Taiping, Perak

Our family went down to Taiping (the hometown of my hubby) for Cheng Beng festival last week. After the prayers, we drove around town to look at the famous structures and landmarks. To our surprise Taiping is not as layback as one thinks. We encounter "traffic jam" and had to "fight" for our food!!! Still, our plan was to take things slow and easy driving around the town.

At end of Kota Road towards Lake Garden stand a magnificent Victorian styled building. It is the Larut Matang District Office.

Diagonally across the road is the Lian Thong Restaurant that sells this refreshing lime drink (kat jai sui) which we can't get it in Penang. It was definitely a welcome and refreshing drink on that hot day. Before drinking it is best to press the fruit so that the flavour mixed well with the drink. Try not to take the fruit directly as it is extremely sweet because they are literally soak in sugar syrup for a period of time.

The Perak Museum on Jalan Taming Sari, near the famous Taiping Prison is another place worth visiting. Again it is a Victorian style structure with numerous towers. The spacious surrounding is kept neat and clean.

Besides the museum stands the statue of Colonel Walker, the founder of the Perak States Guides.

Well maintained truly England products - telephone booth and electricity lamp post that are rarely seen nowadays.

The famous King Edward VII School located in Station Road is quite similar to Penang Free School, but in my opinion this building is better maintained. The school ground is dotted with huge angsana trees which give you a rough idea the age of this school.

Another splendid landmark that capture my attention is this Victorian bungalow which is the 9th Regiment Rangers Mess (clubhouse). I just love the Victorian architectural. Whats more it is situated facing an open field which makes one feel like you are somewhere in an European countryside.

Then there is the famous Old Clock Tower in the middle of the town. The place could do with a new coat of fresh paint and I don't see why they did not remove the plant that sprout from the wall. It's a shame as this is the tourist information centre and a prominent landmark too.