Situated just off the North-South Expressway & a 35 Minutes drive from Penang, Bukit Merah Laketown is the largest theme park in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. It is only a 45 minute drive from Ipoh, the capital city of Perak while Kuala Lumpur is only 3 hours away via the Expressway.
If you prefer to travel by air it would be better to travel from KLIA to Penang and rent a car from Penang for the drive to Bukit Merah. I would recommend Air Asia Airlines as they have the lowest airfares in Malaysia. Driving from Penang Island, you will pass several landmarks including the Penang Bridge which was once the third longest bridge in the world. It will be an easy drive via the Expressway all the way to the foot hill of the Laketown.
Perkampungan Air
I decided to drive to Bukit Merah as a getaway weekend from the hustle and bustle of city life in Kuala Lumpur. Driving from the Jalan Duta Toll Plaza only took me 3 hours to get there. The Malaysian Government charges a rate according to the distances between the toll plazas and for this trip it costs MYR28 +/- one way.
I had not made any prior reservations as I had gone at an off peak season. There are plenty of accommodation facilities in Bukit Merah, ranging from Service Apartments, Waterfront villas, Resort homes and water villages but all that I was really interested in is the Bukit Merah Laketown Inn, a nice hotel with 173 room capacity. During off peak seasons, room rates for Deluxe rooms (4 beds) costs only MYR 240 (US$1.00=MYR3.80). There was no problem getting a room.
The room has a nice cozy ambiance and was very comfortable. It’s very easy for me to relax and fall asleep after the long drive. After some quality R & R, it was time for lunch! The resort has an excellent coffee house offering a wide range of a-la carte dining as well as buffet lunch. Also Free Breakfast coupons are redeemable at the coffee house for any over night stay in the Lake Town Inn.
Favourite spots:
Jetty by the Lake
While at the resort, there are a variety of activities that you can do. It all depends on what you fancy the most. I personally enjoyed the Eco Park and the visit to the Orangutan Island. There are also many attractions in Marina Village, with many amusement centres and shopping outlets. The Water Park is great if you enjoy swimming and cooling down by the pool side. Overall, I felt that it was a nice getaway weekend, where I managed to unwind and relax away from the metropolitan.
What's really great:
A brahminy Kite from the Eco park aviary
The Perkampungan Air or water villages, was a nice place to spend time in the evenings. From the balcony, theres a spectacular view of the sunset by the Lake. Sun rise was also equally mesmerising.
The water village is just next to the entrance of the Eco-park which houses many species of birds in its aviary and several other large mammals, including the malayan sun bear and the not so famous binturong (bear cat).
The Orangutan Island also offered an interesting experience. There is a walkway leading to the facility and we could see a few animals up close. And I forgot to mention that the resort arranges boat rides to the island as all part and parcel of the trip to the island. It was quite interesting.
Accommodations:
The Water Village
Bukit Merah Lake Town Inn or the Water Village (Perkampungan Air) both offering a nice ambiance and cozy surroundings.
Restaurants:
Ala-Carte Menu
Cafe Le Lac A themed restaurant serves a wide range of western and local cuisine. The restaurant also caters for groups & Funtions. Location Marina Village Business Hours 7.00am - 11.00pm Menu Al la Carte
Eco Cafe A themed restaurant in a cozy Eco atmosphere Location Eco Park Business Hours 10.00 am - 8.00pm. Monday to Fiday 9.00am - 8.00pm Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays Menu Western & Local Cuisine
Other recommendations:
Water Park
Shopping Arena within Marina Village and the Water Theme Park.
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