TAIPING: A stroll through the heart of Taiping reveals a town rich in heritage yet still waiting to unlock its true tourism potential.
The old wet market, built between 1884 and 1885 and regarded as the oldest in the country, recently received a much-needed facelift. But questions remain on when it will reopen and in what form, with hopes that it can be transformed into a vibrant attraction, much like historic markets in other parts of the world.
For decades, attempts to revitalise this landmark have fallen short, despite repeated calls since the 1990s to preserve and repurpose the structure. In fact, as far back as 1990, the then Regent of Perak, Raja Nazrin Muizzudin Shah (now the Sultan of Perak), had urged the authorities to develop Taiping’s historical assets and natural surroundings into sustainable economic ventures.
The town and its surrounding areas boast a wealth of attractions from the cool retreat of Bukit Larut and the iconic Lake Gardens, to centuries-old sites in Matang. The Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, recognised internationally as one of the world’s best-managed sustainable mangrove ecosystems, is another gem often overlooked, along with the traditional charcoal kilns that continue to operate nearby.
Just 20km away lies the Kuala Gula bird sanctuary, home to more than 160 species of birds, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Calls to position Taiping as a heritage town are not new. In 2013, then Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, himself a son of Perak, proposed elevating the town’s status, but the idea has yet to take flight.
Despite the abundance of history and natural beauty, Taiping continues to be underutilised as a tourism hub. What it urgently needs is a comprehensive blueprint, one that brings together federal and state governments, local authorities, and stakeholders to truly transform it into a world-class heritage destination.
Until then, the welcome sign proclaiming “Taiping Bandar Warisan” (Taiping Heritage Town) at the town’s gateway risks remaining just words on a board and, in time, perhaps even falling apart – NST
