Lost World of Tambun

The park sits in an old quarry basin at Tambun with limestone karst walls rising directly behind the rides, which gives it most of its character. There is a water park with slides and a wave pool, a dry amusement section, a petting zoo and tiger enclosure, and a set of hot spring pools fed by the geothermal water the area has long been known for. The best part is the night operation: the park reopens in the evening with the pools lit and the cliffs floodlit, and soaking in warm water at nine at night is a very different experience from queueing for a slide at noon. It is aimed squarely at families.

What you actually see

• The hot spring pools - geothermal water in tiered pools, open into the evening.
• The water park - wave pool, slides and a lazy river under the cliffs.
• The limestone backdrop - karst walls rising directly behind the rides.
• The night session - floodlit cliffs and warm pools after dark.

When to go

Weekdays are far quieter than weekends, when queues for the main slides get long. The park closes for a break in the late afternoon and reopens for the night session, so a combined ticket gives the best value. Rain shuts water rides without warning. School holidays are the busiest period of all.

Honest expectations

Ticketing is fragmented, with separate charges for the day park, the night pools, lockers and some activities, and the total adds up quickly. Maintenance is patchy and individual rides are often closed. The animal section is small and dated, and the tigers in particular have a modest enclosure. On hot afternoons the queues offer no shade.

Nearby

Ipoh old town and its cave temples; the Kellie's Castle ruin lies south of the city.