Malaysia through the lenses of a Mat Salleh: Episode 22

By Philippe A.Durant

Day 22: Taiping, the city of the “firsts” and of everlasting peace

Not many know that Taiping was the very first city in what is now Malaysia, long before Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh. Taiping means “everlasting peace”. The name came after the treaty that settled the local wars between gangs. The story says that an elephant named Larut disappeared from its village in the area in the mid 1800s. When it came back, its legs were covered with tin ores. That was the start of the tin rush, the development under the British rulers, the migration of Chinese workers, opportunists and gangsters. Taiping had the first jail, train station, city hall, clock tower, railroad, museum and more. Today the city is known for being peaceful and green, ideal for retirement besides being the rainiest town in Malaysia.

There is very few heritage buildings left. The lake gardens where hundreds walk around, jog, cycle and do aerobic or tai chi are quite pleasant and picturesque. Maxwell Hill gives a great view of the city and its surroundings. Taiping is a good place to stay overnight for my photography in Kuala Sepetang as the Novotel offers the best value and comfort.

Here are some photos of the city of peace.

Bon voyage.

P.S.: – All the photos can be purchased, printed (in all sizes and format) or not with a simple request via WhatsApp/Signal at 0172409722.