Taiping

Set to an emerald backdrop among the Bintang Mountains, Taiping blooms in thousands of shades of jade green and chartreuse. It's hailed as Malaysia's capital of rain, known for its frequent downpours and lush surroundings – be sure to bring an umbrella!

Taiping started life as a mining outpost in the early 1800s and quickly grew into an administrative hub for the Perak region of which it is now the capital. The British also came to reap the fruits of the mountains and soon rows of elegant colonial mansions and municipal buildings – still seen today – were raised in their wake, channelling the vibes of Switzerland and Southeast Asia alike.

But the real beauty of Taiping – as any Taiping tour guide will be quick to note – is in its serenity. The sprawling Taiping Lake Gardens promise meditative strolls around reflective lakes and woods. Then there's the high-perched hill station of Bukit Larut, where cool mountain airs flow over palm forests and historic bungalows more than 1,250 meters above sea level.