Tin Valley at Tambun Perak

Ever wondered how tin mining activities were like in the olden days?
To satisfy your curiosity, simply head down to the Lost World Tin Valley — one of the latest attractions of Lost World of Tambun in Ipoh — to get a better understanding about the tin mining industry.
In fact, visitors will have the opportunity to journey back in time to not just see how dulang washing activities were conducted but also to take part in them.
Just like in the good old days, the tin valley is equipped with a life-size palung (sluice box), an original gravel pump monitor and a large area for dulang washing (tin ore panning).

Here, visitors can witness theme park employees performing live demonstrations of dulang washing activities and even participate in them.
In the past, the dulang was used to scoop up the earth, mixed with water. and by careful swirling of the water, the mud was swept away and the heavier tin ore remained.
To completely understand the art of dulang washing, kids will also have the opportunity to use the dulang to extract tin from earth and sand.
If they are lucky, their hard work might be rewarded if they happen to obtain tin ore from the panning sessions.
One can also view original artifacts that line the inside of a limestone cave called The Galleria, comprising original tools and equipment used by miners and dulang washers of the past.
Such items include hand tools, axes, double-handed saws, an original monitor and many more of its kind in the country.
As lorries were not available then, elephants were the only mode for transporting the heavy tin ore to the nearest depot.
At the Tin Bearers, visitors can climb on the back of the recreated life size stone elephants and have a bird’s eye view of the tin valley — an excellent photo opportunity, especially for shutterbugs.
Over at the Tin History Walk, there are educational boards explaining the art of tin mining right down to interesting facts about the metal.
They also showcase how tin mining has become such an important commodity in international trade used in hundreds of industrial processes worldwide.
To complete the tin mining journey, visitors can head down to the Tin Trail and walk in the footsteps of tin where they learn how tin is made.
After a long day of walking, visitors can sit back and relax in the Lost World Hot Springs & Spa in the Lost World of Tambun Hotel.
Here, they get to unwind and soak in the natural therapeutic hot springs while star- gazing.
As for the Lost World Hotel, it has set a milestone for being the first hotel in Ipoh to be smoke-free.
Surrounded by an abundance of nature and the crisp air of Tambun, hotel guests will awake to a spectacular view of the 400 million-year-old limestone hills enveloped by morning mist.
Catering for family holidaymakers as well as the corporate world, the 174-room hotel has paved the way to become a premier destination of choice.
For details, call 05-5428888 or visit the theme park’s website at http://www.sunwaylostworldoftambun.