Luxury Hotels in Bandar Taiping, Larut, Matang & Selama

Taiping is a town located at Perak state in northwest Malaysia. It is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and development. Taiping Lake Gardens, which is a public park with angsana trees and a lotus pond was established in 1880 on the site of an old tin mine. The area developed quickly in the 19th century when tin was discovered. The mines attracted large numbers of settlers, particularly Chinese. Besides that, Taiping was the capital for the districts of Larut, Matang and Selama in Perak. The capital of Perak was moved from Bandar Baru (New Town) to Taiping after Datok Maharaja Lela assassinated the first British Resident of Perak Mr. James Wheeler Woodford Birch at Pasir Salak in 1875. In 1937, the capital of Perak was moved from Taiping to Ipoh. Other than that, the first railway in the country was constructed connecting Taiping with Kuala Sepetang which formerly known as Port Weld.

How to Get There

By Train

It takes around 2 hour 58 minutes from Kuala Lumpur Railway Station to Taiping, Perak. The cost of train is about RM29 to MYR50 depends on sitting.

By Car

From Kuala Lumpur city centre, the journey takes approximately about 2 hour 55 minutes by Utara- Selatan Highway to Taiping, Perak.

Tourist Attractions

Taiping Zoo

This zoo is located in a natural setting in Taiping Lake Gardens close to the foot of the Larut Hill (Maxwell Hill). ‘Taman Mergastua Sultan Idris Shah’ or the Taiping Zoo, is the only zoo in the North of Peninsular Malaysia and currently home to more than 180 species of animals include tigers, lions, elephants, hippopotamus, giraffes, hornbills, orang utans and many more. The Taiping Night Safari which available here at Taiping Zoo acts as to display nocturnal animals that are active at night in natural looking settings. Torchlights and flash cameras are not allowed to be used in the Night Safari as this will disturb the animals on display.

Perak Museum

Perak Museum is the oldest museum in Malaysia which founded in 1883 started out as a repository for a vast collection of ethnological, anthropological and zoological items curated during Sir Hugh Low’s tenure as Resident of Perak (1877 - 1889). There are several galleries here which display different kind of artifacts and collection. The Nature Gallery exhibits all kinds of animal, bird, fish, snail and herberium species and placed in various kinds of dioramas which record a British-style presentation method while retaining a wild habitat environment that is both interesting and full of great ecstatic elements. Besides that, the Cultural Gallery displays collections and artifacts from various types of handiworks, handicrafts and weavings of the Malaysian people, especially from Perak, such as a unique weaving made by the Sultan of Perak’s mother. The Clay and Indigenous People Gallery is an abundant source of collections and artifacts. Perak is one of the states which is home to a lot of indigenous people from the Proto Malay, Senoi and Negrito tribes. Clay works displayed by the museum are traditional industrial products such as "labu", "geluk", "belanga", "pasu bucung", "buyung", "kukusan" and "perasapan" all of which are well over 100 years old. The visiting hours of this museum is from 9.00 am - 6.00 pm daily and closed only on Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidil Adha. The tickets are priced at RM2.00 for adults and free admission for children below 12 years old and children in school uniforms.

Hotels

Novotel Taiping

Strategically located in the heart of Taiping Town, it is just a 15-minute walk from Taiping Night Safari, The Taping Zoo, Taiping Lake Garden and Perak Museum. This hotel is perfect for leisure and business travellers. Around 197 rooms are offered by this hotel and certain units facing city and lake views. This hotel also features a restaurant, main ballroom and about 6 meeting rooms. There are also halal restaurants, taxi service, baby-sitting service, kids club and laundry as well as daily housekeeping service.