3 out-of-town gems around Ipoh you can visit

TT5 is the last standing dredge in Malaysia. — TT5

Ipoh have many attractions in the city itself, but there are also a number of attractions that are nearby the main city that are worth visiting. Here are three of the best out-of-town gems around Ipoh you can visit.

Japanese Carbide Chimney

The construction of a Japanese carbide factory during World War II was once planned in Kampung Tanjung Bangkung in Malim Nawar, a 40-minute drive away from the city. The factory was meant to produce weapons for the war, but it is said that the factory was never completed.

Today, a single 18m-tall chimney (pic above) and a small guard post are what’s left of the unfinished factory, attracting history buffs and even, some reports say, couples looking for unique locations to take their wedding photos.

Visitors have to drive through a single-lane road in the village to get to the ruins. Take a walk inside the chimney to see the kiln that was used to build the weapons.

Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge

More than 100 years ago, the first tin dredge in Perak made its debut in the capital of Kinta district, Batu Gajah. Twenty-seven years later, in 1940, a total of 123 dredges were up and running.

The 4,500-tonne, five-storey-high machines were used to extract tin from the seafloor. The machines were introduced to replace the traditional method of washing tin ore with a dulang (tray).

However, after 40 years of glory, Malaysia’s successful tin mining industry finally comes to an end, leaving the Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge 5 (TT5) in Perak as the only floating tin mining dredge left in the country.

Declared as a Kinta Valley National Geopark in 2018, TT5 is undoubtedly one of the most visited heritage sites in Perak. There are many things for tourists to do here, including a guided dredge tour, panning (where you get to try mining the traditional way), traditional games, art and crafts, drone racing, ATV riding, horse riding and even cooking workshops.

TT5 maze park

The heart-shaped TT5 Maze Park. — TT5

Once you’re done touring the geopark, head to the Maze Park next door.

The TT5 maze park is an added attraction to celebrate the proud history of tin mining in Perak and in the country, and an effort to preserve the last standing dredge in Malaysia. It features the first heart-shaped maze garden, with heaps of fun things to do.

Explore the mini petting zoo and check out the railway-inspired cafe, which has a spectacular view of the park. There is also a playground for the kids.

Don’t forget to snap some Instagram-worthy photos when you are there.

The Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge is about 30 minutes away by car from Ipoh.