Taiping is a tranquil place that charms visitors. Translated from the Chinese language, its name means �Everlasting Peace.� Today, Taiping is a haven for retired senior citizens looking for a relaxed, unhurried pace of life and low cost of living.

Founded on tin, the mineral that built the British empire's economy, Taiping was formerly the seat of the Perak state administration. Though a sizeable town with all the modern conveniences and amenities, it is laidback, green and cool as the place receives 4,000 mm of rainfall, the heaviest on record compared to the average of 2,000 mm in the rest of Malaysia.Vestiges of colonial British legacy are evident when you stroll along Kota Road (Jalan Kota) beginning from the Victorian-styled Taiping District and Land Office built in 1898 and head towards the former police station with a fortified clock tower, which is now coated in pink and serves as a downtown landmark. Turn right towards Station Road (Jalan Stesen) to find the refurbished Legenda Hotel (former Town Rest House that hosted sultans, rajas and colonial officers since 1894) and the King Edward VII School, which was established in 1883. Nearby, on the same road is St. George's Institution, a primary school which dates from 1915.

Taiping is defined by its lush 62-hectare Lake Gardens, only a few minutes drive from the middle of town. Tree-lined roads, cosy benches, quaint bridges that connect one islet to another and the scenic surrounding hills make it an ideal place to relax. The largest lake garden and oldest in Malaysia, it was developed in 1884. The Taiping World War II Cemetery found there has the graves of fallen Commonwealth soldiers who defended Malaya from the Japanese invasion during 1941 to 1942.

The 14.4-hectare Taiping Zoo (www.zootaiping.gov.my), the first in Malaysia, is located within the grounds of the Lake Gardens. The zoo boasts over 1,300 animals including 180 species of birds, reptiles and mammals kept in enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitats. Established in 1961, it is arguably the best managed. Its operational hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. The zoo's Night Safari allows visitors to observe the animals when they are most active from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. all year round. The closing time is extended to 12 midnight. on Saturdays and during the eve of public holidays. The entrance fee during the day is RM4 per adult and RM1 per child (three to 12-year olds), while the Night Safari charges adults RM10 and children RM6. There is a surcharge of RM1 per camera and RM5 per video camera.

The Perak Museum located near the Lake Gardens was initiated by Sir Hugh Low, the Third Resident of Perak (British Advisor to the Sultan). It was among the earliest to be established in Southeast Asia and recognised as the first in Malaysia. Since 1886, the two- storey museum has been a rich resource centre about the history, ecology and culture of Perak. Visitors are introduced to the lifestyle and heritage of the indigenous Orang Asli (aborigines) that inhabited the remote parts of this state. Entrance is free, and the museum opens daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., except during festive Muslim celebrations such as Aidilfitri and Aidiladha.

No trip to Taiping will be complete without visiting Bukit Larut hill station (formerly Maxwell Hill), which is part of a permanent forest reserve. Founded a century ago by William Edward Maxwell, one of the British Assistant Residents in Perak, it is 1,036 metres above sea level. A daily four-wheel drive shuttle service (the sole means to get to the hill station) operates from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and charges RM4 per person for the return journey. The 30-minute ride up to the station gives the feeling of being in a roller-coaster due to the narrow, steep winding road and many hairpin sharp bends. The adrenaline-pumping experience is a small price to pay once you arrive and soak in the breathtaking surroundings. On a clear day, you can view the sweeping coastline that stretches from Pangkor Island to Penang. The temperature, which hovers between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day, drops to 15 degrees when it rains and encourages highland flowers, moss-covered trees, wild orchids and many species of ferns to thrive in profusion. The unspoilt forest is home to smaller animals such as gibbons and squirrels. Several bungalows available for RM60 to RM150 per night attract visitors seeking total seclusion and rejuvenation.

Express buses charge around RM18 for a one-way ticket to Taiping from Kuala Lumpur and the journey takes approximately 4 hours. For more information on Taiping and Perak, you may contact the Perak State Tourism Action Council at (+605)5225018 or (+605)5225028. Please also browse www.tourismperak.com. Source: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia