Day 41: Christmas Morning Along Raintree Walk


Taiping Lake Garden

After last night’s hearty dinner, we decided some morning exercise would do us good. To avoid the heat and crowds, we agreed to meet a few friends at 7:00 a.m. sharp in the hotel lobby. But before setting off, here’s a little background on Taiping.  

Taiping Smoke Grill: Hog feast platter

Taiping grew rapidly in the 19th century following the discovery of tin. The mines drew large numbers of settlers, particularly Chinese immigrants, fueling the town’s prosperity. The mining boom led to the construction of Malaysia’s first railway in 1885, connecting Taiping to Port Weld. This historic train took its maiden journey on June 1, 1885. Today's population is about 250,000 (Chinese: 46%, Malay: 40%, Indian: 12%).

The site of the current Lake Gardens was once a mining ground before it was transformed into Malaysia’s first public park. Today, the park features 10 scenic lakes and ponds, surrounded by century-old rain trees whose dramatic, arching branches have become a hallmark of the area.  

***

Not everyone showed up on time, but we eventually set off toward the Lake Gardens to explore the famed Raintree Walk. Luckily, it’s just a short five-minute stroll from the hotel to the starting point. Surprisingly, many others had the same idea for an early morning walk. Despite the initial crowd, the atmosphere was magical. Walking alongside the lake under the towering rain trees, with their massive, spreading branches, was truly awe-inspiring.  


After a few minutes, the crowd began to thin, and we were able to immerse ourselves in nature. The soundscape was just as enchanting as the scenery: the distant roar of lions from the nearby zoo reminded us that breakfast time wasn’t just for humans. To our delight, we spotted a hornbill perched in one of the trees. The bird seemed entirely unfazed by our presence, posing confidently as our cameras clicked away.  




Historical Taiping Jetty

Even though it wasn’t my first time visiting the park, I was struck again by the sheer abundance of greenery. The shades of green, from light to deep emerald, were breathtaking. Here and there, bridges connected the small islands dotting the lakes. Some of these bridges, painted in striking pink hues, provided a beautiful contrast to the surrounding foliage.  

As we neared the end of the walk, a modern structure came into view—the "Brew House." Its inviting presence reminded us that life’s pleasures extend beyond water and exercise.

Location: Taiping Lake Gardens, Jalan Pekeliling, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak, Malaysia

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