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Discover Taiping
Welcome to Taiping, Perak, a charming town rich in heritage in northern part of West Malaysia.
Formed in 1874 after the Larut Wars, Taiping is known as the Rain Town and Malaysia's Heritage City: Taiping Bandar Warisan. Taiping is a serene town to enjoy accessible nature, colonial-era architecture and engaging cultural experiences at your own pace.
A small town full of stories and eternal peace
Why Rain Town
Taiping has the highest rainfall in the country, home to century-old raintrees, thus earning the nickname of rain town. Rain betting is a quirky local tradition where locals would predict rain on a given day as a lighthearted community bet.
The Naming of the Town
Taiping is a pioneer in Malaysia's urban development, with astonishing 33 firsts within Peninsular Malaysia such as the first railway, first museum, first airfield, first public park, first hill station, first coffee mill, and more to name.
A Legacy of Firsts
Taiping, written as 太平 in Mandarin Chinese, means Eternal Peace . The town was formerly known as Larut, it was renamed Taiping in 1874 following the signing of the Pangkor Treaty which aimed to resolve conflicts between rival tin-mining clans.
Why Taiping
Taiping, Malaysia was ranked the 3rd Most Sustainable Cities in the world by ITB travel trade show in Berlin, and for good reason. This charming town is a hidden gem in Perak, West Malaysia, known for it's natural beauty, rich heritage, and a slower pace of life.
For those who are visiting or looking to settle somewhere calm and connected to nature, Taiping offers a serene, welcoming environment where slowing down and living mindfully comes naturally.
recognised as one of the world's most sustainable & liveable cities
Reasons to Love Taiping
Stunning Natural Beauty
Surrounded by rainforests, the lakes, hills, greenery and fresh air all around
Cooler Climate
Known for its refreshing weather with the highest rainfall in Malaysia
Rich Heritage
Home to many Malaysia's firsts, from museums buildings to railways
Welcoming Locals
Friendly faces and a welcoming spirit that make you feel right at home
Authentic Local Cuisine
A melting pot of flavours from generations of cultural influence
Laid-back Nostalgia
A peaceful town where old-world beauty and slow living come together
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Taiping Heritage Trail
The Taiping Heritage Trail was designed by Taiping Municipal Council in collaboration with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) The excursion trail was launched to celebrate the history of Taiping with astonishing 33 Firsts. The trail is approximately 11.5 km with 40 heritage sites, including colonial-era buildings, temples, government offices, and scenic parks.
discover Taiping's heritage and historical landmarks
Taiping Heritage Trail List & Information
Attractions marked with ★ are the firsts in Malaysia. Click on trails to find out more information.
1. Zoo Taiping & Night Safari
The Zoo Taiping, formerly known as Taman Mergastua is a beautifully designed Zoological Park. Constructed by the Taiping Town Council in 1961, the zoo was inaugurated by DYMM Sultan Idris Shah II. A major break through for the zoo was the introduction of the Night Safari, Malaysia’s first nocturnal park in Jun 2003 which was inaugurated by DYMM Sultan Azlan Muhibuddin Shah. It is Malaysia’s first zoo that allows visitors to observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.
Zoo • Admission fee required
Day Visit 08:30 - 18:00 daily • night safari 20:00 - 23:00 daily, saturdays 20:00 - 00:00
ticket info visit zoo taiping website
★ First Zoo & Night Safari in Malaysia
2. Rock Garden (Taiping Lake Garden)
The Taiping Rock Garden is a sculpture garden, a man-made arrangement of artificial rocks. The replication of prehistoric animals is the focal point of interest in this garden. This unique and amazing creation was built around the 1970’s as a form of recreational centre for children. It is believed that the idea for the sculptures on this rock island emerged from the Ultraman series, a favourite television programme among the children of that period.
Lake Garden public park • Free admission • open to public all day
★ First Public Garden in Malaysia
3. Raintree Walk (Taiping Lake Garden)
The Rain Trees or commonly known as Pukul Lima trees were first planted during the era of Mr R. Derry, the officer in charge of Government Parks in 1898. These majestic rain trees, also known by their scientific name, Samanea saman, line the streets of the Taiping Lake Garden, their branches stretching from one end of the road into the water across. Built on top of an abandoned tin mine, the garden was opened in 1880, earning a place in the history books as the first public gardens in Malay peninsula. Undoubtedly, the Rain Tree has become an icon of the Taiping Town.
