Historic Taiping Market set to rival Australia’s best, says Nga

The century-old market here is making a comeback, not just as a trading hub, but as a new tourist landmark.

“Everyone knows this market. It used to be very old and worn down, but now it’s getting a second life.

“So in the future, this picture at night can be taken and sold as a postcard for Taiping. It can be sent worldwide, on a par with Victoria Market in Melbourne and Fremantle Market in Perth,” he told reporters at the site here today. Read more…

Taiping Heritage Town: A Journey into Malaysia’s Forgotten Capital of Rain

Discover Taiping, Malaysia’s captivating heritage town. Explore its rich history, from tin mines to lush rainforests, and uncover the timeless charm of this Perak gem.

Nestled at the foothills of the lush Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut) and often shrouded in a gentle, misty rain, Taiping is a town that feels like a step back in time. While others flock to Penang or Malacca for their heritage fix, Taiping offers a more serene, authentic experience. This is where modern Malaysian history began, and its legacy is etched into every colonial-era building, tranquil lake, and ancient rainforest.

Welcome to Taiping, the town of “Everlasting Peace.”

A Stroll Through Living History

Taiping’s story is inextricably linked to the tin mining boom of the 19th century. Once a hotbed of conflict between rival clans, the discovery of tin transformed it into one of the peninsula’s wealthiest towns. In fact, it briefly served as the capital of Perak and was a pioneer in many aspects of British Malaya.

As you walk its streets, you’re walking through a living museum. Key historical landmarks include:

The Taiping Prison (Penjara Taiping): Established in 1879, it’s the oldest prison in Malaysia. While not open to the public, its imposing walls are a stark reminder of the town’s long history.

The Perak Museum: Another “oldest” – this is Malaysia’s first museum. Its unique architecture and collection of cultural artifacts, natural history, and antiques are a fascinating glimpse into the past.

The Allmanang (Clock Tower): This iconic landmark stands proudly in the town center, a symbol of Taiping’s historical importance.

Colonial-Era Buildings: Take a slow walk down the main street and admire the charming shophouses and administrative buildings, like the Old Court House and the State Railway Building, which showcase classic Anglo-Indian architecture.

More Than Just Buildings: Taiping’s Natural Wonders

What truly sets Taiping apart is its breathtaking natural environment. The town is cradled by nature, earning its nickname, the “Town of Rain.”

Taiping Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Taiping): Arguably one of the most beautiful gardens in Malaysia. These stunning lakes and gardens were developed on the site of an abandoned tin mine. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply to sit and watch the rain dance on the lake surface. Don’t miss the iconic “Rain Trees” with their sprawling canopies.

Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut): At 1,250 meters above sea level, this is Malaysia’s oldest hill station. Accessible only by government-owned Land Rovers, it offers cool, fresh air, stunning views, and a chance to escape the lowland heat. The journey itself is an adventure!

Burmese Pool (Kolam Burma): A popular local spot for a refreshing dip in the cool, clear waters of a mountain stream. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature.

A Culinary Journey for the Senses

No heritage trip is complete without indulging in the local food. Taiping is a food lover’s paradise, with a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences.

Cendol & Popiah at the Larut Matang Hawker Centre: This is the place to be for food. The cendol here is legendary – a must-try shaved ice dessert perfect for Taiping’s warm, humid weather. Pair it with a fresh, savory popiah (spring roll).

Dim Sum: Taiping has several excellent dim sum restaurants, a legacy of its Hakka and Cantonese communities. It’s a classic breakfast experience.

Curry Mee: A rich and flavorful noodle soup that will warm you up on a rainy day.

Why Taiping Should Be Your Next Destination

In a world of rushed itineraries and crowded tourist spots, Taiping offers a different pace. It’s a town that invites you to slow down, to wander without a strict plan, to sip a coffee while watching the world go by, and to appreciate the beauty in decay and the persistence of nature.

It’s not just a heritage town; it’s a feeling of nostalgic tranquility.

TAIPING is 150 years old this year

and the townsfolk are feeling proud and excited about the milestone.

They are anticipating a happening year as a host of activities has been planned to celebrate the anniversary.

