Batu Gajah is a town in the Malaysian state of Perak. It is the district capital of Batu Gajah District. It is situated about 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Ipoh, the state capital of Perak. Batu Gajah was founded in 1786 by Dato’ Bahaman, a descendant of Sang Nila Utama, the founder of the Malacca Sultanate. The town was originally known as Dinding and was renamed after the nearby hill.
Batu Gajah is known for its local snacks such as the dodol, a sticky toffee-like dessert, and the Batu Gajah bunga telang or blue pea flower cake. The town is also home to the Malaysia’s first British settlement, the Elliot’s & Co. tin mining company established in 1878.
For kids, there are a few fun things to do in Batu Gajah. There is the Bukit Cerakah Recreational Park which has a playground, jogging track and picnic areas. The Tin Mining Museum is also worth a visit to learn about the town’s rich history. The nearby Kellie’s Castle is a great place to explore, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a ghost!
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Batu Gajah, Malaysia
1. Visit the Orang Asli Museum
The Orang Asli Museum is a great place to learn about the indigenous people of Malaysia. The museum has a variety of exhibits that showcase the culture and history of the Orang Asli people. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase Orang Asli artifacts.
2. Take a scenic walk through the Kinta Nature Park
The Kinta Nature Park is a beautiful place to take a stroll. The park has a variety of different trails that wind through the jungle. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, eagles, and snakes.
3. Visit the Heritgage Trail
The Heritage Trail is a great way to learn about the history of Batu Gajah. The trail takes you through a variety of different historic sites, including the site of the Perak War, the Batu Gajah Railway Station, and the Kinta Tin Mining Museum.
4. Visit the Kinta Tin Mining Museum
The Kinta Tin Mining Museum is a great place to learn about the tin mining industry in Malaysia. The museum has a variety of exhibits that showcase the history of tin mining in the country. There is also a gift shop where you can purchase tin mining memorabilia.
5. Take a boat ride on the Perak River
The Perak River is a great place to take a boat ride. The river flows through a variety of different landscapes, including jungle, rice fields, and small villages. The boat ride is a great way to see the countryside of Malaysia.
6. Go white water rafting on the Kampar River
The Kampar River is a great place to go white water rafting. The river is located in a remote area of the jungle and is only accessible by boat. The rafting trip is a great way to see the rainforest and get a adrenaline rush.
7. Visit the Royal Belum State Park
The Royal Belum State Park is a great place to see the wildlife of Malaysia. The park is home to a variety of different animals, including tigers, elephants, and leopards. The park also has a variety of different hiking trails.
8. Take a treetop walk through the Bukit Gasing forest Reserve
The Bukit Gasing Forest Reserve is a great place to take a treetop walk. The reserve is home to a variety of different trees, including eucalyptus, rubber, and palm. The treetop walk is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the forest.
9. Visit the Firefly Sanctuary
The Firefly Sanctuary is a great place to see the fireflies of Malaysia. The sanctuary is located in a remote area of the jungle and is only accessible by boat. The fireflies are most active during the evening, so it is best to visit the sanctuary at night.
10. Go on a safari at the Perak Taman Negara
The Perak Taman Negara is a great place to go on a safari. The park is home to a variety of different animals, including elephants, rhinos, and tigers. The safari is a great way to see the wildlife of Malaysia.
