Singapore to Taiping
Taiping is an underrated gem for tourists because it contains such a rich history of the country, good food, and scenic views of mountains, lakes and centuries-old rain trees. All that within walking distance of one another! Book your trip as with affordable price now!
Price From SGD 500
Attractions of Taiping
Taiping was the center of Perak’s lucrative mining industry for decades. British and Chinese miners extracted vast amounts of tin. Many became overnight millionaires transforming Taiping into a boom town.
Increased wealth led to increased investment. The legacy is Taiping’s collection of British colonial buildings. But despite active tourist campaigns by Perak’s state government, the city remains under the radar.
If you don’t know where to start, here are attraction spots that will help you get under the skin of Taiping and discover the unexpected side of the city.
Taiping Lake Garden
Like many towns along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Taiping used to be a thriving tin- mining town that lost its lustre with the rise of Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur as cities. It’s hard to believe that the sleepy and laid-back Taiping we know today, was the first capital of the Federated Malay States (Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang), before Kuala Lumpur took over!
Originally a tin mining ground, Taiping Lake Gardens was later converted into the first public garden during the British rule in Malaya in 1880. The iconic rain trees are part of the Taiping Lake Gardens. These massive rain trees lining the lake side were planted over a century ago and their huge branches arch dramatically downwards towards the lake, almost touching the waters.
Address: Jalan Pekeliling, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Negeri Perak
Burmese Pool
The Burmese Pool is a large rock pool along a stream at the foothills of Bukit Larut, a popular weekend nature attraction among locals. Nestled within the rainforest, visitors need to go through the Taiping Lake Gardens, and look for the signboard pointing towards the Burmese Pool.
A short drive later, you’ll arrive at a car park at the end of the road. You’ll be required to pay a small fee should you need to park your car. The rock pool is spacious, but mostly shallow, and its water streams in gently via a small waterfall.
Address: 153, Jalan 2, Taman Sentosa, 34000 Taiping, Negeri Perak
Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut)
Previously known as Maxwell Hill, Bakit Larut is the oldest hill resort in Malaysia. Flourished with wildflowers and untamed lush greenery, every corner here is the perfect backdrop for your OOTD shot. Not to mention, there are plenty of exciting activities here too. From jungle trekking to bird-watching, fret not to explore the Burmese pool near the foothill or discover the tea garden at the top.
To ascend the hill, you will have to hire a Land Rover, as private vehicles are not allowed. You can also walk up the hill, and you will find many people doing this as a form of exercise. But keep in mind that the trek up the 13 km hill may take up to 5 hours!
Address: Pegawai Penjaga Bukit Larut, Perak, 34000 Taiping, Malaysia
Taiping Zoo
Taiping Zoo is among Taiping’s most well-known attractions. After opening in 1961, the zoo grew to house more than 1,200 animals. Orangutans, crocodiles and rhinos are among the 140 species. Unlike other zoos in Southeast Asia, Taiping’s doubles up as a conservation and research center.
When traveling with kids and in families, a great activity to check out when in Perak is the night safari at Taiping Zoo. This zoo has been around since 1961 which gradually became a refuge for over 1,200 animals in Malaysia. To date, this zoo stands out in contrast to other Southeast Asian zoos for its profound and in-depth conservation measures developed in their own research center.
Tremendous efforts are made to increase the populations of their endangered species including our orange-haired primate cousins. Streams, ponds and the flowers recreate the animal’s natural habitat.
Taiping Zoo reopens again after dark allowing visitors to observe nocturnal animals. This is Malaysia’s only zoo that offers a night safari.
Address: Jalan Taman Tasik Taiping, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Perak Museum
Founded in 1883, the Perak Museum is the first and oldest museum in Malaysia (1883). To date, the museum has accumulated over 8,000 artifacts, consisting of cultural collections, nature collections, and archaeological items. There is also a guided tour for those who are interested.
The museum still preserves its original colonial architecture, a striking white Moorish building that sits along Jalan Taming Sari, which is just a short walking distance from Lake Garden.
Perfect for a short excursion, Perak Museum is the first museum in Malaysia. Housing a vast collection of items related to zoology, botany and more, these are actually items that are curated by the founder, Sir Hugh Low. Divided into 4 galleries (Nature, Cultural, Indigenous People, Temporary), expect to spend at least an hour venturing into each section!
Opening Hours: Daily 9AM – 6PM
Address: Jalan Taming Sari, Taiping, 34000 Perak
Charcoal Factory
Charcoal is an essential commodity used for cooking, medicine and countless other things. Despite its availability and usage, few know anything about its production.
More than 140 manufacturers use 300 kilns in Sepetang to create charcoal from mangrove trees. Take a day trip from Taiping and find out how charcoal is made. Discover the ins and outs of this little-known industry and why the area upholds a global reputation. Combine a trip to the charcoal kilns with Matang Mangroves.
A nostalgic place that brings you back in time, Charcoal Factory is an old-fashioned charcoal factory that turns mangrove logs into black charcoal. Located in Kuala Sepetang, this place even has its own tours that bring you across the stories behind of charcoal production.
Opening Hours: Daily 9AM – 5PM
Address: Jalan Taiping – Kuala Sepetang, Kuala Sepetang, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Negeri Perak.
Tel: 018-283 4117
More Related Places:
