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Taiping, A Town With Everlasting Heritage Gems
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#LepakMalaysiaLah
Text by FARHANA FUAD Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI
Culture and heritage are influential factors when travellers decide on where they would like to go because travellers are bound to learn something educational, eyeopening and inspiring at those destinations. That is particularly true when it comes to Malaysia because the country is blessed with diverse cultural heritage and natural resources. One such destination is Taiping in Perak.
Taiping has always been a place of many ‘firsts’ ever since tin was discovered there back in the mid-1800s. The British imperial rule was so invested in Taiping due to the town’s lucrative tin trade that it introduced an impressive array of ‘firsts’ like the first railway line and the first telegraph office in Malaya. Taiping even served as the capital of the state of Perak from 1873 until 1937.
A town filled with heritage, historic architecture, diverse culture and food, Taiping deserves to be put on a pedestal. As such, Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with Gaya Travel Magazine, organised a media familiarisation trip to Taiping from the 23rd until the 25th of March 2021 to showcase what this atmospheric destination has to offer, which readers can discover in the following pages...
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN TAIPING:
Taiping Lake Garden www.taipinglakecruise.com
Considered as the icon of Taiping, the land where the lush Taiping Lake Garden is currently thriving on was formerly plots of abandoned tin mines. Being the brainchild of the Acting Assistant British Resident of Perak Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Sandilands Frowd Walker, then pursued by Constance Sydney Holmes who was the wife of the British Resident of Perak Frank Swettenham with the help from mining inspector William R. Scott and developed by Charles Compton Reade, the disused mining site was successfully turned into a recreational park for the benefit of the public, drawing inspiration from the Lake District in the United Kingdom. Magnificent raintrees can be seen along this 60-hectare park with their big branches extending over the water, creating a peaceful and serene ambience. Be sure to partake on a paddleboat adventure along the lake with Taiping Lake Ride & Cruise to take in more of this magical site.
Taiping Lake Ride & Cruise Visiting Hours: Monday – Thursday (10:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.) Friday – Sunday (9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.)
Contact: +6 05 808 2355 or +6 012 523 2204
Hajah Azizah Gold Thread
(Tekat Emas)
The art of gold thread embroidery is an elegant traditional handicraft that can be traced back to the 15th century. Though slowly fading away in these modern times, there still exists a handful of gold thread embroiders in Kuala Kangsar (40-minute drive away from Taiping), and one of them is Hajah Azizah Mohd Yusof, who received recognition as the National Master Craftsman for Gold Thread Embroidery in 2018. Hajah Azizah has 35 years of experience in the embroidery industry, producing countless custom-made household furnishing that are mostly done manually. Hajah Azizah took the initiative to promote the art of gold thread embroidery by organising and leading gold thread embroidery workshops, besides exhibiting the products near her house in Kampung Padang Changkat, Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar. Travellers who are interested to drop by or order gold thread embroidery are welcome to call Hajah Azizah at +6 012 513 6400.
Taiping Heritage Trail Taiping Heritage Trail is a self-guided trail aimed at highlighting the heritage buildings and landmarks considered as the “firsts” in Taiping such as the House of Orang Besar Jajahan, the first modern railway station, St. George School, King Edward VII School, The Post Office, The Telegraph Office, Taiping Prison and more. Traversing along this 11.5-kilometre trail feels much like stepping back in time. Throughout the journey, travellers can find information boards explaining the history of each designated site, making it fun and knowledgeable at the same time.
Matang Mangrove Eco-Educational Forest Centre
www.perakforestry.gov.my
Did you know that Malaysia has one of the best managed mangroves in the world? Matang Mangrove Eco-Educational Forest Centre – managed by the Perak State Forestry Department – provides recreational facilities, eco-tourism opportunities and improve public awareness towards the importance of managing our forests. While strolling along the boardwalk through the mangrove forest, travellers are immersed in the mangrove ecosystem, led by knowledgeable tour guide. Matang Mangrove also sets up facilities like interpretation centre,
accommodations (chalets, dorms, and a campsite), and multipurpose halls. Remember to take the guided boat tours for dolphin sight-seeing and birdwatching as well!
Operating Hours: Daily (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Contact: +6 05 858 1762 / +6 05 807 2762 Facebook: Pusat Eko Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, Kuala Sepetang
Kuala Sepetang Charcoal Factory Kuala Sepetang is best known for its excellent practices in managing the mangrove forests, which have the resources crucial for the local charcoal processing industry. To understand how the traditional ways of making charcoal is done, which is certified as sustainable, head to Kuala Sepetang Charcoal Factory. The process of making charcoal takes up to 30 days through five detailed steps: (1) inserting and neatly arranging the debarked mangrove logs into the charcoal kiln; (2) heating the charcoal kiln up to 85°C and letting the mangrove logs dry up with big fire method; (3) let the heat reach 350°C and logs will turn into charcoal within 10 days; (4) every kiln opening will be closed and fire will be put out before (5) charcoal is taken out of the kiln. Travellers can obtain detailed information on the charcoal-making process from the same Matang Mangrove tour guide.
Fun fact: The water vapour, or also known as wood vinegar from the charcoal kiln, is good as fertiliser or insect repellent, besides being a remedy for treating skin problems.
