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Perak, traditional region, northwestern West Malaysia (Malaya), bordering Thailand to the north and fronting the Strait of Malacca to the west. Its area includes a large portion of West Malaysia's west-coast plains and centres upon the Perak River, which flows north-to-south between the Keledang Range to the east and the Bintang Range to the west; both of these mountain ranges lie east of the west-coast plains. The name Perak means " tin."

Chiefly because of its deposits of tin, the region was subject to many foreign and domestic incursions. Malacca fell to the Portuguese in 1511, and it was then that Perak began to emerge as an independent state. The region was particularly harassed by the Acehnese, who managed to capture four sultans of Perak and thousands of their subjects between 1575 and 1675 and who were effectively the overlords of Perak. Several Dutch attempts to control tin exports resulted in a 1765 treaty with the sultan of Perak, but the most serious threat to the state was actually from its Bugis neighbours to the south. British influence, which began with an 1818 trade treaty, was extended in 1826, when the Dindings coastal strip and Pangkor Island offshore were ceded to them as bases for pirate suppression. In the Pangkor Engagement (1874), the chiefs accepted a British resident, and Perak became one of the Federated Malay States in 1896. The Dindings and Pangkor were returned in 1935 to Perak, which joined the Federation of Malaya after World War II.

Tin mining is still carried on in the region, particularly in the Kinta Valley ( q.v.). Much of the region remains jungle, and the Keledang and Bintang ranges are roadless and sparsely inhabited; there is, however, a good network of roads supported by the Malayan Railway along the foothills of these ranges.

Lake Chenderoh in north-central Perak is the site of a hydroelectric dam on the Perak River that supplies power to the Kinta Valley. Rubber production, paddy (rice) farming, coconut plantations, and fishing are also important. Tobacco is grown as an off-season cash crop in paddy areas. Iron is mined, and there are coal deposits in the region.

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Amy Tikkanen, Corrections Manager.

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...Malaya over possession of the Perak tin mines. In the 1850s Chinese entrepreneurs from Penang began rapid expansion of tin-mining operations in Perak. Gradually, the Larut district became divided between the Ghee Hin and Hai San secret societies and their Malay allies. Feuds flared between the secret societies, and intermittent...

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Perak, traditional region, northwestern West Malaysia (Malaya), bordering Thailand to the north and fronting the Strait of Malacca to the west. Its area includes a large portion of West Malaysia's west-coast plains and centres upon the Perak River, which flows north-to-south between the Keledang

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Limestone cliffs dominate much of Perak giving rise to rugged landscapes and mysterious cave temples.

During British colonial days, the region was a tin mining powerhouse. The legacy of this boom period remains in Ipoh and Taiping's stunning architecture.

Beach-lovers relish at the chance for a night on Pangkor Island. Wake to coastlines void of tourists and gentle waters next to the soft sand.

Throw in forest reserves, white water rafting and Malaysia's own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Welcome to Perak: Malaysia's most serendipitous state.

Crazy Tourist identifies the 25 best things to do in Perak for the best architecture, cave temples and adrenaline-pumping activities.

1. Colonial architecture in Perak's cities (Perak)

Perak boomed during the colonial era.

The state's tin reserves enticed entrepreneurs who soon made their fortunes.

Both Ipoh and Taiping, two little-visited cities in Malaysia, are a testament to this prosperous era.

State capital Ipoh has several grand structures. This includes the Railway Station, Birch Memorial Clock Tower and the High Court. Travelers can follow the Ipoh Heritage Trail which leads around 24 colonial-era buildings and monuments.

Former capital Taiping has a British-inspired center, Lake Gardens and Maxwell Hill.

2. Malaysia's most underrated island (Pangkor Island)

Pangkor Island in the Straits of Melaka has empty coastlines, mountainous jungles and hundreds of hornbills.

Perak state government aims to transform this sleepy island into a tourist haven. But at the moment, Pangkor remains relatively unknown.

This means tourists can enjoy spectacular sunsets, snorkeling and kayaking without the crowds. Find a spot on the beach and you might not see another soul all day.

A handful of guesthouses line Pangkor's western coast near both Nipah Bay and Coral Beach. More upscale resorts are along the southern coast.

Crazy Tourist recommends visiting the crumbling Dutch Fort, photographing Pangkor Town's colorful houses and feeding wild hornbills at Sunset View Chalet.

3. A spooky, half-finished mansion hidden in the jungle (Batu Gajah)

Kellie's Castle is an eerie and allegedly haunted colonial mansion near Ipoh.

An eccentric Scotsman migrated to British Malaya in the early 20th-century becoming wealthy from his rubber plantations. William Kellie Smith commissioned this mansion in Batu Gajah located 21 kilometers (13 miles) from Ipoh.

The colonial structure blends Moorish, Roman and British Indian architectural styles.

Smith suddenly died. His family returned to Britain. The half-finished mansion remained unfinished. Before long, the jungle swallowed it.

Visitors can walk through the multi-storied structure and stand on the rooftop tennis court. Rumors suggest ghosts roam the abandoned hallways. Or the house has undiscovered secret passageways.

Take a cab or Grab Car from Ipoh. Negotiate a price to wait for one hour.

4. The mysterious Perak Temple (Ipoh)

Perak's cave temples are among the most mystical attractions in Malaysia.

Perak Temple near Ipoh is the most visited.

Religious icons and bronze statues fill the limestone caverns. Murals and calligraphy decorate the cave walls.

Explore the different rooms inside the almost magical environment.

Climb 400 steps to a viewing platform which provides 360-degree panaramic views of Ipoh.

Admission is free. Dress appropriately before entering Perak Temple.

Take Grab Car or a taxi from Ipoh.

5. Perak's largest cave temple (Ipoh)

Sam Poh Tong is the largest of Ipoh's three cave temples.

Several passageways and cavernous rooms penetrate the limestone walls. Each room has Buddhist relics on display.

