Taiping is the second biggest town in Perak after Ipoh Located to the north of the state, Taiping was established during the tin mining age, and saw much of the activities associated with that ore. When the seat of Perak's administration moved to Kuala Kangsar in Upper Perak in 1877, Taiping became the administrative capital of Perak. It was only after the Second World War had ended, in 1945, that the state administrative capital was moved to Ipoh.
Taiping is basically a two-street town. The two main roads in Taiping are Jalan Kota (Kota Road) and Jalan Taming Sari (Main Road). Cutting perpendicular to these two main roads are cross roads to form a grid. This town plan dates from 1880, when a massive fire destroyed much of the old town, giving the British authorities an opportunity to re-plan the town. The Larut Matang District office is located at the northern end of the town while the Indian Muslim Mosque at the southern end.
Taiping can easily be explored on foot. To get to Taiping, it is advisable to drive.
Getting into Taiping
By road
Most people go to Taiping by road. Taiping is accessible from the North South Expressway. Coming from the north, you use Exit 148 to Kamunting, while coming from the south, you use Exit 146 at Changkat Jering. There are buses to Taiping from Penang (Sungai Nibong Express Bus Terminal) and Kuala Lumpur (Puduraya).
By Plane
There is no regular commercial airport in Taiping, so the closest are Penang International Airport and Ipoh Airport. Penang is 1½ hours away on the road, depending on traffic situation, while Ipoh is an hour away.
By Train
The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM, official website) operates train services linking Taiping to Butterworth in the north, and Kuala Lumpur in the south. Check the KTM website for details.
Getting around Taiping
Taiping is a fairly compact town, and most of the places of interest can actually be visited on foot, except for places like the Taiping Lake Gardens, Taiping Zoo and Maxwell Hill. For these, taxi is probably the only option. Otherwise, it is advisable to drive.
Accommodation in Taiping
The following are accommodation if you wish to spend the night in Taiping. Alternatively, if you prefer to book online, use the Budget Accommodation Guide website to find suitable accommodation in Taiping. You can straightaway book your accommodation by placing a 10% deposit for it. There is no booking fees charged.
Aun Chuan
25 Jalan Kota, 34000 Taiping
Location: At the junction of Halaman Pasar (Market Square) and Jalan Kota, above KFC
Tel: +60-5-807 5322
Comment: Least expensive option in town
Fuliyean Hotel
14 Jalan Barrack
Location: Within a stone's throw from the post office
Tel: +60-5-806 8648
Fax: +60-5-807 0648
Web: see under Furama Hotel
Comment: Sister hotel to the Furama
Furama Hotel
31 Jalan Peng Loong
Tel: +60-5-807 1077
Fax: +60-5-807 0648
Email: reservations@hotelfurama.com.my
Web: http://www.hotelfurama.com.my/
Comment: Sister hotel to the Fuliyean
Legend Inn
2 Jalan Long Jaafar, 34000 Taiping
Location: Corner of Jalan Convent and Jalan Masjid
Tel: +60-5-806 0000
Fax: +60-5-806 6666
Email: info@legendinn.com
Web: http://www.legendinn.com/
Comment: Near bus station
Panorama Hotel
Jalan Kota. 34000 Taiping
Tel: +60-5-808 4111
Email: panoramatpg@hotmail.com
Comment: Centrally located
Peking Hotel
2 Jalan Idris, 34000 Taiping
Tel: +60-5-807 2975
Fax: +60-5-808 5698
Comment: Budget hotel housed in a traditional Chinese house built in 1929
Seri Malaysia Hotel
4 Jalan Sultan Mansor, 34000 Taiping
Location: Lake Gardens, near the Taiping Prison
Tel: +60-5-806 9502
Web: http://www.serimalaysia.com.my
Comment: Quiet, lakeside retreat, with breakfast included
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