Gunung Lang Recreational Park

Located 5 kilometers from Ipoh city, Gunung Lang Recreational Park is one of the many limestone hills found in the state of Perak, specifically in the Kinta Valley. In 1999, Gunung Lang was developed into a recreational park by the Ipoh City Council (MBI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism.

The park features three artificial lakes created from former tin mines. Gunung Lang Lake is also home to various freshwater fish species such as kelah, lampam, carp, tilapia, and catfish. Visitors also have the opportunity to feed the various types of aquatic life in the lake. A total of RM8.4 million was allocated to develop Gunung Lang Park through its first and second phases as a full-fledged public recreational park in 1999 under the Seventh Malaysia Plan by the National Landscape Department. Gunung Lang Recreational Park provides walkways covering the entire park, equipped with observation towers, traditional Perak houses, a heritage square, floating gazebos, pergolas, heritage gates, restrooms, and a surau. There is also a deer park and an aviary. With the greenery of the island visible from afar, it is also filled with planted flower species such as heliconia, musa (banana), and bougainvillea.

The second phase of the park brings together dozens of Heliconia species, also known as 'lobster claws', making it the largest park to ever house heliconia species in Malaysia. Most of these flower species are rare and only grow wild in deep forests abroad. These species are used as ornamental plants due to their uniqueness, variety, and range of sizes, colors, and shapes that attract enthusiasts of ornamental plants. The heliconia species found here include:

• Heliconia Caribea Gold
• Rostrata Ruiz and Pavon (red)
• Psittacorum Sassy (orange)
• Psittacorum Rubra (yellow)
• Spectabilis India Lamarck (pink)
• Angusta Vellozo Red Christmas (reddish-white)

You can explore rare wild banana species that are not seen elsewhere, including:

• Musa Lavender Pink
• Lasiocarpo
• Sumatrana
• Coccina

Various types and sizes of wild bananas are also planted here, with most species being smaller than regular banana trees. Their leaves come in different colors, such as reddish hues, and the banana blossoms appear in pink, deep red, and most uniquely, yellow. Additionally, the park provides a fully equipped children's playground and a campsite. This special campsite can accommodate up to 600 visitors at a time for various activities, including motivational camps, family days, and family camping. At the entrance of Gunung Lang Recreational Park, visitors can enjoy the spray from an artificial waterfall, which is the tallest man-made waterfall in Malaysia. Isn't that great? Who says Perak isn't interesting? This place is also a favorite spot for photographers and wedding couples to capture beautiful moments against the backdrop of the artificial waterfall or the man-made lake. If you are coming from Ipoh city, you need to follow Jalan Kuala Kangsar towards Kuala Kangsar. It is only 5 minutes from Ipoh city. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, simply exit the North-South Expressway at the Ipoh Utara exit; 1 km from there, you will find signs for Gunung Lang Recreational Park. The provided parking area is spacious and free. Boat tickets to the artificial island, which is about 300 meters away, cost only RM3 for adults and RM1.50 for children and senior citizens. So, why not add Gunung Lang Recreational Park to your list of places to visit if you are vacationing in the state of Perak Darul Ridzuan? Have a great holiday and enjoy the beauty of the flora and fauna at Gunung Lang Recreational Park.