Incense wafts through the damp air. This blends with the colors, statues and chanting creating a hypnotic atmosphere.

Follow the 246 steps to a viewing platform.

Local legends tell of a fascinating story about Sam Poh Tong's discovery.

A Chinese monk found the cave in the late 19th-century. After establishing a temple, he mediated continuously for two decades until his death.

6. Kek Lok Tong's manicured gardens and turtle pond (Ipoh)

Kek Lok Tong combines an enchanting spiritual cave temple with tranquil gardens.

If you've visited Perak and Sam Poh Tong, you'll notice the similarities: Bronze statues, religious relics and endless streams on incense.

But what sets Kek Lok apart lies in its award-winning garden. The landscaped area has a pond filled with koi and turtles, tropical flowers and shady areas.

Stroll along the paths to quiet zones used for silent reflection. Find the best vantage points to photograph the temple set inside the green limestone cliffs.

7. Tin, tea and tiny cars in Ipoh's museums (Ipoh)

Ipoh is Perak's cultural hub.

The city has several museums covering everything from the history of Perak's tin to a tea museum.

Taking the time to discover more about the state's past will give an insight into the city and region today.

Head to the Han Chin Pet Soo, housed inside a former Hakka Miner's Club, to learn about Perak's tin mining. Check out Han Yan Hor dedicated entirely to tea.

Miniature Wonders Art Gallery uses miniature figurines to depict scenes from Ancient China. The owner used dough to handmake every single model.

Crazy Tourist recommends the Geological Museum, Dream Big (model cars) and an art gallery devoted to film director Yasmin Ahmad.

8. Street Food in Malaysia's unofficial food capital (Ipoh)

Hundreds of restaurants line the streets in both old and new Ipoh serving Chinese, Indian and Malay food.

Ipoh's culinary scene is on par with the best of Penang or Kuala Lumpur.

Check out Dai Shu Geok for Hakka Chinese food. Or have a Perak-style breakfast inside a Kopitiam (Malaysian-style café).

Try curry noodles at Yee Fatt Dry where the family has used the same recipe for more than 40 years.

Central Point Food Court near Parkson Ipoh Parade shopping mall has a huge selection of street food too.

A meal for one costs a few dollars.

9. Perak's most controversial building (Ipoh)

Birch Memorial Clock Tower is shrouded in controversy, which 99% of visitors aren't aware of.

The origin of this story starts at the turn of the 20th-century.

British colonialists mined tin in Perak leading to disputes with local chiefs. Rising tensions culminated with Dato Maharajalela assassinating First British Resident of Perak, James Birch.

The Birch Memorial Clock Tower opened in 1909 to commemorate the colonial hero's sacrifice.

But this didn't go down too well. Malay villagers saw Birch as the enemy and Dato Maharajalela as a freedom fighter.

Flash to the present. Perak's authorities in defiance named the streets next to the memorial after Birch's murderers, their national heroes.

The three-tiered white-washed structure is both splendid and a controversial topic.

Birch Memorial Clock Tower is near Ipoh State Mosque.

10. Ipoh State Mosque: Perak's largest mosque (Ipoh)

Perak's state mosque stands elegantly outside Ipoh Railway Station.

The two-floored white-washed building opened in 1968. With a total of 44 domes and a minaret soaring to 38 meters (125 feet), it's an imposing sight in old Ipoh.

Look out for the intricate mosaic patterns decorating the exterior façade.

The Sultan Idris Shah II Mosque has a function room, wedding facilities and a library inside.

Crazy Tourist recommends visiting the mosque as part of a self-guided walking tour on the Ipoh Heritage Trail.

11. Photograph Perak's spaceship-like tower (Ipoh)

On first appearance, Ipoh Square (Dataran Ipoh) might not appear much to look at.

Government buildings surround the green manicured space. A giant Malaysian flag flies in the center.

But aside from its stately appearance, the park houses the unusual MBI Clock Tower.

The three-legged tower stands like a tripod and looks like something out of an old sci-fi movie.

After dark, the area lights up and transforms into a favorite hangout spot for young locals.

12. Rugged landscapes in Gunung Lang Recreational Park (Ipoh)

Mount Lang (Gunung Lang) Recreational Park a few kilometers north of old Ipoh showcases the best of Perak's nature.

A patchwork of green blankets the limestones cliffs surrounding the central turquoise lake. Rocky outcrops point haphazardly towards the sky in the distance.

Follow the boardwalks to a cascading waterfall, lookout towers and swampy habitats. Watch out for tropical birds, flying foxes and macaques.

The recreational park provides a slice of nature within reach of the cosmopolitan city.

13. Neolithic cave painting in Tambun Cave (Ipoh)

Tambun Cave near Ipoh has approximately 600 cave paintings.

Archeologists date the crude pictures of humans and animals to the Neolithic era. This means they're somewhere between 2,500 and 4,000 years old.

It was only in the mid-19th century when a British soldier stumbled upon these ancient images. They became a National Heritage in 1986.

Follow the road towards Tambun and stop at the Caltex Petrol Station. Walk along the lane that leads to the field in the distance. Cross the bridge and you'll find signposts marking the way.

Sadly, some of the lower paintings have been vandalized. The ones on the upper rock face remain as they were thousands of years ago.

14. Aerobics in Malaysia's oldest public park (Taiping)

Taiping Lake Gardens is a sprawling 160-acre park in central Taiping.

The British turned the former mining pit into a public park in 1880 creating Malaysia's first public garden.

Today it has a total of 10 man-made lakes, a lotus pond and several bridges.

Rain trees believed to be more than 100 years old arch over the path on one side of the lake. The trees, hills and often overcast weather teleports visitors to England for a few brief moments.

Follow the jogging path around the lake. Or head to the nationwide famous Taiping Zoo.

Regular events take place in Taiping Lake Gardens including free aerobic classes.

15. Explore Perak's finest collection of colonial architecture (Taiping)

Taiping rarely features on Malaysian travel itineraries.

