Shopping - When in Perak, look out for the traditional handicraft fro which its cottage industry is rightly famous. Two trademark products of the state are labu sayong- darkish, gourd-shaped earthenware used to store drinking water and tekat benang emas- rich, elegant gold embroidery used at wedding occasions and as an ornamental piece. Bamboo carvings and basketry work are other items of interest. The cottage industries in the vicinity of Kuala Kangsar, particularly at Enggor, Sayong and Kota Kanan Lama, provide the opportunity to observe the art of handicraft-making and have on display a full range of products.

The coastal town of Lumut offers pretty seashell and coral decorative items such as mirror frames, lampshades, figurines and collages.

Eating out - Perak has its own share of culinary delights and flavors. Ipoh, a city with a large Cantonese-speaking population, is noted for such specialties as hor fun or smooth rice noodles, Ipoh steamed chicken rice served with bean sprouts and curry mee noodles.

Two popular Malay special dishes native to the state are rending tok, beef cooked with spices and eaten with glutinous rice cake and tempoyak, fermented durian added to seafood dishes or eaten with fresh vegetables and sambal (pounded chilli).

Those who appreciate Indian food will find a tempting array of breads and curries. A novelty for most is banana leaf rice, an exotic Indian dish served with rice, curry, chutneys and a choice of chicken, mutton or fish.

Ipoh offers a wide choice of settings fro eating out. On the higher end, hotels and air-conditioned restaurants provide comfortable surroundings and privacy. Try the hawker centers fro their sheer variety of local food, snacks and desserts. Among the popular spots are the Ipoh Railway Station, Old Town Food Center, Wooley Food Court in Ipoh Garden and Menglembu. The restaurants in Lumut and Pangkor have an array of tasty seafood dishes on the menu.

While eating out, take the opportunity to sample the variety of seasonal fruits grown in the state such as durians, rambutans and seedless guavas. Tambun pomelo, a juicy citrus fruit with a thick rind, grown exclusively in the state and groundnuts from Menglembu and Sungai Siput are popular items, usually bought by visitors as gifts fro relatives and friends.

Entertainment - Despite its quiet charm and easy pace of life, Ipoh is not lacking in entertainment spots fro an enjoyable evening. Cineplexes can be found in the major shopping complexes while a number of hotels offer dance clubs, lounges and live entertainment by local and foreign bands. Discos, pubs and karaoke lounges are also available.

The magnificent 70-year-old Perak Turf Club holds regular races and boasts of a beautiful Japanese Rock Garden and an immaculate polo ground. Golfers can take their pick of the many fine golf courses in the state. Among them are the 27-hole Clearwater Sanctuary Golf Resort in Batu Gajah, the 18-hole Teluk Rubiah Country Club in Lumut and the 27-hole Meru Valley Resort in Ipoh.

Special events - Pulau Sembilang Fishing Safari: An annual fishing event held in conjunctions with the Lumut Sea Festival in the month of June. Participants can take part in the various categories of fishing such as bottom fishing, trolling and beach fishing.

Ipoh International Film: International run held in July in the city of Ipoh.

Getting around - The major towns in Perak are well connected to the rest of Peninsular Malaysia by road and rail. Ipoh is a pleasant 21/2 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and 2 hours from Penang along the scenic North-South Expressway. Most of its major towns are easily accessible as they are located close to the expressway.

There are regular air, express bus and train services from Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur and Penang to Ipoh.