Perak’s tourism spotlight often falls on destinations such as Ipoh, Taiping, and Pangkor Island. However, numerous natural attractions across the state receive far less attention despite their beauty. For travellers seeking something beyond the ordinary, these are some nature spots worth exploring.
Sunfai Gepai Waterfall
Sungai Gepai Waterfall, also known locally as Gepai Falls or Bidor Waterfall, is a small but scenic spot near Bidor in Perak.
To get there, you take the Bidor exit from the North-South Expressway, then turn onto Jalan Paku and continue past farmland and a Chinese cemetery until you reach a small carpark near the end of the road.
From the carpark, a short walk brings you to a clear stream and a simple bridge, which is a popular spot where visitors sometimes jump into the cool pool below.
The waterfall itself is not large, but the water is clean and refreshing, flowing through a narrow rocky channel into a deep natural pool. It can get busy on weekends with locals, but the area is still relatively under the radar and offers a relaxed, informal nature stop.
Papan Cascades
Papan Cascades is located near the old tin-mining ghost town of Papan, just southwest of Ipoh. To reach it, you pass through the quiet town—known for its historic links and the Sybil Kathigasu memorial—before following a small road along a stream into the Hutan Lipur Papan forest area. The cascades are right beside the road, making them easy to access without a long hike.
The site itself is made up of a series of small flowing cascades rather than a single large waterfall, creating a calm stream-like setting that locals often use for picnics and casual visits. It is not widely known among tourists, so its a quiet spot to check out if you want to trek through a more peaceful nature route.
Lata Ulu Chepor
Located in Kampung Ulu Chepor near Chemor, Lata Ulu Chepor is a forest recreation area known for its clear river, small waterfalls, and series of rocky cascades. A short trail follows the river from the car park, passing several pools and flowing streams before reaching two small waterfalls, with the second located further upstream beyond a narrow passage between large boulders.
The site is equipped with basic facilities such as food stalls, chalets, rest huts, a surau, and camping areas. The cool, clear water and easy riverside trail make it a pleasant spot for swimming, picnicking, or simply spending time outdoors surrounded by forested hills.
Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park
Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park is located about 12.9 km from Ipoh within the Kledang Saiong Forest Reserve.
It is a lowland rainforest area with marked facilities, basic campsite options, and an entry fee system that varies for adults, children, seniors, and non-citizens. The park operates daily from 8 am to 6 pm and is accessible by road with options like taxi or bus.
Inside the park, visitors can find forest trails surrounded by limestone hill landscapes and dense greenery, making it a straightforward spot for hiking and outdoor activities.
Basic campsite areas are available for booking, with limited capacity per site, and the park is managed by the local forestry department for maintenance and safety.
Segari Turtle Conservation and Information Centre
For a truly hands-on experience with nature, the Segari Turtle Conservation and Information Centre offers a closer look at one of Perak’s long-running wildlife conservation efforts. Located in Pasir Panjang, Segari, the centre serves as a hatchery and education hub where turtle eggs collected from nearby nesting beaches are protected and incubated before the hatchlings are released into the sea.
Established in 1990 and managed by the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, the centre focuses on the conservation of green sea turtles while raising awareness about the threats turtles face, including habitat loss and pollution. Visitors can learn about the turtle life cycle, view the hatchery, and gain a better understanding of the work being done to protect these marine animals for future generations.
These lesser-known spots are a reminder that exploration does not always require travelling far. Sometimes, the most memorable discoveries are found in places that receive the least attention, waiting quietly to be experienced.