But the former capital of Perak has a rich history closely tied to the region's lucrative tin mining industries.

Taiping was among the first British towns in Malaya (the old name for Malaysia). Many of the early colonial architecture remains.

Taiping Heritage Trail covers approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) taking tourists on a journey through the town's past.

Stop by West Malaysia's first modern railway (Taiping Railway Station). Head to Malaysia's oldest museum (Perak Museum). Discover the '33 firsts in Taiping'.

Each monument has a detailed information board providing context in English.

16. Malaysia's oldest museum (Taiping)

Perak Museum opened in 1883 becoming Malaysia's first museum.

The museum in Taiping has thousands of exhibits and collections. Some of the natural history displays feature specimens collected more than 100 years ago.

Others are more geared towards ethnography and Perak's ethnic communities.

Orang Asli, Malaysia's aboriginals, are well-represented inside the museum. Malaysia's Orang Asli have lived in West Malaysia for more than 40,000 years.

Perak Museum is an architectural masterpiece. Admire its eclectic blend of Moorish, Victorian and Neo-classical styles in its façade.

17. Colonial bungalows in Malaysia's first resort (Taiping)

Maxwell Hill (known locally as Bukit Larut) is Malaysia's oldest resort.

The British established Maxwell Hill as a hill station back in 1884. With an altitude of 1,036 meters (3,399 feet) and Taiping's damp weather, it resembled England's summertime temperatures and climate.

A handful of Taiping's residents still live in the dozens of colonial-like bungalows. Cooler temperatures and vegetable gardens show a different side of Malaysia.

Maxwell Hill is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northwest of central Taiping.

Hire a 4×4 jeep to take you to the top. Cars aren't allowed on the road.

Hiking usually takes more than four hours.

18. Explore the eerie mangroves (Matang)

Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve sprawls across a vast area along Perak's west coast.

Stretching for more than 50 kilometers (31 miles) from top to bottom, its Malaysia's largest mangrove reserve.

Mangrove trees are used to make charcoal, which takes place in approximately three-quarters of the reserve. Strict regulations control its biodiversity and ecosystems.

River cruises navigate the narrow tunnels through spooky environments. After nightfall, fireflies glow and dance in the inky black sky.

Boardwalks pass around the reserve to viewing platforms. Look out for migratory birds including herons and stalks.

19. Malaysia's Leaning Tower (Teluk Intan)

Italy has the Leaning Tower of Pisa; Perak has The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan.

Standing at 25.5 meters (84 feet) in Teluk Intan, the tower is a statewide monument.

The pagoda-like tower opened in 1885 as a water tank. Over time, its weight caused one side to sink into the soft ground.

Today it has a slight leftwards tilt and serves as a clock tower.

Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan is just under 90 kilometers (56 miles) south of Ipoh.

Stop by while traveling to or from Kuala Lumpur.

20. Ipoh's Kinta River waterfront (Ipoh)

Perak's Kinta River meanders through the craggy limestone landscapes for more than 100 kilometers (62.1 miles).

Kinta, a major branch of the Perak River, divides Ipoh into two. Old Ipoh stands on the one side while the more modern city dominates the other.

Stroll along Ipoh's Kinta riverfront and watch the muddy water tumble past. LED lights decorate the waterfront after dark.

Snap photographs of Ipoh's Guan Yin Temple with the Kinta River in the foreground.

21. Perak's birdwatching paradise (Batu Gajah)

Kinta Nature Park in Batu Gajah covers 9 square kilometers of protected habitats.

Following years of restoration and renovation, the park has reopened. But this time it has public facilities including boardwalks and observation decks.

The 14 former tin mines have become serene lily-filled ponds.

What makes Kinta Nature Park special are its birds. Over 150 species live inside the protected area. Swampy marshlands provide habitats for different types of egrets and herons too.

Kinta Nature Park and Kellie's Castle are near each other in Batu Gajah.

22. Trek in Perak's ancient rainforest (Ipoh)

Located 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) from Ipoh, Ulu Kinta Forest Reserve gives a taste of the jungle within 30 minutes of the city.

Towering dipterocarp trees surround well-maintained boardwalks which lead through the dense forest.

Some paths lead to mangrove habitats. Others towards prime picnicking spots and waterfalls.

Follow the path to Tanjung Rambutan Waterfall and watch the white water tumble down the rocks.

Viewing platforms provide postcard-perfect images of Perak's landscapes.

Expect to spend up to four hours in the forest reserve.

23. Have an adventure in one of West Malaysia's largest caves (Gopeng)

Where there are limestone cliffs, there are usually caves.

Tempurung Cave extends for approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) making it one of West Malaysia's largest.

Unearthly stalagmite and stalactite formations fill five vast chambers. Millions of bats squeak somewhere above in the blackness.

Travelers can choose between two types of guided tours.

'Dry tours' navigate the easier routes pass through the chambers. 'Wet tours' are more like an obstacle course with gaps, waist-deep water and sliding down walls.

Book your tour before turning up.

Tempurung Cave is about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Ipoh.

24. White water rafting surrounded by jungle (Gopeng)

Perak's Kampar River is West Malaysia's thrill-seeking center.

The cascading river has a total of 14 rapids varying from Class I to Class III. Meandering through the lush jungle, it's among Malaysia's most scenic regions.

Beginners can learn with an instructor who guides them over the gentler stretches. The experienced can crash down the roaring rapids.

Typical sessions start in either the morning (9:00am) or afternoon (1:00pm) lasting for three hours.

The Kampar River lies approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of Ipoh.

25. Scale one of West Malaysia's toughest peaks (Perak)

Standing at 2,180 meters (7,152 feet), Mount Yong Belar dominates eastern Perak's skyline.

West Malaysia's third largest peak in the Titiwangsa Mountains demands the highest level of fitness.

Hikers need to navigate tough terrain. Most spend the night near the summit. Expect lots of mud, steep trails and stifling temperatures.

