Taiping is the former capital and old tin-mining town in Perak. Though Taiping is not a popular tourist spot, it is a place of tradition and history. Those of you who live in northern Malaysia can definitely enjoy a leisurely weekend here.
Popularly known as one of the “wettest cities” in Peninsula Malaysia and blessed with a rich collection of flora and fauna, Taiping has many attractions to explore. From the hundred-year-old rain trees, oldest museum, first Malaysian zoo to lake garden and mushroom farm, Taiping has no shortage of historical, cultural, and natural places.
Therefore, take a short vacation in Taiping if you are looking for a retreat amidst nature and history.
Here is the list of top-rated tourist attractions in Taiping that can make your holiday memorable.
Explore 15 Best Tourist Attractions in Taiping
1. Exploring the Beauty of Taiping Lake Gardens
Taiping Lake Garden is the first public garden in Malaysia and the former tin mining pit. It was turned into a public park in 1880 by the British rulers. So you’ll get to explore lots of history and picturesque landmarks in this exotic place.
The garden is spread over 64 hectares and has ten artificial lakes and ponds. The main attraction of this park is its ancient, gigantic rain trees that are more than 100 years old. Moreover, the park contains a lotus lake, charming bridges, a bamboo point, a duck island, and a rock garden.
Address: Jalan Pekeliling, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Opening Hour: Daily 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
Activities
- Walking or Jogging
- Aerobic exercise
- Bird-watching
- Taking wedding photos
- Paddleboats riding
How to Get to Taiping Lake Gardens
Taiping Lake Garden is easily accessible and hustle free. If you’re driving from Kuala Lumpur directly to Taiping, it will take 3 to 4 hours to reach. But it would be best if you first visit Ipoh then go to Taiping as Ipoh has many tourist spots.
Taiping is only 1 hour driving from Ipoh as the distance is 68.6km. Although you can take the ETS train from Ipoh Railway Station that will lead you directly to Taiping. It will take 45 minutes to reach, and may cost you RM20.00. Whereas the bus is the cheapest option to get to the Taiping Lake Garden and takes only an hour to reach.
2. Visit Perak Museum – A History Buff’s Dreams Come True
If you want to know the history of Perak, you got to visit the Perak Museum, which is the oldest museum in Peninsular Malaysia. Built-in 1883, the museum has a gorgeous architectural style.
Here you can find human history, culture, and natural history. The museum contains a rare collection of species that were collected more than 100 years ago.
The Perak Museum is categorised into four galleries:
The Natural Gallery exhibits animals like fish, birds, and snails.
The Cultural Gallery contains different types of handicrafts and wavings made by the locals.
Indigenous People Gallery, here you will find the handiworks of different tribes’ such as the Negrito, the Proto-Malay, and the Senois.
ClayWorks Gallery will show you the vases, water containers, and other containers made in ancient days.
Address: Jalan Taming Sari, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Opening Hour: Daily 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entrance Fee: Adult RM 2.00｜Child(below 12) free
How to Get to Perak Museum
If you are in Taiping town, it would not be hard for you to get to the museum. You can simply grab a taxi and reach Perak Museum within a couple of minutes. This taxi ride can cost you RM 9.00 to RM 11.00 depends on how far the ride takes.
3. Exploring the Wildlife at Taiping Zoo & Night Safari
Established in 1961, Taiping Zoo & Night Safari is the first zoo in Malaysia. It is unique in its own way. Situated in the lovely scenic environment of Taiping lake garden, the zoo offers you to visit almost 2000 animals representing 160 local and exotic species.
You can either choose to visit the place during the day or opt for a night safari. Taiping night safari is a unique adventure for visitors. You’ll see the animals that are usually active at night. Make sure you don’t make any sound that can disturb these animals. At the same time, you are not allowed to use any torch or camera flash.
