Taiping The Guide

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TAIPING For more information about Patron Tourism in Taiping, please visit the YBhg. Dato’ Haji Abd Rahim bin Md.Ariff President, Taiping Municipal Gallery at the Taiping Municipal Council following address : Advisors Taiping Municipal Gallery Borhan bin Abdul Halim PWD 105, Jalan Stesen, 34000 Secretary, Taiping, Perak. Taiping Municipal Council +(6)05 8010832 / +(6)05 8048437 Dr. Kevin Lazarus +(6)05 8010835 Director, [email protected] Zoo Taiping & Night Safari © Bluedale Group of Companies Sdn. Bhd. All rights reserved. No re-production, copy or transmission Chief Editor of this publication may be made without written permission. Hanim binti Ramly No contents of this publication may be re-produced, copied Head of Tourism and Media Affairs Division , Taiping Municipal Council or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person Editors involved in unauthorized acts in relation to this publication Syahrulnizam bin Baharom may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages. While every effort has been made to ensure Rizal Ismara bin Ismail Hasmi bin Hassanuddin the accuracy of all the information, the publisher can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Contributors Ami Faizul bin Yaacob For all enquiries related to advertising please contact us at [email protected] Efandi bin Saari Musnarizal bin Abd Manap Marketing & Circulation Siti Idayu binti Md Hasan Nurul Huda binti Shamsuddin Nur Farhana binti Ahmad Lilyyana binti Roslan Nurul Fatin binti Mat Zaki Azyani binti Aripin Nurul Izzati binti Md Akhir Erfan Syazani bin Ismail Rani Karam Kaur a/p Prem Singh Finance & Procurement Rosnita binti Ramli Ahmad Firdaus bin Mustuki Writer Baskar Designer Muhammad Afiq bin Mohd Zaki Published & Printed by: Bluedale Publishing Sdn. Bhd. (769278-W) No.31-2, Block F2, Level 2, Jalan PJU 1/42A, Dataran Prima 47301 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan www.bluedale.com.my [email protected] +(6)03-7886 9219 In Collaboration with YBA Print Sdn Bhd (968296W) No. 28, Jalan 12/152, Taman Perindustrian OUG, Batu 6/5, Jalan Puchong, 58200 Kuala Lumpur [email protected] us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/Taipingtheguide& Follow us at Twitter (@TaipingTheGuide)

TAIPINGCONTENTSContent ListIntroductionForeword 6Message 8Taiping - Preface 10Taiping Town Today 12History 14Taiping - In the view 17of Stella Martin 19History of Taiping Taiping’s Many Firsts 24 26Sejarah 31Sejarah Taiping Perkara-Perkara 39PertamaTaiping 60 66Special Feature 68Sightseeing 70Taiping Heritage Trail 93Sights & Attractions Mode of Transport Makan AnginTarikan Utama Taiping Jejak Warisan TaipingArts & Crafts

Eating Out 95Food Haven 101 Shopping 107Accommodation 110Transportation 116Essential Info 124Map

Useful PhrasesINTRODUCTION PETA M Perlis Kedah Penang Kelantan Terengganu Perak KAMUNTING TAIPING SIMPANG Pahang Selangor Kuala Lumpur Putrajaya Negeri Sembilan Melaka Johor Indonesia 0 100 200km

Useful PhrasesSouth China SeaMALAYSIA Philippines INTRODUCTION Sabah BruneiSarawakIndonesia 5

Foreword From COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN FOR TOURISM , ART, CULTURE, COMMUNICATION AND MULTIMEDIA Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Salam 1 Malaysia dan Salam Perak Aman Jaya Publishing Taiping The Guide is a very dynamic and admirable effort to add value to tourism activities and to promote tourism in Taiping. I want to congratulate The Taiping Municipal Council for successfully producing this guide book, with collaboration and support from players in the tourism industry in Taiping as well as various other agencies. This tourism guide book is the first to be produced in Perak and the Taiping Municipal Council is the first local authority in Malaysia to do so. The Perak State government truly appreciates the effort and cooperation shown and hopes that Taiping The Guide will become a very good reference book which will facilitate visitors and tourist during their visit to ‘Fascinating Taiping’ and enable them to become very familiar with this lovely town. Perak has been blessed with wonderful and beautiful nature, heritage, culture and fantastic food. Taiping, a town in Larut Matang, one of the districts of the twelve districts in the state, is fortunate to have all of these. Lastly, I sincerely hope the tourism industry in Perak and in Taiping specifically will continue to grow and prosper and become one of the main contributors to the economy in Perak as well as Malaysia. Thank you. (YB. DATO’ NOLEE ASHILIN BINTI MOHAMMED RADZI)6

Message From THE PRESIDENT, TAIPING MUNICIPAL COUNCIL YBhg. Dato’ Haji Abd Rahim bin Md. AriffTaiping is the main town in the district of Larut Matang, a district locatedin the state of Perak, Peninsular Malaysia.Taiping was developed within mining activities in the 19th century. Inthe early 1870s, the British intervened and took control of the town. Thepresence of the British in Taiping opened up opportunities for the entryof many international communities into this town.Taiping has more than 10 popular tourist attractions such as Eco andAgro products of Batu Kurau, Zoo Taiping & Night Safari, Taiping LakeGardens, Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut), Matang Mangrove Forest, PerakMuseum, Taiping Heritage Trail, Kampung Dew Fireflies and HomestayBukit Gantang. The main attractions are Zoo Taiping with Night Safariand Taiping Lake Gardens as they are capable of attracting visitors andtourists.Visitors and tourists come to Taiping for three reasons: • The beauty of nature • The elements of heritage • A variety of food at reasonable prices.Taiping is endowed with a beautiful natural geography.Tourism products in Taiping include tropical rainforest at a height of 1,400 meters above sea level inBukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) up to Kuala Sepetang whichis a mangrove swamp rich with coastalactivities. The Mangrove trees aremanaged expertly and recognized asthe best managed Mangrove Forestin the world. Taiping is visited bytourists from countries in Asiasuch as China, Japan, Korea andSingapore. However, now, moretourists from European countrieshave started visiting Taiping. 7

Taiping has continued its effort to preserve many heritage buildings which givethe town its unique feel. The town made a maintenance plan and has implementedit to maintain Taiping as a heritage town. The preservation of nature is also takeninto consideration and added as a supportive element.With the various development plans and programs, the federal and stategovernments support Taiping which has an infinite potential to become a majortourist town, especially for international tourists. Taiping’s best assets areTaiping's heritage, nature and diversity of food delicacies. In addition, visitorsand tourists come to enjoy the atmosphere of Taiping town which is not busyand crowded, but quiet and leisurely. They also like a variety of interestingcharacteristics from various races and ethnicities. All the uniqueness in Taipingis an attractive package that can make visitors and tourists want to extend theirstay in Taiping and want to visit again.It is undeniable that in recent years Taiping needs strong support from thetourism industry to further stimulate economic growth. The uniqueness inTaiping town has the potential to attract tourists and thus uplift the economyof the town. Recognizing this, the Municipal Council has done a lot to promoteand market Taiping’s tourism products internationally through various means.Among the efforts undertaken are to advertise Taiping tourism products onthe TV screen and Electronic Flight Information Display System (E-FIDS) at theKuala Lumpur International Airport. Another method is to work with bloggers andmagazine writers from abroad to have articles published in their countries. Inaddition to this, the Municipal Council also hosts special guests from out of stateto visit Taiping tourism products so that they can get a lot of information aboutTaiping and share this to the communities in their countries. Taiping city is alsonot lagging behind in promoting Taiping in the social media community which isbecoming a trend now. However, a more consistent effort is through membershipsin TPO (Tourism Promotions Organization) and other international organizationssuch as South East Asian Zoos and Aquariums & Association (SEAZA). Throughthe networks of these organizations, the city hopes to have more opportunities toexposure the various tourism resources in Taiping internationally.Currently we are focusing on the development of two new tourism products thatare the Taiping Heritage Trail and Perak Botanical Garden. The Taiping HeritageTrail project has been completed and now the town plans to train all productowners in the route concerned about their roles and responsibilities in thisproject. Meanwhile, the Perak Botanical Garden project implementation has juststarted and is expected to take about 5 years before completion. At the sametime, The Municipal Council will continue to streamline planning to upgradethree other famous tourism products namely Zoo Taiping & Night Safari, TaipingLake Gardens and Bukit Larut. For these projects, The Municipal Council willwork together with various agencies in the state and federal levels such as theNorthern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), Tourism Malaysia, Ministryof Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Tourism Perak and others. Through the closecooperation with various agencies, the Taiping tourism industry is expected to bemore robust and dynamic.8

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HistoryINTRODUCTION T aiping - Preface“ The architectural pretensions impressive list includes the first of all buildings at the advice of railway, the first telegraph office, the Mr Swettenham shows a very first specifically designed museum great improvement in taste on building and the first fire brigade, to those which were erected in the name but a few. preceding years, and ……. are equal Taiping became the town of in beauty of design and excellence everlasting peace‟ by force of of workmanship to anything to be circumstance. It was born out of found in any older Colony. the bloody struggle and strife of”Sir Hugh Low, communal war over the tin mining Resident of Perak 1884-1899 area that led to its formation to Taiping derives its name from commemorate the end of the Larut Chinese, Tai-Peng which means Wars in 1874 and as a neutral zone Everlasting Peace. In its early for the warring parties. Its history can years, Taiping was one of the tin be traced back to the beginning of tin mining capitals of the world. Unlike mining in Larut around 1844. other mining towns, Taiping evolved into a place where scenic beauty Abstract from Taiping Life and Soul and urban charm came together so harmoniously that it has the appearance of a natural paradise. Indeed, it is blessed with some of the best environmental settings in the land with lakes, forests, hills and waterfalls. Being the wettest area in Peninsular Malaysia, the town is relatively cool and refreshing. Taiping, with Bukit Larut (formerly known as Maxwell Hill) as its backdrop, offers some of the most awe-inspiring scenery unparalleled by many other towns. Taiping has always been a place Tin mines at Larut British Malaya by Sir Frank of many firsts. As the oldest city in Swettenham, 19 July 1906 the former Federated Malay States, it is the starting point of British intervention in the administration of the Malay States. Besides being the first mining centre, Taiping’s 10

