13 Best Things to Do in Teluk Intan, Perak's Riverside Town
Teluk Intan is a riverside town in Perak, Malaysia that is best known for its century-old leaning clock tower. It’s not a place that usually tops must-visit lists, but it has a long history as a trading town, a mix of communities, and a food scene locals are proud of.
Before visiting Teluk Intan for the first time, I’d heard of it, of course, but it was always one of those places I only knew about without ever seriously planning to visit.
That changed when I suddenly had an errand to do there that required me to stay overnight. Instead of treating it as a quick in-and-out trip, my friend and I decided to turn it into a small road trip and see what the town actually had to offer.
Geography
Teluk Intan is located in the southwestern part of Perak, along the Perak River, one of the major rivers in Peninsular Malaysia. The town acts as a gateway to the Hilir Perak district, which is largely flat, fertile land ideal for agriculture, particularly paddy fields, oil palms, and fruit orchards.
Its riverside location historically made it a trading hub, connecting inland villages to larger ports along the Strait of Malacca. The town’s layout mixes older heritage streets with newer commercial areas.
History
Teluk Intan’s origins trace back to the 19th century, when it was initially called Teluk Mak Intan after a local female leader. During the British colonial period, the town was renamed Teluk Anson after Sir Archibald Anson, a British administrator.
The town grew as a commercial hub for tin mining, agriculture, and river trade, attracting a multi-ethnic population. Many of the heritage shophouses, temples, and the iconic Leaning Tower date back to this period. After Independence, the town’s name was reverted to Teluk Intan.
Population
Teluk Intan has an estimated population of around 100,000 people, primarily consisting of Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities. The main language spoken is Malay, but Hokkien and Mandarin are common among the Chinese community, while Tamil is spoken within the Indian community. English is also widely understood, especially for tourism purposes.
In terms of religion, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity are practiced freely, with mosques, temples, and churches found throughout the town.
Best time to go to Teluk Intan
Teluk Intan has a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round, usually between 25–32°C (77–90°F). Rain is possible pretty much anytime, especially now that climate change has made the weather a lot more unpredictable and the seasons less clear-cut than they used to be.
If you’re hoping to see fireflies in the surrounding areas, try to visit during a new moon, when there’s less moonlight. And like most places in Malaysia, it’s best to avoid school and public holidays if you want fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience.
How to get to Teluk Intan
By car
Teluk Intan is about 2–2.5 hours by car from Kuala Lumpur and 3–3.5 hours from Penang via the PLUS Highway. From Ipoh, the drive is about 1.5 hours, making it easy for a day trip or overnight stay. Driving is straightforward and scenic in parts, passing through small towns and greenery.
By bus
For public transport, direct buses run from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur to the Teluk Intan bus terminal right in the town center, taking around 3–3.5 hours. Buses are also available from Penang, Ipoh, and other major cities.
By train
Teluk Intan does not have a direct railway station. The closest station is Tapah Road, roughly an hour away. From there, you can take a taxi, or Grab into town. If you enjoy rail travel, this can be combined with a scenic journey from Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh.
How to get around in Teluk Intan
Teluk Intan is compact, and many attractions including the Leaning Tower, riverside, and markets are within walking distance of each other in the town center. Just be mindful of the tropical sun and occasional afternoon rain showers.
For slightly longer trips, such as visiting outlying villages, taxis and Grab are convenient and affordable. Public buses can be inconsistent, so most people rely on private rides or car rentals.
Top 13 things to do in Teluk Intan
1. Climb up the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan
The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan (Menara Condong in Malay) is the town’s signature landmark. It’s a clock tower built in 1885 that tilts because of the soft riverbank soil.
Originally a water tank and timekeeper for the town, it now stands as a piece of living history right in the town center. The base functions like a mini museum with historical plaques and signage telling you about the tower’s construction, uses, and heritage while you explore.
Stay for the clock’s quarter-hour chimes and browse the small surrounding plaza where local stalls and small vendors set up.
2. Stroll along the Perak River and catch the sunset
The Perak River is the lifeblood of Teluk Intan. A walk along its embankment, especially in the late afternoon, is a quiet way to see local life. You’ll spot fishermen tending nets, kids skipping stones, and small boats gliding slowly by. The promenade is wide enough to stroll comfortably, and the gentle river breeze makes it a relaxing break from the midday heat.
Stick around until sunset; the way the orange and pink sky reflects on the water is surprisingly photogenic. If you’re into casual photography or just want to pause and breathe in the town’s rhythm, this is the spot. Even better, bring a snack or buy something from a riverside stall and sit on the benches to watch the world go by.
3. Take a river cruise to Pulau Bangau and beyond
If you want a different perspective of Teluk Intan, a river cruise on the Perak River is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the area’s natural and cultural landscape. These cruises start from the jetty around Jalan Wah Keng Jooi and take you downstream past fish farms, floating restaurants, mangrove edges, temples, and small shipyards.
