From Taiping To the World...

Attention!!! Goooaallllll!!!

2011-09-19T22:41:00.000+08:00

Salam and greeting.

Circa 1890

Squaaaad... Attention!!!
Eyeesss... Right!!!
Dreeesss...!!!
Squaaaad... Eyeesss... Front!!!
Salute to the Front... Salute.

The Commandant was at the top of his voice, giving clear and distinctly pronounced instructions. The troops under his arm listened up carefully on what are their next cause of action to be taken.

Well, that was the voice of the infamous Colonel Robert S.F. Walker, the Commandant of the Police and Military Forces. The venue was the Esplanade, an open ground that was established by him to discipline his troops with intensive marching parade exercise.

The troop of the Perak Armed Police were consisting mostly of Sikhs and Pathans recruits obeyed at each of the drill command coming out from their influential Commandant.They were the forces upholding the peace in the early establishment of Taiping when there was tensioned between the clans of Ghee Hin and Hai San.

Present Time

Prreeeeeeett!!!

The man in black was seen blowing high note from his whistle. The sudden sound made the battle between the two clans halted. One of the red clan members was seen making an offensive gesture towards the members of the blue clans.

The round object that were becoming the reason of this battle is being given by the man in black to the blue clan members. The red clans did not object to this just action, for having a fair battle to be fought by them. And with a magnificent kick given by the one of the blue clans member, the round object flies fast enough to penetrate the defender of the red clans restricted territory.

Prreeeeeeett!!!
And there was a unison yelled in the background...
Goooaaaaallllll!!!

The blue clan member who took the kick scored against the red clan in the soccer match in one of Taiping League games. It was not a bloody battle indeed but a game of soccer. The supporters were happy witnessing their favorite team scored.

Well, this is the Esplanade Field in two scenarios at a different time space. The open ground that was used as for marching parade training is at present Taiping very own 'square' consisting of soccer, hockey and rugby fields.

Having the near background of Jelutong Hill and the far background of Maxwell Hills, the open ground fronting the army camps are full of activities if the town need a venue for parade or sporting events. It will not disappoint the locals due the vast open ground available.

However today, the scenery of the marching parade of the army or the police can only be seen on a rare occasion. This may be during Merdeka Day celebration where it will involved others government and private agencies, schools and clubs parading through Taiping town for a joyous celebration.

A normal view would say the Esplanade is only a field, but it do have its part in Taiping history, from past, present and maybe in the future.

Heritages In A Heritage Itself

2011-02-17T23:00:00.001+08:00

Salam and greeting.

It is no secret that Taiping is known as the Heritage Town. And a visit to this town would not be complete if there are no stopovers being made to the heritage structures available. However if the visiting time to Taiping is limited, there should be one heritage structure that should not be missed.

Generally known as Perak Museum, the building is being recognized as one of Taiping's invaluable heritage structure that still stands proudly till today. The original idea of having a museum was uttered by Sir Hugh Low who was the British Resident of Perak in 1883. The construction of the building took three years to be completed and when opened in 1886, the Perak Museum became the first museum in Malaysia's history.

With an English and Moorish influence in its design, Sir Hugh Low's idea of having a museum was to host historical materials, cultural artifacts, zoological specimens and herbarium of items from around Perak during his tenure as the British Resident. Thus in making his idea a successful one, he had appointed Mr. Leonard Wray Jr. as the museum's first curator. And as a botanist and geologist, Mr. Wray did a splendid job in making the museum a success.

Presently the museum is divided into several sections for the ease of its visitors. On the outside compound are the exhibits of transportation mode used locally. There is also a noticeable bronze statue of Colonel R.S.F Walker, considered one of the important characters in the early history of Taiping during the British Administration era.

The ground floor of the museum is divided into the three sections. The first section is the main hall which is just beyond the entrance where there is a display of the Malay Sultanate Throne replica. The second hall exhibits the zoological specimens from the jungles of Perak. The third section on the ground floor shows artifacts depicting the variety cultures and traditions of the people from Perak. While on the first floor, there are exhibits of artifacts belonging to the variety clans of Orang Asli that is available throughout Perak.

And indeed the Perak Museum is full of heritages in a heritage itself.

We Need Your Feedback...

2011-01-24T22:33:00.000+08:00

Salam and greeting.

Dear followers and visitors of Taiping Heritage Cult. Firstly, we would like to say Thank You for all the support given to this blog and your time spent here.
We do apologize for those period where we do not update the blog for quite some time. And due to that, while waiting for the blog content to be updated we would like to make this blog more meaningful by adding more stuffs and information related to Taiping.

Thus we have set up a poll at the sidebar that we would like to know; What other information related to Taiping would you like Taiping Heritage Cult to provide?

Hopefully from the poll, we will provide better and informative content for everyone.

Have a great day and thank you for your time here at Taiping Heritage Cult.

Here Lies Our Heroes...

2010-08-25T11:38:00.000+08:00

Salam and greeting.

The morning was in drizled, drop by drop of raindrops sprinkling down at the foothill of Bukit Larut. The grey clouds were surrounding the sky as if a mourning sign nature shows to the departure of another hero for the episode. If it is in the USA, there will be a bugle or trumpet sound to the tune of Taps can be heard. But since Malaysia is one of the Commonwealth countries, most likely it was the tune of the Last Post being played. Stand smartly in their rows, the comrades putting up their hands for their last salute to their departed friend.

Well, that might be the last respect ceremony given to those being buried at the World War II Memorial Cemetery here in Taiping. They were some of those forgotten heroes that have died fighting and protecting our country during the tragic war episode. And some even are not from this country but they have done their part till their last drop of blood.

This cemetery was created after the end of Japanese Occupation in Malaya after the Second World War in 1945. The remnants of those soldiers that have died during the war were brought from the battlefields, numerous temporary burial grounds, villages and other civil cemeteries identified. They were reburied here with full respect and as remembrance for future generation.

The cemetery is separated into two parts by the Waterfall Road. If one were to head towards the foothill of Bukit Larut on this road, the left side of the cemetery is plots for Muslims and Gurkhas soldiers. While on the right side of the road are plots for Christians soldiers. The cemetery consists of over 850 plots all together and more than 500 plots are of whom that was unidentified.

The cemetery is being maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. They have kept a good track record of those who have been buried here or at any other World War Memorial Cemeteries around the world.

With that, Taiping Heritage Cult salutes to all those who had died fighting and protecting our country, regardless of who they are, what they were and where there were from. They make us to remember how hard it was in the early days of our nationhood and how we really need appreciate it.

May they all be in peace. God bless them.

The Way It Was Rowed

2010-06-21T14:53:00.001+08:00

Salam and greeting.

Ever wonder how it's like to cruise through one of Malaysia's unique environment? Furthermore, what if your mode of transport is a kayak and powered only by your own strength and gut. Well, that was how traditionally people travelled here in Kuala Sepetang in the earlier days.

But they didn't use the kayak though. Those days, people used wooden sampan as their main mode of transport at this part of the world. Be it for travel or making their ends meet, the sampan used were really important to them. Use to be paddled through the narrow and wide riverine branches here in the mangroves of Kuala Sepetang, it has thrive the thick jungle once in becoming quite a busy fisherman's village. The sampan then evolves to bigger tongkang. And with the industrial revolution effects, both are taken over by steam-powered boat and later replaced by fossil-powered engines. The sampan or any other paddling mode of transport is a rare opportunity to be seen now.

