What's Nearby
The First in Taiping
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Taiping is a town in northwest Malaysia. It's known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Taiping Lake Gardens, a public park with angsana trees and a lotus pond, was established in 1880 on the site of an old tin mine. Nearby, Taiping Zoo breeds endangered species such as the Malayan tiger. The Perak Museum displays indigenous crafts, tribal artifacts and animal skeletons in a 19th-century building.
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Everybody knows that in Taiping there are many ‘First’ institutions that started to operate and exist in Perak, the Federated Malay States or even Malaysia. We mention them as institutions because these ‘Firsts’ are not only buildings and structures but vary from newspaper offices, schools, associations and agencies.
All of these ‘Firsts’ are available in Taiping due to the fact that in Malaysia's history, Taiping was once the administrative center for Perak state (1875 - 1937), the British-ruled colonial era, the Federated Malay States (pre-independence of Malaysia) and Japan (during the Japanese Occupation in WWII).
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Some of these ‘Firsts’ are still available but many has turned to ruins due to the passage of time. Nevertheless, these are the notable ‘Firsts’ that were established here in Taiping…
Taiping Lake Garden
Distance: 8 min
The Taiping Lake Gardens is the first public garden established during the British rule in Malaysia. The garden is located near Bukit Larut, and is equidistant to the town centre and the Taiping Zoo.
Zoo & Night Safari
Distance: 10 min
Taiping Zoo is a zoological park located at Bukit Larut, Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. Established in 1961, Taiping Zoo is the oldest Zoo in Malaysia. It is one of the major zoological parks in Malaysia. It covers 34 acres and exhibits 1300 animals representing 180 species of amphibians, mammals, and reptiles.
Taiping Colonial Clock Tower
Distance: 7 min
Historical Clock tower in Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. Was built in 1881 during the British Colonial era.
Perak Museum - Taiping
Distance: 8 min
Perak Museum is the oldest museum in Malaysia, founded in 1883 and housed in a fine heritage building opposite Taiping Gaol. It started out as a repository for a vast collection of ethnological, anthropological and zoological items curated during Sir Hugh Low’s tenure as Resident of Perak (1877 - 1889).
Malaysia's First Hill Station
Distance: 12 min
Bukit Larut, formerly known as Maxwell Hill, is a hill resort located 10 km from Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. Founded in 1884, it is the oldest hill resort in Malaysia. It is approximately 1250 m above sea level.
Trek through the jungle to Taiping’s highest peak
Hiking to the top of Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) offers a rewarding challenge in Taiping. Rather than using a jeep to reach the summit, hikers can follow the Gunung Hijau Trail. The route covers about 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) and takes the average hiker five hours to complete.
Burmese pools
Distance: 11 min
Burmese Pool is a natural pool near central Taiping. Local families make up the crowds at Burmese Pools. Many relax with picnics and barbeques. Relax and savour the peacefulness of the rainforest. Take a dip in the refreshing water after sweating in the muggy tropical air.
Charcoal industry
Distance: 24 min
Charcoal is an essential commodity used for cooking, medicine and countless other things. More than 140 manufacturers use 300 kilns in Sepetang to create charcoal from mangrove trees. Take a day trip from Taiping and find out how charcoal is made. Discover the ins and outs of this little-known industry and why the area upholds a global reputation.
