Rediscover true happiness through the healing power of nature
Tanjung Rambutan is far more than the site of Hospital Bahagia, the renowned psychiatric institution that serves as a diagnostic and treatment center for those struggling with a detachment from reality.
Named after a humble fruit, a symbol of natural bounty, it is a gateway to the majestic Mount Korbu—a place of untouched forests and tranquil waterfalls. This is the origin of the natural bahagia (happiness). In this serene landscape, inspire a profound sense of fulfillment.
Tambun, the neighbour of Tanjung Rambutan, its story is one of dramatic rebirth. From a post-1970s mining wasteland left behind by the global tin crash, Tambun was rebuilt. Its modern identity is now defined by the man-made of the Lost World of Tambun Resort and the promotion of the pomelo as a thriving tropical landmark.
Together, these two places tell a beautiful story of transformation, where the very land and the lives it sustains are being restored.
Hulu Kinta/Tanjung Rambutan
History & Unique Points: Located to the north of Tambun, the name Tanjung Rambutan is derived from the abundant rambutan fruit trees that once grew there. The area’s history is heavily influenced by the presence of a major psychiatric institution.
- Development:
- 1893: A police station was established, marking the town’s formal founding as part of the British colonial administration.
- 1910: Dr. W.F. Samuels proposed the construction of a major psychiatric hospital in the area.
- 1911: The Federal Lunatic Asylum was completed and opened, becoming the largest psychiatric hospital in the country. This single institution profoundly shaped Tanjung Rambutan’s identity for over a century. (Source: Wiki Impact, 2024; Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta Official Website)
- 1928: The asylum was renamed the Central Mental Hospital in a bid to counter the stigma associated with its original name.
- 1970s: The hospital was rebranded again to the more positive Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, which remains its name today. This period saw a shift in focus from institutional care to modern psychiatric treatment.
- 1995: The state constituency of Hulu Kinta was officially created. (Source: Wikipedia: Hulu Kinta, 2025)
- 2007: A portion of the hospital’s land was handed over for the construction of the College of Allied Health Sciences, further diversifying the area’s identity beyond the hospital.
- Hospital Bahagia, The First And The Largest Psychiatry Institute In Malaysia
Tambun
History & Unique Points: Tambun is a dramatically transformed area. Its unique landscape of towering limestone hills and former mining lakes is central to its modern identity. It is also historically famous for its pomelo plantations and its prehistoric Gua Tambun cave paintings.
- Development:
- Pre-12,000 BCE: The area was inhabited by early human ancestors. Prehistoric rock paintings were created in Gua Tambun (Tambun Cave) on Gunung Panjang, making it a significant archaeological site. (Source: Wikipedia: Tambun rock art, 2025)
- Late 19th Century: Tambun became a major hub for tin mining. The limestone hills were extensively quarried, and the valleys were dredged, leaving behind a landscape of deep mining pools.
- 1970s: The global tin crash led to the closure of most mining operations, turning the area into a former industrial wasteland.
- 2004: The Lost World of Tambun, developed by Sunway Group, opened on November 11. The project famously repurposed a 100-year-old tin mining site, integrating the natural hot springs, majestic limestone cliffs, and the theme park itself. This singular development transformed Tambun into a prime tourist destination.
- Mid-2000s – Present: The success of the theme park spurred the development of Sunway City Ipoh, a comprehensive township that includes residential areas (e.g., Sunway Bayu), commercial centers, and healthcare facilities.
- The Ulu Kinta Forest Eco-Park, located within the Bukit Kinta Forest Reserve. (Source: Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Taman Eko-Rimba Ulu Kinta https://www.forestry.gov.my/en/perak/taman-eko-rimba-ulu-kinta)
- Challenging hiking trails of Mount Korbu, the second-highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia. (Source: Tourism Perak Malaysia, Gunung Korbu (2022)
https://www.tourismperakmalaysia.com/gunung-korbu/)
Taman Rekreasi Kolam Sungai Pinji, Tanjung Rambutan (Blog Post)
- Sunway Lost World of Tambun: Developed on a former quarry, this theme park is a central hub for social activities, offering a water park, hot springs, petting zoo, and a variety of other attractions. (Source: Sunway Lost World of Tambun Official Website, 2024 – https://sunwaylostworldoftambun.com/)
- Pomelo Plantations: Tambun is famous for its pomelos, and visiting the local plantations is a popular activity that provides a unique blend of agri-tourism and a taste of local culture.
- Sunway City Ipoh & Shopping Mall: The ongoing development of this integrated township includes the upcoming Sunway Shopping Mall, which will serve as a new commercial and social center for residents and tourists. (Source: Sunway Property, 2024 – https://www.sunwayproperty.com/)
| Mental Illness | Mental Wellbeing |
| A psychological dysfunction that leads to significant distress or impairment in cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning. These symptoms are more severe than what is expected in response to everyday stressors and are not simply non-conformity to social norms. SpringerLink | A positive state of mental health (not merely the absence of illness) in which an individual: realizes his or her potential; copes with normal life stresses; works productively; and contributes to their community. It includes factors like life satisfaction, emotional resilience, good relationships, meaning/purpose, and the ability to function well. Faculty of Public Health+3World Health Organization+3International Self-Care Foundation+3 |
Yes, both Hulu Kinta and Tambun offer supportive residential and recreational environments that refresh and empower residents, enabling them to work more productively and contribute positively to their community.