One of Malaysia’s most scenic and prolific towns featured often in tourism commercials and brochures, Taiping, located in the northern Malaysian state of Perak has long been at the troves of history since the 19th century when tin ore was discovered in the Larut district. Today, while much of the mining activities have since ceased, this town of just over 200,000 is fast gaining recognition as one of the county’s most “livable” towns.

Blessed with verdant greeneries and colourful floral-lined boulevards, cooling hilltops and natural waterfalls, Taiping receives approximately twice the amount of annual rainfall than the national average which accounts for its beautiful collection of fauna. It is also home to some of the most breath-taking sights in the country. The 160-acre Taiping Lake Gardens, established in 1880 is the oldest public garden in the country and forms much of the town’s focal interests with an abundance of other interesting places of interests, developments as well as amenities that make it a complete and self-reliant suburban town.

Connected by a highly integrated system of rails and roads that are linked through the length and breathe of Peninsula Malaysia, it is also a mere 90-minutes commute from the Penang International Airport. The state’s second largest town after its capital city of Ipoh, Taiping provides a refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle of modern metropolis life, offering the comfort of modern conveniences set in the lush confines of refreshing air and truly healthy living.

While its 186sg km borders may be comparatively modest in size, its historical legacy isn’t. It holds a record of sorts with a total of 40 “firsts” in Malaysia which includes the Lake Gardens (Malaysia’s first public garden), Maxwell Hill (Malaysia’s first hill resort established in 1884), Taiping Zoo/Night Safari (Malaysia’s first zoo), the Perak Museum (oldest museum in Peninsula Malaysia), the All Saints’ Church (first Anglican Church from the time of the Federated Malay States), Matang Mangrove Swamp (best managed sustainable mangrove eco-system in the world) and the Lake Gardens Golf Course (Malaysia’s first). Other notable sights that are a must-visit are the Clock Tower (the city’s iconic building), the Old Kota Mosque (built in 1897), Taiping Waterfalls and the Temple of Wild Boars.

The town is also served by a variety of shopping malls and hypermarkets from Taiping Sentral, Taiping Mall and AEON to Tesco, Giant, The Store and Raintown. Hundreds of independent stores, eateries and conveniences dot its central commercial districts. It is truly a town that needs to be experienced… one that has made it positively Malaysia’s most livable.