Thus, in reviving the experience of Kuala Sepetang early days, Taiping Heritage Cult together with GeoMASS of MARA University of Technology Shah Alam have organized a kayak tour recently. Started off with a basic class on kayaking, the participants then proceed to a warm-up session before paddling through the waters of the mangroves.

The four hours energetic but exciting tour flows through the traditional fishermen's villages, the Virgin Jungle Reserves Island, the charcoal factory complex and a stopover at one of the fish encagement.

At the end of the tour, even though it was hectic compared to the boat tour, the satisfaction of being near with the natural surrounding is an unforgettable experience.

If you are interested to experience the kayak tour, do call Mr Wan at 012-3912916 or send your inquiries by email to taipingheritagecult@gmail.com

The Building Where Fingers Wouldn't Stop Dancing

2010-04-22T21:29:00.000+08:00

Tap... tap... tap... tap... taptap... tap... taptap... tap... ting.

Krrrrrrrr...

Taptap... tap... taptap... tap... tap...taptap... tap... ting.

Krrrrrrr...

Taptap... tap... taptap... tap... tap... taptap... tap... tap... taptap... ting.

Krrrrrrr...

Salam and greeting.

If words are melodious as it sounds, our first few lines will recall back a very familiar sound that is seldom heard nowadays. Even its newer similar type does not sound the same as its older relative used to be.

Well, this might be a familiar sound back then when one enters this building. The movement of the officers' fingers, dancing gracefully on the rusty but trustworthy typewriter in this grand Government Office building in Taiping. Characters tapped, one after another, forming words and sentences, officiating letters and documents that have changed people's or even the Taiping town itself.

The building complex was designed by Francis Caulfield, one of the State Engineer in the early Perak Administrative office. Its construction started in 1892 and was completed and opened in 1897. It featured a distinctive Palladian facade and rooftop's pediments. Initially the building housed Council Chamber, Offices for the Secretariat, Treasury, Audit, Education and Forest Departments.

Currently the building is being occupied by Larut Matang and Selama Land and District office. And as its previous roles, the building becomes the administrative center for Larut Matang and Selama district, where Taiping is part of it. Day in and day out with fails people coming to this building to settle their whores.

And with that, even though the sound of the dancing fingers on the typewriter have now extinct , but with its newer relatives the keyboard, the fingers still continue to dance as long as people are here in this strong and majestic building.

The Forgotten Memorials...

2009-12-26T22:31:00.002+08:00

Salam and greeting.

Do you remember this memorial stone? Have you seen it? Do you know of its existence? Do you know where it is?

This is one of Taiping and even Malaysia forgotten historical site and landmark. Not only that, the site where this memorial stone was mounted has recorded two important visits done by two well known men in Perak and Malaysia history.

Welcome to Birch Hill. This hill is located about 2.5 kilometers from the top of Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) station. With its peak of approximate 1320 meters from the sea level, many might not believe that it was twice visited differently by two well known men, a British and almost hundred years later by a Perak royalty.

Thus, we from TaipingHeritageCult have done a mini expedition in searching for this lost memorial. Based on verbal information and a set of old pictures of the memorial stone, we managed to trace the off-track route going towards the peak of Birch Hill.

Walking and tracing back this forgotten trail does create an exhilarating feeling. Furthermore we were informed that the trail is abound with blood thirsting leeches, hunger for human blood that are rare to them. And making it worse the trail was not explored for many years to date. We were lost at first when following a wrong trail. But finally we manage to find the correct trail entrance just few meters away.

After about 200 meters from the side of the tarred road, we finally reach the top of Birch Hill. There was an abandoned shack structure that is covered by overgrown jungle creeper plants. The sight of the memorial was not there.

We were thinking that we had again explored into another wrong trail. However, after further examining the area, we notice that there was this overgrown fern plants at the side of the shack that looks a little bit awkward. It seems like covering 'something' which has been left for a long time.

We cleared-off some of those overgrown ferns and surprising it was hiding the memorial stone that we were looking for. It was and still there in its original state not being moved although it may be forgotten. This is the memorial stone, commemorating the visit of the first Englishman to this hill. However we were a bit surprise when there is an engraved error. The writing on the stone is:

"THE FIRST ENGLISHMAN TO CLIMB THIS HILL WAS MR T.W.W. BIRCH. FIRST BRITISH RESIDENT OF PERAK IN 1875"

But who was this T.W.W. Birch? At first we thought there was a mistake done when engraving Mr. J.W.W. Birch name which was really the first British Resident. However, he was killed in that same year 1875. Then there was another source saying that the letter 'T' was supposed to be an 'E'. It was the initial for Mr. J.W.W. Birch son, Mr. Ernest Wheeler Woodford Birch. But one question arose, why didn't the engraver carved as the following?

"THE FIRST ENGLISHMAN TO CLIMB THIS HILL WAS MR T.W.W. BIRCH. THE SON OF FIRST BRITISH RESIDENT OF PERAK IN 1875"

We then cleared the area to look for any other interesting remains that might be available. And our intension has struck yet to another forgotten timepiece. While clearing the area, we have found a signboard depicting another visit that was done here at Birch Hill. The time of this second important visit has been specifically mentioned at 8:02 AM 23 of July 1973, just two years short of a century after the memorial stone date. The writing on the signboard is:

"LAWATAN PERTAMA KALI D.Y.T.M. RAJA MUDA PERAK KA-BUKIT INI PADA 23.7.73 JAM 8.02 PAGI"

We have found out that, the Raja Muda of Perak during that time was D.Y.T.M. Raja Musa ibni al-Marhum Sultan Abdul Aziz. He was the Raja Muda of Perak from 1963 to 1983. He was indeed an adventurer when he managed to be here at this hill. We find it a bit amusing when comparing his visit signboard and an Englishman visit memorial stone.

We then spend about one hour clearing the surrounding of both memorials. At least the place is cleared for visitors for couple of week. After clearing up the area, we have check with our compass the memorial stone were aligned accordingly to the cardinal directional points. The face of the stone where the engravement carved is facing north.

After satisfying ourselves with photo snapshots, we left the memorials sites and ascend back to the tarred road. It was indeed a worth rediscovery of forgotten memorials. TaipingHeritageCult would like to thank Mr Rahilme in providing the photos and his photography skills during this mini expedition.

If you are interested to go to this trail, do call Mr Wan at 012-3912916 or send your inquiries by email to taipingheritagecult@gmail.com

The Neighbour cum The Assistant's House

2009-11-17T21:57:00.015+08:00

Salam and greeting.

Just next to Ngah Ibrahim's fort lies a very huge house with a classic traditional kampung design. Steadily stood in its dark brown finishing made of high quality timber, the house used to host yet another important person in Taiping, Perak and Malaysia history line.

This used to be the house of the first British officer that was brought in personally by Ngah Ibrahim, becoming his personal assistant in modernizing and restraining peace in Larut. The officer, Captain Tristam Charles Sawyer Speedy resigned the post of Penang Superintendent of Police in accepting Ngah Ibrahim's offer to work here in Larut.

For those who did not aware, before Taiping was established there were four series of Larut wars being fought off between the Chinese miners clans especially the Ghee Hin and the Hai San. Captain Speedy was offered to assist Ngah Ibrahim during the Third Larut War in 1873. He was paid with a hefty income and given this house to dwell.

As the first step that Captain Speedy took to restrained the peace in Larut, he had changed the structure of the then Larut's police force. Initially consist of 40 Malay men, with the consent from Ngah Ibrahim himself, Captain Speedy personally went to India to recruit and brought in 110 Sepoy and Punjab personnel, making the police force bolder than before. He even magnified them with few modern artillery to enforce peace between the Chinese clans that were having wars between them.

