Perak - Authentic Finds

The day to return home arrived, but with plenty of time still on our hands, the adventure continued. We began by joining the line outside Restoran Xin Quan Fang in Taman Jubilee, where anticipation built as we waited a good ten minutes before being seated and another ten before placing our order. The Curry Mee, a local favorite, was the highlight of our morning (PERAK STEPPING BACK IN TIME).

As one of the most sought-after dishes in Ipoh, patience is key. The small but tantalizing bowl of Curry Mee arrived, its fragrant, not-too-spicy broth perfectly soaking up the noodles, seafood, chicken, and pork, all garnished with fresh spring onions. Truly a delight, and nothing complemented it better than a hot cup of coffee or tea.

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).

Ipoh, Perak: Temple Treasures Explored

Our next day began with a return to Ipoh town (PERAK DISCOVERIES) for breakfast. With numerous eateries to choose from, we opted for Paris Restaurant, Famous Mee Hakka, a place I had previously discovered as a must-try. And indeed, it was true. The noodles, a pride of Ipoh, offered in both dry and soupy styles, paired with fish or pork, were delightful. But the highlight? The sambal/chili dip. A powerhouse of flavor, it packed a punch that elevated the entire meal. Oh, how my taste buds rejoiced with this homemade, authentic Chinese spicy dip!

Perak Discoveries

Embarking on a road trip to Perak, my mother’s hometown, felt both sentimental and surreal. While most of my mum’s aunts and uncles are now in heaven and the rest have moved to Kuala Lumpur, I couldn't help but recall my childhood years spent in Ipoh, enjoying school holidays at my grandpa’s kampung house in Kampung Paloh. Though I can't remember my last visit to Ipoh, this trip was all about discovering Perak (KUANTAN SHIVAN TEMPLE. MALACCA TRAIL & KINABALU UNMASKING FOOD). 

Our first stop was lunch at Little House Café in Tapah, an unassuming kopitiam I had already discovered online. We indulged in Black Pepper Chicken Chop and Hainanese Chicken Chop paired with fries, along with Fish Soy and Petai Squid served with rice. The home-style, delicious Halal Malaysian fusion dishes were a delight, with generous portions that left us thoroughly satisfied. Even as a small eater, I managed to finish the Hainanese Chicken Chop.

Shivan Panching & Sri Marathandavar Temples

While exploring sightseeing spots in Kuantan (KUANTAN COASTAL WONDERS) I discovered the Shivan Temple in Gua Charas Panching, which led to an unexpectedly profound journey. We parked at the base of the hill, where the ascent up a steep, uneven stairway tested our resolve. My friends, initially skeptical and grumbling about the difficulty, were reluctantly drawn onward by our determination to reach the temple. The drive to the foothill was equally challenging, with its bumpy, rocky terrain (VARANASI SACRED GANGES, MADURAI SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS, KERALA TEMPLE & KATAGARAMA TEMPLE). 

Kuantan: Coastal Wonders and Tasty Eats

Visiting Kuantan (SULTAN AHMAD SHAH MOSQUE) is incomplete without exploring its stunning beaches, known for their mesmerizing natural beauty. These beaches are a favorite among Malaysians from various regions, especially during weekends, public holidays, and school breaks. They also attract tourists from around the globe.

With the beaches already on my mind, we made our way to one of these scenic spots. I can't pinpoint the exact location, as there were no signboards, but the experience was unforgettable. The blue waters were simply breathtaking, and just gazing at them felt incredibly fulfilling (KUALA PENYU TRANQUIL NATURE & CAPE TOWN NATURAL STUNNER).

Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque: An Unexpected Divine Encounter

I ended up in Kuantan. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, just a drive with no plans whatsoever, going with the flow. Actually, it was to break free from the mundane life and welcome something new. Landing in Kuantan, I checked into Vistana Kuantan (now known as AC Hotel Kuantan). The room was lovely, with nothing to fault. Next, I made a call to meet up with two friends who fetched me from the hotel, and we took a drive around Kuantan town before I chanced upon the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque (Masjid Negeri, Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1).