Lake Garden public park • Free admission • open to public all day
★ First Public Garden in Malaysia
4. Chinese Pagoda (Taiping Lake Garden)
The Chinese Pagoda is a part of Chinese Traditional architecture. It is believed that the Chinese Pagoda was constructed around the 1970’s with traditional architectural designs from China. According to Chinese beliefs, newlyweds should walk past the pagoda as a symbol for success in overcoming challenges in married life.
Lake Garden public park • Free admission • open to public all day
★ First Public Garden in Malaysia
5. Dayung Lake (Taiping Lake Garden)
Tasik Dayung was originally known as Bougainvillea Point. This is because at one time, the complex was filled with rows and rows of bougainvillea plants ,cultivated by the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) in 1997. This building was constructed as a centre for water - themed recreational activities around the Taiping Lake Gardens. Now, it is one of the main tourists attraction in Taiping.
Lake Garden public park • Free admission • open to public all day
paddle boat rental or bike rental: 10:00 - 19:30 mondays - thursdays, 09:30 - 19:30 fridays - sundays
★ First Public Garden in Malaysia
6. Silver Jubilee Jetty (Taiping Lake Garden)
The Silver Jubilee Jetty is a colonial design jetty constructed using a combination of public and local community funds. This was the first jetty to be built in the Malay Peninsular to commemorate the Silver Jubilee celebration of the reign of King George V in England. During the British rule, this jetty was used as a starting point for any sport-related activities held at Taiping Lake Gardens. The construction of the jetty was completed in 1936.
Lake Garden public park • Free admission • open to public all day
★ First Jetty in the Malay Peninsula
7. F.M.S. Station Taiping
The F.M.S Station, was established in 2013, serves as an outlet for well known dishes from Taiping. It was conceptually designed to replicate the colonial train coaches since Taiping had the first railway station in the Malay Peninsula. The site was formally the location of the Rajah Rest House which was demolished in 1985. The Rajah Rest House was the first accommodation (Rest House) for the sultans in the Malay Peninsula.
Food & Drinks • lunch • dinner
Food & Drinks: 14:00 - 23:00 tuesdays - sundays (closed on mondays)
8. Independence Memorial Library Taiping
The original structure on this site was built in 1882 as a reading room for British government officers. In 1912, the British administration replaced it with the current Victorian-style building. Notably, it was the first building in the Malay Peninsula specifically constructed by the government for banking purposes, leased to the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China. Today, the building serves as the Independence Memorial Library, a public library that continues to operate. Initially managed by the Town Council, custodianship was officially transferred to the Perak State Library Corporation in 1986.
public library • free admission
09:00 - 17:30 mondays - saturdays (closed on sundays and public holidays)
★ First Library in the Malay Peninsula
9. KwangTung Association Taiping
This building was constructed in 1887 by the Kwangtung Association branch in Taiping to protect the welfare of members of the association. Kapitan Kheng Cheng Kwee was the main leader to lead the construction of the association’s building. The Emperor of China donated a tablet to commemorate the God of War, Kwang Ti, as a tribute to the service of the Hakka, Teo Chew and Hainan societies in Taiping, Perak.
chinese social hub • events venue • exterior viewings only
08:00 - 17:00 mondays - fridays (closed on saturdays sundays)
★ First Kwang Tung Association in Malaysia
10. Shun Tak Association Taiping
The Shun Tak Association was built in 1896 by artisans from Shun Tak District, now known as the Shunde District, in China. The Association was formed to safeguard the welfare of immigrants from this area who came to Taiping. The building served as a community hall where social, cultural and religious events could be conducted. In June 2015, restoration works were completed to ensure the preservation of this historic building.
