Lost World of Tambun

Perak, situated in the North of Peninsular Malaysia just below Penang, is not a state one first thinks of when talk of a ‘cuti-cuti Malysia’ is broached. Yet this second largest state in Peninsula Malaysia has a lot to offer in terms of adventures and eco-tourism.

One of these highlights is the recently opened Lost World of Tambun located at Sunway City, Ipoh. It is the new jewel in the Sunway crown and prides itself to be more than a theme park.

Set amidst towering limestone cliffs that are 400 million years old, there is definitely something ancient and sacred about the place. That initial allure of mystery and mystique soon gave way to excitement and adrenaline pumping adventure for “Lost World of Tambun” is a quintessential Adventure Park.

From the always exciting Viking ship known as ‘Stormrider’, to the flying chairs of “Dragon Flights’, the Dry Park here offers unlimited thrills a minute. The incorporated wet park is no different as they offer family friendly thrills and spills like the ‘Kid’s Explorabay’ which incorporate mini slides, spraying animals, spray guns and the infamous tipping bucket. One can even race down steep water slides that allegedly go faster than the rollercoaster! And to slow things down, u can hop onto a water buoy and float down the ‘Adventure River’, taking in the sights and sound as you lazily drift down the longest river of waves in Asia.

But the fun does not stop there, in fact it’s just the beginning for if you were to explore further into the Lost World of Tambun, you would be surprised to find a tiger valley that houses 10 tigers. Out of these 10, there are 3 four-month old cubs that are the most adorable creatures especially when they are playing together. The tiger valley which is set amidst limestone formations, features a habitat close to the ones the tigers are used to in the wild. This enclosure-habitat is where the tigers rest and ‘perform’ during the tiger-feeding show. These performances are not for entertaining the public but more to create awareness of the plight of the tigers. These shows also allow the tigers to get some exercise into their rather sedentary lifestyles. It is interesting to note that ‘Lost World of Tambun’ took in these ‘circus’ tigers after the circus went bankrupt, and by bringing them up here in the tiger valley, it not only rehabilitates and looks after the tiger but creates awareness on eco-tourism and conversation practices. Besides the tiger-feeding show which are on twice daily, guests also have the option of dining with the tiger cubs for breakfast or dinner. A once in a lifetime opportunity for any animal lover!

As you pass by the tiger valley, you will definitely notice this long, thin formation. Out of all the wonders in ‘Lost World of Tambun’, the needle of Tambun is the one that sticks out the most; in every literal sense. This limestone formation is 100% natural and has been weathered down by nature and time. It is estimated to be 400 million years old. This formation is a dream for rock climbing enthusiasts. It is also the site for previous international rock climbing competitions held in Malaysia.

Well if rock-climbing’s not your cup of tea, you can also choose to go on 2 other different adventures. Each, with different terrains but both equally exciting. The first is the 6-Mile Tunnel tour. In this tour, you will be equipped with a lifejacket, headlight (for navigating through the pitch dark tunnels) and a helmet along with a bottle of water and 2 cereal bars (for sustenance). The tunnel is steeped in history for it used to be a mining cave back in the day and it was also rumoured to be a hiding place of the infamous communist leader ‘Chin Peng’ and his men. Memorabilia and signs of the tunnel’s colourful history can be found throughout the whole journey with broken rice bowls and abandoned oil lamps sighted occasionally.

You can also see stalactites lining the cave’s ceilings, so do watch your head for breaking an inch of these stalactites is like breaking a piece of a 100 year old artifact as it takes that long (sometime even longer) for an inch to ‘grow’. The water that drips down these formations are highly rich in minerals so do feel free to stick out your tongue and taste the fresh mineral water!
As with all dark caves and tunnels, this one is also filled with bats but do not worry for the bats will not fly into you for, contrary to popular belief, bats are Not blind.

After trudging in the tunnel for about an hour, you will come across this ‘Shangri-La ‘, a peaceful oasis full of flora and fauna. The view is gorgeous and you can choose to either walk to a neighboring waterfall or just relax and catch your breath.
Civilisation is but a walk back through the tunnel where you came from and even though it may be tiring, it is definitely fulfilling.
The other adventure comes in the form of the Gua Datok tour, which will see you hike up a limestone trail and enter a mystical cave that feature gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites as well as hundreds of bats. If you are lucky, you might even get to see a fresh tiger paw print on your way up the trail. The views from the Gua Datok are magnificent and even though you will be tired, you will definitely leave satisfied.

After such strenuous activities, what better way to relax then to enter the Tambun hot springs pool located in the park itself. The four pools contain fresh water with temperatures ranging from 40-50 degree Celsius. It is also the only hot spring in Perak with no sulphur in its’ waters. A highly calming and therapeutic experience and great for those who just want to chill and soak those aches and pains away. A note of warning though, don’t stay in for too long (max. of 30mins each time, then you got to rehydrate by drinking water), or you’ll get wrinkly, a sure sign of dehydration.

If you think that the excitement ends once night falls think again, for come 6th May, Lost World of Tambun will be launching C.S Live (Counter Strike Live), a laser tag game and the first of its kind in Malaysia. The game is similar to paintball, except that it has more possibilities and advantages. There are no limits to ammo, distance or aim and the rules of the game is that there are no fixed rules. It is all up to your own creativity. This makes the game more versatile and thus highly enjoyable and very exciting! Kind of makes you feel like infantrymen in the jungle, fighting for your life. Really high-octane stuff!

With so much things to see and do, the ‘Lost World of Tambun” is set to be the next premier destination of any eco-tourist and traveller alike! View more pictures of the Lost World of Tambun here.