But it's a rewarding challenge for those who can.

The trail starts in Kampong Raya located 69 kilometers (43 miles) from central Ipoh.

Those who aren't up for the trek can still take a day trip to see the majestic beast rising above Malaysia's jungle.

Colonial architecture in Perak's cities (Perak)

Malaysia's most underrated island (Pangkor Island)

A spooky, half-finished mansion hidden in the jungle (Batu Gajah)

The mysterious Perak Temple (Ipoh)

Perak's largest cave temple (Ipoh)

Kek Lok Tong's manicured gardens and turtle pond (Ipoh)

Tin, tea and tiny cars in Ipoh's museums (Ipoh)

Street Food in Malaysia's unofficial food capital (Ipoh)

Perak's most controversial building (Ipoh)

Ipoh State Mosque: Perak's largest mosque (Ipoh)

Photograph Perak's spaceship-like tower (Ipoh)

Rugged landscapes in Gunung Lang Recreational Park (Ipoh)

Neolithic cave painting in Tambun Cave (Ipoh)

Aerobics in Malaysia's oldest public park (Taiping)

Explore Perak's finest collection of colonial architecture (Taiping)

Malaysia's oldest museum (Taiping)

Colonial bungalows in Malaysia's first resort (Taiping)

Explore the eerie mangroves (Matang)

Malaysia's Leaning Tower (Teluk Intan)

Ipoh's Kinta River waterfront (Ipoh)

Perak's birdwatching paradise (Batu Gajah)

Trek in Perak's ancient rainforest (Ipoh)

Have an adventure in one of West Malaysia's largest caves (Gopeng)

White water rafting surrounded by jungle (Gopeng)

Scale one of West Malaysia's toughest peaks (Perak)

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25 Best Things to Do in Perak (Malaysia) - The Crazy Tourist

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Limestone cliffs dominate much of Perak giving rise to rugged landscapes and mysterious cave temples. During British colonial days, the region was a tin mining powerhouse. The legacy of this ... Read more25 Best Things to Do in Perak (Malaysia)

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To ensure that the Perak tourism industry continues to gain momentum amidst the spread of COVID-19, the State Government recently launched the Semarak Pelancongan Negeri Perak Programme, encompassing stakeholders engagement in the industry and community through training and Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) initiatives.

Perak Darul Ridzuan has long been one of the more popular tourist destinations in Malaysia. In 2019 alone, Perak received 10.1 million local tourists staying overnight-but as with other popular tourist destinations, the challenges brought by COVID-19 have severely hampered the tourism industry in 2020.

The Semarak Pelancongan Negeri Perak Programme is created in part, as a means to assist the tourism industry in adapting to the 'New Normal'. Trainings are provided to improve their grasp of relevant Standard Operating Procedures in ensuring the safety of both tourists and staff members alike. These include modules on the correct way for sanitization of premises, understanding the new regulations, as well as guidance for the tourism industry as a whole.

One of the initiatives taken under this programme was the distribution of hand sanitizers to industry players and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the state by Tourism Perak, in collaboration with POIS Sdn Bhd (Proven Optimisation Innovative Solutions) and The Malaysian Red Crescent Society.

This collaboration, and many more under this programme, are a part of the ongoing initiatives made by the Perak State Government in an effort to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, and to help the state tourism industry get back on its feet.

Coined as the Land of Grace, Perak Darul Ridzuan, the second largest state in Peninsular Malaysia is a land famed for its natural tropical beauty and rich cultural history. Tracking back to the years of the British colonial period, Perak was forged from tin mining and rubber tree plantations, the remains of which are still visible today. Today, Perak continues to be a charming state bustling with vibrant people, who warmly welcome all its visitors attracted by the rustic charm of old colonial buildings that have been preserved and repurposed to fit today's lifestyle.

For those looking for natural wonders, Perak is blessed with white sandy beaches and amazing underwater treasures. Then there is its crown treasure, the magnificent caves that date back thousands of years and natural rainforests are even older, going back to millions of years.

Perak, offering a journey of mystery, excitement and luxury awaits you with open arms.

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To ensure that the Perak tourism industry continues to gain momentum amidst the spread of COVID-19, the State Government recently launched the Semarak Pelancongan Negeri Perak Programme, encompassing stakeholders engagement in the industry and community through training and Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) initiatives.

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Explore Perak holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. | Cave temples, drowned forests, a town famous for bean sprouts â€" Perak's highlights are a motley group. This rugged swathe of Peninsular Malaysia is as rewarding for trekkers as gastronomes.

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Malaysia's transition to Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) is rubbing the itch on fidgeting travellers.

Greenlight on domestic tourism means we can finally dust off our calendars and start marking possible vacation dates.

Yes, we know many of you are still pretty bummed that you can't fly off to lands far far away, but having state borders re-open still gives you the option of 13 states and everything within.

However, planning won't be as straightforward as it was during the pre-MCO era.

For as long as there are COVID-19 cases recorded anywhere in the world, the 'new norm' will persist until it just becomes 'normal'. This will inevitably lead to new travel routines that will be around at least till the end of 2020.

What exactly are the changes set to take place? Nothing can fully be predicted, but here are a few plausible scenarios to consider.

1) Can never be too careful: Compulsory health protocols & SOPs, EVERYWHERE

Temperature checks, tracing apps, sanitizing and social distancing are all here to stay. Under government orders, these procedures are mandatory so you'll need to get used to it if you haven't already.

It's also advisable that you include face masks and a mini bottle of sanitizer to your packing checklist. In addition, you'll need to comply with guidelines set by the Ministry of Health, namely:

Avoid 3C's: Crowded places, Confined spaces, Close conversations
Abide 3W's: Wash hands frequently, Wear masks in public places, Warn others to be careful

Social distancing measures will affect intake capacity of attractions. Lesser intake, means lesser admissions.

Occupational health expert Dr. Shawludin Hussin told Bernama that "Under the SOPs, they can only allow a certain number of customers into their premises at any one time."

