Taiping is at a crossroads in its history. Physically and culturally, the town is slowly shifting into a new era. Known for being a former British town, any remaining traces of the occupation have either been co-opted into tourist attractions or lay unattended, only to be reclaimed by the land itself. One way or another, as time passes, the town is moving onwards and away from its colonial past. While there are many documents and narratives chronicling the history of the British that will endure long past their time in Taiping, there are few records detailing local stories and history during this same time.

One of the biggest crossroads Taiping stands at are in regard to the hill station and bungalows of Maxwell hill. Over the years they have gradually decayed and now exist in a state of disrepair. A once-central attraction to many has now become a faded memory. The direction Taiping’s future will take depends largely on the future of the hills. Whether they are to be restored as a heritage site, developed to increase the number of visitors, or remain as they are is still unknown. With only a promise to
re-open the hill in 2026, as of now there are no concrete plans on the table as to which direction authorities will take.

The project turns focus onto the connection many residents feel towards Taiping’s historical hills by investigating the local narratives, both past and present, to understand the town and its culture as it shifts into its own unique identity. Through interviews and in immersing myself in the town’s heritage, I hope to uncover and showcase what individuals of Taiping value and hold dear when they look to the line of blue hills which embrace their town.

Thoraraisa Thoraipandy, locally known as Guna, belongs to an increasingly rare group of individuals who can claim a direct connection to the former British hill stations and community once situated at the top of Maxwell hill. Born and raised a thousand meters above sea level, he is intimately familiar with the hill’s history and ecology. At his core, Guna is a storyteller, passing on tales of anything, from of British daily life to rare tiger sightings – if it has happened on the hill, Guna likely knows about it. He reflected on a recent visit up to Maxwell Hill:

“I met my wife there, brought my kids up here. There are many fond memories of the place, sometimes it’s a shame to see everything falling apart. Hopefully we are able to find a solution soon. I don’t like to see it like this. I think a simple restoration of the bungalows would be enough to attract visitors again. If everything is simply in working condition, enough to stay a few nights, I think people will appreciate the nature and beauty that surrounds them. There’s really nothing like it.”