LONG JAAFAR’S PET ELEPHANT did history a favour when it returned with tin ore streaks on its body after wallowing in the jungle of Larut in 1840.
This accidental discovery of tin ore around Klian Pauh wasn’t all good news because tin prospectors and labour started thronging in to open up land and mines for tin ore. The tin rush resulted in numerous turf squabbles among groups and rival clans from 1865 to 1874.
To curb skirmishes between rival Chinese clans for mining rights, colonial British finally stepped in and organised a peace treaty in 1896. The name Taiping – meaning “everlasting peace” – was bestowed on the foothill town by warring factions to commemorate the treaty. Thankfully, Taiping is still living up to its name today.
Since then, for more than a hundred years, Taiping has beckoned travellers to explore its memories and soul. The author of “An Illustrated Guide to the Federated Malay States” C.W Harrison called Taiping “one of the most picturesque in Malaya” in 1910.
Taiping’s attractions then centered, as they do today, on the Lake Gardens, originally mining ponds, golf club and waterfall swimming club. “The social center of the English quarter of a town in Malaya is always the recreation ground and the club overlooking it” as the guidebook put it.
Taiping also receives some limelight as the wettest town in Peninsular Malaysia. The average annual rainfall is about 4,000mm in Taiping while the peninsula’s average is 2,000mm – 2,500mm. Needless to say, its unusual rainfall has also blessed its Lake Gardens with fertile and splendid collection of flora and century-old Angsana raintrees.
Tour Itinerary
* 9.00am – Pick up at hotel. Introduction, trip briefings and safety procedures.
* 10.00am – Stopover at Simpang to view a fabulous 200 year old Taoist temple with roofs that is made entirely of culinary chinaware like spoons, cups, saucers, pots and bowls.
Legend has it that poor villagers chipped in with whatever they could find from their kitchens to build the temple. This temple is still used by surrounding residents to pray for good luck and prosperity.
* 11.00am – Take a walk along Station road to soak in Taiping’s colorful bygone era. Visit the Malaysia’s first and oldest train station, King Edward School, St George’s Institution and admire an ornate Strait Chinese shop house that’s accredited by UNESCO for its traditional architecture.
* 1.00pm – Eat a sumptuous mishmash of Malay, Indian, Chinese and Nyonya streetfood at Casual Market, a busy and bustling foodcourt that has a history that stretches back to 19th century. Give your tastebuds a good jolt with an amazing array of delicacies, local comfort food and colorful desserts.
* 2.30pm – See Malaysia’s oldest museum that is built by the English and its artifacts.
* 4.00pm – Cruise the roads of Taiping’s famous Lake Gardens to view historical sites, quaint churches, English clubhouse and laze under its century old raintrees. If you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of long-tailed macaque monkeys frolicking at the lakeside.
* 5.30pm – Transfer back to Ipoh.
Taiping is not a destination for impatient travellers. Its English-built town is deservedly famous for Victorian urban scenes and one should really take time to experience its splendour in slow motion. Many roads remain what they have been for decades: sanctuaries from the fast pace of modernity.
The traveller’s challenge here: To explore as much of this multilayered realm as you can, and find that deeply personal place that connects the past with present. See extraordinary collection of English leftovers, eat the freshest local favorites and discover a pocket of Malaysia that bespeak 19th century heydays marvellously – all in 1 day.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- One meal during excursion and museum fee.
- Private English-speaking guide.
- Private transport to all destinations & activities.
Please note that all trips are private-type and require a minimum of 2 people to operate; surcharge applicable for 1 person trip. Discounts are available for self-drive, groups, retirees, students, families and nature clubs.
All packages are ex-Ipoh, a town 200km north capital Kuala Lumpur (KL) and 150km south Penang. To reach Ipoh from KL, hop on the daytime hourly bus services available at KL Puduraya bus station. The ride takes 2 hrs and cost USD4.20 one way, air con. Recommended bus services are Transnasional, Plusliner or Sri Maju. Hotels are cheap in Ipoh as the town is non-touristy. YMCA offers basic room for USD11.80, budget hotel USD24 air-con room, 3 star hotel USD47 room and 4 star hotel USD80 room.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Malaysia
Archeology/History
Food & Wine
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