However, the effort done has gave no effect to the already torned relationship between the clans. The war between them erupted again for the forth time in 1873. It became worst when it has also involve the Malay royalties and residents. Finally when the Pangkor Treaty was witness, everything was over and all parties involved had made peace with each other.

Captain Speedy has been promoted to become the Assistant to the British Residence. The house he stayed has been neglected and finally being refurbished by the Museum and Antiquity Department becoming part of Ngah Ibrahim Fort Museum. It still stand strong till today, neighbouring Ngah Ibrahim's Fort.

The Fort, the Court, the Institute and The Museum... A Brief Account of A Great Man Who Made Taiping As It Is.

2009-10-19T22:34:00.028+08:00

Salam and Greeting.

Initially...

It was late 1873. Taiping or formerly was known as Larut was devastated due to the fourth Larut war that has been ongoing for about a year then. Not only that, the war has also made the whole state of Perak divided, involving everybody down from its humble servant up to its honoured royalties.

At the corner of his fort, this powerful and influential man uttered to himself...

Berani mereka ingin mengambil hak aku!!

How dare of them to invade my belongings!!

Sudahlah usaha mereka sendiri telah gagal, kini mahu melibatkan orang Britih pula...
Of all the things they have failed to do, now they wanted to involve the British...

Tidakkah mereka tahu akulah yang membawa masuk pekerja-pekerja lombong tersebut. Malah aku jugalah pemilik lombong-lombong timah, ladang-ladang kopi dan tebu di kawasan jajahan ini...
Don't they know it was me who brought in those miners and it was me who owns all those tin mines and those coffee and sugarcane plantations in this territory...

Tak apalah. Aku akan biar mereka tunggu esok... Selagi aku tak sampai, jangan harap perjanjian tersebut dapat dilaksanakan.
Well, I'll let them wait tomorrow... If I'm not there, they can't proceed with the treaty.

And he did what was uttered. He let them wait for him and it was really quite a while when he finally arrived arrogantly with his own steam ship, Bahtera Bayu.

Well, this is our recollection of what might happened to this man during one of Malaysia's important historical event. This was the Pangkor Treaty. And the man we were referring to was the honourable Orang Kaya Menteri Paduka Tuan Ngah Ibrahim, the Chieftain of Larut.

Ngah Ibrahim succeeded his father, Long Jaafar and became the most powerful man in Larut back then. With a wealth that he generated from the owning of tin mines, coffee and sugar plantations and other businesses, he had built himself a fort that is situated in a small village town in Matang. The fort was strategically located. It was defended by its own guards, equip with modern artillery at that time.

It was a fort.

Tragecically...

Not long after the treaty, Ngah Ibrahim was sentence to live in exile due to the suspicion of being involved in the murder of the first British Residence, Mr. James Wheeler Woodford Birch in 1875. All of his properties were confiscated by the British administration who felt that he was a threat to them

This tragic incidence was decided in his previously owned fort, which has been turned into a court. It was done specifically for the hearing of Mr. James Wheeler Woodford Birch murder case.

Pitifully for him, when he was sent to exile to the Seychelles Island, this was the last time Ngah Ibrahim was at his fort alive.

The fort then is a court.

Pleasantly...

While he was in exile, his fort or the court was converted into teacher's training college and also later as a school.

On both off the occurrence, it was recorded to be the first of its kind in Malaysia. It became the first Malay Teacher Training College and also one of the first primary schools in the country.

However, Ngah Ibrahim did not have the chances to see all this. He was not allowed to come back to Perak. He however was granted to stay in Singapore after few years in the Seychelles Island. He passed away there and was buried in Al-Junied Muslim Cemetery.

The fort and the court then is an institute.

Historically...

After the school moved to its new building, the fort, the court and the institute has been left deserted for years. However in 1985, the building and its compound has been taken over by the Museum Department of Malaysia. It was then being converted into a museum.

Nothing much was offered then.

But, few years back an extensive research was done by few of his descendants to relocate Ngah Ibrahim cemetery after they have lost track of its location. It was a day not to be forgotten when Ngah Ibrahim's remnants was brought back and laid to rest forever in his fort on 9th September 2009.

He was given the National Honour and was declared one of Malaysia's National Hero to be remembered.

At last, this great man has returned to his home after years in exile.

May his soul rest in peace. Al-Fatihah...

Thirst Quincher Or Is It Dessert? But It Is Surely...

2009-10-06T12:20:00.003+08:00

Salam and Greeting.

It has been a while that we have not update this blog. Well, we have been in some frustrating situation and being a bit busy in reviving ourself in promoting Taiping to all who have interest. And with a new spirit and encouragement from our blog visitors, and friends we are back and hopefully we could provide more information for our beloved town Taiping.

Let us start with a story of a cool, delicious, mouth-watering thirst quincher or dessert that is famously known in Taiping.

Although known as the wettest town in Peninsular Malaysia, there are days when the sun really shines on Taiping grounds.When these days come, people will flock to some of the stalls that are located along the Barrack Road looking for a quick 'remedy' for their thirst. These stalls can sometimes be a bit crowded when it is really hot here in Taiping.

Well, this 'remedy' is not a magical portion what so ever, but it is the Cendol. One of the popular stall that sells Cendol would be the Bismillah Cendol stall, located just behind the St. George's Secondary School at the Barrack Road. As far as we can remember, the stall has been in operation for quite a long time. It was originally located next to Bismillah Restaurant, thus that's why the stall is named Bismillah Cendol.

The main incredient, the Cendol is green noodle-like pasture that are made from flour mixed with pandan leaves substance. It is locally produced here in Taiping. This Cendol will be cooked with santan (coconut's milk) to become rich tasty mixture. When orders are being made, the Cendol man will first shaved some ice blocks into snow-like texture and put it into a bowl. He will then pour in the Cendol mixture, add in some gula melaka (palm sugar syrup), additional pulut (glutinous rice) and kacang merah (red beans).. and the cendol is served.

And as the title says, with these mixture of rich tasty incredient, its a thirst quincher or is it a dessert? While you decide, we are off to this stall to quinch... oopps... have this dessert...

Whatever it is... it is definitely Cendol.

Taiping's Kopi 'O'... The Aun Tong Story...

2008-12-10T22:41:00.000+08:00

Salam and Greeting.

Kopi 'O' or Black Coffee can be assumed as one of the favorite beverage in Malaysia. Although the main ingredients are the coffee beans, but the mixture is not the same as those branded brewed kind that are sold in high end cafe and the modern kopitiam shop. Furthermore, its dark black color does make it different if compared to the one sold in Starbucks or Coffee Beans.

Well, let us share with you the story of the Taiping Kopi 'O'. Some may know it but we bet many won't. It has got our attention because its factory has been identified as one of the earliest coffee factory in the country, and still surviving till this day.

The coffee is locally known as Aun Tong Coffee. It was started in 1933 by the late Mr. Tiah and a Malay man by the name Ahmad. Mr. Tiah has initially opened a coffee shop. His coffee was homemade and became a favorite back then.

And out of his expectation, lot of his customer prefers to come to his coffee shop to buy only his coffee mixture.

Thus, he has decided to open a coffee factory in Assam Kumbang. With the help of Ahmad creativity, they have designed the factory conveyor line by using only one unit of electric motor.
And miraclely, the motor used from the first day is still available and workable until today.

Mr. Tiah had created the original kopi 'o' recipe by using local coffee beans from Banting, Selangor. It is mixed with some sugar and few more secret ingredients. Thus, making it perfect Kopi 'O' mixture.

