Ipoh Trips

This could easily pass as one of the most hectic and tiring trips I've ever had. Even China isn't this tiring. Tour from 7 to midnight. Plus cannot sleep in the car. I pity Fatt Chi, having to drive us everywhere. Since Jyo is doing the updating, I am not going to parrot her.

Here's some thought on the place that we didn't have the chance to visit.

Yes, Tambun Cave.

Apparently, it is closed now, and all is left is a jungle and a snake possibly bigger than an anaconda who ate a tourist years ago.

According to this site, this cave is just spectacular.

According to an unknown source, Tambun was once a fishing village, and the fishermen drew cave pictures 2000-3000 years ago. Amazing isn't it?

There are 30 forms of paintings on the wall. They were most likely painted with haematite, a type of red colouring easily available in the area and by ancestors of the Orang Asli living around Tambun. The motifs include human, abstract and animal designs depicting their surroundings like rusa , pelanduk (types of deer), kura-kura (tortoise), dugong and a figure wearing a headdress similar to that worn by the Orang Asli. The cave also contained some neolithic artefacts but have since been removed. It is said that 'the motifs resemble those found in Papua New Guinea and Australia but it is not known if there is a direct correlation between them in terms of age and cultural links.' (The encyclopedia of Malaysia: Early History, Archipelago Press)

What appals me is that such historical site is not preserved and never promoted. Think of its potentials as a tourist destination. Now the only thing accessing it is a snake. What a waste!

And oh, instead of Tambun Cave, we have this on every brochure promoting Ipoh.

The train station. Which is only worth passing by.