Food & Drinks • breakfast • lunch
Dragon one dimsum: 07:30 - 14:30 wednesdays - mondays (closed on tuesdays)
11. Clock Tower Taiping
The Taiping Clock Tower, once known as The Fort, is an iconic landmark of Taiping. The original timber building was build in 1881 and was rebuilt with bricks in 1891. Between the year 1908 and 1950, the clock tower building was used as the Town Police Station and also served as fire station.
historical landmark • exterior viewings only
★ First Clock Tower in the Malay Peninsula
12. Peace Hotel & Restaurant Taiping
Originally, this building was a dwelling house to a Chinese trader named Cheah Cheang Hooi. It was built in 1928 with straits eclectic architectural style which were incorporated in accordance with local conditions and local climate. In addition, the building was decorated with intricate and unique features. All of these elements were built and carved in various forms of character which makes this a unique building in Taiping.
Food & Drinks • breakfast • lunch
Food & Drinks: 08:00 - 15:00 daily
13. Peking Hotel Taiping
This two storey building with Anglo Indian architecture was built in 1929. Originally the building is believed to be the residence of a wealthy Taiping businessman. Later, the building was used as the premise of the Taiping Rubber Dealers Association. During the Japanese Occupation from 1941-1945, the building became the headquarters of the notorious Kempeitai (Japanese Military Police). After the war, the building was again used as the Taiping Rubber Dealers Association until 1965. The building was later converted into a hotel and known as the Peking Hotel.
accommodation • exterior viewings
hotel check in: 12:00 - 18:00, check out: 11:00
14. The Taiping Market
The Taiping Central Market is Malaysia’s best-preserved example of a 19th century timber structure. Comprising two sections, the wet market was built in 1884 and is located along Main Road (Jalan Taming Sari). Besides that, a dry market was built in 1885 in front of Kota Road (Jalan Kota). Each building is 220 feet long and 60 feet wide. The market operated for many decades and managed by the Taiping Municipal Council before being closed for major refurbishment and restoration work to preserve the original architectural features. Restoration work is currently ongoing, and the market is set to reopen in 2026.
historical landmark • exterior viewings only
★ First Central Market in the Malay Peninsula
15. Malay Mosque Taiping
The masjid Melayu translated as Malay Mosque, is located in the heart of Taiping town. The mosque was built in 1897 and is the oldest mosque in Taiping. The mosque was constructed in Dutch English architectural style. It was also a Islamic school (madrasah) for the Muslim community to enhance their knowledge and pratices of Islam. In the burial ground, lies prominent leaders of Taiping’s pioneers; among them; Toh Puan Halimah, Tengku Menteri Wan Mohd Isa and Dr.Burhanuddin Helmi. The late Allahyarhamah Toh Puan Halimah was the first to be laid to rest here in 1899.
mosque • free admission
non-muslim visitors are advised to dress modestly and respect the place of worship. seek permission before entering
★ First Mosque in Taiping
16. Amman Temple Taiping
Kuil Amman, also known as Arumigu Nagamuthu Mariamman Temple, is managed by the Taiping Hindu Devalaya Sabah. It is the main place of worship for the local Hindu population. There is a believed that a snake once inhabited its ground and was worshipped by a local woman named Marimuthu Ammal. In 1879, the temple was registered and held its first Annual General Meeting also in the same year. Its main activities are the annual Pangguni Uthiram and Navathiri Festival Tamil language closes, weddings and other religious events.
indian temple • free admission
visitors advised to dress modestly and respect the temple as an active place of worship
17. Hosian Temple Taiping
The original timber structure of the Hosian Temple was built in 1890. It was later rebuilt with bricks by artisans from China in 1905. The history of the building began with a rich tycoon named Cheng Yen Xin who donated a substantial amount of money as a symbol of love and affection for his daughter Lin Ai Zhen who became a female monk. Lin Ai Zhen was the first monk at this temple. The temple is still in use as a place of worship and is managed by two monks and eight guardians.
chinese temple • free admission
visitors advised to dress modestly and respect the temple as an active place of worship
18. Hokkien Association Taiping
The Hokkien Association was established in 1862 to look after the welfare and uphold the unity of its members who had migrated from the Fujian Province, China. The first president of the association, Ng Boo Bee donated the land and in 1904, the second president, Lim San Kip started the construction of the building. The building has since then became the administrative centre for the Hokkien Association.
