It being a public holiday, Mother, Serena and I decided to drive up to Sungkai in Perak. There is a hot spring there that Mother had visited while on a Motivational Camp organised by her school for the teachers.
North-bound on the North-South Highway, traffic was smooth for the most part. We turned off at the Sungkai toll exit. Following the abundant signs along the road, we passed Kampung Sungai Kelah and then some Felda oil palm estates before arriving at the hot spring resort. The journey from home took about an hour and a half.
Rather a popular place. It was raining when we reached there, but even so it was still a little crowded. Entrance is cheap, at RM5 per adult on weekends and public holidays. Camping facilities are supposedly provided for, though I did not actually see this myself. There is a public toilet and showers too.
There is a pretty swimming pool which simply isn't cold, and none too deep either. Then there are some other smaller pools with hotter water ranging from 30°C to 60°C, and even a spot at 100°C where they boil eggs for eating. The rain alternated between a light drizzle and a moderate downpour. I must say it felt great to be soaking in a hot pool with rain drops falling on my head. There are private Jacuzzi-like pools and traditional massages to be had as well, and a canteen and little stalls from which refreshments may be procured. In all we stayed for more than 2 hours swimming and soaking in the pools.
Overall it is a rather nice place, without the overwhelming smell of sulphur you come to expect from other hot springs. Of course, how long the place lasts remains to be seen. The surroundings were all spruced up with flowers and banners because the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak made a visit recently. Let us hope the place does not fall into neglect now.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak made a visit recently. Let us hope the place does not fall into neglect now. 