If you’re planning a short getaway in Peninsular Malaysia, consider taking a trip to Taiping in Perak.
Located about an hour's drive from Ipoh, this former mining town is rich in history and home to some of Malaysia’s oldest landmarks.
In 2017, the Taiping Municipal Council, jointly with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority, introduced the Taiping Heritage Trail as a way to give visitors a deeper insight into the town’s past. The route connects more than 38 historical sites, many of which are within walking distance.
You can also cycle along the trail, which will make it easier to explore multiple landmarks in a single day. You might not be able to see everything, but that gives you a reason to come back.
Here are some highlights along the Taiping Heritage Trail.
Start your journey at the peaceful Taiping Lake Gardens, Malaysia’s first public garden that opened in the late 1800s. There is a bike rental service nearby where you can rent a bicycle for the rest of your tour.
Within the garden is the Taiping Memorial Library, housed in a colonial building. One of the country’s oldest public libraries, it remains as a learning centre for local folks today.
From here, cycle to the Taiping Clock Tower. Built in 1881, the wooden structure first functioned as a police station before being rebuilt in brick several years later. The neoclassical complex, which features a four-faced clock and spire, is a reminder of Taiping’s colonial past.
Stop by Taiping Market, about 450m from the clock tower, to enjoy some local delights. The market is a favourite with the community.
Continue your exploration at the Old Mosque (also called Masjid Melayu Taiping), located along Jalan Kota. Established in 1897, the mosque reflects Dutch-English design influences.
Cycle about one kilometre from here to reach the Taiping Railway Station, which represents the town’s important role in Malaysia’s early transportation history.
About 1.8km away is All Saints’ Church, a wooden structure featuring Gothic architecture with local elements.
Just a short distance away is the Perak Museum, Malaysia’s oldest museum, home to collections of cultural artefacts and exhibits on indigenous communities.
Conclude your cycling tour by returning to Taiping Lake Gardens.
Travel notes
How to get there: You can take the train (ETS) from Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh. You can also drive there – around three hours from KL, or just over an hour from Penang.
You can also fly to Ipoh (Sultan Azlan Shah Airport) first and make your way to Taiping from there.