Despite the need to recover losses, setting aside SOPs for the sake of more visitors is out of the question.

The best option when planning your next trip is to book fast and book beforehand. If you're opting for walk-in purchase, having a plan B is a good idea just in case you end up in a queue of 300 to an attraction that can only accept 50 visitors at a time.

2) The battle for your money: Competitive promo deals from Hotels and Resorts

Hotels will be fighting to stay afloat after 2 months of nil guests. Whoever is left standing post-MCO will be in a marketing bloodbath, where only those who has the margins to supply the best deals at the cheapest prices will remain triumphant.

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) chief executive Yap Lip Seng told Malay Mail that members have already devised packages to include more experiences instead of just standard discounts.
"Promotions that the hotels are currently offering are targeted at direct bookings with the hotels, either through their own websites or by calls/ walk-in."
Yap reaffirms that "The promotions are add-value based, to give more to guests rather than just discounts."

Promotional packages of all sorts would be tested in the market. Some will come through, others will not.

While they struggle to appease potential customers with trial and error experiments, spectators like yourselves have the luxury of sitting back and calling the shots based on your decision on whether or not to purchase.

In some way, you'll determine the future of hotel and resort marketing.

Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming deals, discounts, and bundle packages. A leisure scroll through travel platforms may land you on a too-good-not-to-buy deal for your next holiday.

Tourism rebound is inevitable, and you'd want to catch it at its most competitive peak.

3) Size matters: Smaller (getaways) is the way to go

SOP and health protocols that apply to attractions will apply to accommodations as well. This means that even hotels and resorts will have to limit capacity.

Large families and big group holiday plans will prove to be a headache in terms of logistics, so it's best to keep things on a smaller scale.

MAH chief executive Yap Lip Seng predicts that business travellers and couples will dominate demand for hotel rooms. Families inclusive of elderly and young children will most likely be put on hold simply because they are most vulnerable to the virus.

Not only is it a health risk to book all your aunties, uncles, grandmother, grandfather, nieces, nephews, in-laws in the same accommodation, it is also expensive and time-unfriendly.

Even if you did manage to snatch up 3-4 rooms for your kin, you'd probably be prohibited to gather. A scheduled meet-up is an unconventional idea, but we all know what Malaysian timing is like.

It's still pretty unclear where vacation rentals fit into all this. What's certain is that there'll be harsher monitoring on room occupants. Yep, no more booking a 2 bedroom apartment for all 20 of your friends.

The best solution by far is to opt for smaller, meaningful vacations with plenty of heart-to-heart bonding.

4) Do you know how to pitch a tent?: Camping & Glamping holidays to surge

If hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals pose too much a risk, many people will turn towards accommodations that are less congested.

Malaysia Association of Tours and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang supports this. Speaking to Malay Mail, Datuk Tan Kok Liang says MATTA members are putting together value-added packages geared towards nature, adventure and private tours that adhere to government guidelines.

We're looking at a surge in demand for outdoor camping or forest chalets. These options typically have lesser guests, therefore making it an enticing solution for those seeking to keep free from the crowd.

Don't worry, we don't expect everyone to be comfortable wiping with leaves. You'd be glad to know about the existence of glamping: short for GLamarous cAMPING.

These accommodations offer you deluxe comfort suites while being immersed in nature. Who says you can't have the best of both worlds?

Glamping has had trouble breaking out over the years, but the need for distancing and low-risk options may see it earn popularity at last.

If consumer trend towards glamping is promising, it's possible you'll see major hotel conglomerates follow suit.
Just FYI: bookings for Glamping at the Lost World of Tambun is already available!
5) Back to nature: Outdoor hiking activities as relief from grim reality

People are still uncertain about how things will pan out and will be saving cash for rainy days. Likewise, many who are already hit with financial burdens won't lighten their wallets on things they find unnecessary.

Until some sort of path can be laid out, hiking activities can expect to rise simply because they are the cheapest and least taxing recreational activity to plan.

Ever since RMCO was implemented, many have already taken to the hills and jungles to get some sort of relief. However, they are limited to day trips and in groups of not more than 20 people.

As of today (15 th June 2020), water activities in public and private residences - along with extreme sports such as motorcross, ATV, mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, abseiling, and wall climbing - are prohibited.

Those aching to embrace the confines of Mother Nature will be limited to day hikes. Although you'll be safest in terms of virus transmission, don't forget that other dangers exist when you're out on trek.

Check on the difficulty of the hike beforehand. If you've been idle for most parts of lockdown, assess your physical strength in honest to see if you can match the standards.

6) No splashing around: Theme parks to open gradually (?)

No splashing good time or slip n' slide fun just yet. Watersports are still off limits, which means water-based attractions will have to find some other way to cope.

Non-water-based theme parks may still open, as Penang State Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin is currently pushing for that possibility.

He said in a statement, "I have raised this matter during the Exco meeting and wrote in to MKN for confirmation. The non-water base theme parks including Escape and The Top can now open with the exception of their water-based attractions."

If theme parks do open after RMCO on August 31 st, it would be under stringent SOPs and preventive measures. You can also expect clarification by establishments as to the measures taken in order to assure visitors.

This is already taking place in Sunway Lagoon and Sunway Lost World of Tambun.

Sunway Theme Parks Executive Director Calvin Ho is confident in the parks' safety standards, which includes constant chlorination, auto-dosing systems, and disinfectant blasters, among others.

Despite all this, even if both theme parks were allowed to operate, it would do so at only one-third capacity. That is the careful approach that water-based theme parks will need to adopt.

A timeline hasn't been set for a re-opening, but a government decision may be made in weeks or days to come.

7) Keep it down! No concerts, raves and sporting events for a long, long while

As far as crowded places go, concerts, raves, and sporting events are a major 'no'.

These events are the opposite of social distancing measures and pose too much of a health hazard. Even if they were organized, many Malaysians would opt not to go, as this Star Lifestyle report claims.

