A Half-Day Exploration of Taiping, Perak
Recently, we embarked on a half-day outing around Taiping, Perak, as part of a familiarisation tour, held as a side event for media practitioners during International Ipoh Fashion Week (IIFW) Season 6.0.
This event was particularly special, coinciding with Taiping’s 150th anniversary, celebrating the rich history and cultural significance of this charming town.
Known as Malaysia’s first heritage town, Taiping was once a thriving tin mining hub in the 19th century and has since become a popular destination for its well-preserved colonial architecture, lush landscapes, and historical landmarks.
Our excursion, hosted by the Taiping Municipal Council, began with a morning departure by bus from Hotel Taiping Perdana.
Matang Mangrove Eco-Educational Centre
Our first stop was the Matang Mangrove Eco-Educational Centre, a stunning natural habitat renowned for its biodiversity. We strolled along a boardwalk that stretched approximately 1.5km, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the serene mangrove environment.
This reserve is part of the larger Matang Mangrove Forest, spanning over 40,000 hectares and recognised as one of the world’s largest and best-managed mangrove ecosystems. Established around 1902, the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve plays a critical role in coastal protection, mitigating erosion, and providing breeding grounds for marine species such as crabs, prawns, and fish.
The forest reserve supports a wide variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, macaques, and even endangered species like the smooth-coated otter. The mangroves also play a vital role in the local economy, supplying wood and providing jobs, particularly in the nearby charcoal industry.
Khay Hor My Charcoal Factory
Next, we visited the Khay Hor My Charcoal Factory, where Mr Chuah, a third-generation owner, gave us an insightful tour. Established in the late 1930s, this factory is famed for producing some of the finest charcoal in Asia, often referred to as “black gold.” The charcoal-making process uses sustainably sourced mangrove wood from the Matang Mangrove Forest, with a sapling planted for each harvested tree.
With six traditional kilns, Khay Hor My Charcoal Factory is the largest in the area. Each kiln, built from 26,000 bricks and clay in an igloo shape, ensures even heat circulation. The production process, known as baking, involves carefully drying the logs over 32 days, yielding around 10 tonnes of charcoal from 50 tonnes of wood (1,500 to 2,000 logs).
Most of the charcoal produced is exported to Japan after being packed in paper bags.
Video: Khay Hor My Charcoal Factory, Kuala Sepetang, Perak
Lunch at Restoran Mee Udang Mak Jah
After our educational tour, we enjoyed lunch at Restoran Mee Udang Mak Jah, a local eatery popular for its signature prawn noodles. Located near Kuala Sepetang, the restaurant is famous for its generous portions and the use of fresh, locally sourced prawns that are succulent and perfectly complement the spicy and savoury noodle broth.
Founded by the late Tijah Yusuf, the business has been passed down to her six children, ensuring their mother’s culinary legacy continues to thrive.
With its authentic Malaysian flavours, Mee Udang Mak Jah attracts both locals and tourists, showcasing Taiping’s vibrant food culture steeped in traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Antong Coffee Mill
Our next tourist destination was the historic Antong Coffee Mill in Assam Kumbang, the oldest coffee mill in Malaysia. Founded in 1933 by Tiah Ee Mooi, Antong Coffee Mill marked its 90th anniversary in 2023.
Visitors can enjoy a traditional Hainanese breakfast with roti jari and a variety of house-branded coffees. Prearranged visits offer a chance to see the time-honoured wood-fired roasting method, a technique preserved over the years.
While most of the beans are sourced locally from Banting, Johor, Sabah, and Sarawak, beans from Indonesia, Brazil, Colombia, and Kenya are also imported when needed.
The production process, including a 15-minute roast and subsequent grinding to powder, takes an hour from start to finish, yielding around two tonnes of kopi-O (traditional black coffee) daily.
In addition to its signature coffee range, Antong also offers OEM manufacturing, packaging design, and export services.
Since my previous visit a decade ago, Antong Coffee Mill has added a Coffee Museum and also introduced several new products, including triple-shot espresso ice cream.
Zoo Taiping & Night Safari
Our final stop was Taiping Zoo, one of Malaysia’s oldest, established in 1961. Known for its commitment to conservation and education, the zoo spans 36 acres within the scenic Taiping Lake Gardens, providing a naturalistic habitat for 1,500 animals from 140 species.
The zoo houses various native and exotic animals, along with Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, and tapirs. We were fortunate to witness an engaging animal feeding demonstration, while zookeepers shared fascinating insights into the animals’ dietary habits, natural behaviours, and conservation efforts.
After a round-trip tram tour of the zoo, capturing countless photos, it was time to return to our accommodation at Hotel Taiping Perdana.
Appreciation
Our heartfelt thanks to tour guide Encik Khairul Salleh Ahmad, whose expertise greatly enriched our understanding of each location we explored. This tour not only highlighted Taiping’s natural beauty but also showcased its rich cultural heritage, vibrant food scene, and historic charm, making it a truly memorable experience.