Address: Jalan Taman Tasik Taiping, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Opening Hour: Daily 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Entrance Fee: Zoo Taiping, Adult RM 16.00｜Child(3-12) RM 8.00 Night Safari, Adult RM 20.00｜Child(3-12) RM 10.00
How to Get to Taiping Zoo & Night Safari
Taiping Zoo is located within Taiping Lake Garden. So to get there, you can use google map or check out the “How to Get to Taiping Lake Garden” section.
4. A Journey Through Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve
Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve is one of the largest mangrove forests in Malaysia, with more than 40,000 hectares of land. The Perak Forestry Department has managed this forest reserve so well that they received numerous awards for it.
Visiting the forest is an advantage because you can discover numerous rare flora and fauna that you have not come across before. With sustainable harvest policies, about 80% of the forest is used for coal production. Near the forest reserve, you also get to explore many villages.
After nightfall, you can enjoy an amazing view of fireflies by riding a boat. Do not miss this enchanting mangrove forest.
Address: Kampung Kuala Sepetang, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Perak
Opening Hour: Daily 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Entrance Fee: RM 4.00 per person
Activities
- Boat riding
- Bird watching
- Visit coal factory
- Learn different ways of fishing
- Camping
How to Get to Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve
From Taiping, it takes only 30 minutes to reach Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve. You can take a taxi as in Taiping there is no shortage of taxis. And of course, the taxi will take you directly to the Matang Natural Education Centre. So you don’t need to worry.
And if you prefer driving, it is a toll-free straightway, so the trip will not bother you at all. Shortly you will reach the forest reserve. Google Maps can also be helpful.
5. Uncover the Beauty of Bukit Larut in Taiping
Formerly known as “Maxwell Hill”, Bukit Larut is Malaysia’s oldest and smallest hill resort. The place is famous for its fragrant walking trails, foggy mornings, and cool air. The daily temperature of Bukit Larut is between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Due to the lower temperature, you’ll get to see some exceptional types of trees here. To get up to the hill, ride a four-wheel vehicle through a very steep and narrow road. The ride is quite like a roller coaster trip.
Address: Pegawai Penjaga Bukit Larut, Perak, 34000 Taiping
Opening Hour: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm
Entrance: Adult RM 10.00 ｜Child RM 5.00
Activities
- Hiking
- Jungle trail
- Bird-watching
- Admiring the natural view
How to Get to Bukit Larut
Bukit Larut is situated in Taiping town. Once you arrive at Taman Tasik Taiping, you can easily find Maxwell Hill through road signs. The hill is about 13 km to the summit. So you either can hike or take a jeep that is available there for rent. The jeep service cost RM 10.00 for adults and RM 5.00 for children (below ten years old).
6. Honouring The Past: A Visit To The Taiping War Cemetery
Taiping War Cemetery is the place where the Malaysian veterans are resting in peace. So here you’ll get the history of Malay soldiers. During World War Ⅱ, the Japanese had attacked this area of Peninsular Malaysia to gain control over the British troops. In that war, those who had lost their lives are buried here.
The cemetery is divided into two sections, one is for Christian soldiers, and the other is for Muslim and Gurkha soldiers. About 800 soldiers are buried in this cemetery, but 500 of them remain unidentified.
Address: Taiping, Perak
Opening Hour: 24 hours but staff available from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Entrance: Free
How to Get to Taiping War Cemetery
Taiping War Cemetery is located in the natural environment of Bukit Larut. If you are already in Taiping, it would not be hard for you to get to the cemetery. Just grab a taxi and head down towards the war cemetery. Within a few minutes, you will be there. And the taxi ride might cost you about RM 12.00 to RM 15.00.
7. Growing Your Own WonderFarm Mushroom Heaven
There is hardly anyone who does not like snacks with mushrooms. But do you know how mushrooms are grown and prepared? If you don’t, then come to the WonderFarm Mushrooms. It is a family-run farm and gives you guidelines on how to cultivate organic mushrooms.
