Perak: Stepping Back in Time

The first half of my day was pretty hectic but incredibly fulfilling (IPOH TEMPLE TREASURES). Despite being roasted under Malaysia's scorching hot weather, I loved every moment of it. After visiting Perak Cave Temple, our next destination was Gunung Lang Recreational Park. I must crown Gunung Lang Recreational Park as one of Ipoh's natural prides, especially for a nature lover like me. Surrounded by mountains and centered around a serene lake, the park offers a picturesque escape (RANAU SABAH ECO-TOURISM).

The first sight that greets you upon arrival is the tranquil lake, where we spent about 10 minutes taking in the beauty and glimpsing at the surroundings. There's more to explore along the pathways deeper into the park, though I can't detail much since we didn't venture further. Likely, it involves walking through the serene nature trails.

By 1 PM, our stomachs were growling, signaling it was time for lunch. We headed into Ipoh town for a meal. It was just ordinary basic food, nothing special worth sharing.

Our next stop was Concubine Lane, a nostalgic stretch that has become a tourist attraction in Ipoh. This single lane is lined with stalls and shops (PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT MELAKA) selling all sorts of things, evoking a sense of the past as you walk along. However, there wasn't much that caught our interest. 

What took place next was truly meaningful, though it required traveling quite a distance. I had earlier found out about the legendary Victoria Bridge in Kuala Kangsar. Victoria Bridge is an iconic historical landmark and one of the country's oldest railway bridges. Completed in 1900 and named after Queen Victoria, this single-track bridge spans the Perak River and stands as a testament to colonial-era engineering and architectural prowess.

Constructed using steel trusses and concrete piers, the bridge played a crucial role in facilitating transportation and commerce during its early years. Interestingly, it survived the brutalities of World War II, remaining intact despite attempts by the Allied forces to destroy it to hinder Japanese advancement. Today, although it no longer serves railway traffic, it remains a popular tourist attraction for its picturesque setting.

I was truly fascinated. I so love such legendary historic sites (MOUNT MERAPI JEEP TOUR), but walking on the track requires watching your steps as it can be quite daunting due to the height. Oh, before I forget, keep an eye on the passing motorbikes in this really quiet area. These motorbikes vroom back and forth, especially at the side of the pavement track. It felt so great coming over to Victoria Bridge, and I will remember this visit forever. So proud that such a bridge is the hallmark of Perak, more importantly for Malaysia. 

From Victoria Bridge, we headed to Jalan Raja Chulan in Kuala Kangsar to see the oldest rubber tree in Malaysia. Malaysia's first rubber tree stands as a living monument to the nation's agricultural history. Introduced by English botanist Henry Nicholas Ridley in 1877, this tree marked the beginning of Malaysia's transformation into a global rubber producer. 

Ridley's successful experimentation with rubber cultivation techniques led to the widespread planting of rubber trees across the country, fueling economic growth and development. The original tree, located in the grounds of the Kuala Kangsar District Office, symbolizes the dawn of Malaysia's rubber industry and its significant impact on the nation's economy.

This place was already decided upon as I found out about it in the virtual world. Located along the busy main road itself, it is one of those valuable spots for history buffs like me. Alright, I know it's just a tree. What's the big deal, right? But it is a big deal for me personally. Making it a point to see the tree felt like paying homage to our Malaysian rubber history. It gave me a proud feeling, seeing the tree and imagining going back to the yesteryears.

To be continued......