Things to Do in Taiping

by victorwkf
Send Photo to a Friend

If you are at Taiping town, you can also consider exploring nearby attractions such as the town of Ipoh, Cameron Highlands (see my VT Cameron Highlands page) or the beautiful island of Penang which is famous for its beautiful scenery, beaches, architecture and very delicious food. VT member slliew has lots of great tips and photos of Penang (including pages of various locations in Penang), so do drop by and visit if you are interested :)

Leave a Comment


	Taiping War Cemetry	Tip Rating:

By SLLiew

on April 23, 2007

On the way from Lake Gardens to Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut), you will see a small, green, well maintained cemetry on both sides of the road for the Commonwealth Allied forces who have fallen during World War II.

Do stop at the road side for a moment for a photo and to remember those who have sacrificed themselves for their countries.

Address: Between Lake Gardens and Maxwell Hill


	Taiping Lake Garden - Must See	Tip Rating:

By SLLiew

on April 23, 2007

by SLLiew, 1 more photos
Send Photo to a Friend

Taiping Lake Gardens was created from used tin mining pools from 1880.

So the name is a misnomer as it is more of a series of pools. There is a road going round the lake and so it is a pleasant drive or walk around the Lake.

The lush green trees and the hills in the background with man-made pavillions and bridges to reflect into the lake make it a refreshing place to charge the spirit and soul.

The Taiping Museum, Taiping Zoo, the Burmese Pools, Maxwell Hills (Bukit Larut), Taiping town, War Cemetry are all around the Taiping Lake.

Address: Next to Taiping dowtown.


	Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut)	Tip Rating:

Updated By SLLiew

on April 23, 2007

One of the oldest hill station established in 1870s by the English, elevation 1,250 meters.

The local Chinese called it "Kopi Sua" or "Coffee Hill" and so when I was young, I imagined there will be coffee powder all the way up the hill.

I have been up to Maxwell Hill many times, by jeep or by walking. Day trip or staying overnight in one of the bungalows up there.

The view is majestic up there to see the whole Larut plain below. There is not much land at the top and every where is a slope up there.

It is a great place to see butterflies and watch birds. At night, it can get foggy and all kinds of moths and insects will gather around the light sources.

Quite a nice hill station.

Address: At the other end of the Lake Gardens


	Taiping Zoo - Not to be missed	Tip Rating:

By SLLiew

on April 23, 2007

Along the highway, you will see advertisements of Taiping Zoo.

It is truly a zoo not to be missed if you are in Taiping. It is the best run zoos in Malaysia besides the National Zoo in Ulu Klang in Kuala Lumpur and the Melaka Zoo.

There is a trolley that drives pass all the major enclosures and slow or stop enough for you take pictures and a close look.

You can also walk to the Snake enclosure. There is an excellent collection of different marmoset (miniature South American monkeys) at the entrance. Do not forgot to look out for the hippopotamus near the surface of a pond.

The local animals of orangutan, gibbons, porcupines, Malayan tigers and elephants and wild hogs are well represented. The African enclosure is a bit pathetic though.

There is also a children's playground and a shop selling ice creams to beat the heat.

Additional charge for camera and video at admission.

Address: Taiping Lake Gardens


	Taiping Museum - Another must-see	Tip Rating:

By SLLiew

on April 23, 2007

I am never tired of visiting the Taiping Musuem.

First, there is a gallery of stuffed animals including different birds, bats, monkeys and terrapins and elephant skulls as well as complete skeleton of snakes, wild cats.

On the second floor is a unique exhibit of the different aborinal tribes (Orang Asli) of Peninsular Malaysia from the Semai, Senoi, Mahri Mahri, Jakun, Negritoes, etc. Showing their hunting blowpipes, shelters and ceremonial artefacts.

There is an a unique room about the Taiping Prison (Jail) which is across the road of the Museum. It includes a horrifying exhibit how prisoners are canned. Scary for the kids - crime does not pay.

Outside of the museum is a relocated primitive grave as well as old aeroplanes of the colonial era.

Requires an hour or so and highly recommended especially if it is raining outside and you have to wait for the rain to stop to go to the zoo or the Lake Gardens.

Address: Near the Taiping Lake on the way to Kamunting


	Drive and Walk about Taiping Downtown	Tip Rating:

By SLLiew

on April 19, 2007

Taiping downtown is a collection of pre-war houses many dated back to early 20th century. Most of the buildings are two storey and you will find the town with a lot of old world charm.

It is grid formation with Jalan Kota and Jalan Panggung Wayang being the major parallel roads.

It easy to drive around within 15 minutes. There are ample parking with coin slot meter. Once you have a general overview, I suggest that you park your car and walk around. Use the five foot ways of the shops for shade and general walking safety.

Jalan Kota is the main drag and will lead towards the Taiping Lake Gardens.


	Go Up The Hill	Tip Rating:

By gnh

on July 21, 2005