Sporting events are the same. Even on an international level, sport competitions and leagues are either cancelled entirely or played behind closed doors - generating little to no revenue in the process.

Even the 2020 Olympics have been tentatively postponed to 2021.

Put simply: we don't foresee any stadiums filled this year - for sports and concerts.

Virtual concerts, however, may be on the cards. This has been a popular trend from artists during lockdown, done either for charity or for fun.

In the music scene, mega EDM artists Martin Garrix, David Guetta and Timmy Trumpet have played their sets live in their own spaces on Youtube. While musicians Chris Martin (Coldplay), John Legend and Billie Eilish have also gone live on social media to host mini-concerts.

Pay-per-view (PPV) concerts is something to look out for in the coming months.

Kpop idols BTS are ahead of the game with their recent 'Bang Bang Con' paid online concert, which drew about 700,000 viewers worldwide.

Following the success, many organisers would have their eyes on PPV interactive concerts as an alternative to engage fanbase.

At least for the foreseeable future, you'll have to make do with fangirl/fanboying in your own rooms.

An imminent rebound

If we each take it upon ourselves to be responsible citizens and prevent another wave of COVID-19 cases, then this pandemic will quickly become a thing of the past.

Recovery will be long, systematic, yet certain. But it will need the collective work of Malaysians to fully heal.

It is only a matter of time until Visit Malaysia can finally take off again, but till then, stay safe, and selamat bercuti!

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Malaysia: The new norms of travel & what to expect next | A Wonderfly Blog

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Malaysia's transition to Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) is rubbing the itch on fidgeting travellers. Greenlight on domestic tourism means we can finally dust off our calendars and start marking possible vacation dates.

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Tax authorities in the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland and Australia, in addition to the above, addressed global mobility issues, i.e. the unintended consequence of individuals who are stranded in their countries and are forced to continue working for the employer (who is from another country) until borders are reopened. Recognising that the individuals' extended stay may lead to their employment income being taxed in two countries, these tax authorities implemented a more progressive concession, that is to exclude the period of stay that is due to COVID-19 for tax purposes, thus removing the potential tax triggering points. This prompted the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to release their guide on potential cross-border issues for stranded employees resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

At time of writing, Singapore was the only country that quickly adopted the OECD recommendation and released a similar ruling on stranded employees in Singapore. Recently, Malaysia followed with an announcement by the tax authorities that they will consider the concession per the OECD recommendations, provided that the specified conditions are fulfilled and evidences to justify the application of such concessions
Alignment of regulations to business
It is commendable how swiftly our authorities have reacted by implementing helpful measures to provide temporary relief to employers and employees. These measures focused mainly on operational leeway and have been effective in temporarily bolstering the economy as businesses scramble.

However, I personally feel that there is also a need to review and reassess the agility and flexibility of our current tax and immigration systems. The use of technology is reshaping the employment landscape, i.e. the employment structures, etc. My concern is - with the speed that changes are taking place, can the current systems withstand the coming transformation and be ready to handle the Future of Work?

For example, the employment derivation clause in the Malaysian tax law is dated way back in 1967. Except for the updates on the types of employment income, there has been no change to the derivation rules. Could the tax clauses from the 1960s be effective and relevant to present-day employment arrangements such as frequent business travellers and now remote working arrangement as well, the Future of Work?
What's next?
As businesses evolve their way of work, tax authorities could take on a more proactive role to support the businesses while keeping up the pace with the current employment trend. They may consider three forms of partnerships here.

First, it would be useful for the authorities to take this opportunity to work with employers to identify tax policies that need to be updated and realigned to the current trend of employment arrangement. The tax authorities could ride on this crisis as an opportunity to modernise the tax laws and keep up with the current development.

Second, technology is likely to reshape the current employment arrangement to be more borderless, there is a need for countries in the region to come together and collaborate for the preparation of the Future of Work. Such collaborations and discussions provide opportunities for key stakeholders to engage in a mutual exchange of ideas stemming from similar economic development and cultural traits, while underpinned by international recommendations (from the OECD and International Labour Organisation (ILO)).

Third, in Malaysia, we have the advantage of moving ahead with the self-assessment system. We have observed that the Malaysian tax authorities' main role has evolved - from an "assessor" to an "auditor". They are constantly providing tax educational guidance via public rulings, technical and operational guidelines, practice notes, etc.

Personally, I reckon that our tax authorities are capable of elevating their roles to act as a business partner. Currently, for taxpayers to seek confirmation on a tax position or apply for a tax exemption are required to obtain a private ruling or apply directly to the Ministry of Finance. Such requests take time. Perhaps, tax authorities can implement an early engagement discussion process with taxpayers.

In Australia, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has in place an Early Engagement Consultation process. The objective of the Early Engagement Consultation aims to provide an avenue for taxpayers to discuss with the tax officer to agree on the best way to handle or interpret certain technical position from the tax authorities' point of view, on a general basis and also to achieve a quicker resolution. As well, it could:

assist to determine the best approach of a taxpayer's circumstance

assist the tax officer to get across the facts and technical issues more quickly if it transpires that lodging an objection is the better approach;

provide guidance as to the type of information required to progress the objection; and

reduce delays caused by the need to request and receive supporting documentation.

The adoption of a similar approach by the Malaysian tax authorities will definitely further enhance the "taxpayer experience". It will also help reduce bureaucratic red tape, as well as allow tax authorities to obtain valuable insights from the taxpayers.

Another aspect to consider is immigration. Immigration laws, among others, are used to regulate the physical presence and movement of foreign individuals in a country. However, if the world moves towards cross-border remote working, should immigration laws be updated as well?

I say yes - to prevent inappropriate virtual presence.

The Future of Work may eventually translate into the implementation of virtual presence via enhanced Augmented Reality (AR) tools in the work place. We could expect employees from across the globe to collaborate online via avatars/hologram and shared 3D workspace or even via virtual presence in a real workplace.

