Seven Places for Women to Find Adventure in Perak, Malaysia

Perak offers both adventure and tranquillity for solo women

by Karen Gershowitz

When most women think of Malaysia, they focus on Kuala Lumpur and the country’s white sand beaches. Those are wonderful destinations, but less than three hours north of Kuala Lumpur is Perak. It’s a region less traveled and waiting to be discovered.

Nestled on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Perak offers a blend of nature, history, crafts and cuisine. The drive takes just over two hours or you can take a train for $9 or less. With its friendly locals, safe environments, and a plethora of attractions, it’s an ideal destination for solo women, where you’ll never feel alone. Whether you’re meandering through historic streets, enjoying the natural splendour of Royal Belum Park, or simply staring at the sea from a white sandy beach, you’ll find that Perak offers both adventure and tranquillity. warmth and hospitality of the people will make you feel welcome.

Six highlights of Perak

Perak is a large region with a lot to offer; here are just a few of the highlights.

1. Royal Belum State Park

Nestled in the heart of Perak is a breathtaking expanse of ancient rainforest, dating back over 130 million years. It is a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking a serene wilderness experience. The park is renowned for its diverse and unique fauna and flora. There are more than three thousand species of flowering plants. Most notable is the rare and awe-inspiring Rafflesia, sometimes referred to as the tiger orchid. It is the world’s largest flower and can grow to three feet across on a ten-foot-high stalk and weigh up to fifteen pounds.

The Royal Belum is the upper part of the Belum-Temenggor rainforest complex which can be reached by boat from Pulau Banding. The upper Belum is a wilder area than the rest of the park since access and human activities are more regulated there. The landscape is lush, with streams, waterfalls, and lakes. Several tour companies offer boat tours starting there. These generally include a trek into the rain forest, a knowledgeable naturalist guide, a visit to an Aboriginal village and a chance to relax under waterfalls.

The rainforest is home to fourteen of the most threatened mammals in the world, including the Malayan sun bear, the Malayan tiger, the white-handed gibbon and the Indian elephant. Three hundred bird species have been sighted there. Guided tours are available, some specializing in bird watching.

The park is about four-and-a-half hours north of Kuala Lumpur. The best way to get there is to drive, but you can take a bus or train and then get local transportation.

Because the park is so extensive, you’ll want to stay overnight. In fact, a three-day stay is what you’ll want to fully enjoy the park.  Accommodations range from eco-friendly resorts to comfortable houseboats. The Belum Rainforest Resort is a popular choice, providing comfortable lodgings that emphasize sustainability and conservation.