The coffee factory has been passed by Mr. Tiah to his son and now being managed by his grand son, Mr. Tian.

Nowadays, the coffee beans used are still from Banting with a mixture of other types of beans coming from Brazil and Indonesia. And still, what make it special are the same secret ingredients that were perfectly mixed by Mr. Tiah years ago.

Currently, the products from the factory include pure black coffee mixture, black coffee 3 in 1 premix and the latest addition to their product, the white coffee 3 in 1 premix.

They even decided to re-brand their name to become Antong Coffee.

Well, this has been our story on Aun Tong, the Taiping Kopi 'O'. Its time for a coffee break... with Aun Tong Kopi 'O' of course...

Rhizophora mucronata or Rhizophora apiculata

2008-11-29T22:34:00.015+08:00

Salam and greeting.

If mentioned as the above, not many of us would understand and know what they actually are. Unless you are a biologist or an ecologist doing your research on coastal shores habitats and its surroundings. However, in common English layman terms, both of these terms are known as the mangroves plant.

These weird looking plants are growing vastly in the Matang Mangrove Reserve, covering an area of 40466 hectare. It stretches from Kuala Gula on the northern tip up to Pantai Remis on its southern tip at the coastal shore of Perak state.

In the third part of the Kuala Sepetang boat tour, we will be passing through an island known as the Mangrove's Virgin Jungle Reserve. This island reserve acts as an important part in making Matang Mangrove Reserve as the best managed reserve in the world. It is where the seedlings of the mangrove plants being collected and being planted in other compartments around the whole reserve area.

The overall process of managing each mangrove reserve compartment will take a cycle of 30 years, from it seeds form up to the matured plants being chopped. They are being used in construction works and for the process of making charcoal. After being chopped, the seeds will be replant again for the next cycle to take place.

However, the plants in this island are not being chopped and being let to grow naturally. That is why from afar during the boat tour, their towering heights and huge trunk size are noticeable. The area around this island have been a place for the Sightings of otters, eagles, monkeys, lizards and sometimes dolphin, but it is depending on one's luck to see them.

And apart from having economic values and habitat to some animals, the mangrove reserve has saved the live of all the fishermen including their village from the disastrous 2004 tsunami. The tidal waves were dispersed by the existence of these plants.

Thus, this part of the boat tour will give a deeper understanding and importance of the weird looking Rhizophora mucronata or Rhizophora apiculata...

Rain Rain Go Away, Come... On The Other Hand, Hold A Second...

2008-11-21T11:11:00.001+08:00

Let's sing together now...

Rain rain, go away
Come again another day
Rain rain go away
We want to go outside and play today...

Salam and greeting.

Everyone should remember this rhyme. We sang it during kindergarten. But beware, when dark clouds are invading the Taiping skies.. don't you ever dare to sing this song, especially if you are at the market building at Kota Road. Somebody's luck is depending on the presence of this dark rain clouds.

Well, Taiping are known as the wettest and the rainiest town in Malaysia. Thus, it has created one of a kind betting games. Put away your cards, roulette or dice... you don't need them here.

Just look at the sky and bet what time does the rain going to fall. Sounds funny? Think again if the bet involve from 10 Ringgit upto thousands of Ringgit.

According to one of the punters, the betting game have been played since 1950s. What they do is to bet among the players, the time the rain start to fall.

For everybody's information, their definition of rain fall is "When the water drops from sky hitting the roof a building and then flow continuosly on to the ground."

They don't depend on the weather reports telecast but purely on personal experience. Most of them have their own way of prediction, some by just hearing the sounds of thunder, looking at the clouds formation, feeling the flow of wind directions and sometimes just purely their guts.

So, when the dark rain clouds are hovering on Taiping skies and you see some crowds at the market area, don't wish the rain to go away yet. Someone's luck is depending on it, eventhought betting is not a good habit...

More Than A Century, But Always Fresh On The Inside...

2008-11-13T17:40:00.005+08:00

Salam and greeting

"Fresh fish!! Fresh squids!! Fresh prawns!! Fresh cockles!! All fresh from Port Weld..." yelled the fishmongers.

"Fresh fruits... bananas, watermelon, papaya.. All cheap and fresh.." sounded the fruits seller in the background.

It is always noisy and loud and may irritate to some. But whatever it is, this is the morning market symphony. Happens everyday, every morning without fail since more than a century ago.

Well, this symphony welcomes you at the Taiping Central Market. Established more than a century ago, the market consist of two huge building. The first building was built in 1884, stretches from the Main Road to the Kota Road. While the second building was opened in 1885, stretching from the Kota Road from one end to the Theatre Road at the other end.

These building were designed by architects of the then Public Work Office. These buildings might be the largest non-indigenous historical timber with iron-cast structure in the country and also a best preserved example of a major 19th century market that stand strong till today.

And since opened for businesses, the market is always crowded with people, buying their fresh supplies of food.

Eventhought it is more than a century on the outside, it is always fresh on the inside...

Let's Spend A Night There, Shall We...

2008-11-10T10:50:00.020+08:00

Salam and greeting.

It was a tiring journey for these two Englishmen. Dressed in their smartest Victorian attire, they came all the way from Penang to settle some issues with the mining Towkays here.

"It going to be a far journey back to Penang my friend, and its already quarter to four. Let's spend a night here in Taiping, shall we?" quoted one of the gentlemen.

"Let's go to the Rest House then. We can have a cup of tea and ease the day off. We shall take the morning train back to Penang then since the railway station is just around the corner." suggest the other gentlemen to his dear friend.

Well, that might occurred in mid of 1894 where there were no highways, no commercial flights and Taiping started to bloom in becoming Perak administrative centre. Traveling was really a hassle even between Taiping and Penang which is considered near by today's traveling standard.
Luckily, there is this Rest House, built to provide services to those who tend to spend their night here in Taiping. Established in 1894, the Rest House is located at the Station Road, in front of King Edward VII (1) Primary School.

Still maintaining its original structure and rooms, the Rest House are always fully occupied with visitors when opened. In its early years, the Rest House would be occupied by British Officers who came to Taiping for business or leisure visits. The Malay royalties and some rich Towkays may at times spend their nights here, maybe to try out a different experience all together.

Currently, the Rest House is being closed for the process of management changes and major renovation. Luckily for the two British gentlemen, the Rest House in their time was just opened.

When the renovation works are done, let's spend a night there, shall we?

Magni Nominis Umbra

2008-11-02T22:53:00.012+08:00

Salam and Greetings...

Roooaaarrr!!!

This is the 'tigers' territory. This is where the 'cubs' were taught and turned into the mighty 'tigers'. With the tiger's spirit in them, they will become powerful and thoughtful leaders in their packs. And under the shadow of the great name, they had and will survive this challenging world, as long as the Taiping Hills stand.

This is King Edward VII School of Taiping, Malaysia. Established in 1883, it was known then as The Central School. The original school compund was located at the present Nurses' Hostel in the current hospital grounds.

Initially began in a very small way, the enrolment to the school had increased tremendously by time. Thus, in the year 1905 the school has moved to the current compound which stand tall until now. And not known to many, one of the school block used to be the first railway station office in Malaysia.

By then, with the outstanding personality of Mr. Roger Francis Stainer, the Headmaster from 1905 till 1921, the school had a strong tradition of being excel in academics and sports,especially rugby.

Mr. Stainer also has adopted the school's motto, Magni Nominis Umbra. It means 'Under the Shadow of A Great Name', not the then King Edward VII of England but the great name is the school itself and the tiger spirit that reflect the loyalty and devotion towards the school.