Here you’ll learn about different species of mushrooms such as Oyster mushroom, Ling Zhi, Grey Oyster mushroom, and Tigermilk mushroom. They not only produce these mushrooms but also sell them.
Address: Lot 1626, Lorong 1, Kampung Setia, 34700 Taiping, Perak
Opening Hour: Daily 09:00 am to 04:30 pm
Entrance: Free
8. Experience Freshly Grounded Coffee with the Aun Tong Coffee Mill
You need no excuse to have a cup of amazing coffee. Aun Tong Coffee Mill is the oldest coffee mill not only in Taiping but in Malaysia as well. And that’s why this coffee mill is one of the historical sites in Taiping that you must not miss.
The coffee mill also serves as a museum of coffee and shows how to produce coffee to its visitors via video clip. Here you can learn about coffee producing, roasting, and processing.
Since 1933, the factory has been producing the Antong Café brand of coffee. Apart from this, you’ll also get locally brewed specials like Ipoh and Durian.
At the same time, you can also try some free coffee samples before you make a purchase. Just beside the coffee factory, there is a shop that sells products like coffee powder, biscuits, roti Kok, and so on.
Address: No. 8A, Jalan Assam Kumbang, 34000 Taiping, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia, 34000 Taiping
Opening hours: Everyday 08:30 am to 05:30 pm
Entrance fee: Free
9. Discover the Iconic Shopping Experience of Taiping Mall
Shopping malls are certainly a great attraction for shopaholics. And whenever you visit a new place, you definitely want to do some shopping as well. That’s why I couldn’t skip writing about Taiping Mall which is the shopping landmark of Malaysia.
Located in the heart of Taiping Town, this 9-storey modern multi-tiered mall is standing on the prime main crossroad of Jalan Tupai and Jalan Panggung. So you can get easy access to this mall.
It’s a 400,000-square feet shopping mall that has nearly 105 retail outlets. Here you can buy fashion accessories, outfits, home furniture, beauty and hair care products, electronic gadgets, sports gear, and many more things.
Furthermore, the shopping complex has a massive food court and entertainment center for those who love food and want to have fun with family and friends. Movie-goers would definitely not disappoint as it also has theatres for watching movies.
Address: Jalan Tupai 3A Taiping Mall 33 Level 3A, 34000 Taiping
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm｜Friday & Saturday 10:00 am to 10:30 pm
Entrance fee: Free
10. Exploring the Historic Taiping Clock Tower
Located in Jalan Kota, the Clock Tower of Taiping is one of the famous historical landmarks of this town and the oldest clock tower in the whole country. In 1881, the clock tower was constructed of wood but nine years later in 1890, it was rebuilt with bricks.
It’s a perfect example of British architecture. However, you can observe the building from the inside, but the real beauty is its exterior design. Though the tower used to be a square fort, with time it has been demolished.
For many years the building has served as a police station, fire station, merchant exchange, and so on. But now it is serving as a tourist information center where you’ll get maps and detailed information about Taiping.
Address: 55, Jalan Kota, 34000 Taiping
11. Discovering The History of the Taiping Charcoal Factory
You must be thinking, why did I put a charcoal factory as an attraction? After all, charcoal is not so spectacular to watch.
But the Charcoal Factory of Taiping will surely change your mind. Located near the Matang Mangroves, it’s an old-school-style factory that will teach you about charcoal, how it is made, and what are its uses.
To visit this factory, you have to make your way with a 20-minute drive from Taiping to Kuala Sepetang. The factory has so many stories that you can unveil.
Address: Jalan Taiping – Kuala Sepetang, Kuala Sepetang, 34650 Kuala Sepetang
Opening hours: Everyday 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
Entrance fee: Free
12. Visiting Burmese Pool Taiping
Burmese Pool is a favourite tourist spot in Taiping, especially for the young generation. Nested in the foothills of Bukit Larut, it’s a large rock pool that impresses visitors through its natural beauty.
