng. The place is Halal certified and tourists can easily go there due to the place renowned reputation. Pricings are charged based on packages and per heads. Individuals can choose which one they want with a 2 days 1 night stay. Prices are 100 and over 200 above in (RM).

3.         Kellie’s Castle

One of the most renowned castle build in Perak, located near Batu Gajah, a 20 minute drive all the way from Ipoh, Perak. The castle is described as being in ruined, and architecturally unfinished. It was built by a British settler who came under the occupation of a planter under the name of William Kellie Smith (thus, the castle was named after him “Kellie”). According to historical accounts, historians speculated that the castle was either build as a gift for his wife, or a luxurious home for his son. However, the mansion was left unfinished when Smith died in Lisbon, Portugal on a trip back to England.

Once used by the descendants of the Tamil labourers bought over to Malaysia in order to work on constructing the mansion, these Tamils still lives nearby the castle even today. It is one of the local popular attraction spot in Perak after been refurbished.

Specially, it was used as the settings for the 1999 film “Anna and the King”, and the 2000 film “Skyline Cruises”. It is opened from 9 am – 6 pm. Admission fees are based in ringgit Malaysia (RM); 5 for foreigners, 4 for adults, 3 for secondary schoolers, and 2 for primary schoolers. Child aged six and below have free admissions.

4.         Muzium Darul Ridzuan

The museum “Darul Ridzuan”, a museum established in Perak was built during 1926 by Foo Choong Kit, a rich and successfully established tin miner. It was built for the intentions of being his own private domain and additionally, it was said that once there were 40 people counted to be living inside the manor. Unfortunately the house did not stayed under his possession for very long, and it was soon was sold off to the Perak government in 1950. Only after years it was then utilised in the premises as to house administrative of its departments of work. In 1992, it was then finally decided that the manor would then be used as a museum to exhibit the historical heritages preserved by the Perak museum all the way since the starting development of Perak.

Visitors would also be introduced to many of the state’s iconic characters for example, who was Hugh Low and what did Swettenham achieved as well as many pictures of administrators and rulers who came from British soil who had contributed in building the fundamental importance of what makes Perak today now. Besides, visitors to the museum can also explore an underground shelter which was used as a hideout from air raids during World War II.

Operating hour starts daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm. On Fridays it opens on 9.30 am to 12.15 noon and 2.45 to 5 pm. It is closed during 2 special occasions, “Hari Raya Puasa” and “Hari Raya Haji”. Admission fees for both adult and children are free and individuals could log online to find further information about the museum. (Below is the map which will guide travellers to find the museum)

5.         Cave Temple “Gunung Rapat”

In Ipoh, Perak, “Sam Poh Tong” is known as the most famous cave temple at Gunung Rapat. It locates just a few kilometres to the south of Ipoh. According to historians, legend says that the cave was once discovered by a monk during 1890 who came all the way from China as a by passer who pass by through Ipoh with the intention of meditating. He continue on meditating on that particular cave temple until his death 20 years later. There are also two neighbouring temples nearby, “Ling Sen Tong” and “Nam Thean Tong”. This three cave temples were among the 3 most visited caves temples in Gunung Rapat.

Chinese translated to (Lin Sen Tong), can be identified with a garden in front along with decorations of a variety of colourful statues from Chinese mythologies. These mythologies include “Son Goku” (The monkey king), and the goddess “Kuan Yin”. There is also a statue of the famous Buddhism “Four – faced Buddha”.

Nan Thean Tong on the other hand has a history of more than 120 years old. It was discovered in 1867 by a Chinese Taoist named Kuong San Teik.

An image of the Hindu deity Ganesha which look like an elephant and the face of Buddha appeared in a natural rock formation can be seen on the face of the mountain behind Nam Thean Tong.

6.         Lumut and Pangkor Island

Lumut is a gateway to Pangkor Island which located about 90 kilometres east of Ipoh. Lumut which was previously a fishing village is now made as a naval township. On the other hand, Pangkor Island which is a popular tourist attraction in Perak is located about 40 minutes of ferry ride from Lumut Jetty. A blend of white sandy beaches, variety of seafood, and a Dutch colonial history Tourists of Pangkor Island plays an important role in Perak’s tourism industry. Tourist would surely like the Ikan Bilis from Pangkor Island as it is the one of the most famous local product. Besides, tourist can also try out sun and sea enthusiast activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, wind-surfing and fishing at Pangkor Island’s two most popular beach areas which are Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah. Other than that, tourist can also enjoy watching turtles laying eggs at Teluk Ketapang or Turtle bay.

How to get there

Other than Ferry, there are also flights from Berjaya Air which flies 5 times a week from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor Island. Another alternative way is to take the North-South Expressway heading north towards Perak which exits at Bidor toll plaza. Signboards are placed along the road from Teluk Intan, Sitiawan until Pangkor Island.

7.         Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island

This small island is part of the Bukit Merah Laketown resort which is made purposely to develop detail research on the Orang Utan and also act as a rehabilitation and breeding centre for this exotic ape. It is located in Semanggol, Perak. There are approximately 25 to 30 Orang Utans in the Island which 60% of them are born in the Island. Visitors will be able to come in a close contact with the Orang Utans during the short tour along the cage-like pathway into the forested area which will gives them an unforgettable experience. The entrance ticket cost RM 20 for an adult and RM 17 for a child.

How to get there

It is about 45 minutes drive towards north from Ipoh to Bukit Merah Laketown Resort. A boat can be taken from the resort to the Orang Utan Island.

8.         Taiping Zoo and Night Safari

This is one of the main attraction in Taiping and also the only zoo of Perak. This 34-acre zoo is also known as the oldest animal park in Malaysia. It is located within Taiping Lake Garden which is closed to Maxwell Hill. It is also the house for 180 species of animals and a total of 1300 individuals.

At night, the zoo offers Night Safari which is first of its kind in Malaysia. Visitors are able to experience the environment which is similar to wildlife habitats where the sound made by numerous creatures can be heard. There is also a train in the zoo which takes the visitor around the enclosures. It cost RM 16 for an adult and RM 8 for a child for the daytime zoo. On the other hand, the Night Safari cost RM 20 for an adult and RM 10 per child which includes train rides throughout the zoo.

How to get there

After exiting at Kamunting Toll Plaza at the North South Expressway, head towards Taiping town center and then follow the direction signs to Lake Garden. The Zoo is located just opposite a school.