And as mentioned in the school song, this great King Edward VII School will live forever, as long as the Taiping Hills stand...

More can be read at the School Official website and Old Edwardian website.

Magni Nominis Umbra.

The Police Station, the Fire Station and the Clock Tower...

2008-09-21T22:16:00.001+08:00

Salam and greeting.

The day was about to end on that peaceful evening. Everybody were retreating to their dwellings after a hard day of work. But out of a sudden, from afar can be heard people screaming of panic. In the darkness of the young night, there was thick smoke, started to invade the clear Taiping sky. And later, all hell break loose. People running around screaming saving their live and their loved one.

Well, this is our perception of the Great Taiping Fire that has destroyed almost half of the old Taiping town in the early 1880s.

But luckily then, not far from the scene of disaster was the existence of the police station cum fire station that manage to control and save Taiping town from this disastrous tragedy. And not known to many, this police station cum fire station was original located at the same building where the Taiping Clock Tower is now.

Originally being built from timber in 1881, it was at the center of the then Taiping town. It was later being reconstructed with concrete to include the clock tower section.

The tower still stand strong till today as it acts as the office for Taiping Information Centre. And the clock has been refurbished and still gave an alert sound every half hourly.

Under the Shades of The Great Trees

2008-09-08T23:05:00.001+08:00

Salam and Greeting.

By now it is not a secret anymore that the Rain trees in Taiping Lake Gardens really respect its visitors. They bow to you thus creating natural arches, hailing as one pass by.

Well, lets look at this scenario from a different angle. Anybody looked up while passing under these trees' arches??

We did. And here are the moments under the shades of the great trees...

Anybody Need Some Luxury In The Afterlife??

2008-09-06T13:30:00.005+08:00

Salam and Greeting.

He makes executive Mercedes that comes with a driver. If one doesn’t like modern transportation, he provides alternatives such as horses. And not only that, he can even ‘built’ houses especially big bungalows as big as you can pay.

Wondering who is this car-maker cum constructor? Well, don’t be amazed. The one we are referring to is Mr. Chan. He is one of the surviving craftsmen who are in the field of making Taoist prayers items for the afterlife.

According to him, the business was started by his late grandfather many years back. And now he is continuing this dying art form for living.

In making such items, he normally used bamboos, printed papers and glue. He even imported some of the printed paper from China and Thailand to make the product lively. And with a bit of creativity, all will be transformed into bungalows, car, horses etc.

According to Mr. Chan, during its heydays, his father and his late grandfather would not only take orders from customers, they also entered related competitions organized and did won some prices. For him, this dying form of art is still important to the Chinese community when they need it for Chinese funerals. And luckily enough for those who require this service, these skills of making such items are now being inherited to his son…

Serenity and calmness in the Middle of the Town...

2008-08-27T22:37:00.001+08:00

Salam and Greeting.

Let’s go back to some where around 1897. You were at the market building buying some household needs. It is already passed noon. And from afar you heard the Azan, announcing and calling all Muslims for prayers. Muslims from all sorts of life stop their activities and make their way to the mosque to answer this call for prayers.

Well, that scenario can still be found in some village but it is no more at the Old Kota Mosque of Taiping.

This Moorish influenced design mosque was built in 1897 and is located at one of the busiest crossroad connecting Kota Road and Main Road. It was one of the first mosque in the Federated States in Malaysia and was the main Taiping mosque before the India Mosque and the new mosque was built. It also houses a cemetery compound where some of the tombstones dated as far as the year when the mosque was opened.

Surprisingly when we entered the mosque compound, it seems like we were going to a totally different world of serenity and calmness although the always busy Kota Road and Main Road is just at the corner.

Well, calmness and serenity can be a very subjective thing or place indeed. And here in Taiping, serenity and calmness can be found in the middle of the town...

The Fish Encagement of Kuala Sepetang

2008-08-18T10:10:00.005+08:00

Salam and Greeting.

Beyond and not known to most who came to Taiping or Kuala Sepetang is the scenery of the fish rearing encagement or fish farms. These encagements are operated by some of the fishermen who opt for modern method of generating income out of the sea.

Being scattered all around Kuala Sepetang waters from internal estuarine out to the open sea, the fish reared are of salt water species. These reared fish include Grouper (Epinephelus sexfasciatus), Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) and Pomfret (Pampus argenteus)

According to the fishermen who involved in this field, the fishes reared are all being booked by local and overseas restaurant. When it is time to harvest, these fish will normally ends up in high class seafood restaurant menu. So next time when you are having lunch or dinner in some fancy seafood restaurant, the fish may came from Kuala Sepetang. And if you have been on the boat tour, you might have seen this fish in its encagement.

Well, whatever it is, here's the video for you to enjoy...

If you are interested or need additional information, do call Mr Wan at 016-5084708 or 012-3912916 or send your inquiries by email to taipingheritagecult@gmail.com

Boarding Pass To Taiping International Airport (Sort Off)...

2008-08-14T20:43:00.018+08:00

Salam and Greeting.

Imagine if the title statement is real. Taiping would then be a busy metropolitan like Kuala Lumpur. But then, it is only our imagination.

Well, not known to most of Taiping's visitors is its airport or more likely its airfield. Located in a suburb area called Tekah in Assam Kumbang, the airport is yet again another first institutional that is here in Taiping.

The airport was built by the British back in 1929 to be used for non-military purpose. Since its area is small, the airport can only accommodate Fokker planes. However, during the Japanese Occupation from 1941 to 1945, the Japanese Military have fully built the airport and made full used of it.

And wonder why we dubbed the airport as Taiping International, well back then there were not many or no other airports available in Malaysia. If it was in 1930s if you flew in to Malaysia from London, India, Africa, Indonesia or any parts of the world, you will be landing in Taiping and no where else. Other than that, this airport had received some VIPs dignitaries such as President Sukarno and his Vice-President Dr. Mohamad Hatta of Indonesian and also 'The Freedom Fighter of India' Subash Chandra Bose.

The airport is now being used occasionally as a practice drop zone for local paratroopers personnel and clubs. But it is still one of International Air Transport Association (IATA) members with an airport code of TPG. So, get your boarding pass ready. The plane is going to take off any time now...

Fishermen's Village at Kuala Sepetang...

2008-08-08T09:52:00.012+08:00

Salam and Greeting.

Other than being part of Malaysia's history mentioned at All Aboard!! The First Train In Malaysia Had Departed Here..., Kuala Sepetang is a town with lots of fishing villages. And because of that, most of its residents are involved direct or indirectly in fisheries related activities.

If you passed Kuala Sepetang town from its landed side, the fisheries related activities exist seems to be invisible. Thus, with the boat tour you will be given an opportunity to see the other side of Kuala Sepetang. You might be surprised on how busy these residents can be in their day to day fisheries activities.

And here, we present to you the Boat Tour Part II: The Fishermen's Village at Kuala Sepetang...

If you are interested or need additional information, do call Mr Wan at 016-5084708 or 012-3912916 or send your inquiries by email to taipingheritagecult@gmail.com

The Boat Tour in Port Weld Has Started...

2008-08-05T13:31:00.016+08:00

Salam And Greeting.

The boat tour in Port Weld has started. It was a bit slow but we do believe some how people just need more time to know and excited about it.

We have mentioned about it in Boat Ride at Kuala Sepetang and Here is the Boat Ride. So, here we want to put some details on what is being covered during each boat tour.

