HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley (Gopeng)
A road sign led us to HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley, expecting just another tea plantation. Instead, we found a breathtaking valley of Gaharu (Agarwood) trees. The drive uphill, passing rows of young and mature trees, was mesmerizing - a true escape into nature.
We opted for the guided van tour, which included three stops at different heights, offering stunning panoramic views of the valley. Along the way, we hugged trees (yes, tree-hugging is encouraged), strolled through Lovers Park, and took an adventurous walk along an elevated steel pathway.
Back at the entrance, I tried freshly brewed Gaharu tea and brought home a pack, famed for its health benefits. HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley is a refreshing and unique retreat in Perak (FRASER'S HILL QUIET GATEAWAY).
Curious
about Taman Herba, we decided to make a stop. For a small entrance fee, we got
access to a garden filled with various herbs. While informative, the visit was
brief - within 20 minutes, we felt there wasn't much to rave about. In fact, I
have more varieties of herbs in my Zen, Nava’s Zen, which are better
maintained. However, if you’re passing by and still curious, you might want to
check it out and decide for yourself if it’s worth a visit.
I had been waiting for this visit. Kellie’s Castle, with its rich history and ghostly reputation, is one of Malaysia’s most intriguing landmarks. Built in the early 20th century by Scottish planter William Kellie-Smith, the unfinished mansion was meant to be a gift for his wife and a display of his wealth.
Did I see
ghosts? No. But wandering alone through the quiet hallways and climbing up to
the rooftop on a weekday - when only a few visitors were around - was enough to
send chills down my spine. The eerie silence was unsettling, yet thrilling.
Aside from its haunting tales, the castle’s architecture and open spaces make it a fantastic spot for photography. It’s definitely a must-visit in Perak.
Nestled against
Perak’s scenic limestone hills, this temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan.
Originally a small shrine in the early 19th century, it has grown into a
stunning place of worship, especially famous during Thaipusam celebrations.
Having visited as a teenager, this time I returned to experience its calmness. After a quiet moment of prayer, I sat in silence, absorbing the peaceful surroundings before leaving
Visiting Sam Poh Tong Temple was like stepping into the past. Established in 1912, this cave temple is hidden within the limestone hills of Gunung Rapat.
Its network of caves is adorned with Buddha statues, Chinese calligraphy, and murals, making it both a historical and spiritual site. A short prayer here felt like a must. For those who appreciate cultural and religious landmarks, Sam Poh Tong Temple is worth the visit (A DAY TRIP TO SEKINCHAN).
Just 10 minutes from Sam Poh Tong is Nam Thean Tong Temple, one of Ipoh’s oldest Taoist cave temples, dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
For some reason, we were not drawn to explore the inside. Instead, we admired its exterior before moving on. If you’re visiting Sam Poh Tong, it’s easy to include this temple.
Stepping inside, we were greeted by a massive 40-foot golden Buddha statue, surrounded by beautiful murals depicting Buddhist scriptures and Chinese mythology. The temple’s winding paths lead to meditation spaces, while a steep staircase rewards those who climb it with a panoramic view of the city and lush greenery.
(Ms. Nava, a spirited Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at the vibrant age of 58. With over 22 years as a lecturer, including at Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program, she dreams of traveling 365 days a year. However, she embarks on her enchanting 'Zen Journeys' whenever her yoga instruction, coaching, and counselling profits allow her to).
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