Things to do in Taiping

After exchanging your ticket at the pier, you'll receive a paper wristband. Once you put it on, you'll wait to board the boat. Upon arrival, there will be someone with a camera at the entrance as you disembark. These are for the park's paid photo service, and you can pick up your photos at the souvenir shop at the end. The tour guide speaks both Malay and English. They will ask if you have your own guide; if not, they will explain things in rotation at each stop. The orangutans in the park have distinct and very entertaining personalities, and you can really feel the park's dedication. There's a feeding area where you can bring a few bananas to feed them. The electric fence is indeed live; although it's a low current, you'll still feel a jolt if you touch it.

I wasn't sure, so I signed up for the intermediate course. There are four of us: my 9-year-old, my 11-year-old, my husband, and me. The intermediate course felt more like a practice session and lasted about 30 minutes. The guide took photos and kept us entertained. The children wanted to play more, so we signed up for the advanced course. It was great that we only had to pay the difference in price. The trail was very enjoyable, and the guide was kind and helpful despite his limited English.

Our guide and driver, David, was incredibly welcoming and informative. He was happy to share insights into local life, helping us understand the attractions and cuisine of Penang and Taiping even better. The itinerary was packed with diverse experiences, making it a truly worthwhile trip. Thank you, Guide David.