chinese social hub • events venue • exterior viewings only
19. House of Orang Besar Jajahan Taiping
PWD 41 building was built by the British in 1893 as part of the war debt compensation. The Territorial Chief Of Larut Matang & Selama District or commonly known as Orang Besar Jajahan (OBJ). OBJ is a territorial Chief appointed by the Perak Sultan to administer an area or territory. The building became the official residence of the OBJ since 1899 until now.
government office • exterior viewings only
20. Sikh Gurdwara Taiping
A Gurdwara building is the place where the Sikh community comes together for congregational worship.The early Sikh Gurdwara was built in 1881 for Sikh police members and was located within the police barrack at Jalan Taming Sari, Taiping. It was the first Gurdwara building in the Malay Peninsular. The Gurdwara building was later relocated to Jalan Stesen Hulu ,where it remains until today. The construction of the original timber structure was financed by Mr. Bhai Pall Singh Dhoti and completed in 1921.
sikh temple • free admission
visitors advised to dress modestly and respect the gurdwara as an active place of worship
21. Taiping Railway Station
The first modern railway line in Malay Peninsula was introduced in Taiping. The original site for the railway station was at King Edward VII (I) Primary School which was the first railway station in Malay States and started its operation on 1st June 1885. In 1910, the railway station was relocated and the tracks were extended to the north. The original railway station was built by the Federated Malay States Railway (FMSR).
railway station • food & drinks
★ First Modern Railway in the Malay Peninsula
22. St George’s Institution
The foundation stone for the school was laid on 20th June 1914 by Oliver Marks, the acting Resident Of Perak. On 18th January 1915 the school started initially in a building made of timber. Eventually, the main porch in the front flanked by two wings on either side featuring Neo Greek and Neo Romanesque architecture were built. This new building was officiated by Sir Reginald George Watson, the British Resident Of Perak on 16th September 1915.
school • exterior viewings only
23. King Edward VII School
The second English-medium school established in Taiping was originally known as Central School, was built in 1883. In 1905, the school was relocated to its present site, which was the former railway station. The school was renamed King Edward VII School, in conjunction with the coronation of King Edward VII in London. The school gate which was erected in 1908 still stands and the rain trees, planted in 1910, still line the school compound to this day.
school • exterior viewings only
★ Oldest Secondary Boys School in Malaysia
24. Town Rest House
The Rest House, originally a single storey timber building which served as the governor’s residence, was built by the British in 1879. The building, numbered PWD 100 became an important landmark during the Taiping - Port Weld railway era. In 1894, the building was upgraded to a double storey brick building with the words Rest House 1894 inscribed on the pediment. The building is the first rest house in the Malay States.
historical landmark under refurbishment • exterior viewings only
★ First Official Rest House in the Malay Peninsula
25. Taiping Municipal Gallery
The Taiping Municipal Gallery building, known for its Anglo Indian architecture, is a restored former government office. The building,completed in 1891, was designed by G.A Lefroy, an architect and chief surveyor from Australia. This magnificient building was first used by the Perak Trigonometrical and Survey Department in 1891 and became the first Trigonometrical and Survey Office in Perak. From 1931- 1935, this building was taken over by the Taiping Sanitary Board. Today, this building is used to house the Taiping Municipal Gallery. This double storey building is the best example of timber and brick building architecture in Taiping.
tourist information centre • gallery • free admission
08:00 - 17:00 mondays - fridays (closed saturdays - sundays)
lunch break 13:00 - 14:00, fridays 12:15 - 14:45
26. The House of Kapitan Chung Keng Quee
This town house was the home and office of a Chinese Kapitan named Chung Keng Quee. Built in the 1890’s the house was designed similar to most town houses in the Straits Settlements (Baba Nyonya or Peranakan). The town house, with early Straits Eclectic architecture, has a large main door and delicate carvings on the air vents.
food & drinks • lunch • coffee & cake • dinner • furniture shop
Yinn's patisserie 12:00 - 20:00 thursdays - tuesdays (closed wednesdays)
bee poh arts. co 09:30 - 18:00 mondays - saturdays (closed sundays)
27. Post Office Taiping
post office • mail & courier service
★ First Formal Post Office in the Federated Malay States
The post office was originally located in the old telegraph office at PWD 103. In 1899, the post office was relocated to its present building, which was formerly the Treasury and Perak Audit Office. The building also housed the Government Saving Bank (Bank Simpanan Kerajaan) which was the first government bank in the Malay States, a made in England Chubb brand, was installed in this post office building.
