Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh

For many, the Lost World of Tambun is still new, but for those who reside in Ipoh, its no longer a new place. The Lost World is a water theme park cum petting zoo which is absolutely awesome. It is surrounded not only by Mayan architecture and water park, but by more than 350 million years old limestone hill and verdant tropical rain forest. This makes the Lost World a unique place to be visited. Located at Sunway City, Ipoh, the Lost World costs only RM30 for an adult and RM24 for children below 12. For kids who are below 90cm, the Lost World is absolutely free. The park is open daily (except Tuesdays), including public holiday; 11am – 6pm on weekdays and 10am – 6pm on weekends and public holidays.

 

Getting to the Lost World is simple. Get to the North-South highway (PLUS) and take exit 139 (Ipoh). Drive along Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah till you reach Hospital Pantai Puteri on your left. Keep on going straight and you will see another traffic light. Keep straight and you will pass by Giant shopping mall. The Lost World of Tambun is just nearby. For a price of RM30 and RM24, the Lost World certainly has a lot to offer. For those who have been to Sunway Lagoon in Bandar Sunway, trust me, the Lost World would definitely give you a total different feeling of water theme park. The water theme park offers a wide range of variety; Beach Garden, Adventure River, Cliff Racer, Hot Springs, Jungle Wave Bay, Giddy Galleon, Dragons Fight, Perak Parade, and Storm Rider.

Besides the water park, the other attracting factor to the Lost World would be the Petting Zoo. Unlike any other Zoo, the Lost World’s Petting Zoo is situated in between the million years old limestone rocky mountain with flourishing tropical rain forest surrounding it. This would give one a feel of walking thru the Animal Planet channel LIVE! The internal “mini train” service provided by the Zoo enables one to stop at their designated station. The whole train journey takes approximately 15 minutes that is to cover one complete cycle. So you are never too late to catch a train for your next stop. Each of the station denotes different areas of Zoo, for example, you may first be dropped off at the rabbit form, then followed by the tiger valley, and so on.

Based on the information given, there are approximately 4000+ animals in the Petting Zoo with more than 50 over species identified. Some of the animals that you will come across are rabbits, skunks, monkeys, racoons, various snakes, various birds, goats, and many more (the list really goes on long). The best part of this Zoo is that you are allowed to feed these animals just by standing next to them. This is one awesome feeling that anyone should experience, especially the bird farm. The bird farm caretaker allows visitors to buy bird food (packed seeds) from the farm (at the cost of ~RM1 / pack). The moment the pack is opened, you will be able to see flocks of bird flying to your hand to grab the seeds. 

        

                      

Besides the bird farm, the other interesting part of the Petting Zoo would be the Tiger Valley. Anyone who goes to the Lost World should never return without watching the tiger stunts and shows that’s being conducted during their feeding time. The shows are simply marvellous. These tigers roam freely within their encompassed area. The tiger valley is well secured by electrified fences, for visitors safety. So there is no need to worry about tigers being let lose in the Zoo. In whole, the Lost World of Tambun has a lot to offer to its visitors at a very reasonable entrance feel for which will last as an irreplaceable moment in everyone’s heart. 

 

       

Broga Hill, Semenyih

Ever wanted to get out with your friends for a hike which gives you a breathtaking scenery? Then, aim for Broga Hill. Broga hill is located in Semenyih and is approximately 34kms from Seremban. In order to get to Broga, you will need to get to Semenyih. This is pretty simple if you know how to get to Kajang town. From Semenyih town, get towards University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus. This is pretty easy if you have a GPS set. Once you pass the university, keep on going all the way straight till you see a rabbit farm on your right. The entrance to Broga Hill is just opposite the farm. You have the option to park your car by the side of the rabbit farm, or into the palm oil estate heading towards the hill. Either way its safe as there is not much traffic on this road.

 

       

       

The best part about Broga hill is definitely the sun rise. So for those who are planning to get there for the sun rise view, star hiking by at least 6.45am. Trekking up to Broga hill isn't a tough job at all, however stamina plays an important role to determine how fast one gets up to the hill. An hour plus of hike would be considered reasonable for those with average stamina. Throughout the hike, you will be amazed to see beautiful scenery and hill view points. Within a short 40 mins hike, you may feel as if you have gone up too high above the sea level. This is due to the contour of Broga itself.

