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This is Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No 5 (TT5). It is Malaysia’s last surviving tin ore mining site that’s located in Batu Gajah, Perak.
The latest attraction at TT5 is its maze park, which is the largest one in Malaysia
This maze park has a built-up area of 55,000sqft, and is shaped like a heart. It looks so pretty from these overhead shots!
So, what happened to TT5? Let’s dive into the history of the former tin dredge site to find out.
TT5 was built in 1938 by FW Payne & Sons, and is almost 83 years old today
When the tin rush in Taiping first started in 1848, Perak quickly became the richest state in Malaya. However, due to declining tin prices, factories had to be shut down or sold off.
In 1982, TT5 ceased operations, and was donated to the Perak State Government by the Malaysia Mining Corporation (MMC) in 1997. Currently, TT5 remains the only complete tin dredge in our country.
This former tin mining site contains 1,001 tales about the heritage of the tin miners who worked there during the golden age of Perak’s tin ore mining industry
Many of its heritage items are on display in its gallery, known as Anjung@TT5. It also houses tin dredge equipment and tools, as well as old photos and information panels that illustrate historical facts about tin mining.
TT5 is now open to visitors, and has been offering daily guided tours since 2017
Visitors may drop by for a paid tour of the tin dredge, and appreciate its unique history. The in-house tour guides will narrate many interesting tales of the ex-miners and the tin mining process.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities, such as learning the process of panning
Panning, also known as mendulang or dulang washing, is the technique of separating particles of tin from soil or gravel by washing it in a pan with water. You can discover how the soil is taken up from the lake by the buckets, and sifted in pans to produce tin concentrate.
There are also many picturesque spots around the maze that you can explore
Here are 5 other fun activities you can participate in while you’re there:
l. Saturday night markets and weekend bazaars
Visitors may enjoy authentic local dishes and street snacks, including laksa, noodles, kacang putih, and Malay kuih. You can also get local fresh produce, clothing, accessories, and household items at the weekend bazaars and night market, which is held every last Saturday of the month.
2. Monthly zumba and fitness sessions
Participate in a two-hour fitness session that occurs once a month, on every first Sunday of the month. You’ll be able to work out while admiring the spectacular background of the dredge!
3. Moonlight camping and BBQ
Experience a two-day, one-night camp under the stars, and dig into a delicious BBQ feast at TT5’s mining heritage site.
Camping packages start from RM50 per pax.
4. Fun treasure hunts (upon request)
Challenge yourself and your friends, family, or colleagues to a treasure hunt around the area. Activities include the dulang washing challenge, decrypting clues, and solving riddles about tin mining from the gallery display.
5. ATV rides (upon request)
Embark on an adventurous ATV ride and explore the sandy ex-mining land and undeveloped terrain around TT5. You’ll definitely marvel at the natural landscapes and scenic view of the tin mining site, especially during sunset.
Here’s where you can find TT5:
Opening hours:
9am – 6pm (Daily)
Guided tours:
9.30am – 4.30pm (Daily)
Ticket prices:
MyKad holders:
RM5 (Children, school students, and senior citizens)
RM8 (University students)
RM10 (Adults)
Non-MyKad holders:
RM10 (Children and senior citizens)
RM20 (Adults)
Address:
9th KM,
Jalan Tanjung Tualang,
31000 Batu Gajah,
Perak, Malaysia
Find out more from their website.