Top Things to Do in Taiping, Malaysia and Why it Deserves a Spot in Your Itinerary

Taiping might not be the first place that springs to mind when planning a Malaysia getaway from Singapore. But if you’re the kind of traveller who enjoys misty mornings and a slower pace steeped in history and nature, this Perak town just might surprise you.

Known as one of Malaysia’s rainiest towns (and therefore one of its greenest), Taiping offers a refreshing escape from the usual urban bustle. Here are the top things to do there.

Also read: How to Spend 24 Hours in Kota Tinggi, Johor: A 1-Day Itinerary 

First, how to fit Taiping into your itinerary

For Singaporeans, Taiping isn’t the most convenient hop across the border. It’s about 7–8 hours by car or coach, or roughly 4.5 hours if you fly into Ipoh and drive from there. 

But that distance comes with its perks: fewer crowds, unspoilt nature, and that rare sense of discovering something that truly feels like a hidden secret.

Here’s when and how Taiping makes the most sense:

• As part of a road trip: Combine it with Ipoh (1 hour away), Kuala Kangsar (40 minutes), or even Penang (1.5 hours) for a 4–5 day itinerary.
• Over a long weekend or school holiday: The quieter vibe makes it especially appealing for couples, retirees, or families looking for meaningful downtime.
• If you’ve “done” the usual spots: Think of Taiping as your upgrade from Melaka or Penang if you’re after something less commercial but equally rich in stories.

Also read: 7 Must-See Attractions in Perak, Malaysia

Things to do in Taiping

Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut)

Malaysia’s oldest hill station, Maxwell Hill offers crisp air, mossy trails, and panoramic views at over 1,000m elevation. No private vehicles are allowed; visitors ride government jeeps up a winding, thrilling 13km route, an experience in itself. 

The hill is dotted with colonial-era bungalows and is often wrapped in mist. It’s a favourite among birdwatchers and hikers but still flies under the radar for most tourists.

Taiping Lake Gardens

More than just a pretty park, this is Malaysia’s first public garden, established in 1880 on the grounds of a former tin mine. Towering rain trees with massive, twisting limbs line the lakes, their branches supported by steel crutches to preserve their dramatic arches. 

Morning mist often shrouds the landscape, giving the area a dreamlike calm that’s perfect for jogs, cycling, photography, or quiet contemplation. There are swan pedal boats, open-air pavilions, and even a mini Japanese garden tucked within.

Zoo Taiping & Night Safari

This 36-acre facility is Malaysia’s first zoo to introduce a night safari, giving you the chance to see nocturnal animals come alive after dark. Located within the Lake Gardens, it’s also one of the most spacious and naturally landscaped zoos in the country. 

Expect shaded walkways, free-roaming areas, and over 200 species including endangered Malayan tigers, orangutans, and tapirs. The zoo focuses on conservation and education, making it both fun and meaningful for families.

Perak Museum

Malaysia’s oldest museum, founded in 1883, is housed in a lovely colonial structure with arched verandas and whitewashed walls. The collections inside reflect the region’s diverse heritage, from aboriginal tools and textiles to early zoological specimens, weapons, and fossils. 

There’s even an old British steam engine displayed outside. It’s a surprisingly rich cultural stop for such a small town.

Antong Coffee Mill

Step into Malaysia’s coffee history. Established in 1933, Antong is the country’s oldest coffee mill still in operation. The site includes a historic house once occupied by Sun Yat-sen, the Chinese revolutionary. 

You can see how beans are roasted using traditional wood-fired methods, sample strong local kopi, and buy freshly packed beans. It’s a sensory experience and the rich smell of roasting beans alone is worth the visit.

Kuala Sepetang & Charcoal Factory

Just outside Taiping lies Kuala Sepetang, a coastal fishing town with a still-active traditional charcoal factory. Here, workers stack mangrove logs into huge dome-shaped kilns, cover them in mud, and control the burn over several weeks to produce high-quality charcoal. 

Guided tours explain the labour-intensive process, and it’s a fascinating window into a vanishing industry. After the tour, hop over to the riverside for mee udang (prawn noodles) or a boat ride through the mangrove forest.

Also read: 11 Least Explored Destinations in Malaysia You Should Check Out

Local eats & heritage kopitiams

Taiping’s food scene is steeped in old-school charm. Start with Ansari Famous Cendol, where locals have queued for generations. Reviews have called it the best cendol in Malaysia.

Larut Matang Hawker Centre offers everything from char kuey teow to beef noodles, with minimal tourist markup. Bismillah Restaurant, open since the 1900s, still serves hearty roti canai, mee goreng and nasi lemak on tin plates. It’s all comfort food with history.

Colonial architecture & heritage walk

Taiping was Malaysia’s first railway town, and it shows. The old railway station, complete with heritage signage and wooden benches, is still partially intact. The nearby Clock Tower, old post office, and St George’s Institution (est. 1915) offer an open-air museum of colonial-era buildings. 

For a deeper dive, visit Kota Ngah Ibrahim, a 19th-century fort turned museum, which once housed a Malay chieftain and later served as a British administrative centre.

Burmese pool

This natural rock pool, fed by mountain streams from Maxwell Hill, offers a refreshing break after a day of exploring. 

Surrounded by forest, it’s a tranquil local spot popular with families on weekends. Come early on a weekday for a dip in its cool, clear water without the crowds.

Spritzer EcoPark

Yes, this is the same Spritzer you see in water bottles, but here, you can tour the brand’s source and bottling facility while exploring a compact eco-park with mini-golf, rainforest trails, and a cactus garden. 

It’s a surprisingly fun stop, especially for kids, and a good way to round out your Taiping visit with a bit of lighthearted activity.

Also read: 11 Best Free Things to Do in Penang: 2025 Guide for Budget Travellers

Taiping’s timeless appeal

While it may take a bit more effort to get to, the payoff is well worth it. Whether you’re piecing together a Perak road trip or simply craving a quieter, greener side of Malaysia, Taiping might just be your next great discovery.