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Ipoh Itinerary 2024: The Perfect Itinerary For 1 – 3 Days

Looking for the perfect Ipoh trip itinerary? Great! That’s exactly what we give you in this Ipoh itinerary blog.

We created this itinerary after multiple trips to charming Ipoh. We researched to find the best spots then visited themselves to hone this list to the perfect itinerary for 1, 2 or 3 days for you.

A quirky place to visit, Ipoh is ideal for a long weekend – perhaps in combination with a stay at the Cameron Highlands or as a stopover when travelling between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Discover the city’s laid back charm on the 6.5 kilometre Ipoh Heritage Walk, taking in restored colonial buildings such as the Railway Station, Birch Clock Tower and Ipoh Town Hall and Post Office. A sometimes sleepy but atmospheric town – showing strong similarities with George Town, Penang – streets are lined with Chinese shophouses and an abundance of coffee houses that spill out onto the pavements.

Noted for dramatic street art murals, check out Old Town and the more recently added Mural’s Art Lane in New Town, for colourful depictions of local family life, regional customs and traditions. Further afield, explore the region’s mystical cave temples deep within Ipoh’s limestone cliffs, and the equally spectacular Tambun Cave full of Neolithic cave paintings dating back thousands of years.

Recent investment into Ipoh has led to not only a revitalised Old Town but a regeneration of its Malaysian-Chinese cuisine and culture… and our top reason to visit Ipoh is without a doubt to sample the food, with Lonely Planet calling it the “lesser known food capital” of Malaysia. Spoilt for choice, it’s a foodie’s delight, with local restaurants, hawker stalls and expansive food courts offering mouth-watering fare at great prices!

Finally, for all those young-at-hearts, head to the Sunway Lost World of Tambun for a full day of thrills, action, animal encounters, hot springs and water rides… More than enough to keep you busy!

Below, you will find the ultimate Ipoh travel itinerary! We walk you through options whether you want an Ipoh day trip itinerary, an Ipoh 2 day trip itinerary or an Ipoh 3 days 2 nights itinerary.

You can simply stop following our Ipoh tour itinerary if your trip finishes in less than 3 days when you hit the number of days you have or pick the days that sound best from the 3d2n Ipoh itinerary below.

If you have longer in Ipoh, lucky you! You can take this itinerary Ipoh slower with more time to relax at your hotel or look for other things to do in Ipoh from our full list here .

Finally, we also recommend some top places to stay in Ipoh depending on your budget and needs and there is a map below of everything you will do on your Ipoh trip.

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Perfect Ipoh Itinerary 2024

Remember, this is a full 3 day Ipoh itinerary. If you have less days, simply pick the days that most appeal.

If you are looking for an Ipoh budget itinerary or an Ipoh itinerary for families this also works. Just take out activities if you want to make it easier/cheaper or if they don’t seem suitable for your kids.

The highlights of this itinerary in Ipoh are:

• Spend a full day discovering the Old Town of Ipoh, taking in the region’s famous Ipoh White Coffee, exploring colonial buildings and a fabulous night market… and trying out the lip-smacking local cuisine along the way.
• Day two will take you out of the centre of town to nearby caves celebrating Buddhist and Taoist deities, neolithic paintings and, rather surprisingly, a Scottish castle with hidden rooms and tunnels!
• It’s a fun afternoon and evening on day 3 at the fantastic Sunway Lost World of Tambun with water slides, tiger-encounters, hot springs and more.

Need to get to Ipoh? We can arrange a private taxi from anywhere in Malaysia. Click here for more details.

Day 1: Discover Old Ipoh Town

Today is all about discovering the best of Ipoh within the city. It’s perfect whether it’s the start of a longer trip or you are just looking for an Ipoh itinerary 1 day. Either way, I recommend you follow this exactly!