The pool is named after the soldiers of the Burma Rifle Regiment. It is said that these soldiers had discovered this pool during the colonial era.
The Burmese Pool is one of the few places in Taiping where you can do lots of activities like swimming, tracking, picnicking, watching butterflies, and so on. Near the pool, you will get many souvenir shops that are selling picnic essentials like mats and rubber tubes.
To get there you have to make your way through Taiping Lake Garden and then search for the signboard that is pointing to the pool. There is a parking space where you can park your vehicle for a few ringgits.
Address: 153, Jalan 2, Taman Sentosa, Taiping
Opening hours: Everyday 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
Entrance fee: Entry is free but the parking charge is RM2.00
13. Spritzer EcoPark
How about learning history while enjoying nature? Sounds good!
Spritzer EcoPark is that place in Taiping where you can learn about the city’s rich heritage and can enjoy the fresh natural environment as well. The park also has a mini golf course for adults and Kidz Zone for children where they can learn crafting with recycled items.
If you want leisure time or family time, Spritzer EcoPark is a great place to visit.
Address: Lot 898, Reservoir, Off, Jalan Air Kuning, 34000 Taiping
Opening hours: Everyday 09:00 am to 09:00 pm
Entrance fee: Free
14. Dataran Warisan Taiping
Dataran Warisan Taiping is the must-visit attraction and main public square in Taiping where you’ll see a large touristy “I Love Taiping”. At the same time, you will find some important council and government buildings here as well.
As the public square has become an important landmark of the city, many hotels and shops have established their business here. Especially on weekends, this area comes alive with food stalls, entertainment and amenities like kids’ rides, foot massages, and many more.
Address: 1897, Jalan Taming Sari, 34000 Taiping
Opening hours: Everyday 24 hours
Entrance fee: Free
15. 5D Art Paradise Taiping
5D Art Paradise is a fantasy world where you can have fun with your family and friends. It’s a trick art museum with five sections, and each section is decorated with a different theme.
The museum has more than 70 optical illustrations, sculptures, and exhibits that allow you to take tricky and creative pictures. In short, the 5D Art Paradise can give you an unforgettable experience in Taiping.
Address: 25, Jalan Maharajalela, 34000 Taiping
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 11:30 am to 07:00 pm｜Saturday & Sunday 10:30 am to 07:00 pm (closed on Monday)
Entrance fee: RM18.00 per person
How to Get to Wonder Farm Mushroom
The farm is located in Kampung. So you can take a train from Taiping to Kampung that will cost you around RM 3.00. Then grab a taxi straight to the farm. Just within a few minutes, you will be there.
Or you also can take a taxi from Taiping to the farm directly. It will take 20 to 30 minutes to reach the WonderFarm Mushroom. And the taxi ride will cost you RM 25.00 (U$6.00) to RM 31.00 (U$7.44)
How to Get to Taiping
You have several options to get to Taiping from Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh. A private vehicle is the best option for an itinerary as it is the fastest way to get there. Meanwhile, you also have the cheapest options like bus and train. Here we have described each of the methods. Choose whichever suits you best.
By Train
If you want quick and hustle free travel, the train is the best option for you. The train is also suitable for backpackers as it is lower in price. At KL Sentral, you can purchase your ticket to head down to Taiping. Or you can book tickets online to avoid disappointment.
ETS trains from KL to Taiping are highly recommended. You have the choice to buy two types of tickets – the ETS Gold and ETS Platinum. Of course, there are different prices and facilities for these two types of tickets.
The ETS Platinum is high in price but fast in time. You’ll reach your destination within 3 hours and 20 minutes. This train stops only at five stations.
On the contrary, the ETS Gold is low in price but takes more time to reach. It takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to arrive and stops at about 7 to 12 stations.
The average cost is RM 30.00 to RM 50.00.
Check 12GoAsia for the train schedule and book your ticket.