Inappropriate virtual presence could potentially lead to infringement of privacy. Would you allow a stranger to enter your house without permission, even virtually? Imagine, you have a virtual intruder, whom you did not grant any permission to access, "enters" into your physical territory and scans through your family members or your belongings. Physically, you and your belongings may be safe, but your privacy is infringed. Now, let's put it in a context of a country. Who should regulate these virtual presence - immigration or domestic security or both? How shall it be regulated?

With the rapid advancement of technology today, it could happen with just another triggering moment. I am of the view that it should be time for the authorities to start looking into this and laying the ground works now before the "future" realises. For example, for security reasons, generally a passcode would be provided for every e-invitation sent. If a system could be developed to embed an automatic visa completion requirement for any e-invitation sent to a cross border email address, this would assist authorities to track and monitor presence of foreign remote (virtual) workers in country and protect its natural citizens.

The task to future-proof our tax and immigration system for the Future of Work is a critical challenge. It is doubly challenging when we cannot gauge if the world post COVID-19 will revert or be radically different. This is thus the best time for the authorities and businesses to start laying the foundation to a more relevant system/structure, to put us in a stronger competitive position.
By Chee Ying Cheng, Global Employer Services Executive Director at Deloitte Malaysia. The views expressed above are solely theirs.

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The new normal - Are we ready? | Deloitte Malaysia | Tax | Press Releases

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The pandemic has affected our daily lives, businesses and the economy. Government and regulators should develop some measures to provide some security and cushion the bad impact to its people and businesses. Businesses are forced to execute workarounds and innovate, to ensure business continuity.

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From hand sanitisers in hotel lobbies to cabin crew in masks, localised lockdowns to contact tracing apps, Covid-19 has transformed the world of travel. Amid closed borders and cancelled flights, travel came to a virtual standstill, with the United Nations' World Tourism Organisation declaring 100% of global destinations had implemented travel restrictions at the peak of the pandemic.

Today, as much of Asia begins to emerge from lockdown, an industry that accounts for about 10% of world GDP is looking towards the new normal. And travellers, many of whom have been largely confined to their homes for months, are starting to dream again of beaches, mountains and monuments. Yet reopening travel presents its own challenges.

Travel in an uncertain time

James Liang is chairman of Trip.com Group, one of the world's largest online travel agents, operating in 19 languages across 200 countries and regions. Liang says product innovation, such as Trip.com's live-streaming initiative which brings destinations and accommodation to life in real time, is key to the travel industry's recovery.

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"The Covid-19 pandemic has brought significant challenges to the global travel industry," he says. "However, it is encouraging that by now, we have seen stabilisation or recovery of travel activities in many of the markets where we operate. In China, travel activities hit the bottom in February and have since been consistently on a recovery track."

While green shoots are present in some markets, Mario Hardy, CEO of travel industry body the Pacific Asia Travel Association, argues that many Asian travellers maintain a genuine fear of infection. "Here in Asia, many families live with their parents or their grandparents at home, who are more at risk," he says. "So younger travellers are not necessarily concerned for themselves. Their concern is actually going home and bringing the disease, infecting their parents or grandparents."

And this fear is shaping how travellers approach journeys. Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun identifies three key trends. "First, people are very cautious about the health guidelines, so we work closely with our partners to ensure hotels and airlines are safe partners," she says. "Second, people prefer to travel within smaller groups, for example, with family or good friends. Third, we've seen certain demand that used to be for outbound travel now turning to domestic travel."

Jane Sun, CEO, Trip.com Group

Amid rising domestic and short-haul demand, packages with rental cars and hotels are more popular than less intimate forms of transportation, such as group tours. "It makes people feel safer because you're travelling just with your family," Sun says.

Trip.com Group recently conducted research with Google which showed that customers are booking on much shorter lead-times than previously: 80% of bookings in the new world are within a fortnight of departure, as opposed to 36 days before departure in pre-Covid-19 times. Asian travellers surveyed reported free cancellation, flexible presale bookings and insurance coverage were the most important factors when booking travel nowadays. "There's a lot of uncertainty around trips," Sun says. "So people prefer to travel with a lot of flexibility."

The adapted destination

The World Travel and Tourism Council has developed an extensive range of protocols to cover the new normal, for providers as diverse as airlines, shops, hotels and restaurants. Cleaning, sanitisation, protective equipment such as masks, screening tools such as thermal and infrared scanners, and reduced touchpoints and queuing will all shape the travel experience for some time.

While "safe lanes" and "air corridors" between nations which have eliminated or controlled the coronavirus are under discussion, these may take time to come to fruition. "In principle, they sound like really good ideas, but putting them into effect is actually not that simple," Hardy says. "You need to have trust in the healthcare systems of the respective countries, protocols in place, border control both into and out of the country, testing in place and some sort of mechanism to track individuals."

And, as increasing numbers of businesses shutter under economic pressure, with smaller operators hit harder than larger businesses, destinations themselves will reshape. While boutique hotels may prosper as customers seek less crowded experiences, many small, independent guesthouses and eateries are struggling to survive.

A permanent transformation?

Past terrorism events have changed the way we fly for good. It's likely, Sun and Hardy agree, that some of today's changes are here to stay.

"People in Asia nowadays are used to wearing masks and even on a normal day, especially during the flu season, maybe that's the right way to travel to prevent the flu from spreading," Sun says. "People are cleaning their hands, paying more attention to things like menus and avoiding sharing drinks and food. These are all good habits in a healthy environment."

Businesses are exploring new technologies, both to drive bookings and to facilitate safe travel. Developments such as contactless check-in at hotels and airports, virtual tours of museums, and virtual experiences are not going to disappear.

"Even if the vaccine was implemented tomorrow, these changes will not all go away," Hardy says. "There may be some relaxation in some areas, but some controls will remain in place because this is probably not the only time we're going to have a pandemic moving forward. So, it's a new normal."

