Curious about hidden gems in the region? Well you’ve come to the right place, because we’ve uncovered a beautiful hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travellers like you. The serene natural retreat is tucked away just 15km from Ipoh city in the Perak region of Malaysia—making it just a quick one hour flight from Singapore or a six hours and 30 minutes scenic road trip. Once a site for tin mining in the early 20th century, this tranquil retreat has transformed into a lush sanctuary where visitors can unwind in natural hot spring pools and marvel at a picturesque man-made waterfall framed by verdant greenery. Here’s why you need to visit Lubuk Timah Hot Springs & Waterfall in Malaysia.
Lubuk Timah Hot Springs & Waterfall
The area’s unique blend of history and natural beauty makes it a standout among Perak’s many attractions—offering a peaceful escape from bustling city life in Malaysia and Singapore. What makes Lubuk Timah truly magnificent is the dual attraction of the soothing hot springs and a refreshing waterfall within walking distance of each other.
The hot springs, famous for their therapeutic mineral waters, feature several pools of varying temperatures, allowing visitors to choose their ideal level of warmth. Travellers can soak their worries away at the hot springs before taking a short stroll to the waterfall. Interestingly, the waterfall is formed from a colonial-era dam, where the cool, cascading water invites you to take a dip and relax amongst natural beauty. Plus, the mineral-rich waters are believed to have skin-healing properties, and the cool mountain air, coupled with the sounds of flowing water promises to melt your fatigue away.
The hidden gem is well-maintained, with clean facilities, shaded gazebos, and lovely picnic spots—making it perfect for families, couples, or nature lovers alike. In fact, the waterfalls have been dubbed the Niagara Falls of Malaysia by travellers.
Beyond the natural wonder of Lubuk Timah, Ipoh offers a unique weekend away for heritage food, adventure, attractions like horse riding, and history. Additionally, there are traditional Malay-style chalets, hotels, and adventure camps to stay in nearby Ipoh. Get out guide to Ipoh.
Prices begin at RM5 (S$1.50) for adults and RM3 (S$0.91) for children on weekdays, or else RM10 (S$3.02) for adults and RM5 (S$1.50) for kids over the weekends. See nature influencer Joyce Chan’s video on Instagram below.
How to get there
Travellers from Singapore can drive six hours and 30 minutes to reach the attraction. The easiest route is to catch a one hour flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Ipoh Airport. Otherwise, it’s a two hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. Certainly, Singaporeans can’t miss this lesser-known destination that reserves its charm before travellers find out about it.
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