T HAIIPSITNOGR-Y History INTRODUCTION The Larut WarsEarly Era : 1840-1875 A series of wars broke out among the miners over the control of the Long Jaafar waterways which were crucial to tin mining activities. Known as the Larut Wars, it was one of the main reasons that led to the intervention of the British in the administration of the Malay States. The Larut Wars were fought between two rival migrant Chinese groups called Ghee Hin and Hai San. To put an end to the warring, the Governor of the Straits Settlements negotiated the Pangkor Treaty which was ratified on 20th January 1874. The rival groups then laid down their arms and established Taiping. Taiping was formally established on 20th January 1874 with the formation of the first British Administration Centre for the Federated Malay States and marked a new era in the nation’s history.It was the early 1840s when Long Che Ngah Ibrahim with his two sons, Wan MuhammadJaafar discovered tin, immediately Isa and Wan Mohd Nasirushering in the beginning of asignificant phase in the history ofthe Larut District. The first tin minewas believed to have been locatedin Klian Pauh (where the TaipingPrison now stands). By 1884, LongJaafar had brought in the firstgroup of Chinese miners to work inthe mines. By 1863, his son, NgahIbrahim had established a modernsystem of administration including apolice station (balai) with Jemandar(corresponding to a lieutenant) incharge of a police force, a judge, amagistrate, a treasurer and a clerk.Long Jaafar has been credited withthe discovery of tin in Larut in 1848.According to legend, Long Jaafarhad an elephant named Larut. Oneday, the elephant went missing andwhen the elephant was eventuallyfound three days later, tin ore wasembedded in the mud that was on theelephant’s legs. 11

HistoryINTRODUCTION British Era : 1875-1937 Tin mining circa 1880 Tin mining led to Taiping being widened to seventy feet and the cross made the state administrative streets to sixty feet. The streets were capital. By 1879, Taiping was a planted with trees as well, leading to thriving town, laid in a gridiron the Taiping Lake Garden. pattern with a main street about a The importance of Taiping as a mining mile long and new buildings that capital is best illustrated by the housed the treasury, army barracks, completion of the first railway track a hospital, a powder magazine, from Taiping to Port Weld in 1885. The a parade ground (esplanade), a first Public Office was constructed in government storehouse, a large jail the 1880s to better administer the with bungalows for officers, and the growth of Taiping, a model city for British Residency. other British-administered towns in the Malay States. The development of Taiping ran parallel with the development of town planning in Britain. The Taiping Sanitary Board (today known as Taiping Municipal Council-MPT) was formed in 1874 to manage issues related to fresh water and sanitation. After the great fire in 1880, a rectangular gridiron‟ planning layout with two-storey brick shop houses was laid with proper drainage and sanitation. The main streets were The British Residency – built in 1877 12

T TAoITwPoIdnNayG INTRODUCTIONAfter Independence, the new Scenery of sunrise from Bukit Larutadministration brought aboutchanges that altered the town’s Public office - todayskyline drastically. After theEmergency, new settlements wereerected around the town centre.These included Pokok Assam, AssamKumbang and Aulong. The TaipingFinancially Autonomous LocalAuthority was established in 1956to replace the City Board formed bythe British in 1930. It was the town’sgoverning council until the formationof the Taiping Municipal Council in1976. New development emergedforming new landmarks in the eraafter Merdeka.The Lake Gardens are not the onlydirect consequence of the tin mines.More than a century later, thislegacy also influenced the mappingof a tranquil blueprint‟ for modernTaiping. Colonial structures, publicgardens and houses of worship lineTaiping’s wide streets. They are partof a list of many firsts‟ that Taipingcan still proudly exhibit and owes itsreputation to as the pioneering siteand source of historic landmarks.A typical townhouse 13

HISTORYT AIPING In The View of Stella Martin 1 . Place of peace Rushing between Cameron Highlands and Penang, many tourists miss out on Taiping. Originally called Larut, it grew following the discovery of tin ore in 1840. However, this prosperity also sparked civil wars that raged until the British intervened in 1874. To commemorate the signing of a treaty, the town’s name was changed to Tai-Peng, which means Eternal Peace. Soon afterwards, the British chose the town as their administrative centre. Many gems of Victorian architecture can be visited. Just pick up a Heritage Trail brochure from the tourist office. Taiping proudly boasts a total of 33 firsts for Malaysia. It has the country’s first town, railway, post office, hospital, museum, golf course, police station, prison, zoo, airfield and war cemetery for Allied troops perished in World War II. 2. Make It To The Lake Providing a tranquil heart to the city, the 64ha Lake Gardens was created when an abandoned tin mine was flooded in the 1880s. It was the first public garden in Malaya. Ancient rain trees lined the lakes. Landscaped with bridges, islands, and pagodas. There are paddle boats, walking tracks, cycling lanes, a playground and roller-skating rink. Monkeys and bird species like king-fishers, parakeets and horn-bills can be seen in the gardens. 3. Walk With The Animals As a visitor to Malaysia’s premier national park Taman Negara will at- test that it is difficult to find the country’s intriguing wildlife in its dense rainforest. Zoo Taiping offers the chance to see many of these animals in spacious enclosures spread over 14ha within the Lake Gardens. Although it also displays African, Amazonian and Australian fauna, the highlights 14

In The View of Stella Martin HISTORY are Malaysia’s less familiar natives. For a reasonable fee you may be able to enter the Rainforest Experience enclosure. Barking deer or a binturong sneezing on a branch is a sight to behold. Although it’s not particularly feline in demeanour, this shaggy, dopey-looking beast is the largest civet cat. Encounters with porcupines occur fairly often. Stay away from them since they can be aggressive when perturbed. Besides that, spot the slow loris, black and white tapirs and the mouse deer (the world’s smallest hoofed animal). Watch the gibbons swinging over their personal island. A spectacular sight worth waiting when a tiger swims across an unfenced pond. Even though it cannot climb the bank but its steady gaze is unnerving.4. The Night Has Eyes Since many animals in the zoo are nocturnal and idle by day, the gates are reopened at 8pm for a night safari. Lighting that mimics moonlight allows visitors to observe the animals without disturbing them. We will come across the binturong munching on fruit hanging upside down from a branch and slow loris on the move. Besides that, you can see the sun bear with distinctive pale crescent on it chest and snout stands out from its black fur. Small cats are the most exciting to look at with their exquisite prowling.5. Hitting The Heights Seeking a retreat from the tropical heat of the lowlands, the British established the country’s first hill station at Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill), next to the Lake Gardens, in 1879. In the olden days, the steep climb to the 1250m summit was a rough trek with senior officers being carried on sedan chair. However, now getting there is half of the fun. Private cars are prohibited and motorised access is restricted to government-owned vehicles (tickets are inexpensive), which ascend the zigzag bends with ease. It takes about 30 minutes to climb the 10km hill slope. This hill station preserves much of the atmosphere of yesteryear with colonial- style bungalows and euphoric flower gardens.6. Firefly Fantasy In the vicinity of Kampung Dew by the banks of the Sepetang River one of nature’s greatest spectacles when fireflies in the mangroves light up for an evening of primal seduction. These marvellous bio-luminescent beetles perform on increasingly rare berembang trees. The males synchronise their flashing until entire trees are twinkling like Christmas tree.7. Managing The Mangroves Kuala Sepetang, formerly known as Port Weld is well worth the 15km trip from Taiping. From the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve education centre, follow the boardwalk through coastal forest and you may even be invited to plant a few trees by the local’s nature preservation society. The northern end of the reserve, Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, boasts more 15

HISTORY In The View of Stella Martin than 160 species. With strict controls on the areas cleared and replanting, the mangroves are harvested sustainably for charcoal production. Kuala Sepetang is important for fish farming and cockle-harvesting centres. The riverbanks are lined with busy seafood restaurants. Take a relaxing cruise on the river. You might be lucky enough to see eagles and Indo- Pacific humpback dolphins. 8. Village People Batu Kurau is situated 30 km from Taiping, it welcomes visitors seeking the relative tranquillity of a traditional kampong (Malay village). We are led to the house of one of the many craftsmen of the kampong. They include a young man who weaves mats or screens using traditional methods and sells them online. We then get swept into the celebration since it’s Aidilfitri, the month of returning to normal after Ramadan and villagers will be taking turns to host the celebration. For visitors wishing to spend a longer time, Kurau Stone offers reasonable priced chalets with fishing and other activities. 9. Town Treats Antong Cafe claims to be Malaysia’s oldest coffee factory and in its seventh decade, it still cooks the beans in wood-fired ovens and fries them in melted sugar mixture. Malaysians do like their coffee sweet. Visitors observe the process then sample the product which includes innovative combination with durian. Don’t miss the restaurant devoted to cendol, lemang (mix of coconut milk poured into lengths of bamboo and cooked for three hours). On Friday or Saturday nights , head for the Cross Street Bazaar, a market catering to locals. Women cluster around stalls that specialize in headgear, while men are drawn to cars kitted out with flashing lights, speakers and video screens. 10. Taiping Heritage Trail THE CONCEPT OF HERITAGE TRAILS aims to expose and promote places that has heritage elements. It also promotes parts of Taiping that are naturally preserved. Heritage Trails could also improve the image of Taiping Heritage City. The uniqueness of Taiping city can be captured and strengthened. The Heritage Trail only covers a small part of Taiping so it requires careful planning to ensure tourists can visit as many places as possible in a limited time frame. The Heritage Trail has a special route that has been developed around unique buildings with the heritage sites in the city center. 16

