Cover Story
By Ili Aqilah, Nantini Krishnan
Wondering where to bring your children for the upcoming school holidays? Or simply looking for a place to run away from the hustle and bustle? With the haze plaguing the whole country, and admonitions for all to stay indoors with our doors and windows closed, it is difficult to cast our thoughts to wide open spaces and yet a new study that actually quantified the benefits to human health from trees’ impacts on outdoor air pollution, gives cause for seeking out these green oases as a respite from the urban doldrums.
Sit under a tree, walk barefeet on the grass, go green
In the first broad-scale estimate of air pollution removal by US trees nationwide, researchers found that trees and forests in the US removed 17.4 million tons of air pollution in 2010, with human health effects valued at $6.8 billion. A single tree can absorb 10 pounds of air pollutants a year, and produce nearly 260 pounds of oxygen – enough to support two people. Using computer modeling to quantify the health benefits of trees in 10 cities, researchers with the U.S. Forest Service and a private think tank say leafy foliage in urban areas can scrub enough soot out of the air to reduce asthma attacks, emergency room visits and even deaths.
In view of this information, Ipoh Echo sought out the best picnic spots around Ipoh that would be the perfect escape for you and your family while minimizing the negative effects from the haze. Go to the green.
D.R. Seenivasagam Recreational Park
D.R. Park formerly known as Coronation Park, is now known as Taman D.R. Seenivasagam to commemorate the life of a prominent lawyer who founded the Perak Progressive Party (PPP). The park was built in 1960. This city park is much revered and beloved by the city dwellers.
Within the D.R. Park grounds is a “Japanese Mini Garden”, which was officially launched on June 30, 1995 by the then Ipoh Mayor, Haji Ahmad Salleh Haji Sarif together with the previous Mayor, Dato’ Haji Umar Haji Abu. The key element of the garden is to place emphasis on Japanese ideas of space and harmony.
Visitors, especially children can enjoy several recreational and amusement facilities including a playground. The garden is made up of several recreational fields, an artificial lake that contains various types of fish and a nursery for potted plants.
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 36.205′ E 101° 5.126′
Gunung Lang Recreational Park
Gunung Lang is a recreational park with a large lake in a hilly geographical setting located only five kilometres from Ipoh town. The main attractions of Taman Rekreasi Gunung Lang are the man-made cascading waterfall atop a limestone hill and simple landscaping providing an exquisite natural view. There are also facilities like a children’s playground, campsite, mini zoo, a prayer room and washrooms.
Boats operate from 8am to evening bringing visitors to the island a mere 2-3 minute ride. Boat fare to the island is RM3 for adults, RM2 for secondary school students, RM1 for primary school students, RM0.50 cents for children and RM1.50 for senior citizens. Although the boat ride is a short one, the waiting period can take up to 15 minutes depending on the numbers of visitors. The entrance ticket includes a boat ride and a visit to the park.
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 37.663′ E 101° 5.461′
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8am – 12noon / 1.30pm – 7pm Friday: 8am – 12noon / 2.45pm – 4pm Saturday, Sunday, Public holiday: 8am – 6.30pm Tel: 605-5063088
Lost World of Tambun
Lost World of Tambun is an exciting, adventurous, yet child friendly picnic spot in Ipoh. It has everything a family needs to be totally entertained such as an Amusement Park, Tiger Valley, Water Park, Petting Zoo, Tin Valley and the ever popular Hot Springs and Spa. The Lost World of Tambun is a great destination for family vacations and a must-visit for families visiting Ipoh.
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 37.896′ E 101° 9.834′
Lost World Entrance Tickets (other attractions may require additional tickets)
Adults: RM47.55 each
Children (Below 12 years): RM41.58 each
Senior Citizens (55 years & above): RM41.58 each
Children below 90cm in height: Free entrance to the park
Lost World Hot Springs & Spa by Night:
RM20.38 (Adult and Child)
Theme park operation hours
Open Mon-Fri: 11am till 6pm
Weekends, School and Public Holidays: 10am till 6pm
Closed on Tuesday, except on Malaysian school & public holidays.
Lost World Hot Spring & Spa by night
Open daily: 6pm till 11pm
Crystal Spa Treatment: 12 noon till 11pm
Closed on Tuesday, except on Malaysian school & public holidays.
Batu Berangkai Waterfall
Located deep in the forest of Kampar, Batu Berangkai Waterfall was once known to the crowds for its waterfalls and clean waters. The river is still clean and guaranteed safe for swimmers who can be found frolicking and having a good time here. To go there, you will need to head to Kg. Batu Berangkai (located before the fire station) and drive for another 2km after the junction. Batu Berangkai offers a nice and large pool with a few cascades. However, this place isn’t suitable for family with small kids, senior citizens or people with disabilities.
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 18.47’ E101° 10.12’
Lubuk Timah Hot Spring and Waterfall
A must on the list, Lubuk Timah offers both hot spring and waterfall to its visitors. Lubuk Timah is located within 20 minutes of driving from Ipoh town to Simpang Pulai, on the road heading to Cameron Highlands. The natural hot spring is located within a few hundred metres to the dam and the falls. Despite having been opened for a few years, Lubuk Timah is still under renovations. However there are quite a few facilities available for the use of visitors provided by the management such as a prayer room, a convenience store, a few food stalls, changing rooms and toilets. Huts can be rented for RM20 per visit and are located near the river.
GPS Coordinate: N04° 33.51’ E101° 9.89’
Bandar Seri Botani Eco Park
Open since five years, Eco Park is part of the Bandar Seri Botani residential development. Both residents and the public are welcome to visit the park that provides several facilities such as a playground, viewing deck, outdoor gym, lotus pond and a gazebo. Aside from being a suitable picnic spot, this Eco park can also be a venue for party and wedding photography. The park opens as early as 6am and closes at 10pm every day.
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 32.160 E101° 06.214′
Lata Kinjang Waterfall
One of the highest waterfalls in Peninsular Malaysia, Lata Kinjang doesn’t need much introduction. The whole falls at Lata Kinjang is said to be 2850 feet in height and is located five kilometres from Chenderiang. First time visitors shouldn’t feel worried when trying to find the place. From PLUS highway, take the exit at Tapah and head to the town. From there, follow the signboard heading to Chenderiang and you will see more than enough signs to guide you to the waterfall.
GPS Coordinates: N 04° 18.14’ E101° 15.38’
Ulu Chepor
One of the famous picnic spots in Ipoh, Ulu Chepor is perfect for everyone who enjoys being in nature. Aside from the falls, there are also other amenities such as chalets, a playground, camping sites and many more. Prayer rooms are also provided by the management along with several food stalls located near the car park. There is a small entrance fee for cars and motorcycles. Gazebos located near the river are available for rent at an affordable price.
GPS Coordinate: N 04° 42.58’ E 101° 4.12
As school holidays are about to start within a few weeks, take this opportunity and spend it with your loved ones. A holiday trip doesn’t need to be fancy, because what matters most is the people you have around. Forget the shopping and urban exposure of tar and asphalt. Use this chance to explore the hidden gems of Ipoh and Perak! And stick to the greenery!
Ipoh Echo Tips: Upon visiting the waterfalls, please do watch out for the slippery surfaces and for communicable diseases. Do not drink untreated water and don’t swim or wade if you have cuts or abrasions. Put your health and safety first before having fun!
