MEGA FAM 2013 - Nearby Ipoh

Our fellow FAM participant, Thomas Cheng, fell ill when we were travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.  He was treated at KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital where he stayed there for a night.

Thomas (blue shirt) was well enough by the next day to join us for a visit to the pomelo farm and various attractions outside Ipoh.

We were given a guided tour at the Lost World of Tambun – a family theme park that needs no further introduction.

Located next to this highly popular attraction is the ultra premium Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat – an award-winning resort which is built amid caves, waterfalls, hot springs and natural reserve.

For those seeking upmarket wellness treatments, Colon Hydrotherapy is available within the resort.

Most treatments are carried out in specially appointed private rooms and here’s a look at the Antioxidant Restoration Therapy room.

It is hard to imagine that some of the luxury features such as the Steam Cave, the Meditation Cave and Jeff’s Cellar were built within the caves of this exclusive resort.  It is even harder to imagine that these caves were once a holding area for the Japanese soldiers during the war.  The writing found on this cave wall is a case in point.

Caves that are open to the public can be found under the ranges of limestone hills surrounding Ipoh.  Unlike most that are commonly used for religious purposes, Gua Tempurung is a highly recommended attraction for those who are fit and able-bodied.  One only needs to climb 640 well-paved steps to get to the top of the cave.   Admission fee starts from RM6 for adult and an accompanying guide will be provided to enrich your experience.

Here’s a final group photo before we board the plane at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport.  The Hyundai Starex (the white MPV in the background) that ferried us for our tour in Ipoh was spacious and comfortable.

Lastly, on behalf of my fellow FAM participants from Singapore, I would like to thank Tourism Malaysia for the warm hospitality during our stay in Malaysia, Truly Asia.