As you glide along the water, you’ll hear stories from local guides and catch sight of life shaped by the river.
The highlight for us was the Pulau Bangau (Stork Island), a stretch of land in the middle of the river that is home to thousands of water birds like egrets and herons. Boats would pause nearby so you can watch these birds perch on branches and swoop across the water, especially in the late afternoon when they return from foraging.
4. Watch fireflies light up the riverbanks at night
After dark, the river takes on a magical quality when fireflies flash along the riverbanks. Local cruise operators run firefly watching tours in the evenings, where you board a boat and drift softly along stretches of mangroves where the tiny glowing insects congregate.
The experience is different from daytime activities. It’s much quieter and slower, perfect for families winding down for the day or for a relaxed date night.
5. Take a heritage walk through the colonial streets
Teluk Intan’s heritage streets are a window into the town’s past, featuring old shophouses and colonial-era buildings that have stood for over a century.
Streets like Jalan Ah Cheong and the areas around the Leaning Tower are lined with these structures, many with intricate wooden shutters, decorative plasterwork, and faded signage that hint at a bygone era.
Notable historic buildings include:
- Teluk Intan Post Office
- Affin Bank (previously HSBC)
- The old police station
- The old court house
- The ruins of Raja Muda’s palace
6. Explore the big market (Pasar Besar)
The community market is often a window into the town’s soul. Go early in the morning when it’s busiest with traders and shoppers.
You won’t find much ready-to-eat food here as it’s mainly where families and local eateries stock up on groceries, but take your time walking through, observe how locals haggle, and if you like, maybe get some local fruits to take a little taste of the town home with you.
7. Visit local temples and cultural sites
Visiting Teluk Intan’s religious sites is a great way to experience the town’s multi-ethnic heritage without spending much money.
For Chinese temples, check out Hock Soon Keong Temple and Tung Hai Dragon King Temple, both with beautifully carved altars, intricate lanterns, and centuries of history. If you’re curious about Hindu traditions, Sri Gnanananda Puram, Sri Thendayuthapani Murugan, and a few others are worth a stop.
For Islamic architecture, the Masjid Daerah Sultan Idris II is a prominent mosque in town. Teluk Intan also has historic churches like St. Anthony’s Church, which serve the local Christian community.
8. Eat your way through Teluk Intan's local favorites
Start with the town’s most talked-about dish: Teluk Intan–style chee cheong fun, which is different from the KL version. Here, the rice rolls are often stuffed with fillings, like pickled green chilies, dried shrimp, and bits of turnip, creating layers of flavor and texture in one plate.
Then there’s mee rebus, thick with sweet-savory gravy, plus simple kopitiam breakfasts of half-boiled eggs and toast. In the evenings, head to hawker stalls near the town center for seafood, noodles, and snacks. Eat where it’s busy and be open to sharing tables with strangers.
9. Walk across the Teluk Anson Bridge
The old Teluk Anson Railway Bridge is a century-plus steel structure that once formed part of the railway line connecting Teluk Anson (the old name for Teluk Intan) with Tapah Road and beyond. Built in the late 19th century under British colonial planning, this bridge once carried trains moving goods and people across the Bidor River, a tributary feeding into the Perak River.
Today, the railway tracks are gone, but the metal truss bridge still stands as a relic of the town’s transport history, and locals have repurposed it for motorcycle and pedestrian use, making it a piece of heritage you can actually walk on.
10. Experience farm life at Ladang Moccis
Ladang Moccis is a large plantation and rural getaway just outside the main town. Historically a palm and cattle farm, it’s grown into a kind of hybrid farm‑stay and activity space, which includes a mini zoo with deer, rabbits, ducks and more, so it’s a fun stop for kids or anyone who likes small animals. You can also go kayaking on the lake, rent a bicycle, do some fishing, or even try riding small ATVs.
Many people come for the homestay option by a lake where you can wake up to birdsong and fresh air.
11. Wander through the sunflower garden in Bagan Datuk
Just outside Teluk Intan, in Bagan Sungai Burung, Bagan Datuk, you’ll find a sunflower garden that’s become a local favorite for photos and easy outdoor fun. The garden isn’t huge, but has several thousand sunflowers spread out over well‑kept plots.
The walking paths wind between the blooms and there are props scattered around, such as swings and heart‑shaped frames that make it fun for photos with friends or family.
12. Relax at the Bagan Datuk Waterfront
If you’re planning a short trip beyond Teluk Intan, Bagan Datuk Waterfront is worth stopping by. This riverside esplanade has opened up as a quiet public space where people gather to watch sunset, have a snack, and enjoy views of the Perak River.
The waterfront area also features colorful historic shophouses that have been repainted in recent years, giving it a quietly refreshed look.
13. Stop by the Sungai Kerawai Elephant Memorial
The Sungai Kerawai Elephant Memorial in Teluk Intan marks the site of a remarkable 1894 incident when a wild bull elephant reportedly charged and derailed a British steam train after a calf in its herd was killed by the locomotive.
