Taiping: A Hidden Gem
- Nivasini Rachai
- May 15, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 6, 2019
Taiping (raintown) is wettest town in peninsular Malaysia with unusual rainfall which led to 100 years old iconic rain trees along the lake garden. According to the 2019 sustainable top 100 destination awards, Taiping has been ranked as top three sustainable city in the world. Even most of my friends from city like KL left clueless what this obscure little town has to offer: beautiful rain-forests, famed lake garden, vast number of historical places and many hidden restaurants. Taiping is a food heaven in Malaysia full of tasty and cheap hawker's food every corner. It is a hidden gem in Malaysia to experience nature yet historic gem.
I spent my entire childhood and most of my teenage life here. 8 years back, I moved to the city for higher education and continued working there. At night, listening to the sound of rain while sleeping is the thing I missed the most after moving to the city. The smell, natural sounds and fresh air of my hometown never failed to bring back my childhood memories, the transformation I had over the years and more importantly it taught me to appreciate little things in life. For me, visiting family members and spending quality time with them during holidays makes this place more special. If you are nature lover or food hunter, you should visit this beautiful city.
“Taiping is my hometown and will always remain special in my heart.”
84 years old historical mill and the oldest coffee mill in Malaysia located near to oldest railway station in Malaysia, KTM Taiping. The coffee beans are roasted in traditional way up to today using wood fire which makes this coffee taste unique. Definitely Instagram friendly place as there is mural art can be found next to the mill. Various brews of coffee including black or white coffee, mocha, chocolate malt and durian flavored are available for tasting and purchasing. My personal favorite is Ice lemon tea as I'm not a coffee lover. Even bird nest drinks are being sold here. Parking is convenient but might face difficulty to find the mill. Recommended to use google maps for navigation (click the picture above to route to the place). Appointment is not required prior to visit the mill. However it would be better to fix an appointment before dropping by to avoid disappointment.
Malaysia's No.1 largest bottled water manufacturer, Spritzer brought the heritage life in the form of Spritzer Eco Park. Ideal place to spend quality time together with friends and families. The small Eco park offers some recreational activities: signature hole golf, 18 hole mini golf courses, cactus rock and heart lock corner. You can take a walk down lane at Spritzer Ecopark and relax at the cozy STG cafe.
Located at the base of Maxwell hill and near to Taiping lake gardens and war cemetery. Undoubtedly, this naturally formed pool is eye treat for those nature lovers. Perfect place for picnic and swimming with family/friends. Might be crowded especially during weekends and public holidays. Parking is convenient and there might be some charges for parking during public holidays.
The beautiful Pachaiamman temple in Malaysia with fascinating architecture. Spacious temple with wider parking place suitable for occasions like wedding or engagement. The temple painted fully in green.
Temple located besides pachaiamman temple, a beautiful Lord Murugan temple with outstanding architecture.
One of the top beautiful temples in Malaysia with 72 feet of tallest Ayyanar statue. Located in the midst of oil palm estates and about 30 minutes of drive from Taiping. We have to go through a difficult path to reach the temple due to wild monkeys that you can find along the path. Feel peaceful and calm with sounds of peacock. Encouraged to wear proper traditional attire. Drinking alcohol or smoking is prohibited around temple area. Peacocks are also sold here. Parking is not so convenient and you have to park 100 meters away from the temple.
Operating hours : Sat-Mon & Wed-Thur opens 7am - 11.30am and evening 6pm - 8.45pm and Tuesday & Friday where the temple only opens from 5pm to 8.45pm
If you drop by Taiping, a must try local dessert which has been operating for three generations. Not too sweet, a thick and creamy coconut milk with choices of red beans or glutinous rice to choose from. Rojak or pasembur served here and not suitable for vegetarians. Reasonable price. Parking coupon need to be display for street parking. Located on the way to Taiping lake gardens and near to King Edward primary school. It's definitely refreshing treat having cendol during rainy and humid weather.
A night market with varieties of foods at reasonable price. Bubble tea being sold here. You should give it try to one of popular street foods at Taiping, char koay kak (fried rice cake) which you wouldn't want to miss. It will be made based on order which makes it to be served fresh and hot. It has sprouts and egg. You can request for more spiciness if you prefer it to be spicy. According to my friend, the flavor is incredible since it cooked on a high flame fire.
Well known as Ah Soon or Hua Soon koay teow among Taiping people. Mr.Ah Soon still fries koay teow in traditional way where he uses charcoal. Located at Jalan Simpang beside a Chinese Temple. The stall operates everyday from 7.30 pm until midnight and closed on Sundays. According to my friend, the koay teow is soggy and comes with added cockles, egg (chicken/duck), beansprouts and shrimp. It was served hot traditionally in "Kam Yuit" green leaves which makes the dish more special. The char koay teow priced slightly higher compared to other stalls at Taiping. The portions are small and there will be about 45 minutes waiting time for your order. While waiting, you can try ikan bakar (Grilled fish) from one of the stalls here where the portion is enough for 2-3 persons and comes with above average price. The seating place might be challenging especially during public holidays as the place crowded with people. Beverages including alcohol are served here. For parking, you need to park at the roadside or near to the shops.
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