Taiping Lake Gardens — Attraction in Perak

Unlike real lakes formed by rivers that run into valleys in the highlands, it is the decommissioned quarries from the days of mining during British rule that form the basis for the numerous lakes in many Malaysian states. Abandoned mining pits naturally collect the rainwater that runs off higher ground from tropical rainfall and typically has no outlet. In some cases, rainy seasons see the lakes rise and burst their banks to form temporary floodplains.

From among these, Taiping Lake Gardens (Taman Tasik Taiping 太平湖公園） leaves a most convincing impression. Set against the rugged hills and mountains of the surrounding land, the organic growth of greenery in the past century, further enhanced by careful landscaping, provides a lush, naturalistic setting among some of the most picturesque parks and gardens in the region. Photography buffs will revel at the way the quality of light changes the mood of the place while Instagrammers will not be disappointed with the sights they can capture.

The air is very humid but fresh, prompting residents and tourists alike to meander along its paths or take long walks, typically in the early morning or evening. It is also a haven for wildlife, and home to creatures like local reptiles like monitor lizards and iguanas, as well as several species of aquatic birds such as egrets, heron, ducks and kingfishers. I was thrilled to spot a pair of hornbills perched in the treetops as well as pairs of Malayan and Brahminy kites streaking across the sky.

You are likely to be bothered by mosquitoes but don’t let them distract you from the dragonflies and mayflies, whose presence is a sign of healthy water quality. If you’re lucky like me, you could also witness countless species of insects that include brightly-patterned butterflies, beetles, bees and spiders of all shapes and sizes.

Of particular note is its Rain Tree Walk, a dedicated track for strollers and cyclists. Lined with these majestic icons of the tropical rainforest, some exceeding 100 years old, they imbue the park with a sense of heritage and beauty that otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Admission into rhe lake garden is free. There are other attractions just a 5-minute drive away - a zoo, a museum, good food - and worthwhile accommodation within walking distance for those who might spend a few days exploring the vicinity. If you seek to embrace calm, mindfulness and lots of space, Taiping Lake Gardens could well be just the...

The Taiping Lake Gardens was originally a mining ground before it was established as a public garden in 1880. The idea of a public garden was the brainchild of Colonel Robert Sandilands Frowd Walker.[1] The garden was developed by Charles Compton Reade (1880–1933), who was also responsible for planning the Kuala Lumpur garden town, together with Lady Swettenham.

The abandoned tin mine ground was donated by Chung Keng Quee as a recreation park for public use. In 1884 the gardens were planted with grasses, flowers, and trees; a part of the gardens was fenced, to keep bulls out.[2]

The 64 hectares (160 acres) site was the first public garden in Malaya, and was cherished for its beauty; it has been well-maintained since its opening. There are ten scenic lakes and ponds, which highlight the gardens. Along Residency Road, near the gardens, were golden rain trees (Malay: Samanea saman) or hujan-hujan (pterocarpus indicus) planted along the pathway. In George L. Peet’s A Journal in the Federal Capital, when he visited Taiping in 1933 he said “I know of no more lovely sight in this country than the Taiping gardens when the rays of the early morning sun are shining obliquely through their clumps of bamboo, palms and isolated trees scattered on islands among the expanse of water. One receives in that glorious half hour an experience of light in foliage that is quite unobtainable...

I loved this park so very much! The entire place is so well maintained and very scenic. The plants here are beautiful, the lakes are almost like mirrors, and the mountains in the background make the place feel dreamy! It reminds me of a golf course, even though I've never been to one 😂 Lots of colorful birds everywhere, including storks, eagles, hornbills, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and way more. This park is very family-friendly, it's a great place for people of all ages, especially nature lovers like me :D Many people were taking slow walks or jogging, and some were even picnicking on the grass beside the lake! There are multiple spots where you can rent bicycles to cycle around the park at affordable prices. I myself rented one and it cost me only RM5 for 30 minutes.

The dozens/hundreds of raintrees that line the pathways of the garden were planted in 1898, making them more than 120 years old as of 2024! Some of them have leaned so much to the point of near collapse, so permanent metal support structures were put in place to prevent them from toppling. Best part is you can walk/cycle right under these trees as some of them lean right over a main pathway!

I went to this park in the morning (about 8-9+am) and had the best time because it was cooling and the air was fresh. My grandmother loved it here too. I highly recommend Taiping Lake Gardens to whoever...