History of Taiping HISTORYTaiping functioned as the capital of Perak since 1873 till 1937. The British government had developed Taiping by erecting some important buildings such as the bursary office, police station, hospitals, weaponry warehouseand government store. In 1883, the total population was 6,000 people – withthe majority made up of Chinese and a small group of Indians (Chetty).Since 1883, Taiping has developed rapidly with buildings such as governmentoffices, a justice Hall, a reading room and a library. Communication andaccessibility were also developed. Roads that connected Taiping and ParitBuntar were built in 1883 together with the Telegraph lines that was installedalong the way.Train rails were also built to connect Taiping and Port Weld. On February12th, 1885, the first commercial train service was introduced for publictransportation connecting Port Weld and Taiping.At the time, Port Weldwas well-knownfor its role as a portbustling with tradingactivities betweenTaiping and PulauPinang, Ulu Perak,Kinta as well as TelukAnson (Teluk Intan).Meanwhile, HospitalYing Wah was builtfor the poor at thetime. A newspaper inTamil language waspublished by SyedAbdul Hassan IbniBurhan who was an Arabian. At the same time, he also published a Malaynewspaper called Sri Perak and another one 3 years after, called JajahanMelayu. An English newspaper, Perak Pioneer, was published in July 4th,1894. 17

IHISTORY History of Taiping Police force was established with the Punjabis and Pathans as the officers. Meanwhile, an army force called Malay States Guides was also established around the same time. Taiping had an English school (the first in Malaya) built in Kamunting. It was built and opened by Sir Hugh Low in 1878. It was known as Central School and was attended by the children of tin mine owners and workers. Other schools were built in 1877 especially girls school. In 1902, one of the schools was named Treacher’s Girl School in honor of the services given by Mrs. Treacher – the wife of Perak Resident, William Treacher. A few years later, quite a number of schools were established while the Central School was moved to a new building and renamed King Edward VII School. Even though Taiping was rapidly developing, World War II changed the game. The capital of Perak was shifted to Ipoh as it is located at the center of the state to make administration matters easier. Regardless, the buildings in Taiping meant for its former role of being the capital of the state were retained and used for other beneficial purposes. Planning and Development of Taiping Taiping is one of the earliest towns developed in West Malaysia during the 1800’s. This town was established to accommodate the growth of tin mining. It also functioned as the British administration office before Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur were developed. This is proven true as the city has around 30 historical sites which are also the firsts in West Malaysia. Development aspects for important historical trails include: • History of the Town Planning and Development • History of Economics Development • History of Larut Taiping Town was an administrative center for Perak. It’s complete with the essential components that make up a town. These include administrative offices as well as centers for education, recreation, places of worship, business, safety and civic center. 18

‘ Taiping’s Many Firsts HISTORY S FMIRASNTYS 1. 1873 – Captain Speedy’s Bungalow Built by Mentri Ngah Ibrahim for Captain Speedy in 1873, located at the junction lot of Mentri Street, Matang. One of two surviving examples of colonial style houses.2. 1874 – Taiping TownshipThe first town in Malaya to have official and formal administration centres.3. 1874 – Treasury & Audit OfficeUsed to be the Treasury and Perak Audit Office & the Government Saving Bank(Bank Simpanan Kerajaan), the first government bank in the Malay States. The firstever steel safe in the Malay States, a made-in-England Chubb brand, was installedhere.4. 1875 – Our Lady Sacred of theHeart ChurchOriginally a simple wooden structured erectedup the hill. New structure built in 1880 andcompleted in less than 4 years. Became theonly Roman Catholic Church and parish inTaiping5. 1875 – Matang Headman’s HallBuilt as the Headman’s Hall or Balai Penghulu for Larut, it is an administrativeoffice and court of Penghulus to deal with petty civil matters. Undergone severalrenovations to accommodate to current needs.6. 1875 – Assistant Resident’s ResidenceUsed to be the Assistant British Resident’s residence and occupied by Captain 19

HISTORY Taiping’s Many Firsts T.C.S Speedy and later by Sir Edward Maxwell. Today, it is the official residence of the Larut, Matang and Selama District Officer. 7. 1875 – The Esplanade The Esplanade, also known as Padang was built in 1890 by Colonel Robert S. F. Walker, the Commandant of the Police and Military Force. It had barracks, club house and a church. Used as a parade field for marching and processions as well as a cricket field. 8. 1877 – Telegraph Office A double-storey brick structure, built in 1885. The first inland telegraph service was introduced in 1876. The postal service was then added to the duties of the telegraph office, enabling telegrams to be issued as a means of communication between Matang and Taiping. 9. 1877 – Larut Municipal Taiping was established in 1874. By 1882, Taiping had become a pretty well laid-out town. The formal town government of Municipal Rules, Larut for the welfare and development of the town was based on methods and organization obtaining in the United Kingdom at that time. Hugh Low set up some form of administration for the health and public services of the town. A Municipal Regulation was in force from 1885 and 1888 passed by the State Council. A form of Sanitary Board on the lines of the former administration was established by Frank Swettenham in 1892. 10. 1879 – British Officers’ Mess Built around 1907 as the British Officers Mess for the Malay States Guides armed force. the first Officers Mess for the Para- military in the Malay States. Located near the British army unit’s headquarters, serving as a rest house and for hosting social events held by the armed forced officers. Now, the building is known as Wisma Perwira Batalion Kesembilan Rejimen Renjer DiRaja. 11. 1879 – Maxwell Hill In the early 1884, the British established a hill retreat encased within tropical rainforest with bungalows for their officers at the peak of the hill. Most of these bungalows are still preserved until today. Rising 1,036 m above sea level, Bukit Larut is the oldest and smallest hill resort in Malaysia. Today, Bukit Larut still remains as a hill resort. 12. 1879 – Taiping Gaol Taiping Prison was originally named Perak Prison and also known as Taiping Gaol. In 1879, it was the largest prison complex in the Malay Peninsula. Officially gazetted as Penjara Taiping in 1992. 20

Taiping’s Many Firsts13. 1879 – Town Rest House HISTORYOriginally a single-storey timber buildingand served as the governor’s residence,built in 1879. The first rest house in theMalay States. 14. 1881 – New Public Office Designed with Victorian Neo-classical architecture, built in 1897. Today, the building houses the Land & District Office of Larut Matang.15. 1881 – Town Police Station / Clock TowerOnce known as The Fort, it is an iconic landmark of Taiping. The original timberbuilding was built in 1881 and rebuilt with bricks in 1891. Between the year1908 and 1950, the clock tower building was used as the Town Police Stationand also functioned as a fire station.16. 1883 – All Saints ChurchDesigned by the Australian architect,Mr. George A. Lefroy, and is constructedin Gothic design – mainly of timber. Thechurch, which survived the Japaneseoccupation, has retained many originalfeatures such as the east window ofstained glass, the wooden pews andmany commemorative brass plaques.Gazetted as a National Heritage Buildingin 2012 and it is still used as a place of Christian worship by the AnglicanChurch.17. 1883 – King Edward SchoolVII School / Central SentralBuilt in 1883, it is the second English-medium school in Taiping, originallyknown as Central School.Renamed as King Edward VII School, in conjunctionwith the coronation of King Edward VII.18. 1884 – Taiping Market Malaysia’s best-preserved example of a 19th-century timber structure. The second market building (dry market) was built in 1885 and located along Jalan Kota (Kota Road).19. 1884 – Taiping LakeGardenLies on a flat ground right atthe foot of the Larut Hills and isknown as the Public Garden. Thelake is fringed with the same RainTrees which still stands today. 21

HISTORY Taiping’s Many Firsts 20. 1884 – Taiping Railway Station The first modern railway line in Malay Peninsula was introduced in Taiping. The original railway station was built by the Federated Malay States Railway (FMSR). The original site for the railway station was at King Edward VII (I) Primary School. In 1910, the railway station was relocated and the tracks were extended to the north. 21. 1885 - Perak State Railway Building and Larut Railway Building A combination of old and new architectural styles of two-storey timber structure built in 1885 with new addition of a two-storey brick building. 22. 1886 – Perak Museum The Perak Museum, built in 1883, is the first museum in Malaysia. This unique building features the designs of the Moorish combined with Neo-classical and Victorian architecture. Houses several rare collections such as ethnology artefacts, zoology specimens, ceramics and interesting collections from the Orang Asli Community. 23. 1886 – Taiping Golf Course The first golf course in Malaysia. 24. 1887 – Kwang Tung Association Built by the Kwangtung Association branch in Taiping in 1887 to protect the welfare of members of the association. Kapitan Keng Cheng Kwee was the main leader to lead the construction of the association’s building. 25. 1888 – Independence Memorial Library The original building at this site was constructed in 1882 and used as a reading room for the British Government Officers. The current Victorian building that replaced the reading room was built by the British government in 1912. Currently, this building houses the public library known as the Independence Memorial Library. 26. 1889 –Treacher Methodist School The first girls’ school established by the Perak Government in 1889 and known as Government Girls’ School, with an enrolment of 8 pupils. The Methodist later took over the school and re-named it Lady Treacher Girls’ School. 27. 1891 – Topo and Survey Office The former Topo and Survey Office building, known for its Anglo-Indian architecture, is a restored former government office. The building, completed in 1891, was designed by G. A. Lefroy, an architect and chief surveyor fromAustralia. Today, this building is used to house the Taiping Municipal Gallery. This double-storey building is the best example of timber-and-brick building architecture in Taiping. 22

Taiping’s Many Firsts HISTORY 28. 1899 – Ceylon Association The Ceylonese founded the Victoria Reading Room at Main Road in 1898. Later to be known as Ceylon Association in 1899, this is the first Association for the Ceylonese established in the Malay States. 29. 1902 – Matang Mangrove ForestThe State forest of Matang District inPeninsular Malaysia is one of the fewexisting mangrove forest schemeswhich have been monitored sinceearly colonial times. Today, mangrovesilviculture practiced in the MatangForestry scheme is the best exampleof good management and noted as theleading expert in mangrove forestrytechnique.30. 1930 – Tekah Aerodome The landing ground is at an average height of 45 ft. above sea level, lies two miles to the north-west of the Town Hall at a site known as Tekka – which has been acclaimed to be one of the best landing grounds east of Suez by Sir Phillip Sassoon and other experts. Tekah aerodrome is the first airfield in the Malay Peninsular.31. 1937 – Silver Jubilee JettyBuilt in 1937, the Silver Jubilee Jetty is a colonial-design jetty constructedusing a combination of public and local community funds. This is the firstjetty to be built in the Malay Peninsula to commemorate the Silver JubileeCelebration of the reign of King George V in England. 32. 1947 – Commonwealth War Memorial Grave Built in 1947, The Taiping War Memorial is the burial place of Allied soldiers who died during the World War II. The first and largest War Memorial in Malaysia. 33. 2003 – Taiping Night SafariThe Taiping Night Safari is a firstof its kind in Malaysia which wasinaugurated by DYMM Sultan AzlanShah Muhibbuddin Shah in June2003. In an effort to maintain theexperience of a natural environment,the Taiping Night Safari attemptsto display nocturnal animals in natural looking settings illuminated by themoonlight like lighting. 23