The elephant died at the scene, but its skull and tusks are preserved at the Perak Museum in Taiping. Its courageous act was commemorated by an engraved memorial stone at the site.
Where to eat in Teluk Intan
Friendly note to my Muslim readers: Not all of the restaurants listed here are halal-certified or Muslim-friendly. Please do your due diligence before visiting.
- Mastan Ghani — Mee rebus legend in town.
- Liew Kee (Ah Lek) Chee Cheong Fun — Distinct local chee cheong fun style.
- Hawayi — Popular spot for noodles and shaved-ice desserts.
- Nasi Kandar Krishnan — Highly-rated nasi kandar.
- Restoran Udang Galah Teluk Intan — Giant river prawns, grilled fish, and other seafood dishes.
- Poh Loong Seafood Restaurant — Seafood and Chinese-style dishes.
- Kedai Kopi Ah Wah — Classic kopitiam.
- Intan Villa Kopitiam & Anson Hainan Kopitiam — Slightly more elevated kopitiams with fancy interiors.
- Gerai Pak Deris – Roti Canai Kari Kambing — Famous for their mutton curry roti canai. The shop has a unique decor featuring grandfather clocks and other vintage memorabilia.
Where to stay in Teluk Intan
We stayed at Anson Hotel, a straightforward, no-nonsense hotel right in town, comfortable enough for a short stay, and well-located for getting around Teluk Intan without fuss.
If you’re considering other places, here are a few options around town worth checking out:
Budget
- Lux Hotel & The Inn Hotel — Basic rooms at budget-friendly rates.
- Angsoka Hotel Teluk Intan — An affordable option with a swimming pool and banquet hall.
Mid-range
- Rick Resort Teluk Intan — Unique accommodation offering private rooms and Mongolian-style yurts with an indoor pool, rooftop pool, and hot tub.
- Little Kampung Studio — Stylish 2-star hotel with wood paneling and hardwood floors, with free parking and EV charging.
- Grand Court Hotel — Solid mid-range choice with family-friendly amenities, such as an outdoor pool, a coffee shop, and restaurant.
Luxury
- Anson Bali Living — A bungalow turned resort with Balinese elements, featuring a beautiful garden, koi fish pond, cafe, and gourmet restaurant.
How long to stay in Teluk Intan
For most travelers, 2 to 3 days is the sweet spot. Teluk Intan isn’t packed with headline attractions, so it’s more about pacing yourself. If you enjoy slow travel, food exploration, and photography, or would like to include an excursion to Bagan Datuk, staying 3 nights makes sense.
Teluk Intan also works well as a stopover between places like Ipoh, Taiping, and other towns on the west coast, rather than a destination that needs a full week.
Suggested Teluk Intan itinerary
Day 1
- Arrive in Teluk Intan and check in to your hotel.
- Visit the Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan and spend time around the plaza.
- Stroll along the Perak River promenade.
- Go on a river cruise to Pulau Bangau to watch water birds return to their nests.
- Optional: Go on another cruise, but to see fireflies.
- Have a seafood dinner by the river.
Day 2
- Early breakfast at a local kopitiam (try local kuih, roti, or chee cheong fun).
- Morning walk through the Pasar Besar wet market and surrounding streets.
- Heritage stroll through the old streets.
- Visit nearby temples and religious sites.
- Late lunch or early dinner food crawl at hawker stalls.
- Evening walk around the Leaning Tower area when it’s lit up.
Day 3
- Easy morning coffee at a local kopitiam
- Snack shopping (biscuits, local treats, souvenirs)
- Check out and head to Bagan Datuk for the waterfront and sunflower garden.
Additional tips for visiting Teluk Intan
- Cash is still king in markets, food stalls, and smaller shops.
- Early mornings (7–10am) are ideal for visiting the wet market and trying local breakfast dishes before the heat sets in.
- Late afternoons and evenings are best for walking, especially near the river and town center, when temperatures drop slightly and locals come out.
- Pack sunscreen and bug spray for riverfront walks or cruises. Read my article on what to pack for Malaysia.
- Dress modestly and comfortably, particularly if you plan to visit temples or mosques. Lightweight clothing works best in the heat. Read my article on how to dress appropriately for Malaysian weather and customs.
Final thoughts
Our visit to Teluk Intan turned out to be surprisingly insightful. It wasn’t just a relaxing or purely fun getaway, but an educational one too. We didn’t expect to learn so much from the Leaning Tower, and the river cruise was far more informative than we had anticipated.
Being so close to the Selangor border, Teluk Intan is an easy and rewarding stop for anyone in Selangor or Kuala Lumpur. If you haven’t been, it’s worth carving out a weekend to explore.
For more Perak adventures, check out my other itineraries, and browse the rest of the blog for destination ideas, food recommendations, and practical travel tips across Malaysia.