08:00 - 20:00 daily
28. Telegraph Office Taiping
The telegraph building is a double storey brick structure, built in 1885. It is located at the end of the former Port Weld - Taiping railway track. The first inland telegraph service was introduced in 1876. The postal service was then added to the duties of the telegraph office, enabling telegrams to be issued as a means of communication between Matang and Taiping.
telegraph museum • admission fee required
★ First Telegraph & Postal Service in the Malay Peninsula
09:00 - 17:00 daily
admission fee: adults rm 4 children rm2
29. The Land & District Office Taiping
The Land Office and District Office building, designed with Victorian Neo Classical architecture, was built in 1897. The original building layout was designed by Mr St. Francis Caufield, a Senior Engineer at the Public Works Department (PWD) in the shape of letter C for Caufield divided the building symmetrically. Today, the building houses the Land & District Office of Larut Matang.
government office • exterior viewings only
★ First Main Government Office
30. The Esplanade Taiping
The esplanade also known as The Field was built in 1890 by Colonel Robert S.F Walker, the Commandant of The Police and Military Force incorporating British municipality features. This includes barracks, club house and a church. The Esplanade was a spacious area not only used as a parade field for marching and processions but also as a cricket field. The main function of the Esplanade was to be a common field with a symbolic aim and emphasis on its official status.
public community field • free admission
★ First Open Field in the Malay Peninsula
31. The Assistant British Resident's Residence
This was the original site of the PWD 1 building constructed by the British and located in Bukit Jelutong, Taiping. It was once occupied by captain T.C.S Speedy, Assistant British Resident. In 1884, the building was renamed PWD 2 when the Perak Resident, Sir Frank Swetthenham built another new resident at Resident Hill. Since then, the house has undergone changes with each new occupant. After Captain Speedy, the house was occupied by Sir Edward Maxwell, who was the Assistant Resident for Sir Hugh Low. Today, it is the official residence of the District Officer for Larut, Matang and Selama.
district officer residence • exterior viewings only
★ First British Resident's Residence
32. The New Club Taiping
New Club was formed by members of the Taiping community who could not gain acceptance into the Perak Club. Founded by Colonel Walker and his friends, they gamely called it The New Club in defiance of the old club that is the Perak Club.
members only sports & recreation club • exterior viewings only
33. Officers' Mess
PWD No 7 building was built by the Perak State Government for the Malay States Guides (MSG) in 1906 to replace the original mess building located at the barrack square. The mess was used for recreational and resting place for the British officers residing in Taiping. MSG was commissed in 1896. Today, the building served as the Officers’ Mess for the 9th Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment.
officers' mess • exterior viewings only
★ First Rest House for the Malay States Guides
34. All Saints Church Taiping
Consecrated on 8th August 1887 by the Right Reverend G.F.Hose, Bishop Of Singapore and Sarawak. All Saints’ Church is the first English Church in the federated Malay States. The building, designed by George A.Lefroy, an Australian architect features timber and a Gothic design. It sits on a prominent rise not far from the centre of Taiping. The church which survived the Japanese occupation has retained many of its original features such as the east window of stained glass, the wooden pews, the two manual pipe organs, the belfry with small windows and many commemorative brass plaques. In 2012, the church was gazetted as National Heritage Building and it is still used as a place of worship today.
church • free admission
★ First Church in the Federated Malay States
08:00 - 20:00 daily
35. Perak Museum
The Perak Museum built in 1883. Is the first museum in Malaysia. This unique building features Moorish designs that are combined with Neo Classical and Victorian architectural styles. The museum houses several rare ethnograpfic, zoological and ceramic collections as well as an exhibit on the Orang Asli Community. Many of the collections are more than a hundred years old. In 2009 this museum gained recognition as a National Heritage Building.
