On this blog, I write a lot about theme parks, as I myself am a fan of them. I’ve been to and written about a number around Asia and Malaysia. However, on a recent familiarization trip to Perak, I discovered that there’s one more noteworthy theme park in Malaysia—Lost World of Tambun. It’s a unique concept combining fun, adventure, and nature. Read more…
Lost World of Tambun is situated within the town of Ipoh in Perak, and being within the confines of Kinta Valley, the theme park is set amidst impressive karst formations, including the Needle of Tambun, a unique eight-meter limestone pinnacle. In addition, much of the park too is surrounded by greenery, so going there is like reconnecting with nature.
LOST WORLD WATERPARK
The centerpiece of the Lost World of Tambun is the Lost World Waterpark, and its highlight is the River and Beach Garden, where there are twin waterfalls that rise 20 feet high. For the adventurous, another highlight is Jungle Wave Bay, Malaysia’s biggest wave pool.
Lost World Waterpark ensures fun for the entire family. Small kids will like Explorabay, which is equipped with kid-friendly slides and an interactive play area. Big kids, meanwhile, will like Cliff Racer, a mine cart attraction that continues to a speed-coaster, and Tube Raiders, a giant waterslide where groups can go winding down on circular floating tubes.
LOST WORLD AMUSEMENT PARK
The Lost World Amusement Park proudly features the first-ever roller coaster ride in Perak that runs at a speed of 35kph and a total of 150 seconds. There are a number of equally-thrilling rides, including Dragon Flights, a swing-chair ride; Stormrider, a pirate boat ride on a pendulum; Perak Parade, a nice little carousel; and Giddy Galleon, a family cart ride.
LOST WORLD HOT SPRINGS AND SPA
Another key attraction in the Lost World of Tambun is the Lost World Hot Springs and Spa, which happens to also be the latest addition to the theme park. Its highlights are of course its pools that flow water from natural sources. We were able to try some of them, and indeed, we were relaxed with the therapeutic waters that go around 40 degrees Celsius.
This part of the theme park is open well into the night. There’s an infinity pool that could accommodate up to 300 people at a time in a spa-like setting, and there are other pools and spa facilities, including a steam cave and a Jacuzzi.
LOST WORLD TIGER VALLEY
My favorite section of Lost World of Tambun is the Lost World Tiger Valley because we were able to see their adorable tigers play up close during a show. And the show comes with a positive message of conservation—tigers are endangered animals after all.
LOST WORLD PETTING ZOO
Similar to the Lost World Tiger Valley is the Lost World Petting Zoo. In an enclosed area, we were able to interact with our animal friends, including Ruby the raccoon, Nia the python, and Wira the green macaw. Set within a large area of 100,000 square feet, the petting zoo allows visitors to touch, feel, feed and play with the animals. Apart from the aviary and serpentarium, there are rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoises, African dwarf goats, deer, white-eared marmosets, black-eared marmosets, and macaques.
LOST WORLD TIN VALLEY
Adding local color to the theme park is Lost World Tin Valley, which commemorates what used to be Perak’s most valuable resource. The themed area recreates the scene where “dulang washers” labored by the rivers during the Perak’s tin rush. Complementing this is a gallery of artifacts and historical information.
LOST WORLD TEAM BUILDING PARK
Larger groups will enjoy the series of exhilarating activities at Lost World Team Building Park, and each attraction, while enjoyable, also showcases the beauty of limestone formations. Activities include a high-rope course, rock climbing, zip line, camping, and jungle trekking. Some of us, myself included, were fortunate enough to try jumping off a 65-foot cliff.
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LOST WORLD HOTEL
Providing accommodations during our visit to Lost World of Tambun is Lost World Hotel, which is just a few steps across the park. I was honestly apprehensive of seeing our room for the first time, thinking that it would be a typically run-down resort room.
But the converse was true. The room was classy and tastefully laid out, and the comfortable bed was fitted with quality sheets. It had modern furnishings, and the bathroom seemed new and clean. Overall, it was a great room to escape to after a long day outdoors.
Lost World of Tambun isn’t in Kuala Lumpur nor Johor Bahru, so it doesn’t receive as much fanfare as theme parks in those cities, but because of our visit I realized that it’s high time people went there for a change—to enjoy, to relax, and to connect with nature as well.
Next year will be Visit Malaysia Year 2014 with the theme, “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia.” Visitors can expect a series of year-long special events and activities. For more updates on VMY 2014, check out tourism.gov.my and like Tara Na Sa Malaysia on Facebook.