PENGENALAN Sejarah Taiping B andar Taiping terletak di Daerah Larut Matang, sebuah jajahan utara negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan. Nama asal Taiping ialah Klian Pauh. Perkataan Taiping berasal dari perkataan Cina Tai Peng yang bermaksud Aman Selamanya. Perkataan ini lahir selepas tamatnya beberapa Perang Larut antara puak kongsi gelap Hai San dan Ghee Hin. Taiping telah diterokai oleh seorang Pembesar Melayu Toh Paduka Setia Long Jaafar pada tahun 1880. Penemuan bijih timah di kawasan Klian Pauh, membolehkan Long Jaafar memberi galakan supaya orang-orang Melayu membuka lombong bijih timah. Perusahaan ini telah berjaya memberi hasil yang lumayan. Long Jaafar kemudiannya mengimport buruh-buruh Cina dari Pulau Pinang. Pada tahun 1850, Sultan Abdullah Muhammad Shah II telah menganugerahkan Larut (Taiping) kepada Long Jaafar untuk ditadbir dan dimajukan serta mengurniakan gelaran Orang Besar Jajahan. Long Jaafar meninggal dunia pada tahun 1857 dan anak keduanya yang bernama Ngah Ibrahim telah dilantik untuk mewarisi kepimpinan di jajahan bapanya. Perusahaan lombong bijih timah di Permatang menjadi semakin pesat. Sebagai balasan Ngah Ibrahim telah dianugerahkan gelaran Menteri. Puak Hai San dan Ghee Hin merupakan kumpulan perlombong terawal yang saling bermusuhan dan sering bertelagah khususnya mengenai bekalan air dan merebut kawasan perlombongan. Dalam tahun 1861, puak Hai San telah menghalau keluar puak Ghee Hin dari Larut. Ekoran daripada pergaduhan ini berlakunya beberapa siri pergaduhan yang berlarutan. Pergaduhan yang kedua pada tahun 1865 dan ketiga pada tahun 1871 telah menyebabkan campur tangan Inggeris dan membawa kepada termeterinya Perjanjian Pangkor. Taiping berfungsi sebagai ibu negeri Perak mulai tahun 1873 sehingga tahun 1937. Pentadbiran British telah merintis pembangunan bandar Taiping menerusi pembinaan beberapa bangunan penting seperti pejabat bendahari, balai polis, hospital, gudang senjata dan pejabat kerajaan. Pada tahun 1883, jumlah penduduk Taiping adalah seramai 6,000 orang, 24

Sejarah Taiping PENGENALANmajoritinya berbangsa Cina dan kelompok kecil kaum India (kaum Cetiar).Sejak dari 1883, Taiping pesat membangun, beberapa bangunan sepertipejabat kerajaan dan mahkamah serta sebuah bilik bacaan dan perpustakaantelah didirikan. Komunikasi turut berkembang dengan pesat. Jalan raya yangmenghubungkan Taiping dan Parit Buntar dibina dan siap pada tahun 1883serta diikuti dengan pemasangan talian telegraf di sepanjang jalan tersebut.Landasan keretapi dibina menghubungkan Taiping dengan Port Weld padatahun 1885.Port Weld ketika itu merupakan sebuah pelabuhan yang aktif dengan kegiatanperdagangan di antara Taiping dan Pulau Pinang, Ulu Perak, Kinta dan TelukAnson (Teluk Intan). Kini, Port Weld di kenali sebagai Kuala Sepetang. Hospital Ying Wah untuk orang-orang miskin telah dibina pada tahun 1880. Akhbar berbahasa Tamil telah diterbitkan oleh Syed Abdul Hassan Ibni Burhan, keturunan Arab. Di samping itu, beliau turut menerbitkan pula akhbar Melayu Sri Perak dan tiga tahun berikutnya sebuah lagi akhbarMelayu Jajahan Melayu diterbitkan.Akhbar berbahasa Inggeris Perak Pioneerditerbitkan pada 4 Julai 1894.Sebuah pasukan polis ditubuhkan yang dianggotai oleh orang-orang Punjabdan Pathan. Di samping itu, pasukan askar iaitu, Malay States Guides jugaditubuhkan. Taiping mempunyai sebuah Sekolah Inggeris yang pertamadi negeri iaitu Central School yang terdiri daripada anak-anak pemilikdan pekerja-pekerja lombong. Ianya dibina dan dibuka oleh Sir HughLow dalam tahun 1878. Pada tahun 1902, sebuah sekolah perempuandibina dan dinamakan Treacher’s Girl School sebagai penghormatan keatas perkhidmatan Puan Treachers, isteri kepada Residen Perak, WilliamTreachers. Beberapa tahun kemudiannya, banyak sekolah telah didirikan danCentral School telah berpindah ke bangunan baru serta dinamakan SekolahKing Edward VII.Pada tahun 1937, iaitu selepas Perang Dunia Kedua, gelaran ibu kota negeriPerak telah berpindah dari Taiping ke Ipoh. Sungguhpun begitu Taiping kekalsebagai bandar yang memertabatkan peninggalan warisan sejarah menerusipelan pembangunan yang terancang serta mengekalkan elemen warisansejarah. Bangunan-bangunan yang dibina di Taiping semasa menjadi ibu kotanegeri Perak masih kekal dan digunakan sehingga kini. 25

SEJARAH Perkara-Perkara Pertama Taiping Perkara- Perkara Pertama Taiping 1. 1873 – Rumah Kapten Speedy Rumah Kapten Speedy telah dibina oleh Menteri Ngah Ibarahim pada tahun 1873. Ianya terletak di persimpangan Jalan Menteri, Matang dan merupakan salah satu contoh rumah British yang masih ada. Kapten Speedy adalah pegawai British yang dilantik oleh Ngah Ibrahim untuk membantu menjaga keamanan daerah Larut. 2. 1874 – Bandar Taiping Bandar pertama di Malaysia yang dibangunkan dengan pusat-pusat pentadbiran rasmi dan sekolah-sekolah Inggeris. 3. 1874 – Pejabat Perbendaharaan dan Audit Bangunan ini berfungsi sebagai pejabat Kewangan & Audit Perak dan Bank Simpanan Kerajaan, iaitu bank kerajaan pertama di Malaya. Peti besi pertama di Malaysia berjenama Chubb daripada England, turut dimuatkan di sini. 4. 1875 - Gereja Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Gereja ini pada mulanya hanyalah sebuah bangunan kayu di atas bukit. Bangunan baru dibina pada 1880 dan siap dalam masa 4 tahun. Ianya menjadi satu-satunya gereja Katolik-Roman di Taiping. 5. 1875 - Balai Penghulu Matang Bangunan ini dibina sebagai pejabat pentadbiran dan dewan mahkamah bagi para penghulu untuk menguruskan hal perundangan berkaitan kawasan pentadbiran di kampung masing-masing dan lain-lain. Ianya telah melalui beberapa pengubahsuaian untuk menampung keperluan semasa. 6. 1875 - Kediaman Penolong Residen Bangunan ini menjadi kediaman Penolong Residen seperti Kapten T.C Speedy dan Sir Edward Maxwell. Kini ia menjadi kediaman rasmi Pegawai Daerah 26

Perkara-Perkara Pertama TaipingLarut, Matang. Kini ia merupakan kediaman rasmi Pegawai Daerah LarutMatang.7. 1875 - Padang ‘Esplanade’ SEJARAHKawasan padang ini dibangunkan padatahun 1890 oleh Kolonel Robert S.F.Walker, Komandan Polis dan Tenterapada waktu itu. Di kawasan sekitarnyaterdapat berek-berek, rumah kelab dansebuah gereja. Padang ini digunakanuntuk upacara kawad dan juga padangpelbagai aktiviti sukan seperti kriket,rugbi dan lain-lain.8. 1877 – Pejabat TelegrafPejabat telegraf ini menyediakan perkhidmatan servis telegraf pertamasekitar tahun 1876. Khidmat pos ditambah untuk pengeluaran telegram bagimemudahkan komunikasi antara Matang dan Taiping.9. 1877 – Perbandaran LarutPusat Perbandaran yang pertama ditubuhkan oleh Residen British untukmembangun dan menjaga kesejahteraan bandar Taiping. Pelbagai badan-badan pentadbiran ditubuhkan untuk tujuan ini.10. 1879 - Mes Pegawai TenteraBritishBangunan ini dibina sebagai Mes PegawaiBritish untuk unit bersenjata Malay StatesGuides. Ianya terletak berhampiran ibupejabat unit tentera British serta digunakansebagai rumah rehat dan ruang untuk acarasosial bagi pegawai-pegawai tentera. Kini,ia dikenali sebagai Wisma Perwira Batalion Kesembilan Rejimen Renjer DiRaja.11. 1879 – Bukit LarutPada tahun 1884, pihak British membinapusat peranginan di sini di manabeberapa banglo telah dibina untukpegawai British. Kebanyakan banglo inimasih ada sehingga kini. Bukit Larutadalah resort bukit tertua dan terkecil diMalaysia dengan ketinggian 1036 m dariaras laut.12. 1879 – Penjara TaipingPada mulanya digelar Penjara Perak atau Taiping Gaol. Penjara Taipingyang dibina pada 1879, merupakan seluruh kompleks penjara terbesar diSemenanjung Malaysia. Secara rasminya digazet sebagai Penjara Taipingpada tahun 1992. Ia dibangunkan di Taiping memandangkan Taipingmerupakan ibu negeri Perak dari tahun 1874-1937.13. 1879 - Rumah Rehat BandarBangunan ini pada mulanya adalahbangunan kayu satu tingkat dan digunakansebagai kediaman gabenor, dibina pada 27