For a start, you need to go to the Forest Department Jetty at the Matang Mangrove Reserve. If you are coming from Taiping or Simpang, just follow the road heading towards Kuala Sepetang or Port Weld. The entrance road to the jetty is just before the Kuala Sepetang town where it is inside the Forestry Deparment Complex.

The boat tour operates from 10AM to 5PM and currently on weekends only. Each tour ride will spend about an hour time. During the tour, visitors will cruise through these following places:

The Fishermen's Village

The Fish Rearing Encagement

The Virgin Jungle Reserve

The Charcoal Factory

For all the places mentioned and the fun and experinece on the boat tour will cost you RM15 for adults and RM10 for children, where minimum per trip must consist of at least 4 adults or RM60.

And here we present to you the first part of the tour to enjoy...

If you are interested or need additional information, do call Mr Wan at 016-5084708 or 012-3912916 or send your inquiries by email to taipingheritagecult@gmail.com

All Aboard!! The First Train In Malaysia Had Departed Here...

2008-07-30T14:01:00.018+08:00

Salam And Greeting.

Imagine you are in the year 1885, being part of Malaysia's history. Scents of the burning woods and fresh hot steams were all around. The hissing and puffing sound of high pressured steam being released in the background. Rows of British VIPs and local gentlemen in their best Victorian outfits. And suddenly from afar the Station Master yelled...

"ALL ABOARD!!! This train is departing now..."

What an amazing feat it was.

Well, maybe that was the scenario when the first train service between Taiping to Port Weld (Kuala Sepetang) opened to public on a Monday, June 1st 1885. This was 60 years after the world's first permanent steam locomotive hauled public between Stockton and Darlington in England.

This first railway line in Malaysia began its construction in 1882. The work force who built the track came from two division of Pioneer Corps that were brought in from Ceylon and settled here later. When it was completed, the then acting Governor Sir Cecil Clementi Smith and acting British Resident Frank Swettenham rode the maiden journey on February 12th 1885 before it was opened for public.

For a short track of 12.8 kilometres between Taiping to Port Weld, surprisingly there was three stations along the line which were at the King Edward VII (1) Primary School, Simpang Station and Port Weld Station. However, only one remains as a school while the other two are not there anymore.

Well, maybe this was due when they move to the existing building at Station Road in 1900 and later when the line was closed in 1970s. But still, the existing station will surprise any visitors with its antique settings, water pumps and instruments that are still usable till today.

We may not experience what being described earlier since it happened more than a century ago. But believe us, when you are at the Taiping Railway Station, your mind and thoughts will some how accidentally goes back through time and from afar you will hear the Station Master's famous word...

"ALL ABOOOOOARD!!!"

The Tinman of Taiping...

2008-07-28T12:23:00.020+08:00

Salam and Greeting.

Don’t get us wrong. We are not blogging about the Wizard of Oz where you will have Dorothy, Cowardly Lion, The Scarecrow and the Tinman to name a few. We are going to blog about yet another classic trade that is popular throughout the world when there were no plastics yet. And the best thing is that this trade is still available in Taiping, at least.

Well, let us introduce to you to Mr. Phoon Oi Kong. He is the tinman that we are referring to. He is in the business of making tin products or can also be called a tinsmith (not sure whether there’s such a word). Back in the old days, this business is lucrative since the raw material, tin is widely available throughout Taiping and the demand for it was high.

According to Mr. Phoon his father started the business in 1965. During that time the demand for items made from tin was high because there were no plastics around. He then took over the business when his father passed away and operate it until today.

With the skills he has, items that are normally being made are pails, baking trays, funnels, containers and wooden or charcoal stoves. The demands for these items are coming from local hawkers and also construction workers that still prefer to use tin materials.

Sadly however, Mr. Phoon end his chat by saying that after him, nobody else will be taking over his business.

So if you are interested quickly pay a visit to his shop at Market Road to appreciate the skills of the Taiping's Tinman.

The Trees Not Only Bowed, They Stand Straight In Respect To You

2008-07-25T17:25:00.009+08:00

Salam and Greeting.

We have posted about the trees that bow to you at the Lake Gardens. Well, it is done with a humble respect to all who have came to Taiping.

But then, it is not only those trees that respect you. When we make a tour at the Lake Gardens recently, we have discover another bunch of trees that gave respect in their own way. They are situated just after the zoo and also near the skating ring.

These trees, they stand straight in respect to you...

The 'Firsts' In Taiping...

2008-07-23T22:33:00.030+08:00

Salam and Greetings.

Everybody knew that in Taiping there are lots of ‘First’ institutions that start to operate and exist in Perak, the Federated Malay States or even Malaysia. We mentioned them as institution because these ‘First’ are not only buildings and structures but vary from newspapers, schools, associations and agencies.

All of these ‘First’ are available in Taiping due to that Taiping has once on Malaysia’s history line became the administrative center for the Perak state (through out the years), the British (during the colonial era), Federated Malay States (pre-independence of Malaysia) and Japan (during the Japanese Occupation WWII).

Some of these ‘First’ are still available but many has ruined due to time. Well, whatever it is, these are the ‘First’ that were established here in Taiping…

Magistrate Court [1874]It was set up by Capt. T.C.S. Speedy, who was also the magistrate. Initially was built from timber with attap roof and situated at the same place where the present court stands.

Prison (Gaol) [1879]
It was set up by Capt. T.C.S. Speedy. Initially was a timber building with fencing all around. The location was the same as then and today.

Police Force Team and Police Station [1879]
It was built initially from timber with attap roof. By the year 1886 it has been replaced with a good looking wooden building.

Railways line and railway station [1885]
The first railway line was between Taiping and Kuala Sepetang (Port Weld). The construction of the first railway line began from the grounds of the present King Edward School which became the first railway station in the country. It was later shifted to the present site in 1900. The old starting line has been closed since 1950s.

Private and Government Hospital [1880]
The first private hospital was called Yeng Wah Hospital, which was set up by the Chinese Mining Community. The location of this hospital is at the Hua Lian Kindergarten (behind Indian Mosque). The first government hospital was called the Prison and Police Hospitals that was opened and run by Thomas Prendergast, a qualified 'Apothecary'.

European Club (Taiping New Club) [1885]
Initially was built as an attap hut. The club is then being renamed as the New Club in 1894. It is situated at the entrance of Lake Garden.

Museum [1883]
It was established in 1883 in the former government office. Its building was developed then in stages from 1885 till 1903. When it was opened, the first curator was Leonard Wray, who had put up the much admired natural history and ethnological collections. Today, the museum has vast collections of exhibit to be seen.

The Esplanade (An open ground) [1890]
It was first initiated by Colonel Robert S.F. Walker, as he was the Commandant of the Police and Military Force. It was used for functions like marching and processions.

British Residency [1874]
The first British residency was a huge kampung house at Matang. It was occupied by the first Assistant Resident was Captain T.C.S. Speedy that was employed by Menteri Ngah Ibrahim the then Menteri of Larut. He then moved to the new residence in Bukit Jelutung where the housed the District’s Officer’s house. The other house available was located at Casuarina Inn near the Lake Gardens where only the stilts remain.

Hill Resort [1880]
Formerly known as Maxwell Hills, it was established by William E. Maxwell when he was the British Resident. The hills resort is at 1250 meters above sea level where its temperature varies from 15 Celsius to 25 Celsius during the day. In the early years, British officers and wives were carried up to the hills using sedan chairs or rattan baskets by Indian workers. The hill resort was renamed in 1978 to Bukit Larut which means Larut Hill.

Rest House [1870]
It was built as a stopover places for visitors who came to Taiping in its early years. The Rest House is located in front of the King Edward School at Station Road. It still maintains its original wooden building.

