Update on 2012/04/05
Maxwell Hill (3-4hr)
On A Hill 1036 Meters From Sea Level
After an exciting jeep ride up to the hill (you are not allowed to drive), start the day with the cold breeze gently caressing you. Take deep breaths and feast on the various colors of flora. Perhaps a hot flask of coffee to sip as you relax in nature's best.
8:00-18:00, daily
Free Admission
Bukit Larut Recreational Area Office, Taiping, Perak (+605-827243)
Ling Nan Old Temple (0.5hr)
Praying For Blessings
Reputedly the oldest temple in the town, this temple is nothing really fancy in size or décor. Statues of deities are modest and the waft of burning joss sticks fill the air. But, it suffices as a place for the locals to meditate, pray and seek some inner peace.
Open 24 hours, daily
Free Admission
Jalan Taming Sari, Taiping, Perak (+605-2552772 Perak Tourism)
All Saints Church Taiping (0.5hr)
A Century Old & Going On
Built in 1887, it is the first Anglican church within the Federated Malay States. Architecturally inspired by Gothic designs, it also features a timber exterior. There is a cemetery next to it, where European settlers and servicemen who didn't make return are laid to rest.
8:30-18:30, daily
Free Admission
Jalan Taming Sari, Taiping, Perak (+605-2552772 Perak Tourism)
Wan Tan Mee @Restoran Prima Taiping
Noodle-Oodles Yum!
This simple looking dish is not easy to execute. Noodles must be tender yet with a bite and tossed quickly in fragrant oil and good soy sauce. Topped with barbequed pork and served with a bowl of dumplings wrapped up in thin, translucent skin. Yup, this stall has them all.
17:30-23:30, daily
RM3.50 onwards
No. 21, 23 & 25 Jalan Kota, Taiping, Perak (+6012-5246872)
Popiah @Restoran Air Kacang Taiping
The Chinese Hand Roll
Translucent piece of flour skin is lashed with sweet sauce and chili paste. Followed by lettuce, beancurd, cucumber, bean sprouts, turnip and crunchy toppings. Deftly wrapped up before the glorious gravy from the cooked turnip is poured on top. Juicy, sweet, crispy and bursting with numerous flavors!
7:00-17:00, close on alternate Thursdays
RM1.40 each
2 Jalan Panggung Wayang, Taiping, Perak (+6012-4534350)
Bismillah Cendol
Beat The Heat With This
Shaved ice is topped with palm sugar syrup, green colored stringy looking things (they're made of flour, worry not) and red beans. A stream of milk completes this sweet dessert on a hot day. One item that has become a roadside favorite. Try it with glutinous rice for extra texture.
10:00-18:00, daily (except Fri close on 13:00-14:00)
RM1.20 onwards
Jalan Barrack, Taiping, Perak (+605-8085986)
Hokkien Association Taiping (0.5hr)
Legacy Of Taiping's Forefathers
Built in 1931 for the residents who migrated from the Fujian province, the architecture is basic and Chinese influenced as seen from the wooden doors and arches. It used to be a place for social gatherings as well.
8:00-19:00, daily
Free Admission
Jalan Kota, Taiping, Perak (+605-8073636)
Taiping Lake Gardens (1-2hr)
The Soothing Sway Of Nature
This massive 64 hectares lake garden is Malaysia's first public garden, established in 1880. There are ten lakes and ponds and the roads surrounding the garden is shaded by mostly golden rain trees. Playgrounds, jogging tracks and leisurely water vehicle rides are available.
Open 24 hours, daily
Free Admission
1 Jalan Taman Tasik, Taiping, Perak (+605-2552772 Perak Tourism)
Kee Heong Penang Loh Bak @Pusat Makanan Taman Tasik
Tantalizing, Crispy Morsels
Ideal for snacking, this stall offers minced pork rolled up in beancurd skin and deep fried. Crispy outside, juicy inside! Other items are fried plain beancurd, sweet pork sausage, prawn rolls and century eggs, to name a few. These are served with a gooey brown sauce and chili paste.
Evening till late
RM1.20 onwards
Jalan Taman Tasik, Taiping, Perak (+605-2552772 Perak Tourism)
Taiping Zoo & Night Safari
Wildlife In The Dark
The first zoo in Malaysia currently has about 1300 animals of various species. Animals you can get acquainted with include giraffes, elephants, deer, lions and such. It also has the country's first night safari, fitted with lightings similar to the animals' natural habitat so that they will feel comfortable.
8:00-23:00, daily
Adults (RM16.00), Children (RM10.00)
Jalan Pekeliling, Taiping, Perak (+605-8086577)