Taiping Sri Guru Singh Sabha chairman Datuk Balraaj Singh Tarlachon Singh said, “People are hyped up. It’s going to be a busy year.

“The municipal council has already contacted all associations to organise events. Read more…

Historical and green Taiping perfect for tourists, pensioners

“I look forward to seeing how Taiping can mature further to become one of the best resort destinations for foreign and domestic tourists.

It would be wise for pensioners to choose Taiping as their retirement place, away from the exhaust fumes and noise pollution of city roads or flash floods.

With a relatively low cost of living and the perfect environment for children’s upbringing, plus the benefits of one’s mental and physical health, Taiping awaits future pensioners.” Read more…

AHMAD SYAH EJAZ ISMAIL

Taiping — rainiest, forever peaceful and age-friendly. The angsana leaves still close every evening but the bloom has not faded. Perhaps one has to delve a little deeper, reach a little higher, soak a little longer to better acquaint oneself with the rhythms of Taiping. But when you do, in this town of firsts, that first visit will not be the last. Rhythms of Taiping…

Rain waltz! Wonderful! Collection of music by Sergei Grischuk

Music belongs to composer Sergey Grischuk (Sergey Grischuk Music)
“Relax Music” is created to promote and support new artists, (musicians / labels, composers, producers, photographers / filmmakers) who want to create a fan base. Send your song or video on ”Relax Music’
We strive to find the best and most enjoyable music for you guys! We hope to make your days more beautiful with the music we share! Peace love and music.

The most beautiful Lake Garden

If you’ve always bypassed Taiping on your journeys, make a point of stopping there for the night. You won’t regret it.

Taiping is a place that’s pretty much off anyone’s radar, unless it happens to be your hometown and you are looking forward to your annual balik kampung break.

It’s a full hour’s drive from Ipoh using the expressway and two hours on the old trunk road. The fellow behind the wheel (a.k.a. my husband) had had a long day and he was getting grouchy. We had been to Ipoh, and he’d really rather be heading for home in KL now.
Out of order?: The trees in Taiping are let to grow to its own accord and in the end what you get is gorgeous greens.

– STEVEN CHING

“All trains stop at Taiping Station”

Located in between IPOH and Butterworth, Taiping Railway Station is one of the major stops along ETS KL Sentral – Padang Besar route. Also the major stop for IPOH – Butterworth Commuter Trains. Visitors landing at KLIA may take ERL (KLIA Expres / KLIA Transit) to KL Sentral, then proceed with one of the convenient trains to Taiping Railway Station.  

Taiping is also located along North-south Expressway [ E1 ], in Peninsular Malaysia. Accessible via NSE. Motorist from IPOH or KL shall exit  Changkat Jering (Taiping South), via Route 146, Federal Route 60. Then, either take the left to Federal Route 1 via Jalan Simpang, or go straight at the Cross-junction traffic lights and take [A109] via Jalan Air Kuning. Motorist from Penang shall exit 148 at Taiping North, then proceed to Route A2 via Kamunting. Both leading to Taiping town center and the beautiful Taiping Lake Gardens with 20 minutes drive.

WCE is another expressway connects to Changkat Jering, for travellers from the west coastal towns, including Lumut, Sitiawan, Teluk Intan, Sungai Besar, Kuala Selangor and Klang.

ETS Train Service forms part of the Kunming – Singapore Rail Link

Kunming – Mohan [ – ] Boten – Vientiane [ – ] Nong Khai – Bangkok – Hat Yai – Padang Besar [ – ] Padang Besar – Butterworth (Bukit Mertajam) – Taiping – IPOH – KL Sentral – Gemas – Johor Bahru [ – ] Singapore 

Transit in relevant border checkpoints is required as following: 

• Mohan [ transit ] Boten
• Vientiane [ transit ] Nong Khai
• Padang Besar [ transit ] Padang Besar
• Johor Bahru [ RTS transit ] Singapore

KTM / ETS train schedule / Timetable

Unravelling Taiping’s troubled past and time-honoured stories

FOR more than a century, travellers from near and far have been mesmerised by Taiping’s mystical allure. The breathtaking beauty of the Lake Gardens has often been compared with the romantic Westlake of Hangzhou or the manicured gardens of Suzhou in China. Read more…