• Start the day at Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong – the perfect place to try Ipoh’s famous white coffee and to have a roti breakfast.
• Go crazy walking around the Old Town. Check out the colonial architecture, magical laneways and keep a lookout for Ipoh’s famous street art.
• Visit Ipoh World/Han Chin Pet Soo to learn more about the history of tin mining in the area.
• Take a short taxi trip to Restaurant Lou Wong for lunch where you can have Ipoh’s best tauge ayam.
• Have a siesta in the heat of the day ready to venture out again as things cool down in the early evening.
• Head to Gerbang Malam night market for dinner and shopping. This is particularly good on weekend nights.

Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong

The Story of Ipoh in a Cup… this 1937 establishment was the Old Town birthplace of the now famed Ipoh White Coffee, and today Sin Yoon Loong is still going strong!

What better way to start your day than enjoying breakfast at this longtime establishment? No WiFi or air-conditioning here, in fact the rear of the café appears to have the same coat of paint from years gone by. Locals and tourists adore this place, so head out early to avoid crowds – though you may still need to queue a while for a table.

This kopitiam – traditional coffee shop – has a fairly basic menu and the coffee is perhaps not as tasty as years ago, with tourism demands leading to an urgency to churn out cup after cup, but this is one place everyone should tick off when visiting Ipoh.

And, the coffee? Well, the beans are roasted with palm oil and served with condensed milk, resulting in a rather sweet and creamy beverage. Cheers!

Address: 15A, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak . Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Walking Around The Old Town

The highlight of your Ipoh one day trip itinerary will be exploring the heart of the city. Ipoh’s Old Town is full of heritage buildings that showcase the town’s 130-year history from a small Malay village to a minor tourist destination.

On the west side of the Kinta River that flows through the city, you’ll find colonial shophouses, that are often likened to Penang’s Georgetown. Easy to explore on foot, due to the excessive heat you might want to consider jumping in a taxi.

At the start of the 19th Century, Malaysia was under British Colonial rule with Ipoh the second most important city. Though a huge fire in 1892 led to most of the city being rebuilt, there is still a strong structure of Ipoh Old Town remaining, alongside newer places to explore with shophouses revamped into cafes, hotels, galleries and tea shops.

We recommend you follow the self-guided Ipoh Heritage Walk, taking you to all the major landmarks. Starting at Ipoh Railway Station, you’ll see the majestic Ipoh Town Hall and Old Post Office, High Court and much more. Check here for details.

The most famous street is probably Concubine Lane, with colourful decorations and tasty cold treats – quite different from the days of old when the shophouses were home to opium and gambling dens! Today, you’ll find charming souvenir shops, fashion outlets and many cafes. It’s a great place to visit at weekends with its busy, lively atmosphere.

Also in the Old Town, check out stunning wall murals with the most famous by the original artist, Ernest Zacharevic. His paintings are scattered throughout the lanes, along with many newer murals. You’ll see “An Old Uncle Drinking Coffee”, “Paper Plane” and the most dramatic, “Evolution”, that covers the entire side of the herbal-tea Ho Yan Hor Museum. Check this Ipoh street art map for the best spots.

Finally, discover more about Islam at the stunning Sultan Idris Shah II Mosque, near to the train station and facing the Birch Memorial Clock Tower. The State Mosque of Perak, it’s unmissable with many bronze domes and majestic modern architecture.

Take a break from your Ipoh day tour itinerary because it’s time for lunch, and your destination is Lou Wong’s – the most famous Chinese restaurant in town. Be sure to select its noted dish, Tauge Ayam (bean sprouts chicken).

Don’t come expecting a calm dining experience. This is a busy, sometimes hectic, restaurant with locals and tourists queuing for the famed food!

Address: 49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

Gerbang Malam Night Market

Once the sun goes down, this is the heart of Ipoh! The night market sets up around 7pm daily with stalls selling all manner of things from mobile phone accessories, toys, clothes, footwear, perfumes, bags, etc.

Crowded by 8pm, enjoy the hustle and bustle in the evening’s warm air. Bargain hunt and negotiate your way to a good price. And once you’re all shopped out, you’ll find many dining choices in the side streets, offering delicious Chinese and Malay cuisine. There’s also a hawker centre right next door. I may have had the best ice kacang of my life here (called an ABC Special).

