LOW MEI MAY is smitten by the beauty of Taiping’s lake garden and the town’s various attractions
| Raintree Café serves both local and western fare" border="0"> Raintree Café serves both local and western fare  Former tin mines, now tranquil man-made lake" border="0"> Former tin mines, now tranquil man-made lake |
| Former tin mines, now tranquil man-made lake |
Raintree Café serves both local and western fare" border="0"> Raintree Café serves both local and western fare Taiping, in north Perak, is a small town — serene, tranquil and quiet. But to be able to wake up, look out of the window and see the greeneries and the blue of a large man-made lake is heavenly.
The hotel itself isn’t an architectural wonder. It’s simple and functional. Which is just fine, as there’s no need to compete with the beauty of the lake gardens and further away, Bukit Larut (formerly, Maxwell Hill).
Taiping Lake Gardens beckons — for a walk in the morning or evening; picnics or jogging; or to just lie down on the grass to read. Or visit Taiping Zoo within the vicinity of the lake to hear the roaring of tigers or chirping of birds, among other animals. Taiping Zoo opens day and night.
The hotel lobby can be very busy as the coffeehouse — the aptly-named Raintree Cafè — is right next to the reception area but do not fret as you can always rest your eyes on the greenery outside while waiting to be checked in. It is no wonder that Flemington’s Chinese restaurant, Hu Jing Ge, is popular for wedding receptions.
Another popular spot at the hotel is its lounge and sky bar, located on the rooftop.
The rooftop is the best spot to view the lake gardens, its surroundings and Taiping itself.
Also on the rooftop is a small swimming pool.
For a three-star hotel, Flemington boasts value-for-money facilities. The rooms are equipped with 32-inch LCD television with selected satellite TV, wireless Internet connection, hot & cold facilities, safe deposit boxes, hairdryer and even a work desk.
The hotel offers single, king or queen size beds.
Finding the hotel is not a problem even if you have never been to Taiping. Just head to the lake gardens and directional signs will take you to the hotel’s doorstep but if you do get lost in the vicinity, just enjoy the lake gardens for you will surely find Flemington.
Don’t worry about the scorching sun as the large century-old raintrees on both sides of the roads within the lake gardens provide excellent shade.
Besides the lake gardens, Taiping boasts of many firsts — the oldest prison, the oldest railway station, the oldest museum and the oldest hill station. But you don’t have to be of retirement age to make Taiping your home as you can learn so much about the history of this country by just visiting the town.
Another plus for Taiping is its delicious and cheap food. If your stomach has space for only one thing, the popiah is a must-have. It is available in a coffeeshop along the main road near the lake gardens.
Fast Facts
Hotel
1 Jalan Semanea Saman
Taiping, Perak
Tel: 05-820-7777
Getting There
When you reach Taiping town, follow the signboard to Taiping Lake Gardens and drive along the road surrounding the lake. Flemington Hotel is on the left.
First Impression
New and busy.
Rooms
Total of 116 well furnished rooms and suites. Four types of room — Superior, Lake View Premier, Junior Suites and Lake View Executive Suites. Equipped with LCD television and satellite channels. Choice of single, king or queen size beds
Facilities
Individually-controlled air-conditioning, hot and cold water taps, work desk, broadband Internet access facility, direct dial phone, tea and coffee making facilities, safe deposit boxes and hairdryer. Iron and boards are available upon request, laundry, room-service and 24-hour security.
Rates
Please call for their promotional room rates.
Overall Service
Good.
F& B Outlets
Raintree Cafè, Hu Jing Ge Chinese Restaurant, Flemington Lounge and Sky Bar
Places within walking distance
Taiping Lake Gardens, Taiping Zoo & Night Safari, Commonwealth War Memorial and Burmese Pool
Other places of
interest
Malaysia’s oldest train station — Taiping Station; Malaysia’s oldest Prison — Goal Prison; Malaysia’s oldest hill station — Maxwell Hill; Malaysia’s oldest museum — Perak State Musuem; and perhaps the best popiah in the country.
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