But Sun remains optimistic that Asian travellers' love of foreign climes will endure, albeit with new destinations and nature tourism replacing more crowded places and activities. "Coronavirus is something that has never hit the Earth before," she says. "No nation, no business has had a chance to rehearse for this kind of natural disaster. Based on my experience in Asia, people's demand and desire for travel is very strong. They have been locked down for a long, long time. It's human nature that they want to explore and enjoy their lives."

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The new normal? Travel in the world of Covid-19

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What does the new normal of travel look like? Speaking with Trip.com Group's CEO, Jane Sun, and travel industry experts we hear what the future of travel could look like. Advertisement feature presented by Trip.com Group

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Perak [1], the fourth largest of Malaysia's thirteen states after Sarawak, Sabah and Pahang, is situated on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. Its capital is the town of Ipoh (population: half a million).

There are several tourist destinations of moderate interest within the state, but the main tourist destination would probably be Pangkor Island, about 85km from Ipoh, and Ipoh itself because of its great food.

Ipoh - the capital city of the Perak state, known for its great food, tin mines and limestone mountains and caves.

Bidor - a small town famous with its fruits (guava), petai and chicken biscuit. The town has many native or orang asli villages, one of the well know village is Kampong chan. On the way to the village, you can see a lot of plantation such as rubber, oil palm, durian, guava and so on. The village very near to clean water fall in a nature tropical forest. If lucky, you can see natives collect forest's product like bamboo and petai. The town is between Sungkai ( hot spring resort)and Tapah (way to Cameron Highland).

Kuala Kangsar - the official royal town of Perak, it is home to the Raja Muda and Sultan of Perak (as of 2006).

Lumut - a town by the sea home to the famous Outward Bound School. It is close to the town of Sitiawan, famous for its fresh and cheap seafood and Chinese-Foochow cuisine and also Teluk Batik, a beach on the coast of the Malacca Strait. Ferries to Pangkor Island depart from Lumut.

Pasir Salak - a small but historic town in Perak which houses a museum detailing the struggle against colonialists in Perak.

Taiping - the second largest city in the state, is a quiet pensioner's paradise with century-old trees lining its roads. Attractions include a large park around the famous Taiping lake and the nearby Taiping Zoo. Not stopping there, Taiping is also famous for a few 1st established things in malaysia, e.g. 1st jail in Malaysia, which is located just after the lake gardens, 1st hospital, railway station, aerodrome, hill resort, former golf club.

Teluk Intan - a town famous for its pagoda-style leaning tower and unique steamed Chinese rice rolls (Chu-cheong-fun). It is home to a derelict palace that used to house the Raja Dihilir of Perak. Rumours abound about the palace being haunted, especially since it is in the vicinity of Muslim and Chinese cemeteries and is located right next to a Christian burial ground. Trespassing the palace grounds is prohibited and it is unknown whether ghost hunters have successfully been there.

Belum Temenggor Forest Reserve - BTFR is among the few remaining pockets of preserved rainforest in Peninsular Malaysia, which encompasses over 300,000 hectares. BTFR is a tropical paradise and home to a vast population of animals and plants, many of which are only found in this region.

Bukit Merah - an eco-tourism destination that houses a theme park, eco park and the country's only orangutan island.

Kellie's Castle, Batu Gajah - Known as the 'Taj Mahal' of Perak, the castle, located a short drive from Ipoh, was built by the Scottish planter William Kellie Smith as a sign of love for his wife. The construction of the castle was never completed and it has since been shrouded in mystery and romantic stories of love and tragedy.

Marina Island Pangkor - a new west coast manmade island. Beautiful sceneries of Pulau Pangkor with mixed development of exclusive properties, marina, theme park, jetty complexes and many more.

Pangkor - a popular west coast island. Beautiful beaches, small fishing villages.

There are many limestone hills in the central part of the state (such as between Ipoh and Chemor to the north, and Ipoh to Gopeng in the south), and most of them contain caves. Many of these hills have Chinese temples (called tong) or Hindu temples, many are built into the caves. Drive through the state and look at this beautiful scenery, and visit one or more of the caves. If you're staying in Ipoh, you can take a medium-distance bus to a cave.

If you have occasion to travel to the east coast from Perak, make sure to take the East-West Highway from Grik to Tanah Merah, Kelantan. The scenery of mountains topped by virgin jungle is gorgeous. On the way it would be well worth a stop in the Belum-Temenggor Forrest Reserve (Tasik Temenggor) the lake is beautiful and surrounded by rainforest, there is also the option to spend a few nights deep in the jungle.

Most people would choose to hang out at the beaches like in Lumut, visit the Menara Condong in Teluk Intan or just go to the museums, or even go visit the guas. Notable places to 'lepak' would be IPOH PARADE on Friday afternoons and AEON during the weekends.

What is cool about Ipoh is that the clubs keep increasing and keep making it more of a place of entertainment. It is almost like a replica of Kuala Lumpur but more culture.

there's another place famous for its fresh seafood, in Tanjung Tualang, an hour drive from Ipoh town. Fresh water prawns are a speciality, the price is reasonable. And a must try drink is ice blended Sarsi with wheatgrass! It goes very well with seafood during a sunny day especially. Another local drink is ais lengkong kuning which is a mix of yellow jelly, lime, sugar and water.

Another famous food would be 'kai shi hor fun', which is located in Old Town, Ipoh. Has been through many generations of that family.

If you're looking for amazing seafood dishes, you should probably drive to Sitiawan for fresh seafood.

If you're looking for amazing and classy Chinese food, there is restaurant called Restaurant Overseas. It is pretty costly but it is worth it. The best investment for your tummy and your satisfaction.

Accommodation varies from cheap old hotels through to five-star hotels and exclusive villas.

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Perak [1], the fourth largest of Malaysia's thirteen states after Sarawak, Sabah and Pahang, is situated on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. Its capital is the town of Ipoh (population: half a million).

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