Best of the best...

My beloved "Heritage Town of Everlasting Peace"....


Best of Taiping: Romancing a heritage garden
----------------------------------------------------
An article by : SHARON NG KOOI KIN

The Taiping Lake Gardens are inevitably linked to the lives of the town residents, from their childhood and first kiss to the toddling steps of their first grandchild. The thirsty branches of ancient raintrees arch over the road to sip the water from the lake. On Jalan Taman Tasik, even cars cruise along slowly, as if reverently along a red carpet bordered by guards of honour.


Taiping residents have a lasting love affair with the Lake Gardens, the green lung of their town. Their youth and golden years, their joys and tragedies are somehow woven into it at some time or another. Like a faithful friend, it has always been there for them. And it was probably here that the first flush of romance blossomed for them… that first kiss in the moonlight.

Oldest Public Garden

The Taiping Lake Gardens has a special allure, a natural look with an understated beauty that grabs you and remains in your heart. It is the oldest lake gardens in Malaysia, opened since 1880. Comprising 62 hectares of recreational parks, scenic lakes and its famous raintrees, the TLG is one of the biggest and prettiest leisure gardens in the country. In the national-level Cleanliness and Beautification Programme in 1996, the TLG was judged the most beautiful public garden in the country.

Its appeal lies in the more natural and understated – the trees, rolling expanses of well-mown lawns and shining lakes. If you stand on the stretch of road where the long parade of ancient raintrees bend over to caress the lake, look towards the hills and you'd see what I mean. Against the backdrop of Bukit Larut a mere one kilometre away, the panoramic view is jaw-dropping. The composite picture of trees, lakes, hills and skies is stunning. There are countless shades of green and blue and, in the mornings, the sun's rays and early mist lend a mystical aura to the scene.

This was once tin mining land but when mining stopped about a century ago, the ponds turned into lakes, fed by streams from the hills and the copious rain that had earned Taiping a reputation as the wettest town in the country. To the locals, it's a popular place to hang out and to workout. Favourite pastimes include cycling, leisure driving, jogging and walking. For young children, it presents miles of green grass where they can run wild and free. It is also the venue of countless interesting events like fishing competitions, orchid shows, family days and even once, the National Geographic Challenge.

Popular Stops

Stop first at the Children's playground and the new Pavilion Terrace where the view is a sweeping visual of graceful bamboo, tall trees and stately palms, the hills beyond and the constantly playing Spritzer Fountain in the foreground. Ever widening ripples created by the fountain glisten in the sunlight and in the water, paddle boats and canoes are filled with youths and families having fun. An occasional angler, armed with a fishing permit, creates some excitement when he lands a fish.

The next stop is Jalan Kedamaian (Peace Promenade), an area constantly abuzz with activities. The name is significant because Taiping means Everlasting Peace in Chinese. At the Rotary Corner area is a roller skating rink, a lake with a fountain and a hanging garden supported by Grecian pillars. Visitors can explore two other lakes nearby with bridges leading to islets in the centre. Formerly called Monkey Forest, this is a favourite lovers' haunt. In the mornings, groups of retirees and housewives can be seen engaged in tai qi, fan/sword dance, line dancing and aerobic exercises.

After the skating rink is a paved jogging track that runs through the Lake Gardens, taking you past the back of the zoo where, often, the roar of a tiger or the trumpeting of an elephant will stop you in your tracks. If you have that "getting away from it all" urge, the lonelier stretches have benches and grassy knolls for a whispered tete-a-tete with a loved one, a quiet read or endless hours of gazing at the calm lakes.


In the evenings, children play on swings and seesaws near the Promenade and small family groups picnic under shady trees. A giant-sized golf ball marks the 8th hole of this oldest golf course in the country which, unfortunately, was closed in 1995, due to encroaching developments and the establishment of schools in its vicinity. The long tracts of fairway and greens have since been planted with trees and converted into playgrounds and flower gardens. There is even a pebbled path offering natural foot reflexology.

Animals And Raintrees


When you see lotus ponds on the right side of the road, you are nearly at the door of the Taiping Zoo which has a Night Safari. A left turn over a white concrete bridge will lead you to the War Memorial Cemetery and the jeep station at the foot of Bukit Larut. Opposite the zoo is a large car park, a picnic area with wooden tables and benches, a gurgling river nearby and even a small hedge maze.


Past the Zoo, the road continues with the parade of raintrees which are protected and maintained by the Town Council. Tall vehicles like buses and trucks have to be careful not to knock into the overhanging branches of these precious trees. So don’t be surprised if you find a huge vehicle swerving awkwardly over to your side of the road to avoid a low branch.


The raintrees are home to troops of monkeys, entirely unafraid of humans who come to feed them daily. Long-tailed macaques and pig-tailed monkeys are the most common species. A word of caution though: These mischievous animals will snatch food right out of your hands.

Lovers of birds and butterflies are certain to be rewarded with frequent sightings of different species. The spectacular Oriental Pied and Rhinoceros hornbills are seen here regularly.

Whatever your preferences, the TLG is definitely worth a visit.

Getting There

From the south, exit the North-South Highway at Changkat Jering toll gate. From the north, exit at the Kamunting toll gate. Drive right through Taiping town using Jalan Kota or Jalan Taming Sari and head straight for the hills to get to the Lake Gardens.

What To Do

Relax, walk around and enjoy the view, plants and animals and lakes. Favourite stops are the Taiping Zoo and Night Safari, the oldest mosque in Taiping, rain trees, Aquatic Recreation Centre, Old Jetty (1910), (Jalan) Peace Walk, Spritzer Fountain and pavilion, playgrounds, Rotary Club Corner for a jog, tai qi and other morning activities. Young people will like the Sports Lite Centre near the Taiping Prison. It is open daily at 5pm and has two street soccer courts, cafe and toilets.

Where To Stay

Sri Malaysia Hotel opposite the Taiping Prison and the new resort near the War Memorial Cemetery. Round the corner from the Old Jetty are Furama Hotel and New Champagne. There are bigger hotels in town with better rooms and facilities. A refreshing alternative is to stay on Bukit Larut, just a 30-minute drive ride up from the base jeep station.


Where To Eat

Opposite the Old Jetty is a big hawker centre with food stalls including a fast-food economy rice buffet table, open from lunch time till midnight. Good seafood is available in nearby restaurants like Soon Lee. Also try Malay food stalls at the foot of Bukit Larut and cafés at the zoo entrance and Aquatic Centre. Back in town, Jalan Kota is where you will find many Chinese and Indian/Malay eateries with endless choices at low prices, not forgetting Casual Market, Yut Sun, Bismillah Restaurant and KE Corner.


----------------------------------------------------

A coffee table book titled "Taiping - Life & Soul" written by Jamil Ahmad, recently launched by the Menteri Besar of Perak. Will be out on the racks of MPH & Amazon.com soon at the price of RM80 per piece.


How could I forget this place. This is the place where I was born, grew up, studied etc. etc. This is where I learned a lot about life. I'm proud to be a "Tepen" person. One of my UM lecturer said once, behaviour of the population of a place are influenced by the environment, climate & lifestyle... no wonder "Tepen" people are always cool & relaxed... :)

Memories, misty water coloured memories, just the way we were.... "Tepen", you'll be in my heart always....


Have passion will travel.... check these places out...

:)