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Ubudiah Mosque, Kuala Kangsar
Royal Museum
Taiping Lake Gardens
Perak Museum, Taiping
Pasir Salak
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Located
beside the Royal Mausoleum at Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, the Ubudiah
Mosque is considered one of the country's most beautiful mosques. Built
in 1913, it serves as a symbol of pride and faith for all Muslims. It
was commissioned by Sultan Idris Shah, who vowed to build a mosque of
great beauty as a thanksgiving for his recovery from an illness that had
plagued him in his younger days. The Sultan, however, did not live long
enough to see his magnificent creation. The mosque's magnificent golden
domes and minarets are testaments to the beauty of Islamic architecture.
The mosque was officially opened by Sultan Jalil Karamatullah Shah in
1917.
Situated
near the Istana Iskandariah, which is the Sultan of Perak's official palace
at Kuala Kangsar, the Perak Royal Museum is an amazing achievement in
architecture. It was built without any architectural plans and without
using a single nail! Previously known as Istana Kenangan, Istana Tepas,
and Istana Lembah, the museum houses the Royal Regalia, photographs of
the Royal Family, and illustrations and artifacts of the past and present
monarchy in Perak.
The
62-hectare Taiping Lake Gardens is one of the biggest and most beautiful
parks in the country. With a beautiful lake abounding with freshwater
fish, lush greenery, a gazebo, and a colorful profusion of flowers, this
is a favorite spot with visitors and locals alike. Located also within
the gardens is the oldest zoo in the country, the Taiping Zoo. Its bird
sanctuary and zoo are favorites among children. Here, monkeys roam freely
and are tame enough to be fed by the friendly hand. Other facilities available
at the Gardens include a rest house, fishing, and aqua-biking in the lake
area.
Built
in 1883, the Perak Museum is the oldest museum in the country. It houses
an impressive collection of ancient weapons, aboriginal implements, ornaments,
and archaeological treasures. Also on display are artifacts of Perak's
rich historical culture and heritage. This is an excellent place to begin
an in-depth study of the state and its past achievements.
Time
seems to stand still in this little village beside a slow river. Built
along the Perak's river, Kampung Pasir Salak looks just like any other
small village. Behind its peaceful rustic life, however, lies a bloody
past. For Pasir Salak is the scene of early Malay rebellion against the
British colonial powers some 120 years ago, which culminated in the killing
of the first British Resident, J.W.W. Birch, and invited a violent reprisal
from the British. Here stands a memorial dedicated to those who slew Birch.
Pasir Salak is well-known for its ancient Malay architecture and craft.
Perhaps the most striking displays are the "Kutai (ancient) Houses". These
structures are unique as they were built entirely of wood using special
joints and grooves and totally lacking any metal or nails. The roofs are
ridge-like. In olden days, the space between the roof and ceiling was
used to store rice. It also offered a refuge for beautiful maidens trying
to escape lecherous men. Today, these houses display various local historical
and Malay culture artifacts.