By Bus
For budget travellers, the bus is the perfect option to get to Taiping from Kuala Lumpur. You’ll get several buses that are available on this route. Depending on traffic, the bus trip takes approximately four hours to reach the destination. It may cost you RM 30.00 to RM 40.00.
Check 12GoAsia for the bus schedule and book your ticket.
By Car
Travelling by car is the most relaxing way to get to Taiping from KL. However, it will cost you more than the other two options on the list. But if you are travelling with family or a group of friends, private transport is the best method that you can have. The car ride will take about 3 hours to get there. So it is also the fastest way to travel from KL to Taiping.
What to Eat in Taiping
After a long day of sightseeing, you definitely want some delicious foods to appetite your hunger. At the same time, some people travel to hunt different types of food. Here we have enlisted some local restaurants that you can try during your vacation at Taiping.
Nasi Lemak Warung Muhibbah
Nasi lemak is the most common food item in Malaysia, and this dish is served well at Warung Muhibbah restaurant in Taiping. Don’t leave Taiping without trying this mouth-watering dish. At Warung Muhibbah, you can build your own nasi lemak with various side dishes such as chicken, beef, and cuttlefish. Try to get there as early as possible because this dish runs out pretty fast.
- Address: 101, Jalan Tupai, Taman Tupai Mas, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hour: Thursday to Tuesday 08:00 am to 12:00 pm
Yut Sun Restaurant
Maintaining food traditions for more than 100 years, Yut Sun Restaurant provides food for all races. This restaurant will give you a typical old school vibe with its round table, wooden chairs, and mosaic tile floors. Chicken chop and chicken cutlet are the must-try dishes of Yut Sun Restaurant.
- Address: 78, Jalan Pasar, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hour: Wednesday to Monday 08:00 am to 06:00 pm
Ansari Famous Cendol
After delicious dining, we all want a sweet dessert to complete our meal. In Taiping, if you ask any local what dessert you should try and where you would probably get the same answer from everyone: “Cendol at Ansari Famous Cendol”. Cendol is a creamy concoction of sweet and milky broth with brown sugar syrup. At a very reasonable price, you’ll get this coconut milk cendol served with shaved ice.
- Address: 92, Jalan Barrack No.2 Medan simpang , simpang, 34000 Taiping, Perak
- Opening Hour: 10:00 am to 06:30 pm
Where to stay in Taiping
Booking.comWhether you want a luxurious or budget-friendly hotel or you prefer a home-like environment, Taiping has every type of accommodation for you. Check out the list below to reserve your place.
Luxury Hotel- Novotel Taiping
Novotel Taiping hotel will give you all the luxurious facilities that you want. Situated at the heart of the city, this luxury hotel provides services like an elegant room, a flat TV screen in every room, a private bathroom and many more. From this hotel, you can easily access the city’s must-see destinations.
For more information and book your space, check out Booking or Agoda
Airbnb- Centre Point Suite Opposite Tesco Taiping
For a family trip, a hotel would certainly not be a good option. In that case, you would seek a home-like place to have comfort with your family. Airbnb gives you home-like space and comfort. Centre Point Suite Opposite Tesco Taiping provides two bedrooms, two beds, and one bath for five guests. You’ll get air-conditioned rooms, a kitchen with an induction cooker, a water heater, an iron set, and so on.
Budget Hotel- Sojourn Beds & Cafe
Those of you who are thinking, “what if I can’t afford the above two accommodations”. Don’t worry, Taiping has budget-friendly hotels with sufficient facilities, and Sojourn Beds & Cafe is one of them. This guest house provides you with air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, luggage storage, and a library.
For more information and book your space, check out Booking or Agoda
If you are looking for a quick trip, Taiping can be a good option for you. And before visiting Taiping, you can also spend some days at Ipoh. Check out our article The Top 26 Best places to visit in Ipoh & Things to do to make your vacation plan more exciting.