Lake Garden [1880]
Since Taiping was filled with lots of abandoned tin mine ponds, one man had the idea make used of them. That man was again Colonel E.S.F Walker. He restored them to becoming such wonderful landscapes that remains till today and enjoyed by all.

Clock Tower [1890]
Located at Kota Road, it was the first clock tower in the Malay States which built in 1890. There was a bell before but was said to bring bad luck to the Chinese business community. The tower has been a police and fire station before. Now it housed the Taiping Information Centre.

Central Market [1884]
The Taiping Market Building consists of two buildings, the Old Market (at the Main Road) built in 1884 and the New Market (at Kota Road) built in 1885. It is possibly the largest non-indigenous historic timber structure in the country and also a best preserved example of a major 19th century market building.

Government Offices Building [1892]
The building was opened in 1892 to accommodate Council Chamber, Offices for the Secretariat, Treasury, Audit, Education and Forest Departments. Today it is the premise of the Larut Matang District Office.

Post and Telegraph Office [1884]
This office was built in 1884 at the far end of the Barrack Road. It was built from timber. In the early years, the post from Taiping was carried by a relay of runners and ponies. Later it has become the telegraph office.

Golf Course [1894]
Opened in 1894, the first 9 holes golf course was in the Lake Gardens. Exclusively for the high ranking British Officers, and later only the Europeans were allowed to play the game. The Asians played golf only after the Japanese War period.

Horse Racing Turf Club [1885]
Established in 1885, the old race course is situated near Klian Pauh. It is now being taken over by school buildings.

Masjid Tengku Menteri [1870]
Located near Ngah Ibrahim’s Fort, the mosque was built in 1870 by him to cater the communities who stayed in the vicinity of the fort area. Ngah Ibrahim also built the Kota Mosque in 1897 which is situated in the middle of Taiping town.

Anglican Church [1886]
The church is located at the Main Road was established in 1886. It was designed by George Lefroy. This church is also known as the All Saints Church.

Open tin mining [1844]
The tin residue was discovered accidentally by Long Jaafar. He started a small mining area which was later being commercialized by his son Ngah Ibrahim throughout Taiping.

Public Swimming Pool [1870]
The first public swimming pool started to operate in 1870. It is called Coronation Pool or Kolam Kemahkotaan. It is located at the foothill of Bukit Larut and the only swimming pool in Malaysia which is filled with cool stream water.

Artillery warehouse [1870]
The warehouse is called Fort Carnavon was established in 1870. It is located just beside the Taiping Prison complex. It used to store ammunition supply used by the army.

Girl’s School [1889]
The Lady Treacher Girl’s School was the first all girl’s school in the Malay States. It was established by the Perak Government in 1889. The Methodists later took over the school and renamed it after the then British Resident’s wife. During the Japanese Occupation, the school building was used as the Japanese army barracks.

The Central School [1883]
Established in 1883, it was the first English school in the Federated Malay States. In 1905, the school was renamed to King Edward VII School when the new building was opened. It was also use as the base for garrison commander during the Japanese Occupation.

Malay Newspaper [1893]
The first issue of the Seri Perak was published in June 1893. The publisher was Syed Abdul Hassan Ibnay, who was from India.

English Newspaper [1890]
The first English newspaper was published in 1890. It was named Perak Pioneer. It was a British Residents controlled media.

Tamil Newspaper [1890]
The name of the first Tamil newspaper was Perak Vethamani, firstly published in 1890. The publisher was By Syed Adbul Ibnay Burhan, who was from India.

The Malay States Guides [1896]
The first Malay States Guides were established in 1896 under the commandant Colonel R.S.F. Walker. The force was about 500 men, mostly the Sikhs, the Pathans, and north Indians. The military Barracks were at the main road where the present Malay Regiment is stationed.

Ceylon Association [1901]
The association was established in 1901 by members who were Ceylonese that worked in the railways and government departments. Initially it was situated at Barrack Road, but later moved to the present site at Station Road.

Chinese Associations [1858]
History has it the associations were formed according to their clan’s base from China. The first known was The Khoo Kongsi, established in 1858 in the Tupai-Coronation roads junction. The Tseng Lung Association was then established in 1887. The Hokkien Association was established in 1918.

Indian Association [1894]
The association was established in 1894 by founder member Shaik Nunammer Shah. The members were from India irrespective of their religion.

Khalsa Diwan (Punjabi Association) [1903]
The Khalsa Diwan was established in 1903 by members which were Sikhs that were in the Malay States Guides. Its objective is to improve the social position of Sikhs in Malaya.

Teachers College [1898]
This college was opened in 1898 as a training centre for teachers from Perak and Selangor. One of its early training places was at Matang.

Recreation Park (Coronation Park) [1920]
Located at the Theatre Road, the park was opened in 1920. The Run Run Shaw of the Shaw Brothers came and ran movie reels to entertain the miners back then. It was renamed to Coronation Park to commemorate King George V coronation.

Taiping Airfield [1930]
Established in 1930, the airfield was there to cater air trips from and to Taiping. During the Japanese War, it was fully developed and being used fully. Among those who had landed here before was President Sukarno and his Vice-President Dr. Mohamad Hatta in 1945. Other than that was 'The Freedom Fighter of India, Subash Chandra Bose in 1944.

Public Library [1882]
In its earlier construction in 1882, it was referred as “an excellent Reading and Recreation Room for Officers of Government”. The where it is now was one the premise of Charted Bank of India, Australia and China.

Our list is up to here. However, we believe there are more to it. If you have more, feel free to comment in. Thanks.

Baking In Brick...

2008-07-21T09:32:00.009+08:00

Salam And Greeting.

We are sure that you have tried or see somebody bake before. It doesn't matter whether they are cakes, breads or biscuits, if its baking you'll need an electrical oven to do it. Have you ever wonder how baking was like when there was no electricity?

Well, we are not turning this blog into another cooking blog but we would like to share with you about this traditional bakery in Simpang (5km from Taiping). We have met and chat with one of the owner's sons, Mr. Zulhisham about their unique bakery.

According to him, the bakery was started by his grandfather way back in 1957. During that time, electricity supply was something rare and can be afforded by only a few. Because of that, his grandfather designed and helped in constructing this brick oven, which also consist mixed material of cement, brown sugar, eggs and some other stuffs that makes it stands strong and functioning till today.

Mr. Zul then continues about the baking process which is done daily. Starting from 8AM, the oven will be filled with sufficient amount of woods. These woods will be burnt to ashes. The ashes will then be swept out and the bread dough prepared earlier will be put into the oven to bake.

This first load (up to 20-25 trays) starts to be baked from 12PM and is done by using the heat left from the burnt woods. The heat enables the bakery to do 3 rounds of baking daily.

Among items that you can buy here at the bakery are bread loaves, buns and dried bread biscuits or biskut lutut (directly translated as knee biscuits).

If you are intrested, the bakery is at the road to Kuala Sepetang, about 500 meters from the traffic light junction, opposite the Muslims' cemetery.

Here is the boat ride...

2008-07-18T15:27:00.009+08:00

Salam and Greetings.

We have mentioned about the boat ride in Kuala Sepetang before this. Since the service will officially starts this 2nd of August, we would just like to share a video of the boat ride as shown below…

If you need any details you can email taipingheritagecult@gmail.com or call Mr. Wan at 016-5084708 or 012-3912916.

Taiping Lake Gardens Where The Trees Bow To You...

2008-07-17T09:43:00.010+08:00

Salam and Greetings.