museum • admission fee required
★ First Museum in the Malay Peninsula
09:00 - 17:00 daily
ticketing info visit perak museum website
36. Taiping Prison
Taiping Prison was originally named Perak Prison and is also known as Taiping Gaol. In 1879, it was the largest prison complex in the Malay Peninsula. Sikh wardens and even vocational trainers from Hong Kong were brought in to introduce useful trade skills to the prisoners in 1881. In 1923, the system of Visiting Justices was introduced. On 9th January 1992, the prison was officially gazetted as Penjara Taiping.
prison • exterior viewings only
★ First Modern Prison in the Malay Peninsula
37. Bukit Larut Maxwell Hill
Bukit Larut formerly known as Maxwell Hill, with its lush greenery forms an imposing backdrop of Taiping, in the early 1884; The British established a hill retreat encased within the tropical rainforest with bungalows for their officers at the peak of the hill. Most of these bungalows are still preserved today. Rising 1036 m about sea level Bukit Larut is the oldest and smallest hill resort in Malaysia. In those days, ladies were normally carried to the peak in sedan chairs since it was not accesible to vehicles. The British introduced tea planting at 650 m above sea level but it was later abandoned. Today, Bukit Larut still remains as a hill resort.
hill resort: partially open for bookings • hiking: free admission
★ Oldest Hill Station & Retreats for British Officers
07:00 - 20:00 daily
38. The Coronation Pool
In 1937, the Taiping Sanitary Board built a swimming pool. It was named Coronation Pool to honour the coronation of King George VI on 12th May 1937. Its most unique aspect is that it is a fresh-water pool, the source coming directly from a river nearby. Visitors come for fresh water which is also chlorine free.
public swimming pool • admission fee required
★ First Public Swimming Pool in the Malay Peninsula
08:00 - 18:00 tuesdays - sundays (closed on Mondays)
admission fee: adults rm5 children rm3
39. Taiping War Memorial
The Taiping War Memorial is a burial site for Allied soldiers who died during World War II. Built in 1947, the memorial consist of 866 graves of the fallen who originated Australia, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and etc. The burial areas are sectioned according to religious beliefs. Four Malaysian are buried here. Major J.H. Ingram established this site and it is the first and the largest war memorial in Malaysia. Currently, it is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
cemetery • free admission
★ First & Largest War Memorial in Malaysia
08:00 - 17:00 mondays - fridays (closed on saturdays sundays)
40. Burmese Pool
The name Burmese Pool is believed to have originated from the Burmese soldiers who discovered this place in the 1920’s. The soldiers from the Burma Rifle Regiment were bought to replace the Malay State Guide which was dissolved then. The Burmese Pool is a natural pool and was originally used for recreational activities by the soldiers. The main water source for this pool is the Batu Tegoh River.
natural reserve • free admission
How to Get Here
Taiping is situated between Ipoh and Penang connected via PLUS highway. It is easily accessible by train, bus, or car whether you're travelling from north or south of Malaysia. The WCE highway is another option by car to get to Taiping from the south.
By Train
Taiping station via ETS or KTM trains
From KL Sentral station approx. 3.5 hours
From Ipoh station approx. 45 mins
From Butterworth station (closest train station from Penang) approx. 1 hour
Book online via KTMB official website or purchase ticket directly at train station
By Bus
Kamunting Raya bus terminal approx. 6km away from town
Simpang bus stop approx. 7km away from town
Various coach services from north and south of Malaysia.
Book online via redBus easybook BusOnlineTicket or purchase ticket directly at the bus terminal
By Car
Changkat Jering exit from south if you're travelling from KL, Ipoh
Kamunting exit from north if you're travelling from Kedah, Penang
Nearest Airports
Penang International Airport (PEN) 90km to Taiping
Ipoh Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IPH) 75km to Taiping
Driving Distance
From Penang 90km approx. 1.5 hours
From Kuala Lumpur 270km approx. 3+hours
From Ipoh 75km approx. 1 hour
From Melaka 410km approx. 5 hours
E-hailing Services
Grab is widely used in Malaysia and available in Taiping
Download Grab app here
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