Old Port Weld Scenic Bridge & Railway Station Port Weld is where the first railway station in Malaysia is located along the track that used to link Kuala Sepetang to Taiping. Even though the railway has long gone, travellers who come here can still see the big old signage with the name ‘Port Weld’ written close to a fishing village. Don’t miss climbing up the Port Weld Bridge (but do be careful) to enjoy the scenic view of Sungai Reba and dozens of fishing boats below.
Taiping Zoo & Night Safari Covering an area of 36 acres (14 hectares), Taiping Zoo is situated amidst natural setting consisting of lakes and abundant flora, making it unique. Did you know that Taiping Zoo is currently home to more than 1,300 animals from 140 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish, and it is the only zoo in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia? Travellers can admire countless animals that include Malaysian tigers, lions, elephants and more. Be sure to also experience the unforgettable Night Safari and get up close with nocturnal animals either by walking along the designated path or riding on the tram together with a guide.
Entrance Fee: Adult: MYR16 (Taiping Zoo); MYR20 (Night Safari) Children (aged 3 – 12): MYR8 (Taiping Zoo); MYR10 (Night Safari)
Taiping Zoo: Opens every day including Sundays & Public Holidays from 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Night Safari: Opens every night including Sundays & Public Holidays from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Friday, Saturday nights & eve of Public Holidays from 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 midnight
Clockwise from Previous Page, Top: Pedal boats can be rented from Taiping Lake Ride & Cruise; One of the workers at Kuala Sepetang Charcoal Factory carrying a debarked mangrove log to be inserted into the charcoal kiln; The old Port Weld railway station and Kuala Sepetang signage; Hajah Azizah demonstrating how a gold thread embroidery is made.
Clockwise from Top Left: Participants taking turns in feeding a hippopotamus at Taiping Zoo Night Safari; Some of the dishes served at Mergastua Zoo Taiping Restaurant; Reserve The Cozytainer offers snug loft-style accommodations; Kacang Pool served alongside Roti Benggali at The Train Wings & Sandwich.
WHAT TO EAT IN TAIPING:
Mergastua Taiping Zoo Restaurant
Facebook: Mergastua
Located near the entrance of Taiping Zoo, Mergastua Restaurant offers a variety of local, Western and SouthEast Asian fare. A great restaurant with simple yet tasteful décor, it is convenient for travellers who come to Taiping Zoo to have their meals here instead of venturing outside. Mergastua Restaurant caters for farewell dinners and corporate functions as well.
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday (9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) Friday to Sunday & Public Holidays (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Tok Janggut The Cafe Villa
Facebook: Tok Janggut Homestay Taiping
This café’s vintage touch is definitely its plus point, other than its diverse menu offerings. It is hard not to feel nostalgic when dining here because as soon as you step into the café, its stylish interior and brick walls are sure to bring nostalgia. This café has an equally impressive menu ranging from Western to rice dishes. Tok Janggut The Café Villa even offers a chalet and villa in case travellers are interested in staying overnight.
Warung Kari Sembilang & Udang Galah Menggelupoq This restaurant serves Malay dishes such as beef cooked in soy sauce, squid dishes, and mutton kurma, but its specialty is the eel catfish and freshwater prawn curry that are so good it is actually worth coming from far just to eat here. Cooked to perfection, the fresh and thick curry teemed with mild spices makes the dish special. Eat together with a plate of steamy rice and ulam ulaman (salad), the dishes served here will not only make your stomach full but also fills up your heart.
Doli Kuey Teow Goreng Locals in Taiping are familiar with this establishment, one of the best in town. The fried kuey teow comes with generous amounts of prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, eggs and spring onions, served with soy sauce and chopped chillies on the side. There is a special version of fried kuey teow as well, with bigger portion and larger prawns. Other dishes worth ordering are curry noodles, mi rebus (boiled noodles) and chicken rice.
The Train Wings & Sandwich
Located adjacent to the old Taiping train station, experience dining here whilst the train arrive and depart in the background. As the name suggests, the chicken wing dishes are indeed the star attraction. Serving up to six different types of chicken wing dishes (Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Malaysian and Colonial Buffalo Chicken), customers can choose the one that suits their taste buds best. Other types of dishes served here are Western (chicken and lamb grill, fish and chips) and Malay (fried rice and kacang pool).
WHERE TO STAY IN TAIPING:
Reserve The Cozytainer
Facebook: Reserve The Cozytainer
Being five minutes away from Taiping town centre, this unique containershaped hotel is ideal for travellers seeking a unique Taiping staycation experience. Guests can choose between the three types of packages (double, triple, or quadruple) based on the number of persons. Each accommodation is affordably priced, equipped with air conditioning unit, en suite toilet, television and basic amenities. There is enough parking space available on-site and a shared common area with small pantry available for guests’ use. Another interesting fact about this hotel is that travellers can do self check-in after being in touch with the person in-charge through Whatsapp or phone call.
Contact: +6 014 945 8023 (Lean) Instagram: Reserve The Cozytainer
Gaya Travel Magazine team members extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tourism Malaysia for making our trip to Taiping a reality.
