By Zaki Salleh
TAIPING: In addition to Taiping Lake Gardens and Taiping Zoo, there’s another equally captivating attraction for visitors to this tourist-friendly town.
To learn about the history of communication and connectivity in Malaysia, the best place to visit is the Taiping Telegraph Museum.
Located at No. 2664, Jalan Stesen, it holds the distinction of being the first telegraph museum in Southeast Asia.
What makes it even more fascinating is that the museum is housed in a colonial-era building over 140 years old, inviting visitors to explore the evolution of communication technology—from the days of telegrams to the digital era.
Constructed between 1883 and 1885, the building once hosted postal, telegraph, telephone, and banking services—all under one roof.
More than 50 communication artefacts are on display, including undersea cables from the 1870s and classic public telephones.
Visitors can also access over 1,000 historical e-books, making it a treasure trove for knowledge seekers and researchers. Interactive tours are available in seven languages via QR scan codes.
Among the must-visit spots within the premises are Telegraph Square, featuring an original telegraph pole, a Gutta Percha tree, and a vintage phone booth.
If you’re heading to Taiping, make sure to include the Taiping Telegraph Museum in your itinerary as part of the historical and educational tourism experience the town offers.
