Sightseeing in Taiping

Taiping Zoo & Night Safari

Taiping Zoo is currently home to more than 140 species of animals, totalling 1,200 individuals. It is situated in a lovely natural setting in Taiping Lake Gardens, near to the foot of the Larut Hill (Maxwell Hill). If you missed out on your visit to the Zoo in the day, do not worry as the Zoo reopens after dark for visitors to observe the nocturnal animals. To maintain the natural habitat of the animals, Taiping Zoo displays the animal using special lighting that resembles moonlight.

Taiping Zoo

Spread over an area of 36 acres, the Taiping Zoo has taken on an expansion program that involves the creation of new "Open Concept" animal enclosures. These enclosures, which take into account the natural environment of the respective animal, have been favourably received by the public, both for their intrinsic elegance and thoughtful nature.

Night Safari

Taiping Zoo is the first zoo in Malaysia to host Night Safari for its visitors. You can also hop on the miniature train that chugs around the area if your feet are feeling tired from the walk.

Read Less

Location:
Jalan Taman Tasik Taiping, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Operating Hours:
8.00 am-11.00 pm (Daily)
Phone:
+605-808 6577
Website:
http://www.zootaiping.gov.my/

Perak Museum

The Perak Museum was the first museum to be established in Malaysia in 1883. Located at the intersection of Jalan Muzium and Jalan Taming Sari, it is directly opposite the Taiping Jail. The 8474 displays depict Malaysia's culture, zoology and geology, among many other pieces of ancient history that have long been forgotten. Some of the exhibits display the culture and products of the native tribes of Perak, including the Senoi and Negrito tribes.

The museum was initially housed in some converted government buildings, while the main building with the unique English and Moorish styles was under construction in 1883. The original building consisted of an office, a library and an exhibition hall (now Gallery A) and was completed only in 1886 due to a lack of funds. It owes its existence to the fundraising campaigns of Sir Hugh Low and Sir Frank Swettenham.

Read Less

Location:
Jalan Taming Sari, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Operating Hours:
9.00 am-6.00 pm (Daily)
Phone:
+605-807 2057
Website:
http://www.jmm.gov.my

Taiping Prison

Built in 1879, the Taiping Prison is the first and oldest modern prison complex in Malaysia. It was also the biggest prison complex at the time. In 1881 Sikh wardens were brought in to support Malaya wardens and vocational teachers were brought in from Hong Kong to set up a useful industry in prison. There was an exercise in 1882 to characterise jail prisoners. A European Warden was appointed in 1889.

With the formation of the Federated Malay States, Taiping Prison became a detention centre for long-term prisoners in Perak, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor. The Visiting Justices system was introduced in 1923. The prison industry was developed and included printing, manufacturing of cloth, sewing and rattan and ironing. The stonework was halted in 1924 and replaced by coconut dehusking. During the Second World War, during the occupation of Japan (1941-1945), Taiping Prison was used as a public prison and also as a Japanese prisoner of war. It was during this time that all the records of the prison and its inmates were destroyed.

Read Less

Location:
Jalan Taming Sari, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak

Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve

Established in 1906, the mangrove forest in this area has become a protected site due to its rare and lush landscape. The forest is home to many unique species which depend on the wet conditions of the forest. The Matang Mangrove Co-Education Center provides a forest walk – a bridge suspended on the forest floor, which helps tourists to see animals such as bats and otters while admiring the mangrove forest. Bird-watching is also a common activity in the centre.

Today, it is known as the world's best-maintained sustainable mangrove ecosystem. This mangrove reserve contains rich and diverse biodiversity that encourage nature lovers to visit and explore its wetlands and resources. Silvicultural projects of the Rhizophora, Lenggadai and Seaward Berus forests carried out professionally by the Perak State Forestry Department are near to this reserve. It is also considered as breeding grounds for several species of marine crustaceans, including crabs, shrimps, lobster, horseshoe crabs and prawns, as well as fish and shellfish.

Mangroves have been shown to act as a natural barrier to tsunamis. Undoubtedly, it is an important location for coastal migratory waterbirds and a portion of migratory forest birds. As many as 43,000 to 85,000 birds can be seen using the forest during migration. According to some ornithologists, there is a small number of rare and shy Great Argus Pheasant (Argusianus argus), locally known as Kuang by the Malays, which keeps close to the ground and makes short flights to low-hanging mangrove branches.

Read Less

Location:
Kampung Kuala Sepetang, 34650 Kuala Sepetang, Perak
Operating Hours:
8.00 am - 7.00 pm

Burmese Pool

The Burmese Pool is a big, naturally formed rock pool in the foothills of Bukit Larut. It's particularly popular with locals – there are many who choose to swim and wade here, as well as hike in the nearby forest. The pool is fed by a small waterfall and is fairly shallow and safe for people who don't know how to swim. The pool is situated within the forest, and visitors can access it from the car park outside via a small trail that leads to it.

This beautiful spot is known to be one of the best places to rest your feet in the water and absorb the fresh air. You may also listen to nature whispering the sweet sounds of forest music that give you inner peace. Walking barefoot around the pool is a great experience. The river is cold and young, the source of the water comes directly from the waterfall of Bukit Larut.

Read Less

Location:
153, Jalan 2, Taman Sentosa, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Operating Hours:
8.00 am-5.00 pm

5D Art Paradise Taiping

5D Art Heaven is a 5D art museum. 5D Art featuring more than 70 optical illusion paintings and installations spanning various styles and themes. It'll be fun as you can make a pose and take artistic pictures with colourful expressions. It is undoubtedly a must-visit spot in Taiping for an unforgettable experience.

5D Art Paradise is suitable for people of all ages. It can also be said that it is one of the most Instagrammable places in Taiping, so don’t forget to take pictures for your Instagram.

Read Less

Location:
25, Jalan Maharajalela, 34000 Taiping, Perak
Operating Hours:
11.00 am-6.00 pm (Wed-Fri),
10.30 am-7.00 pm (Sat & Sun)
Phone:
+6016-521 2693