Visits to Taiping would be really a waste if you missed its Lake Gardens. People would then say “Hei...My town has its own parks and lake gardens which is beautiful enough to visit, so why and what is so good about the Lake Gardens in Taiping that will be missed??”

To begin with, the Taiping Lake Gardens is the first public park or lake gardens in Malaysia. It was established since 1880 by Colonel E.S.F Walker. He noticed that there were lots of deserted mining ponds around the old Taiping and something should be done to improve it. From there, he has turned the pond and its surrounding area into such a wonderful landscape that we have till today.

Second to the first, apart from the lakes and the gardens, the famous Taiping Zoo is also housed at one corner in Taiping Lake Gardens. One thing about this zoo is that it is one of the only zoos in Malaysia that is and will be run by a government agency in the name of Majlis Perbandaran Taiping (Taiping Municipality). However, you may be surprised with its beautiful atmosphere and the numbers of animals inside it.

However, what we would like to highlight here is about the most unique thing that is available in Taiping Lake Gardens. You must not missed the overgrown Raintree (Samanea Saman) at one stretch of a road that surrounds the Lake Gardens. Not only the trees are humongous, its branches are making arches from one side of the road to the other side up to the tip of the lake.

What we can tell you is that in the Taiping Lake Gardens, even the trees bow to you...

Boat Ride at Kuala Sepetang...

2008-07-15T09:59:00.007+08:00

Salam and Greetings.

Boat ride at Kuala Sepetang?? We’ve thought you’ll ask that. Well, there is such thing going to happen and we will let you know when and where.

However, firstly let us start with a bit of what and where Kuala Sepetang is and what may interest you to go there. Kuala Sepetang or Port Weld is an adjacent small town located about 13km west of Taiping. If one to study Malaysia’a history, this small town was in the lime light when it housed one of the railway stations for Malaysia’s first railway track between Taiping and Port Weld way back in 1885 (yet again, another one of Malaysia’s first institution available in Taiping) .

Most of the residents here work as fisherman or some how or another involve in the fisheries industry. So you won’t be a surprised to see and smell something fishy here.

Well known for it well managed mangrove reserves (we will blog about it once we capture some pictures), it also offers some interesting scenery and things that makes you wonder how nature’s ability to adapt to its surrounding changes.

We have gone for a boat ride tour and here what have been installed for you to enjoy…

If these pictures excite you and you would like to experience the real tour, we have got to know that the operators will make the service available hourly on weekends starting 2nd of August 2008 with affordable price. Do contact us if you need any details.

Bukit Larut (The Maxwell Hills)

2008-07-14T17:30:00.010+08:00

Salam and Greetings.

Well known enough for all who wanted to visit Taiping is Bukit Larut or formerly known as Maxwell Hills. If one would like to find information about Malaysia’s highlands or hills resort, Bukit Larut will be in the list along with Cameron Highlands, Bukit Fraser or Genting Highlands. Well, it can be said that it is the trademark of Taiping.

Bukit Larut was found in 1884 by Mr. William Edward Maxwell, the then British Assistant Resident of Perak. Back then, Mr. Maxwell was looking for suitable high grounds that can be used as rehabilitation and relax resorts and being reserved for senior officers and also the wives of officials and other high placed gentlemen. He has found it here in the Bintang range.

Being one of Malaysia’s first instituition available in Taiping, Bukit Larut still stands tall as the oldest hill station in Malaysia. Compared with others hill stations or resorts, Bukit Larut is not crowded and its tranquility, calmness and coolness are still there to be experienced.

The unique things in Bukit Larut that await its visitors are:

The roller-coaster ride in the form of Land Rover jeep. (Can be said one of its kind in the world)
The calmness, coolness and tranquility of tropical rain forest jungle.
Small cascading waterfalls all the way up the hills.
What was felt by Mr. Maxwell when he established this hill station. (There are not much development around it)

And as usual, we leave you with these pictures to relax with…

Waterfall, Streams and Pools...

2008-07-09T13:44:00.049+08:00

Salam and Greetings...

Anybody who has been to Taiping would not miss to notice that there is a waterfall cascading at parts of the Bintang Range where Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hills) is located. It is clearly visible even from the town area. We have been to the waterfall source before (many years ago) and would blog about it once we can find our way again to that magnificent place.

But then, other than that noticeable waterfall (not sure whether there is a name for it), Taiping has many other streams or natural pools that is a must to be visited. We would say that your trip is wasteful for not taking a dip at these streams and pools.

Here, we would promote the two most popular natural pools in Taiping that you should visit and have a dip. These pools are Burmese Pool and Austin Pool.

The Burmese Pool

Firstly, there are no Burmese people staying around the vicinity of this area. Secondly it is not a ‘pool’ as swimming pool. It is a natural pools formed by the flowing streams from the hills of Bukit Larut.

Located near to the foothills of Bukit Larut at a housing are called Taman Sentosa, we have no idea how this pool got its name. We knew it from our parents which knew it from their parents and so on. Maybe back then there were Burmese settlements or Burmese soldiers that had found out about this place and let known for all generations to enjoy.

The following pictures will say what you have missed if you did not include Burmese Pool in your Taiping visit…

The Austin Pool

Austin Pool is located not far from Burmese Pool at a housing area called Taman Suria. Compared to Burmese Pool, Austin Pool is less crowded hence it should be suitable for those who seek calm and serene picnic or relaxing spot as an option.

Same case with Burmese Pool, we do not know where does it names originates from. Maybe one of the British Officer during the British Colonial Era called Austin had found out about this place and again let known to all generations to enjoy.

Again, we would stop with words and show these pictures of what you’ll miss in Austin Pool…

Here is one thing that we would like to let known to all. Do you know that other than taking a dip or swimming you can also do river tracking activities at Burmese Pool. If anybody interested, do contact us. We would be much happy to share the info.

Selamat Datang and Welcome...

2008-07-08T10:59:00.012+08:00

Salam and Greeting to all.

First and foremost, welcome to our humble web blog. It is created to share to the world what such a magnificent town Taiping is and it offers to the world, in terms of places to visits and things to do.

To start of with, let’s get to know what and where is Taiping. Located in the state of Perak in Malaysia, Taiping is the second largest town next to Ipoh. With a distance of about 75km to the south of Penang and 55km north of Ipoh, Taiping was a historical tin-mine town during its heydays.

Formerly known as Klian Pauh, it was found and established by the first Larut Chieftain, Long Jaafar. He had opened several tin mines area around Taiping and brought in Chinese migrant from mainland of China. Long Jaafar was then succeeded by his son Ngah Ibrahim which was known as the Menteri of Larut. He was believed to be the first so called Malay billionaire in Malaysia.

Since its establishment, Taiping has become the administrative center for the Perak state (through out the years), the British (during the colonial era), Federated Malay States (pre-independence of Malaysia) and Japan (during the Japanese Occupation WWII). Taiping had survived the three Larut wars, World War I and World War II and still stand tall as one of Malaysia’s heritage site not to be missed.

However, since few years back it seems like the lime light are being taken away from Taiping thus many interesting facts and places that are not only special in the hearts of Taipingites are left to be forgotten. Hence, this web blog will try to revive it all.

Do visit us from time to time. Who knows what we offer here might trigger some of your thoughts and gave solutions to questions like…

“Ahh… I know that there are such things in Taiping but don’t know how to go about…”

“I’ve been to Maxwell Hills, but nothing interesting…or am I wrong to say that??”

“Is there anything else that will interests me to visit Taiping other than its best managed zoo and lake gardens??”

Constructive comments are highly appreciated.