Perkara-Perkara Pertama Taiping tahun 1879. Ianya juga merupakan rumah rehat pertama di Semenanjung Malaysia.SEJARAH 14. 1881 - Pejabat Daerah Bangunan ini direka dengan binaan Victorian Neo-Classical. Kini, bangunan ini diguna pakai oleh Pejabat Tanah dan Daerah Larut Matang. 15. 1881 – Balai Polis / Menara Jam Bangunan ini dahulunya dikenali sebagai The Fort. Ia telah menjadi ikon untuk bandar Taiping. Ia, dibina dengan kayu pada tahun 1881, kemudian dibina semula menggunakan batu pada tahun 1891. Antara tahun 1908 dan 1950, bangunan menara jam ini digunakan sebagai Balai Polis Bandar dan juga balai bomba. 16. 1883 – Gereja All Saints Gereja ini telah direka oleh arkitek dari Australia, Mr. George A. Lefroy, dan dibina dengan rekaan Gothic. Gereja ini masih mengekalkan ciri-ciri asalnya seperti tingkap kaca berwarna dan banyak plak tembaga peringatan. Ianya digazet sebagai Bangunan Warisan Negara pada 2012 dan masih digunakan sebagai gereja Anglican. 17. 1883 - Sekolah King Edward VII Sekolah ini dibina pada tahun 1883 dan merupakan sekolah aliran Inggeris yang kedua di Taiping. Pada mulanya, ia dikenali sebagai Central School dan kemudiannya dinama sekolah King Edward VII sempena pertabalan King Edward VII di England pada masa itu. 18. 1884 – Pasar Taiping Bangunan ini adalah contoh terbaik bangunan berstruktur kayu abad ke-19 yang dibina pada 1884. Ianya terletak di sepanjang Jalan Taming Sari. Bangunan pasar kedua (pasar kering) dibina pada 1885, terletak di Jalan Kota. 19. 1884 – Taman Tasik Taiping Taman Tasik Taiping terletak di kawasan tanah rata di kaki Bukit Larut dan juga dikenali sebagai Taman Awam. Tasik ini dikelilingi pokok hujan-hujan atau Samanea Saman dan mempunyai 8 tasik dan kolam tinggalan dari aktiviti perlombongan bijih timah sebelum ini. 20. 1884 – Stesen Keretapi Taiping Keretapi moden yang pertama di Semenanjung Malaysia mula-mula diperkenalkan di Taiping. Stesen asal dibina 28

Perkara-Perkara Pertama Taiping SEJARAHoleh Federated Malay States Railway (FMSR). Tapak stesen yang asal terletakdi Sekolah King Edward VIIl (Jalan Stesen , Taiping). Pada tahun 1910, stesenini dipindahkan dan landasannya dipanjangkan ke arah utara.21. 1885 - Bangunan Keretapi Negeri Perak dan LarutBangunan ini mempunyai kombinasi seni binaan lama dan moden. Bangunankayu 2 tingkat ini dibina pada 1885 dengan tambahan dua tingkat binaanbatu bata.22. 1886 – Muzium PerakMuzium Perak dibina pada tahun 1883 danmerupakakan muzium pertama di Malaysia.Ciri binaannya yang unik memaparkanrekaan Moorish digabungkan dengan gayaNeo-classical dan Victorian. Koleksi-koleksiistimewa pameran di muzium amat istimewaseperti artifak ethnologi, spesimen zoologi,seramik dan koleksi instimewa dari komunitiOrang Asli.23. 1886 – Padang Golf TaipingPadang golf pertama di Malaysia. Padang golf terletak di dalam kawasanTaman Tasik Taiping. Pada tahun 1988, padang golf ini ditutup di atas sebab-sebab keselamatan dan aktiviti golf beralih ke padang golf di Bukit Jana,Kamunting.24. 1887 – Persatuan Kwang TungBangunan ini dibina oleh Persatuan Kwang Tung cawangan Taiping padatahun 1887 untuk menjaga kebajikan ahli-ahlinya. Kapitan Keng Cheng Kweemerupakan ketua yang mengusulkan pembinaan bangunan persatuan.25. 1888 - Perpustakaan PeringatanKemerdekaan TaipingBangunan asal dibina pada 1882 dan digunakansebagai bilik membaca untuk pegawai British.Bangunan Victorian yang menggantikan bilikmembaca dibina oleh British pada 1912. Kini,bangunan ini merupakan perpustakaan awam dandikenali sebagai Independence Memorial Library. 26. 1889 - Sekolah Menengah Treacher Methodist Sekolah ini merupakan sekolah perempuan pertama ditubuhkan oleh kerajaan Perak pada 1889 dan dikenali sebagai Government Girls’ School dengan jumlah pelajar seramai 8 orangpada mulanya. Pihak Methodist telah mengambil alih sekolah tersebut danmenamakannya Lady Treacher Girls’ School.27. 1891 – Pejabat Topo dan PemetaanBangunan Pejabat Topo dan Pemetaan yang lama, dikenali dengan senibinaAnglo-Indian, adalah pejabat kerajaan yang dibaik pulih. Bangunan ini siapdibina pada 1891 dan direka oleh G.A. Lefroy, arkitek dari Australia. Kini, 29

Perkara-Perkara Pertama Taiping bangunan ini digunakan sebagai Galeri Perbandaran Taiping. Bangunan dua tingkat ini adalah contoh terbaik binaan kayu dan batu di Taiping.SEJARAH 28. 1899 – Persatuan Ceylon Orang-orang daripada Ceylon mengasaskan Bilik Bacaan Victoria yang asal di Main Road ( Jalan Taming Sari) pada tahun 1898. Ia dikenali sebagai Persatuan Ceylon pada 1899 dan merupakan persatuan pertama bagi pendatang di Semenanjung Malaysia. 29. 1902 - Hutan Paya Laut Matang Hutan negeri di daerah Matang adalah hutan paya laut yang telah dijaga dengan rapi sejak zaman jajahan British sehingga kini. Cara pemeliharaan paya bakau dibawah seliaan Perhutanan Matang adalah contoh terbaik dan dilihat sebagai pakar dalam teknik perhutanan bakau. 30. 1930 – Landasan Udara Tekah Landasan mendarat di Tekah ini telah diiktiraf sebagai salah satu landasan mendarat terbaik oleh Sir Phillip Sassoon dan pakar-pakar yang lain. Ia merupakan landasan udara pertama di Semenanjung Malaysia. 31. 1937 - Jeti Jubli Perak Jeti ini dibina pada 1937 dan direka dengan senibina colonial serta dibina dengan gabungan dana dari orang awam dan komuniti setempat. Ia adalah jeti pertama dibina di Semenanjung Malaysia untuk memperingati Sambutan Jubli Perak sempena pemerintahan King George V di England. 32. 1947 - Kubur Peringatan Perang Komanwel Kubur Peringatan Perang ini dibina pada 1974 dan merupakan tempat dimana bersemadinya Tentera Bersekutu yang terkorban ketika Perang Dunia Kedua. Ia adalah kubur peringatan perang yang pertama dan terbesar di Malaysia. 33. 2003 – Night Safari Taiping Night Safari Taiping adalah produk haiwan- pelancongan pertama di Malaysia. Ia dirasmikan oleh DYMM Sultan Azlan Shah Muhibbuddin Shah pada bulan Jun 2003. Dalam usaha untuk mengekalkan persekitaran semulajadi, Night Safari Taiping mempamerkan haiwan yang aktif pada waktu malam dalam habitat semulajadi. 30

SPECIAL FEATURESpecial Feature Zoo Taiping & Night Safari Taiping, Perak, Malaysia Zoo Taiping & Night Safari or officially known as Taman Mergastua Sultan Idris Shah is run by the Taiping Municipal Council. It is located in the famous Taiping Lake Gardens in Taiping, Perak. In 1961, the elected members of the Taiping Town Council, approached the Chief Minister of Perak to submit a proposal on the establishment of a zoo in the Taiping Lake Gardens in order to attract tourists to this town. A 5 hectare site was set aside for this purpose with an intial budget of RM50,000.00. With the encouragement given by the Perak State Government and the Chief Game Warden of Peninsular Malaysia, the zoo was established in 1962. The zoo was officially opened by His Royal Highness Paduka Seri Sultan Idris Iskandar Al-Mutawakkil Alallahi Shah II Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Shah Kaddasullah, the Sultan of Perak. The Zoo was renamed as Taman Mergastua Sultan Idris Shah on 7 March 1964 by the Sultan of Perak. Prior to 1993 the zoo had been increased in size to 10 hectares and a master plan for its redevelopment was prepared. In 1993 the zoo was renovated to its current 14 hectare size. The master plan was updated to consider the increase in size. It included the latest developments of the zoo’s design. The early 1990’s saw the zoo being given priority in its development. The master plan for its development was implemented in stages and financial support from the Federal Government was obtained. Modern enclosures have been constructed 31

