As a tour guide, I have had the opportunity to take a group of tourists on a trip to Taiping and Kuala Sepetang, two charming towns located in the state of Perak, Malaysia. The itinerary was packed with exciting activities and sights, including a chance to see dolphins, sample local foods, learn about the area’s history, and explore Port Weld.
We started our journey in Taiping, which is known for its scenic Lake Gardens, an expansive park that boasts a variety of flora and fauna. The group was excited to explore the lush surroundings, and we spent the morning walking around the park, admiring the colorful flowers and spotting different species of birds. We also visited the Taiping Zoo, which is home to a range of exotic animals, including tigers, elephants, and orangutans.
After lunch, we made our way to Kuala Sepetang, a charming fishing village that is famous for its seafood. We stopped at one of the local seafood restaurants for dinner, and the group was thrilled to try dishes like stir-fried prawns, steamed fish, and butter crab. The food was delicious, and everyone was impressed by the freshness of the ingredients.
The highlight of the trip for many in the group was our dolphin-watching excursion. We boarded a small boat and headed out to sea, and after a short while, we spotted a pod of dolphins swimming and jumping in the water. The sight was truly breathtaking, and everyone was amazed by how graceful and playful the dolphins were.
We visited the charcoal factories where we were greeted by the friendly locals who showed us around and introduced us to the traditional charcoal-making process. The charcoal-making process involves burning wood in a kiln without oxygen, producing high-quality charcoal with a unique smoky flavor. We got to witness the entire process, from cutting the wood to stacking it in the kiln and then carefully monitoring the temperature as it burns for several days. It was fascinating to see how the locals use age-old techniques to make charcoal, and we learned a lot about their way of life and culture.
We also took some time to explore the history of the area. We visited the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, which is a protected area that covers over 40,000 hectares of mangrove forests. The group learned about the important role that mangroves play in the ecosystem, and how they help to protect the coastline from erosion. We also visited Port Weld, which was once a busy trading port in the 19th century. We saw the old railway station, which is now a museum that tells the story of the town’s history as a bustling port.
The trip was a huge success, and everyone in the group had a great time. The combination of natural beauty, delicious food, and fascinating history made for a truly memorable experience. As a tour guide, it was a pleasure to share my knowledge and passion for the area with the group, and I look forward to planning more trips like this in the future.