The Raintree Walk is a 650 meter path skirting the Taiping Lake Gardens, starting at the roundabout connecting Jalan Saw Ah Choy, Jalan Pekeliling, and the newer Jalan Samanea Saman and ending at the intersection of Jalan Maharajalela and Jalan Pekeliling. The stretch of Jalan Pekeliling that has now become the Raintree Walk used to be passable by cars and motorcycles, but the road has been cordoned-off so the Raintree Walk is now much more pedestrian-friendly.
Samanea Saman is the scientific name for the species of rain trees that line this path and give it its name. Some of the trees are well over 120 years old now and are considered ancient by the standards of the species. The trees lining the walk have become an iconic image of Taiping, and one particular tree is very popular on the internet when you search for images of Taiping or the Taiping Lake Gardens. A lot of photographers try to duplicate the shots they find on the internet or try to improve on them, and photography along this path is great fun, especially on days with good sunshine.
There is a bicycle rental service available at the roundabout where the path begins.
The path is especially busy in the mornings and late afternoon, when joggers and fitness enthusiasts dominate the pathways. On weekends, it is busy all day long, more so if the weather is good. There are two car park zones along Jalan Samanea Saman where buses and cars can be parked while you enjoy exploring the Lake Gardens. It is a family-friendly area, with public restrooms available close to the parking zones.
The Raintree Walk is stop number 3 on the Taiping Heritage Trail.