SPECIAL FEATURE Special Feature in the zoo. Due to its natural setting, the Taiping Zoo is one of the most naturalistic zoos in the country. An update to the master plan was done in 1995 that incorporated several new ideas. The objectives taken into consideration in the master planning were : • To become a centre for ex-situ wildlife conservation • To become a centre for tourism • To create opportunities for education both formally and informally • To create opportunities for research The zoo’s mission statement is to become one of the main tourist attractions in Malaysia by creating excellent animal exhibits which take into consideration the natural habitats to achieve the objectives of recreation, education, conservation and research. The zoo currently has two loops. The East and West loops are for exhibits. It has a central recreation area, a public services area and an administrative area. Plans are underway to further enhance the zoo through more naturalistic animal exhibits and also the creation of a botanical trail to attract people who enjoys plants in the zoo. A new comprehensive Animal Hospital was constructed to cater for the various veterinary needs at the zoo. Zoo Taiping & Night Safari endeavours to improve in the guest for better exhibits for animals taking into consideration the physical, psychological and physiological needs of the animals we care for as well as improving facilities for the visitors to the zoo. Recent upgradings include a new exhibits for the Malaysian Elephants with a 60m long x 10m wide with a depth of 3.3m for them to swim in, the African Savana exhibits and new tram station. Last year, 12 exhibits were upgraded; among them are the Marmoset and Tamarin Complex, Loveland Forest, Orang Utans, Chimpanzees, Serow, Barking Deer, African Savana holding area, Malayan Tiger, Black Panthers, Golden Cat, Australia Fauna and Seladang. A new restaurant has also been developed called Restoran Mergastua which provides an excellent dining experience with delicious local and Western food. In 2001 and 2002, the Taiping Zoo embarked on an ambitious project to open a Night Safari at the zoo. The concept was along the lines of the Singapore Night Safari but using the same location for the day and night zoo. It allows people to walk or ride on a mini train. After much planning the Taiping Night Safari was opened to the public on the 3rd of March 2003 and was officially opened by the Sultan of Perak, His Royal Highness Paduka Sultan Azlan Muhibbudin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-lah on the 15th of June 2003. In conjuction with the opening of the Night Safari, a new logo for Zoo Taiping & Night Safari was also launched. 32

Special FeatureAdoption Programme - BackgroundZOO TAIPING & NIGHT SAFARIEach animal in the zoo has its own requirements which can be quite SPECIAL FEATUREdifferent and specific. You can help to contribute towards their carethrough Zoo Taiping & Night Safari’s animal adoption program. It wasfirst introduced in 1994. The animal adoption programme is a uniqueprogramme which allows individuals or organizations to sponsor eitheranimals or facilities in the Zoo. All donations will be put to good useeither for animal food, medicine, enrichment programs/maintenance,building of animal exhibits or visitor facilities. Public can sponsoranimals, enclosures or other facilities in Zoo Taiping & Night Safari tohelp in the efforts for conservation and preservation of wildlife. Wehope this programme will generate funds that will continue to help inour conservation efforts, as well as maintaining the habitats for thegood of the current generation and generations to come.Zoo Taiping’s Educational Packages & Night SafariZoo Taiping & Night Safari is a place where the public canlearn about wildlife. The main objectives of Zoo Taiping& Night Safari are as a place for education conservation,recreation, research and training and also for the publicto learn about wildlife. Awareness about welfare andeducation can be conveyed to the public. Zoo Taiping& Night Safari offers educational packages for schoolstudents, university students, families, corporate andothers. Through this education packages, visitorscan increase their knowledge as well as get additionalinformation about wildlife from the rangers on duty. RMPACKAGES STAGES AMOUNT1 PLATINUM RM 50,0000 KE ATAS2 EMAS RM 30,000 - RM 49,0003 PERAK RM 10,000 - RM 29,9994 GANGSA RM 1,000 - RM 9,9995 IKHLAS RM 100 - RM 999For Further Information Please Contact:ZOO TAIPING & NIGHT SAFARIJalan Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.Tel: 605-8086577 Fax: 605-8066025E-mail: [email protected] Laman Web: www.zootaiping.gov.my 33

SPECIAL FEATURE Highlight

Advertisement Advertorial Since 1918Established in 1918 Ipoh Bakery is nearly a century old, stratigicaly located in the middle of Taiping town,Ipoh Bakery is run by the same Hainanese family for 4 generations. Breads, cakes and pasrties are freshlybaked every morning, often using traditional methods. Many of the products in Ipoh Bakery are still veryold school, providing a slice of childhood memories for generations of the local folks in Taiping. Duringweekday afternoons, one will be able to see numerous bread vendors outside the bakery, collecting theirbread to be sold to customers all over Taiping. If you are happen to be in the vicinity, remember to visitand experince this nostalgic old bread bakery. Batard Loaf Pandan Layer Hainanise Bread 144-146, Jalan Taming Sari, 34000,Taiping, Perak. 058073354 http://www.facebook.com/IpohBakery/

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SIGHTSEEINGZoo Taiping & Night Safari Zoo Taiping or Taman Mergastua Sultan Idris Shah II Park is the only zoo located in the north of Peninsular Malaysia. The Zoo Taiping was opened to the public in 1961 and it is located in a natural abode in the Taiping Lake Gardens near the foothills of Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut), covering an area of 34 hectares. Zoo Taiping has started a new concept where the animals are displayed in a naturalistic exhibits which focuses on the animal’s natural habitat. The zoo has its own unique qualities as it is located in an area where nature flourishes with natural streams, tranquil lake and lush greeneries. Zoo Taiping now houses around 1500 animals from 130 species of mammals, reptiles, birds and fishes. Some of the animals displayed here are tigers, lions, hippos, rhinos, giraffe, orang utan and many more. Exhibits at the Malaysian Rainforest Experience, Lowland Forest, Riverine Forest, African Savana and Elephants of the Perak River are some of the exhibits that are specifically designedto imitate the animal’s natural habitats. These exhibits also function asconservation centres in the zoo’s effort to increase the animals’ population,especially the endangered ones. 37

SIGHTSEEING Zoo Taiping & Night Safari On the other hand, the Night Safari in Taiping will give you a whole new experience of zoo-visiting, being the first night zoo in Malaysia. Taiping’s Night Safari is open to public since 2003, providing visitors with the chance of observing the animals at night – the time where most of them are very active. The animals are exhibited in natural surroundings similar to their natural habitat. Special lighting that is very similar to natural moonlight illuminates the area so that visitors can get better sightings of the animals without compromising the animals’ well-being. Visitors will also get to enjoy and embrace the natural surrounding sights and sounds for a more realistic safari experience. Address: Jalan Pekeliling, Taiping Lake Gardens, 34000 Taiping, Perak, Malaysia. Phone No.: +605 – 808 6577 Website: www.zootaiping.gov.my Operating Hours: Zoo Taiping Open everyday including Sundays and Public Holidays (8.30 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.) Night Safari Open every night including Sundays and Public Holidays (8.00 p.m. - 11.00 p.m.) On Saturday Nights and eve of Public Holidays (8.00 p.m. - 12.00 a.m.) GPS Coordinates: 4.854923, 100.7514682 38

Taiping Highlight SIGHTSEEINGTAIPING HERITAGE TRAILT aiping Heritage Trail is one of the tourism products of Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) in collaboration with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) aimed to promote the characteristics of the heritage buildings in Taiping. This heritage trail also highlights thehistory of Taiping 33 Firsts which is slowly forgotten by youths nowadays.Taiping Heritage Trail covers a distance of 11.5km, consisting of 40 locationsof existing heritage buildings that have historical elements and architecturaldiversity. In addition, bus services for Taiping Heritage Trail are available forthe visitors and tourists. 40 Points of Interest in Taiping Heritage Trail1. Zoo Taiping & Night SafariThe Zoo Taiping, formerly known as Taman Mergastua is a beautifully designedZoological Park. Constructed by the Taiping Town Council in 1961 the zoo wasinaugurated by DYMM Sultan Idris Shah II. A major break through for the zoo was theintroduction of the Night Safari , Malaysia’s first nocturnal park in Jun 2003 which wasinaugurated by DYMM Sultan Azlan Muhibuddin Shah. It is Malaysia’s first zoo thatallows visitors to observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.2. Rock GardenThe Taiping Rock Garden is a sculpture garden, a man-made arrangement of artificialrocks. The replication of prehistoric animals is the focal point of interest in this garden.This unique and amazing creation was built around the 1970’s as a form of recreationalcentre for children. It is believed that the idea for the sculptures on this rock islandemerged from the Ultraman series, a favourite television programme among children atthat period.3. Rain Trees - Pokok Hujan-Hujan (Samanea-saman)The Rain Trees or commonly known as Pukul Lima trees were first planted during theera of Mr R. Derry, the officer in charge of Government Parks in 1898. These majesticrain trees, also known by their scientific name, Samanea saman, line the streets of theTaiping Lake Garden, their branches stretching from one end of the road into the wateracross. Built on top of an abandoned tin mine, the garden was opened in 1880, earning aplace in the history books as the first public gardens in Malay peninsular. Undoubtedly,the Rain Tree has become an icon of the Taiping Town.4. The Chinese PagodaThe Chinese Pagoda is a part of Chinese Traditional architecture. It is believed thatthe Chinese Pagoda was constructed around the 1970’s with traditional architecturaldesigns from China. According to Chinese beliefs, newlyweds should walk past thepagoda as a symbol for success in overcoming challenges in married life.5. Tasik DayungTasik Dayung was originally known as Bougainvillea Point. This is because at one time,the complex was filled with rows and rows of bougainvillea plants ,cultivated by theTaiping Municipal Council (MPT) in 1997.This building was constructed as a centre forwater - themed recreational activities around the Taiping Lake Gardens. Now , it is oneof the main tourists attraction in Taiping.6. The Silver Jubilee JettyThe Silver Jubilee Jetty is a colonial – design jetty constructed using a combinationof public and local community funds. This was the first jetty to be built in the MalayPeninsular to commemorate the Silver Jubilee celebration of the reign of King GeorgeV in England. During the British rule, this jetty was used as a starting point for anysport-related activities held at Taiping Lake Gardens. The construction of the jetty wascompleted in 1936. 39

