Is Ipoh’s Tasik Cermin or Mirror Lake a must-see attraction? What does this natural landmark have to offer besides enchanting views?
And is there an optimum time to visit Tasik Cermin? How much is the entrance fee and boat ride for Tasik Cermin?
Find out the answers to these questions in this post!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Mirror Lake?
At 10am, there are usually many visitors already. And the deck starts to get sunshine around this time, so it is hot from then on.
Thus, we feel that the best time to visit Tasik Cermin is as early as possible. Ideally, you should aim to be here before the official opening hours (9am).
This way, the sunlight hasn’t gone over the hills and onto the lake yet. And in the early morning, there’s less chance of breeze too. Which is necessary for the water to be as still and hence, as reflective as possible.
You could plan to come in the evenings too but make sure you check the forecast before doing so. Overcast days (and therefore wetter months) don’t make for great photos at Tasik Cermin.
And if you come close to closing time (6pm), the staff will not operate the boats.
Note: If you see long queues at Tasik Cermin, it’s best not to join in as the viewing platform is small and it will not be easy to get a photo without strangers in.
If you ask them, the staff will advise seeing Tasik Cermin in the hotter months.
Opening Hours
Opening hours and access to Tasik Cermin are now controlled now that it is an official tourist attraction. The opening hours are from 9am to 6pm daily.
Entrance Fees
When it was first reopened, it cost RM5 and RM10 respectively for Malaysians and non-Malaysians to enter Tasik Cermin.
The current pricing for entrance fees to Tasik Cermin is RM4 for Malaysians. This doesn’t include boat rides on the lake.
You don’t need to pay entrance fees for kids under 90cm or disabled members of your group.
It costs an additional RM25 per pax for the 20-minute boat rides (boat tickets for those under 18 years old cost RM18) that go around the lake.
What To Do At Mirror Lake
When we went, parts of the park still look unfinished. The attraction map on the brochures suggests that there is more to come.
During our most recent visit, we saw a new fruit stall at the entrance.
And there is now space for markets at Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee and opposite Tasik Cermin 2.
Tasik Cermin 2, is now operational. There is a small café beside the dock where visitors can pay for boat rides (also RM25 per adult) to enter the lake.
1. Walk Through The Tunnel To Tasik Cermin
The actual viewing deck for Tasik Cermin is only accessible through the original tunnel. The original tunnel that leads to Tasik Cermin has since been widened.
You can find the entrance of the tunnel right behind the ticket counter.
LED lights light the sides of the tunnel so it’s not so dark.
It’s quite eerie inside the tunnel even with the lights but it’ll only take you a few minutes at most to walk through. You can see the greenery outside at the other end of the tunnel.
2. View Tasik Cermin From A Floating Platform
The deck is not very large and only faces one side of the lake.
There are benches on the deck so you can take in the views of the lake and surrounding limestone hills and greenery.
3. Observe The Fish And Water Quality At Tasik Cermin
You can see fish swimming around and underneath the deck. Close to midday, the water looks murky.
It can be very clear in the early morning.
4. Take A Boat Ride Around Tasik Cermin
This applies to both Tasik Cermin 1 and Tasik Cermin 2.
Boats on one side of the floating platform at Tasik Cermin are for taking visitors around the perimeter of the lake.
The dock for Tasik Cermin 2 is closer to the main entrance. It is at one side of the hill that blocks most of the lake from view. We highly recommend taking the boats for Tasik Cermin 2 over the one for Tasik Cermin 1.
This is because you get the additional thrill of taking the boat through the flooded tunnel for the same price. Plus, you get this lake all to your group too since the tunnel physically limits how many boats can enter the lake at a time.
Passengers are given life jackets before boarding the inflatable boats (they use portable electric motors).
During the boat ride, the staff will share some information and history of the site.
5. Hop On A Swing (Or See-saw)
There is a small playground beside the visitor center for Tasik Cermin 1.
The wooden see-saw is uncomfortable to use. But the swings can sit adults and are fun. You just must be careful with how you sit, or you can fall down though.
6. Peek Into Snake Mouth Cave
Snake Mouth Cave is part of the karst landscape. And it is right before the carpark of Tasik Cermin. It’ll take you less than a minute to explore this small cave and its rock formations.
It’s not very interesting and hence, not a must-see. But it doesn’t cost anything to have a look at it.
Since Snake Mouth Cave is on the opposite side of the gravel road when you enter Tasik Cermin:
It’s easier to visit this place if you choose to park at the inner carpark of Tasik Cermin. It will be on your left when you leave.
7. Explore The Grounds Of Tasik Cermin
There’s a pretty spot (with no signage) that is walking distance from the Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee at Tasik Cermin. It’s right by the giant Chang Jiang White Coffee logo on limestone cliff.
You can enter it by walking up a dirt road that goes between two high cliffs.
Note: Stay away from the cliffs as there’s no knowing when a rock will fall off.
Here, the trees and surrounding cliffs form a clearing. A barrier prevents visitors from straying deeper inside. This area will also take you a few minutes to explore.
We think it’s worth a look. Plus, you don’t have to pay to enter it.
8. Have Coffee And Toast At Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee
Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee (健龍山谷) is the main place to eat at Tasik Cermin. Like other branches of Chang Jiang White Coffee however, this place can have slow service due to its popularity.
The food is decent. The drinks are better. But the best thing about dinning here is the environment. And the views are nice.
Facilities At Tasik Cermin
Once a former iron quarry and hidden gem of Ipoh:
Tasik Cermin is currently under the management of Majuperak Holdings Bhd by appointment by Ipoh City Council (MBI).
There are facilities like 2 designated car parks, public toilets and a surau. A colourful playground and stairs offer photo opportunities for visitors.
Additionally, there are boats and life jackets, lights for the ~50m tunnel (now widened), and a ticket counter.
Besides these, there is a café next to the car park for Tasik Cermin 1. This is another branch of Chang Jiang White Coffee).
Note: Your phone reception may be affected here.
Parking At Tasik Cermin
As for parking fees, it is free to park your car at the open-air car park closest to the ticket counter for Tasik Cermin 1.
There is another free car park in front of Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee.
Note: Currently, the road into Tasik Cermin is very rough (i.e., not a tar road)
Other Attractions Close To Tasik Cermin
If you have your own car, it’ll be easy to visit any of these places after visiting Tasik Cermin:
Conclusion
Try to be at Tasik Cermin before or around 9am before the crowds and midday heat arrive. Going early gives you a better chance at favorable weather conditions (sunny with clear skies and little wind). Otherwise, the lake is not so attractive.
When it comes to pricing, we find the boat prices steep. But there’s nothing much else to do at the park, so be prepared to pay for at least one boat ride (we recommend the one at Tasik Cermin 2) if you plan to visit Tasik Cermin.
An alternative spot to Tasik Cermin would be Lanno Valley.
