VISITORS to Taiping can expect a vibrant programme of cultural, recreational and community events throughout the year.
This follows the Taiping Municipal Council’s (MPT) launch of its official calendar in tandem with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
The scheduled events offer a diverse array of activities designed to showcase the town’s heritage, natural beauty and local talent, whilst boosting tourism ahead of the nationwide drive.
During the February launch, MPT president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan noted that a structured planning approach would prevent overlapping schedules.
Furthermore, it strengthens collaboration with key stakeholders, including Tourism Perak and various government agencies.
The unveiling of the 2026 Tourism Events and Community Activities Calendar outlines an ambitious year-long agenda.
This is intended to position the historical town as a dynamic, all-season destination for VM2026.
“The calendar will serve as the council’s official annual planning document, acting as a central reference point for departmental coordination,” said Mohamed Akmal.
He added that the initiative aimed to ensure smoother logistics, efficient budget use and earlier promotional efforts to attract both domestic and international tourists.
Perak’s tourism ambitions
Mohamed Akmal said the initiative aligned with Perak’s broader tourism strategy, aimed at increasing arrivals from regional markets including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, China and India.
He noted that the focus for 2026 would be on high-impact tourism programmes and inclusive community-based activities, ensuring meaningful experiences for both visitors and locals.
“Night events and wellness tourism are also expected to feature prominently, in line with state efforts to diversify tourism offerings.
“MPT will also support initiatives such as the ‘Stay and Explore Perak’ campaign, which encourages travellers to extend their stay and explore more destinations within the state,” he said.
Showcasing town’s strengths
Mohamed Akmal said central to the plan was the continued promotion of Taiping as a holistic destination blending heritage, nature and community life.
Among the town’s flagship attractions highlighted in the calendar are the popular Taiping Zoo and Night Safari, Taiping Lake Gardens and Bukit Larut.
“Community and cultural events will complement these natural and heritage assets, creating a steady stream of activities throughout the year and reinforcing Taiping’s appeal as more than just a weekend getaway,” said the MPT president.
Several engaging events such as a Chinese calligraphy competition, batik painting, World Radio Day and a cross-street bazaar, he said, were held during the first two months of the year.
Other planned events include a khat (Arabic calligraphy) competition, the 65th anniversary of the Taiping Zoo and Night Safari, an orchid exhibition and the Taiping International Youth Marching Band Festival.
The line-up also features a half-marathon, health exposition, agro carnival, Malaysia Peranakan Festival, singing competitions, Bukit Larut trekking, art exhibitions, a Deepavali “Rangoli” contest, a charity run and a gymnastics festival.
Mohamed Akmal confirmed that several events, particularly those related to arts and music, would be hosted at Taiping Sentral Mall.
Economic, community impact
Mohamed Akmal expects these events to bolster the local economy through increased visitor numbers, higher tourism spending and a surge in demand for accommodation.
He noted that local businesses – including restaurants, boutique lodgings, community entrepreneurs, and tour operators – stand to benefit from the sustained influx of visitors.
He said MPT aimed to deepen community participation, positioning residents not merely as spectators but as active partners in the planning and execution of programmes.
“All departments must ensure the smooth implementation of scheduled programmes; they are urged to maintain continued collaboration with state authorities and industry players.
“The 2026 calendar is more than a planning document; it represents a shared commitment to delivering well-executed events with tangible benefits for the community and local economy,” he highlighted.
With structured planning and collective effort, he said Taiping was set to play a significant role in advancing Perak’s tourism aspirations and contributing meaningfully to the success of VM2026.
Taking batik forward
What began as a passion for batik has blossomed into a lifelong craft for Bismi Intanti Abu Bakar, 51, who recently organised a bespoke batik painting event.
She has produced traditional hand-drawn batik for nearly three decades, having received formal training at the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation’s Johor branch.
Operating from her home in Assam Kumbang, Taiping, Bismi Intanti continues to practise traditional techniques, carefully applying wax with a specialised canting tool.
“My home-based workshop remains modest in scale, run alongside my husband Hairol Sham Basron, with occasional help from family members.
“My business operates under the name ‘Batik Tanuntaya’, derived from Jawi letters that spell ‘Tanti’, my nickname – a personal touch reflecting my identity and dedication to the craft.
“Despite the rise of modern production methods, I am committed to preserving the authenticity of hand-drawn batik, ensuring this traditional art form continues to thrive.”
Bismi Intanti has been actively collaborating with MPT and Taiping Sentral Mall to promote traditional batik through exhibitions, workshops and competitions.
During a recent February programme at the mall, she set up a 5m-long white cloth and invited visitors to try their hand at drawing motifs, applying wax and painting designs.
She also offered do-it-yourself batik kits for purchase, enabling participants to continue creating their own pieces at home.
“The interactive event attracted about 300 participants, ranging from local residents to tourists, many of whom experienced the traditional craft for the first time,” she said.
“Beyond public events, I regularly organise hands-on sessions at my home workshop for both local and international visitors, providing insight into the meticulous process of hand-drawn batik making,” she added.
In recognition of her contribution to cultural tourism, the local council has listed her workshop as part of its official programmes, showcasing Taiping’s heritage crafts to a wider audience.
Promoting arts and culture
The mall, meanwhile, continues its tradition of promoting arts, culture and community-related events.
General manager Ricky Yong Chee Wei, 49, said Chinese calligraphy competitions had been a staple there since 2009.
This year, to coincide with the launch of the 2026 Tourism Calendar, he said the competition held last month was elevated to a national level.
It featured three distinct categories: primary school, secondary school and an open category, with participants travelling from as far as Sarawak, Johor and Perlis.
“The mall consistently organises arts-based events, with activities including khat competitions and various art exhibitions scheduled for the coming months.
“Adding to the festivities, the Taiping Orchid Society will present an orchid show in April, featuring exquisite blooms and including some sourced from Cameron Highlands,” said Yong.
The mall will also host singing competitions for primary schoolchildren from Chinese new villages, expanding from a Perak-level event last year to a national-level contest this year, he added.
Yong also said the mall’s gymnastics studio would host a nationwide gymnastics festival in December, providing a prestigious platform for participants from across the country.
He emphasised that these events reflected the mall’s steadfast commitment to fostering arts, culture, and community engagement.
National flower show
Orchid enthusiasts and plant lovers can look forward to a vibrant showcase of blooms when the Taiping Orchid Society holds its national-level flower show at the mall from April 25 to May 3.
Society secretary Neoh Cheow Ching noted that the organisation, established in 1988, had long been dedicated to promoting orchid cultivation through competitions, exhibitions and public showcases.
“Our main activity is organising shows, which began as monthly events but are now held once every two months due to rising costs,” he said.
Neoh said visitors could expect a wide variety of species, including striking orchids from Cameron Highlands, during the upcoming national show.
“Growers from Cameron Highlands usually bring unique varieties rarely seen in the lowlands.
“These orchids tend to produce larger blooms with more intense colours in cooler climates,” he added.
Among the highlights are the Phalaenopsis orchids – commonly known as moth or butterfly orchids – prized for their large, elegant flowers.
Participants from several states, including Penang and Kedah, are also expected to showcase their finest specimens.
“The competition segment alone will feature up to 62 classes covering different categories of orchids and ornamental plants,” said Neoh.
“The society also regularly collaborates with local authorities, including Taiping Municipal Council, to organise events that support tourism and community engagement.
“We hope these events will attract visitors, promote appreciation for orchids and contribute to the success of VM2026.”
The 71-year-old added that visitors to the April exhibition could expect competitions, plant sales, and educational displays, offering a colourful floral experience suitable for all ages.