SIGHTSEEING Taiping Highlight 7. The F.M.S Station The F.M.S Station, was established in 2013, serves as an outlet for well known dishes from Taiping. It was conceptually designed to replicate the colonial train coaches since Taiping had the first railway station in the Malay Peninsular. The site was formally the location of the Rajah Rest House which was demolished in 1985. The Rajah Rest House was the first accommodation (Rest House) for the sultans in the Malay Peninsula. 8. The Independence Memorial Library The original building at this site was constructed in 1882 and used as a reading room for the British Government Officers. The current Victorian building that replaced the reading room was built by the British Government in 1912. It was leased in to the Chartered Bank Of India, Australia and China and was the first building in the Malay Peninsula specially erected by the government for a bank. Currently, this building houses the public library known as the Independence Memorial Library. Initially, the town Council was the custodian of the library being handing over to the Perak State Library Corporation in 1986. 9. The Kwangtung Association This building was constructed in 1887 by the Kwangtung Association branch in Taiping to protect the welfare of members of the association. Kapitan Kheng Cheng Kwee was the main leader to lead the construction of the association’s building. The Emperor of China donated a tablet to commemorate the God of War, Kwang Ti, as a tribute to the service of the Hakka, Teo Chew and Hainan societies in Taiping, Perak. 10. The Shun Tak Association The Shun Tak Association was built in 1896 by artisans from Shun Tak District, now known as the Shunde District, in China. The Association was formed to safeguard the welfare of immigrants from this area who came to Taiping. The building served as a community hall where social, cultural and religious events could be conducted. In June 2015, restoration works were completed to ensure the preservation of this historic building. 11. The Taiping Clock Tower The Taiping Clock Tower, once known as The Fort, is an iconic landmark of Taiping. The original timber building was build in 1881 and was rebuilt with bricks in 1891. Between the year 1908 and 1950, the clock tower building was used as the Town Police Station and also served as fire station. 12. Peace Hotel Originally, this building was a dwelling house to a Chinese trader named Cheah Cheang Hooi. It was build in 1928 with straits eclectic architectural style which were incorporated in accordance with local conditions and local climate. In addition, the building was decorated with intricate and unique features. All of these elements were built and carved in various forms of character which makes this a unique building in Taiping. 13. Peking Hotel This two storey building with Anglo Indian architecture was built in 1929. Originally the building is believed to be the residence of a wealthy Taiping businessman. Later, the building was used as the premise of the Taiping Rubber Dealers Association. During the Japanese Occupation from 1941-1945, the building became the headquarters of the notorious Kempeitai (Japanese Military Police). After the war, the building was again used as the Taiping Rubber Dealers Association until 1965. The building was later converted into a hotel and known as the Peking Hotel. 40

Taiping Highlight SIGHTSEEING14. The Taiping MarketThe Taiping Central Market is Malaysia’s best-preserved example of a 19th centurytimber structure. Comprising two sections, the wet market was built in 1884 and islocated along Jalan Taming Sari / Main Road. Besides that, a dry market was builtin 1885 infront of Jalan Kota / Kota Road. Each building is 220 feet long and 60feet wide. Today, they still function as markets and are maintained by the TaipingMunicipal Council.15. Malay MosqueThe masjid Melayu, literally translated as Malay Mosque, is located in the heart ofTaiping town. The mosque was built in 1897 and is the oldest mosque in Taiping. Themosque was constructed in Dutch-English architectural style. It was also a madrasah(Islamic school) for the Muslim community to enhance their knowledge and pratices ofIslam. In the burial ground, lies prominent leaders of Taiping’s pioneers; among them;Toh Puan Halimah, Tengku menteri Wan Mohd Isa and Dr.Burhanuddin Helmi. The lateAllahyarhamah Toh Puan Halimah was the first to be laid to rest here in 1899.16. Amman TempleKuil Amman, also known as Arumigu Nagamuthu Mariamman Temple, is managedby the Taiping Hindu Devalaya Sabah. It is the main place of worship for the localHindu population. There is a believed that a snake once inhabited its ground and wasworshipped by a local woman named Marimuthu Ammal. In 1879, the temple wasregistered and held its first Annual General Meeting also in the same year. Its mainactivities are the annual Pangguni Uthiram and Navathiri Festival Tamil languagecloses, weddings and other religious events.17. Hosian TempleThe original timber structure of the Hosian Temple was built in 1890. It was later rebuiltwith bricks by artisans from China in 1905. The history of the building began with arich tycoon named Cheng Yen Xin who donated a substantial amount of money as asymbol of love and affection for his daughter Lin Ai Zhen who become a female monk.Lin Ai Zhen become the first monk at this temple. The temple is still in use as a placeof worship and is managed by two monks and eight guardians.18. The Hokkien AssociationThe Hokkien Association was established in 1862 to look after the welfare and upholdthe unity of its members who had migrated from the Fujian Province, China.The firstpresident of the association, Ng Boo Bee donated the land and in 1904, the secondpresident, Lim San Kip started the construction of the building. The building has sincethen became the administrative centre for the Hokkien Association.19. The House of Orang Besar JajahanPWD 41 building was built by the British in 1893 as part of the war debt compensation.The Territorial Chief Of Larut Matang & Selama District or commonly known as OrangBesar Jajahan (OBJ). OBJ is a territorial Chief appointed by the Perak Sultan toadminister an area or territory. The building became the official residence of the OBJsince 1899 until now.20. Sikh GurdwaraA Gurdwara building is the place where the Sikh community comes togetherfor congregational worship.The early Sikh Gurdwara was built in 1881 for Sikhpolice members and was located within the police barrack at Jalan Taming Sari,Taiping. It was the first Gurdwara building in the Malay Peninsular. The Gurdwarabuilding was later relocated to Jalan Stesen Hulu ,where it remains until today. Theconstruction of the original timber structure was financed by Mr. Bhai Pall SinghDhoti and completed in 1921. 41

SIGHTSEEING Taiping Highlight 21. Taiping Train Station The first modern railway line in Malay Peninsula was introduced in Taiping. The original site for the railway station was at King Edward VII (I) Primary School which was the first railway station in Malay States and started its operation on 1st June 1885. In 1910, the railway station was relocated and the tracks were extended to the north. The original railway station was built by the Federated Malay States Railway (FMSR). 22. St. George School The foundation stone for the school was laid on 20th June 1914 by Oliver Marks, the acting Resident Of Perak. On 18th January 1915 the school started initially in a building made of timber. Eventually , the main porch in the front flanked by two wings on either side featuring Neo Greek and Neo – Romanesque architecture were built. This new building was officiated by Sir Reginald George Watson, the British Resident Of Perak on 16th September 1915. 23. King Edward VII School The second English-medium school established in Taiping was originally known as Central School, was built in 1883. In 1905, the school was relocated to its present site, which was the former railway station. The school was renamed King Edward VII School, in conjunction with the coronation of King Edward VII in London. The school gate which was erected in 1908 still stands and the rain trees, planted in 1910, still line the school compound to this day. 24. The Town Rest House The Rest House, originally a single-storey timber building which served as the governor’s residence, was built by the British in 1897 . The building, numbered PWD 100 became an important landmark during the Taiping-Port Weld railway era. In 1894, the building was upgraded to a double–storey brick building with the words Rest House 1894 inscribed on the pediment. The building is the first rest house in the Malay States. 25. Taiping Municipal Gallery The Taiping Municipal Gallery building, known for its Anglo-Indian architecture, is a restored former government office. The building,completed in 1891, was designed by G.A Lefroy, an architect and chief surveyor from Australia. This magnificient building was first used by the Perak Trigonometrical and Survey Department in 1891 and became the first Trigonometrical and Survey Office in Perak. From 1931-1935 ,this building was taken over by the Taiping Sanitary Board. Today, this building is used to house the Taiping Municipal Gallery. This double-storey building is the best example of timber-and brick building architecture in Taiping. 26. The House of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee This town house was the home and office of a Chinese Kapitan named Chung Keng Kwee. Built in the 1890’s the house was designed similar to most town houses in the Straits Settlements(Baba Nyonya or Peranakan). The town house, with early Straits Eclectic architecture, has a large main door and delicate carvings on the air vents. 27. The Post Office The post office was originally located in the old telegraph office at PWD 103. In 1899, the post office was relocated to its present building, which was formerly the Treasury and Perak Audit Office. The building also housed the Government Saving Bank (Bank Simpanan Kerajaan) which was the first government bank in the Malay States, a made- in-England Chubb brand, was installed in this post office building. 28. The Telegraph Office The telegraph building is a double–storey brick structure , built in 1885. It is located at the end of the former Port Weld – Taiping railway track. The first inland telegraph service was introduced in 1876. The postal service was then added to the duties of the telegraph office,enabling telegrams to be issued as a means of communication between Matang and Taiping. 42

Taiping Highlight SIGHTSEEING29. The Land and District OfficeThe Land Office and District Office building, designed with Victorian Neo-Classicalarchitecture, was built in 1897. The original building layout was designed by Mr St. FrancisCaufield, a Senior Engineer at the Public Works Department (PWD) in the shape of letterC for Caufield divided the building symmetrically. Today, the building houses the Land &District Office of Larut Matang.30. The EsplanadeThe esplanade also known as The Field was built in 1890 by Colonel Robert S.F Walker,the Commandant of The Police and Military Force incorporating British municipalityfeatures. This includes barracks, club house and a church. The Esplanade was a spaciousarea not only used as a parade field for marching and processions but also as a cricketfield. The main function of the Esplanade was to be a common field with a symbolic aimand emphasis on its official status.31. The Assistant British Resident ResidenceThis was the original site of the PWD 1 building constructed by the British and locatedin Bukit Jelutong, Taiping. It was once occupied by captain T.C.S Speedy, AssistantBritish Resident. In 1884, the building was renamed PWD 2 when the Perak Resident, SirFrank Swetthenham built another new resident at Resident Hill. Since then, the househas undergone changes with each new occupant. After Captain Speedy, the house wasoccupied by Sir Edward Maxwell, who was the Assistant Resident for Sir Hugh Low. Today,it is the official residence of the District Officer for Larut, Matang dan Selama.32. The New ClubThe New Club was formed by members of the Taiping community who could not gainacceptance into the Perak Club. Founded by Colonel Walker and his friends, they gamelycalled it The New Club in defiance of the old club that is the Perak Club.33. Officers’ MessPWD No 7 building was built by the Perak State Government for the Malay States Guides(MSG) in 1906 to replace the original mess building located at the barrack square. Themess was used for recreational and resting place for the British officers residing inTaiping. MSG was commissed in 1896. Today, the building served as the Officers’ Messfor the 9th Battalion Royal Ranger Regiment.34. All Saints ChurchConsecrated on 8th August 1887 by the Right Reverend G.F.Hose, Bishop Of Singaporeand Sarawak. All Saints’ Church is the first English Church in the federated Malay States.The building, designed by George A.Lefroy, an Australian architect features timber and aGothic design. It sits on a prominent rise not far from the centre of Taiping. The churchwhich survived the Japanese occupation has retained many of its original features suchas the east window of stained glass,the wooden pews,the two manual pipe organs, thebelfry with small windows and many commemorative brass plaques. In 2012, the churchwas gazetted as National Heritage Building and it is still used as a place of worship today.35. Perak MuseumThe Perak Museum built in 1883. Is the first museum in Malaysia. This uniquebuilding features Moorish designs that are combined with Neo Classical and Victorianarchitectural styles. The museum houses several rare ethnograpfic, zoological andceramic collections as well as an exhibit on the Orang Asli Community. Many of thecollections are more than a hundred years old. In 2009 this museum gained recognitionas a National Heritage Building.36. Taiping PrisonTaiping Prison was originally named Perak Prison and is also known as Taiping Gaol. In1879, it was the largest prison complex in the Malay Peninsular. Sikh wardens and evenvocational trainers from Hong Kong were brought in to introduce useful trade skills to 43

