Taiping Travel Guide, Malaysia

Taiping is the second largest town in the state of Perak in Malaysia. It is the wettest town in Peninsualr Malaysia, with an average annual rainfall of 4,000mm.

When tin was discovered in the 19th century, the area started developing fast. With the spread of the mines, lots of Chinese settlers came and set in the area. There used to be ensuing feuds among the factions.

Later, the British took control of the town. Taiping was the capital of Perak before 1937. Being the hub of a thriving mining industry, Taiping came to see many 'firsts' in the country.

Taiping got the first railway station in the country. The first train ran in the year 1885. It also claims to have had the first English language school, first newspapers in Malay, Tamil and English languages, and the oldest museum in Malaysia, the Perak museum.

Taiping also had the first swimming pool, mosque, Magistrate's Court, Police Force, General Post Office, general hospital, prison, airfield, fire brigade and library in Malasia. Today tin, rubber and rice are three important industries in Taiping. There are thirteen major hospitals in Taiping, catering to the town's health care needs.

There are quite a few places of interest for tourists in Taiping. Among these, the Lake Gardens deserve special mention. Former tin mines have been developed as lakes, with parks, flower beds and fountains in between.

The Lake Gardens are famous for the paved walkways lined with ancient rain trees. A hill station near the Lake Gardens is Bukit Larut, formerly known as Maxwell Hills.

The Taiping Zoo offers special Night Safaris, where tourists can watch night animals and birds in natural environments in guided tours. More than One Hundred and Eighty species of animals reside in this zoo.

One can also visit the Perak Museum, the oldest and first museum in Malaysia. A monthly parachute jumping program is organized by the Parachuters Club in the Taiping Airport. The Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve has an array of flora and fauna.

Taiping is known for its famous night market, where one can buy eatables, clothes, souvenirs and household items. The night market shifts location each night, so it is better to be pre-informed.

There are a number of Chinese-medium and national schools offering primary and secondary education in Taiping. Currently, there is no provision of higher education in Taiping.

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