Eco-Tourism at its Best in Ipoh

A boat travelling across the lake for visitors toget a closer look at the limestone hills in Gunung Lang Recreational Park. (Photo source: Wikimedia Commons)

SURROUNDED by lush green hills, it is no secret that Ipoh is a treasure trove of nature-oriented tourism spots.

The Gunung Lang Recreational Park is a prime example.

Despite the appearance of new eco-tourism places like Lost World of Tambun and Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village, the park at Jalan Kuala Kangsar remains an attractive retreat one can always come back to.

During the holiday season, tourists and locals alike visit this 15-year-old park to admire the verdant landscape, feed the fish, take a boat ride and check out the mini zoo.

One of its most attractive features is the man-made waterfall near the entrance, where water flows from a limestone hill, making ita great spot for photo-taking as well. (Photo source: OMG)

The 30 ha-wide park, developed around the scenic limestone hills of Gunung Lang and Gunung Bilike, is one of the places Mariam Hamid will always come back to whenever she is in Ipoh.

The 36-year-old teacher was among many of the families and tourists at the park on a cool Sunday morning.

We thought it was a good idea to bring our daughterand pet down to Ipoh to spend the day here.

“We’ve been to the park a few times. We like it alot here because there’s a variety of activities we can enjoy.

“It’s the perfect recreational spot for us to spend some quality time together,” she said when met at the park’s playground on Sunday.

(Photo source: Luke Chua's Blog)

Her husband Khairulnizam Abdul Majid, 40, was busy keeping an eye on their seven-month-old pet rabbit Apin which they had brought along for the family day trip.

“Apin likes to play outdoors a lot. There’s a nice grassy area here for it to hop about because it’s important for rabbits to get enough exercise.

“The rabbit is pretty easy to look after – just give it some fruits and carrots and it’ll be happy,” he said.

Engineer Foong Kae Chiam, 26, brought her universitymate from Kuching, Ellie Teoh, also 26, to check out the picturesque park.

Teoh said this was her first time in Ipoh.

“I really love how Ipoh is surrounded by hills. I love hilly scenery, that’s why Foong decided to bring me here.

“I’m loving the huge waterfall at the entrance,” she said.

(Photo source: Luke Chua's Blog)

Foong said they were still waiting for another friend to arrive and they will be going on a boat ride across the lake to the mini zoo area.

The boat ride costs RM3 for adults and RM1.50 for children and senior citizens.

Yia Kok Seong, 47, was standing at the jetty’s balcony with his wife and two children, Pik Hwa, 15, and Zhen Hwa, 11.

“We have been here a few times and the scenery here is quite nice.

“What my kids like the most is feeding the fish at the lake, so we come here sometimes so they can enjoy themselves,” said Kok Seong from Ipoh.

Zhen Hwa also said he likes the mini zoo, which hehad visited on his previous trip.

“They have ostriches and deer over there,” he said shyly.

(Photo source: Luke Chua's Blog)

Meanwhile, mechanic Fahmi Salleh, 23, said being atthe park allowed him to revisit the sweet memories he shared with his girlfriend, Adillah Abdul Halim, also 23.

“We’re from Taiping and we really love the scenery here at the park, especially with the serene lake.

“We’ve also been here a few times before, but we like coming back just to spend some time together and go for walks.

“It’s nice to enjoy the natural surroundings herewhen you’re with that special someone,” he said.

(News Source: The Star Online MetroPerak)

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