You will be also surprised to see some professional photographers coming up all the way to peak of Broga hill just to get some snapshots of their pets. This will eventually turn out to be the focus point after the sun rise. Most of the pets (especially pups) that are brought up to Broga is exceptionally adorable that it will make you go crazy for their shots. Take note that going down the hill is not as easy as it was during the hike. The  track that takes you down to the foot hill is at most times sandy and slippery. One needs to be super cautious while trekking down hill. Much more important is, watch out for your back will you come down as some other people tend to "drift" down the slope, which has equivalent  impact if hit by a car that has been left lose on its brakes heading downhill.

    

    

    

Some tips if you plan to go to Broga Hill:

1. Bring a torch light - You will need this if you are shooting up early in the morning
2. Insect repellent - Broga is a place with long grasses which ends up being the home for mosquito and other harmless insects.
3. Towel - you will sweat for sure!
4. Bottle of water for you to drink
5. Camera - Get a reasonably good camera and avoid using your handphone camera (unless its like >5MP). Bringing a SLR camera would be awesome. Im sure you wouldnt want to leave Broga without a couple of sun rise shots!
6. Last but not least, avoid wearing black - you know why (to get rid of the mosquitoes of course!)

Sungai Chiling, Kuala Kubu Bharu

For waterfall cum jungle trekking lovers, you have come to the right place. Sungai Chiling is one of the beautiful falls that one can ever come across in Selangor. Located approximately 40kms from the heart of Rawang city, it will take approximately 45 mins to reach Chiling from the city, assuming mild traffic jam. If you are heading down from other cities, its pretty much simple. Get on to the nearest intersection to North South Highway (PLUS) and head towards Rawang. Get on to the exit at Rawang, and once you pay up the toll, take right on the traffic light, heading towards Rawang. Keep all the way straight till you see a signboard indicating Kuala Kubu Bharu to your right. At this juncture turn right and keep all the way straight. You will pass MRSM school on your right - keep all the way straight till you hit to a traffic light. At this traffic light, you will see a signboard indicating Frasers Hill to your right (image no. 3 below); follow this direction. And that's about it, after that its all the way straight (of course with windy roads) till you reach Chiling. Some of the landmarks are shown below:

1. Rawang exit from PLUS

2. Traffic light right after Rawang toll

3. Final traffic light indicating to Frasers Hill

Before reaching Chiling, you will be passing thru one of the hydroelectric dam in Kuala Kubu Bharu. This will be a nice place to stop by as the scenery from this stopover is extremely breathtaking. Chiling will be approximately 10 mins from this dam. Once you reach Chiling, your car can be parked by the roadside and you can start walking into the entrance that leads you to the falls. Take note that you are required to pay an entrance fee of RM0.50 to the office before heading on to the falls. (Note: Chiling is actually under the supervision of the fishery department. So be cautious that you dont' accidentally catch or harm the fishes in Chiling.)

The trekking from Station 1 to Station 6 (the final point of Chiling falls) takes approximately 50 min to an hour plus (depends on your stamina too). Along the trekking you will be able to see some fantastic views of the Chiling river that flows out from the falls. The distance from Station 1 to Station 2 is slightly longer, while the other consequent stations are pretty nearby to each and other. Throughout the trekking, you will need to cross rivers, hike up hills, get yourself 'indulged' with muddy water, and so forth. But the experience will definitely be awesome and something that can never be forgotten. For those who are bringing kids under the age of 15, be cautious and avoid rainy seasons for safety reasons. In general, the overall trekking journey can be classified as safe, as you do not encounter any dangerous reptiles along the way. The most you would come across would be leeches and centipedes that are less harmful. Station 6 marks the end of the trekking. At this point, you will be able to see the beautiful Chiling falls. And do bear in mind, the water is just as cold as how the name goes. So get your body heat out first by getting your feet into the water, else you will be ready to get frozen. :)

Some tips if you plan to go to Chiling:
1. Get enough rest - as you will need a lot energy to trek through the jungle
2. Wear something simple - If you ask me, a track suit with long sleeve would do good
3. Shoes - Its best if you can get one of those Crocs sandals, else, wear some cheap/old shoes that can be thrown after the trip
4. Bring extra pair of clothes as you will need them once you return back to base (Station 1).
5. Bring your towel too - base has a bathroom where you can actually clean up.
6. Bring a bottle of water - to break your thirst
7. Some light food - like tuna, with gardenia bread and some cheese would do good.