Taiping Hotels

Generally, it’s only drizzle that falls – but since you know it’s going to rain regardless, you can put the weather worries to one side and just get on with enjoying yourself. Join the locals searching for bargains (and drool-inducing street food) at Jalan Kota. Follow up your beef rendang with a history lesson at the Taiping War Cemetery, where hundreds of WWII casualties have been laid to rest. No rest for you, though – dusk is when Taibing’s teeming night markets come to life.

Taiping’s Top 10

Taiping History

• Taiping War Cemetery – A cemetery dedicated to honouring those fallen in the Second World War.
• Perak Museum – This is the oldest museum in Taiping. It was built in 1883 and contains more than 3,000 artefacts.
• Old Kota Mosque – A mosque that was built in 1893 by the Hanafi sect of Indian Muslims.
• King Edward VII School – Founded in 1883, this is the oldest English school in the state.
• Ling Nam Temple – Located in Perak, this is reputed to be the oldest temple in the city.

Taiping Art & Culture

• Taiping Prison – Although not quite a cultural attraction, this is the earliest prison in the city, having been built in 1879.
• Qing Ming – An annual pilgrimage the locals make to visit their ancestors in the Taiping cemeteries.
• Taiping Food Court – A group of stalls that sells a variety of local foods. There is even a section strictly for practicing Muslims.
• Taiping Rebellion Historical Museum – A museum dedicated to the political strife that lead to the Taiping Rebellion of 1851-64.
• Darul Ridzuan Museum – Located in nearby Ipoh, this museum opened in 1992 and is actually a piece of history.

Taiping Shopping

• Simpang Bakery – This bakery makes bread in traditional brick ovens. You can purchase fresh-baked bread, biscuits and buns.
• Fajar Department Store – A large Taiping store that sells a variety of housewares and clothing.
• The Store – Located on Jalan Panggong Wayang, this is a department store that sells a myriad of items.
• Giant Hypermarket – A large-chain supermarket where you can obtain a lot of local food items.
• Kampung Boyan Night Market – A night market where you can purchase a variety of goods and foods.

Gay & Lesbian Taiping

• LPG (Leadership Programme Graduates) – A non-profit organization dedicated to helping the gay community. It arranges outings and other social activities.
• Pink Borneo – A gay-friendly travel service that specializes in designing nature-based excursions.
• Merdeka Garden – A popular meeting place in Kedah for gays and lesbians to hang out and socialize.
• Parkcity Hotel Pub – A mixed club in Taiping that features live music.
• DMan Male Massage – A gay-owned massage parlour in Ipoh for men only.

Taiping Events

January’s Thaipusam is a Hindu festival to celebrate the birthday of Lord Subramaniam. Expect a colourful parade as well as a mass-piercing session – you’re not obligated to participate in the latter.

Durians are so loved in Malaysia that they’re celebrated with their very own day in May – the Durian Eating Festival. You’ll leave dripping in the juice of the tropical fruit, so wear something you don’t mind staining.

Come and cheer on some strangers at June’s Taiping International Marathon. Grab a cool iced tea and thank the gods you’re not participating.

The nine-day Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods in September/October is all about invoking the nine emperors/gods, but the final day is when the city goes into overdrive with a mammoth parade.

When To Go

• Taiping is sweltering, with even winter temperatures rarely dipping below 25ºC (77ºF). Summer sits at a roasty 35°C (95ºF).
• The heaviest rainfall occurs in November and December – which is when the humidity is also at its peak.
• Stay hydrated if visiting in summer.

Getting Around

Walking is the way to go when it’s not the height of summer.

The city’s buses are not exactly modern, but they get you out of central Taiping just fine.

Hiring a Jeep is probably the most fun way to get around. Prices are reasonable, but take care on the below-par roads.

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