SIGHTSEEING Taiping Highlight the prisoners in 1881. In 1923 ,the system of Visiting Justices was introduced. On 9th January 1992, the prison was officially gazetted as Penjara Taiping. 37. Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) Bukit Larut, formerly known as Maxwell Hill, with its lush greenery forms an imposing backdrop of Taiping, in the early 1884; The British established a hill retreat encased within the tropical rainforest with bungalows for their officers at the peak of the hill. Most of these bungalows are still preserved today. Rising 1036 m about sea level Bukit Larut is the oldest and smallest hill resort in Malaysia. In those days, ladies were normally carried to the peak in sedan – chairs since it was not accesible to vehicles. The British introduced tea planting at 650 m above sea level but it was later abandoned. Today, Bukit Larut still remains as a hill resort. 38. The Coronation Pool In 1937, the Taiping Sanitary Board built a swimming pool. It was named Coronation Pool to honour the coronation of King George VI on 12th May 1937. Its most unique aspect is that it is a fresh-water pool, the source coming directly from a river nearby. Visitors come for fresh water which is also chlorine-free. 39. Taiping War Memorial The Taiping War Memorial is a burial site for Allied soldiers who died during World War II. Built in 1947, the memorial consist of 866 graves of the fallen who originated Australia, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, United Kingdom and etc. The burial areas are sectioned according to religious beliefs. Four Malaysian are buried here. Major J.H. Ingram established this site and it is the first and the largest war memorial in Malaysia. Currently, it is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. 40. Burmese Pool The name Burmese Pool is believed to have originated from the Burmese soldiers who discovered this place in the 1920’s. The soldiers from the Burma Rifle Regiment were bought to replace the Malay State Guide which was dissolved then. The Burmese Pool is a natural pool and was originally used for recreational activities by the soldiers. The main water source for this pool is the Batu Tegoh River. 44

SENARAI NAMA TEMPAT1 Zoo Taiping & Night Safari 11 Menara Jam 21 Stesen Keretapi Railway Station Zoo Taiping & Night Safari Clock Tower2 Rock Garden 12 Hotel Peace 22 Sekolah St. George St. George School Rock Garden Peace Hotel3 Laluan Pokok Hujan-hujan 13 Hotel Peking 23 Sekolah King Edward VII King Edward VII Shool Rain Tree Walk Peking Hotel4 Pagoda Cina 14 Pasar Taiping 24 Rumah Rehat Bandar Taiping Market Town Rest House Chinese Pagoda5 Tasik Duyung 15 Masjid Melayu 25 GALERI PERBANDARAN TAIPING TAIPING MUNICIPAL GALLERY Tasik Duyung Malay Mosque6 Jeti Jubli Perak 16 Kuil Devalaya 26 Rumah Kapitan Devalaya Temple Kapitan House Perak Jubilee Jetty 17 Tokong Hosian 27 Pejabat Pos7 F.M.S Hosian Temple Post Office F.M.S 18 Perpustakaan Hokkien 28 Pejabat Telegraf Hokkien Association Telegraph Office8 Perpustakaan Peringatan 19 Rumah Orang Besar Jajahan 29 Pejabat Daerah & Tanah Memorial Library Rumah Orang Besar Jajahan District Office9 Persatuan Kwangtung Kwangtung Association10 Persatuan Shun Tak 20 Sikh Gurdwara 30 Padang Esplanade Shun Tak Association Sikh Gurdwara Rock Garden31 Rumah Assistant Resident 35 Muzium Perak 39 Tugu Peringatan Perang Rock Garden Perak Museum War Memorial Cemetery32 New Club 36 Penjara Taiping 40 Burmese Pool Rock Garden Taiping Prison Burmese Pool33 Mes Tentera 37 Bukit Larut Army Mass Rock Garden34 Gereja All Saints 38 Kolam Renang Kemahkotaan All Saints Church Coronation Pool

SIGHTSEEING Bukit LarutTaiping Highlight History of Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) Bukit Larut was formerly known as Maxwell Hill. First discovered in 1879 and developed in 1884 by Willam Edward Maxwell who was the Assistant British Resident in Perak at that high altitude as base for Britsh Officials and Europe’s farmers. Maxwell Hill is the oldest resort in Malaysia with a total area of approximately 6,878.30 hectares. Bukit Larut forms an imposing backdrop of Taiping with its lush greenery. In the early 1884, the British established a hill retreat encased within tropical rainforest with bungalows for their officers at the peak of the hill. Most of these bungalows are still preserved until today. Rising 1,036m above sea level, Bukit Larut is the oldest and smallest hill resort in Malaysia. In those days, ladies were normally carried up to the peak in sedan-chairs since it was not accessible to vehicles. The British introduced tea planting at 650 m above sea level but it was later abandoned. Today, Bukit Larut still remains as a hill resort. Land Rover transportation services are available for those who wish to reach the peak of Bukit Larut. This service is provided by the State Government of Perak and the journey going up to the station at the peak takes about 30 minutes. There are a total of 108 bends (72 sharp bends) for every minute of the trip. Its daylight temperature is around 15 degrees Celcius. Bukit Larut is very suitable for those who wish for a short and peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle in the city. You can also enjoy beautiful sceneries of the Taiping town as well as the Straits of Malacca. Fun Facts about Bukit Larut 1. Bukit Larut is the wettest area in Malaysia. It rains almost every evening here. 46

Taiping Highlight SIGHTSEEING 2. Before the paved road was built in 1948, the British go up the hill by pony-back as well as sedan chair as means of transportation. 3. Visitors, especially the ones from Europe, commented that Bukit Larut is just like Switzerland in spring. 4. During Ramadhan, the area of Bukit Larut is categorized under Zone 3 for breaking fast in the state of Perak. Jungle Trekking in Bukit Larut A lot of people have started to love jungle trekking activity as it is both healthy and rewarding. So, why not get a change of environment and hike up Bukit Larut? A unique and serene hill, Bukit Larut has the kind of green you won’t find anywhere. There are plenty of jungle trails and one of the most popular ones is the GunungHijau trail. Along the way, you will encounter a lot of pretty sights of the Taipingtown as well as various kinds of birds and flora such as wild orchids. It is oneof the most popular destinations in Taiping.Address: Bukit Larut, 34000 Taiping, Perak.Visiting Hours: Daily, 8.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m.GPS Coordinates: 4.51.44.28, 100.47.34.8Phone No.: 05-8077241Taiping Lake GardenH ­I­STORY OF TAIPING LAKE GARDENSTaiping Lake Gardens was developed in 1884. It was opened and inauguratedon 17 November 1893 by S.C.G.M Frank Swettenham, the British Residentin Perak. The Taiping Lake Gardens formerly was a tin mines led by CapitanChina  Chung Ken Kwee who was leader of the group Hai San. Lows LeastMining, 1877 - The mining area leased for 21 years with the condition topay royalty of $ 2.00 Renew. Lessee shall return the mining area to the StateGovernment (the British Government) if this was not worked for 21 monthsin a row. After 21 years, the mining area is left idle. In 1884 the gardens wereplanted with grasses, flowers and trees; a part of the gardens was fenced, tokeep bulls out.Swettenham's wife, Constance Sydney Holmes, got the help of a mininginspector, William Scott to turn the area into a scenic place and subsequentlya park. However the development of the first public parks in Malaya wasdeveloped in stages with a combination of ideas and energy by Sir Hugh Low,Frank Swettenham, Col. Walker, E.W Birch, Sydney Constance Holmes, A.RVenning, W.R Scott, R. Derry and others. 47

Taiping Highlight Development concept of Taiping Lake GardensSIGHTSEEING The concept of  the Lake Park  and surrounding areas  take them to  look back at the  wonderful memories of  the Lake District  in England which  is  compelling  and was the center of focus for  British  poets and writers who find inspiration from the landscape and natural design of the beauty of Scottish Highlands. Here Constance Sydney Holmes tried to translate the beauty of  Loch Katrine, which being immortalized  by  Walter Scott  in  his poem Lady of the Lake (1847). Components in Lake The beauty of Taiping Lake Garden was an inspiration to poets, writers, singers, and artists. The park’s proximity to the foot of Bukit Larut makes it look more majestic. The components of the park were inspired by Sir Hugh Low, Frank Swettenham, Col. Walker, E.W Birch, Sydney Constance Holmes, A.R Venning, W.R Scott, R.Derry and others are: Location The awe-inspiring of Taiping 8 Lake Gardens is the location in the beautiful natural landscape, 76 pools of water supplied from 5 Bukit Larut and Rain trees. There are eight (8) lakes in the area of Taiping Lake Gardens; • 8 Lakes/Ponds in Taiping Lake Gardens 1. Swan Lake 4 2. Jungle Lake 1 3. South Lake 2 4. West Lake 5. Island Pond 3 6. Pavilion Pond 7. Oblong Pond 8. Alamanda Pond The original size of the park was 61.93ha but after additional acquisition by the Perak Government, is now located on a 96.44ha site. It is fully administered by the Taiping Municipal Council, which also runs the Taiping Zoo located within the park. 48