After a full day of walking, why not end your Ipoh 1 day trip itinerary with a relaxing foot massage at the market before heading back to the hotel.

Address: Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

Day 2: Enjoy Ipoh Surrounds

Now you’ve seen the sites within Ipoh, our Ipoh 2 days itinerary focuses on the attractions around Ipoh where you’ll find awesome scenery and cool cave temples.

• This morning, set out after breakfast for a morning of exploring Ipoh’s famous cave temples. Start at Perak Cave Temple
• Take a taxi ride onto Kek Lok Tong Temple
• Take another short drive to Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, Nam Thean Tong Temple and Ling Sen Tong Temple
• Grab a quick lunch at Restoran New Hollywood, a Halal food court serving some of Ipoh’s top specialities, located en-route to your next attraction
• Visit Tambun Cave with its thousands-of-years-old artwork
• Take a 25-minute scenic drive to the Scottish manor, Kellie’s Castle
• And, if you have time, end your day at Gunung Lang Recreational Park before heading back to Ipoh for dinner.

Perak Cave Temple

In the limestone hills near Ipoh, there are amazing cave temples. These are basically exactly what they sound like – caves with temples 🙂 They are built into the hills and are serene, picturesque and well worth a visit.

This morning, use the Grab (like Uber) app to order taxis to help you explore some of them. These rides cost us RM6-11 each to get between the temples and the Old Town.

These are spiritual places which means you should dress in appropriate clothing. In this case, that’s shoulders and knees covered. You will (sadly) see many people not doing this, but I highly recommend you respect these temples and cover up.

The Perak Cave Temple is a big cave in a lovely spot. There are interesting rock formations and a big Buddha in the centre. The temple itself is located on the ground level, but there’s a staircase you can climb to get to the top of the hill. It’s quite a nice walk especially at the beginning through the cave.

Inside the cave, you’ll find paintings that depict celestial beings, flowers, and other images of spiritual significance.

Address: Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Kawasan Perindustrian Tasek, 31400 Ipoh

Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple

Next up is Kek Lok Tong. This Buddhist temple is the second stop today, where you’ll explore 12-acres of limestone caves and a wonderful reflexology footpath in the surrounding gardens.

Translating as “Cave of Ultimate Bliss (or Great Happiness)”, this atmospheric spacious cave, first discovered in the 1920s, enjoys good natural light and a refreshing breeze throughout. It’s truly a lovely spot to sit and reflect, in the company of Buddhist and Taoist statues.

Address: Pesiaran Sepakat 3, Taman Endah Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple

Not far away is your next stop. Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple is one of the city’s oldest cave temples. It features a beautifully landscaped ornamental garden as well as a columbarium designed to hold the ashes of the departed.

What I liked about this cave temple is that the cave went on further than I expected to open up a big lovely area with the view you can see above. There was also a turtle pond with many turtles. The ornamental garden at the front is also beautiful.

Otherwise, this temple looked a little aged and wasn’t as spectacular as some of the others to me.

Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh

Ling Sen Tong Temple

Just a short walk from Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, this colourful Taoist temple is located at the foot of a limestone mountain on the southern side of Ipoh and is full of statues of deities and animals. Literally translated it means “The Rock of Heavenly Spirits” and has a main compound area adorned with statues of characters from Chinese folklore.

Visit the garden for more wonderful statues, this time from Chinese mythology such as the Monkey King!

It’s a super colourful temple.

In between this temple and the last, you can also visit Nam Thean Tong Temple. It’s very easy to visit these three temples on foot as they are directly next to each other.

Address: Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak

Tambun Cave

Also known as Gua Tambun, this limestone cave contains the largest number of neolithic cave paintings in Asia. Discovered in 1959 by a British soldier on a routine training exercise, they are estimated to be around 2,000-5,000 years old.

Painted on the side of a cliff (not actually inside a cave), art was found depicting animals, humans, fruit and geometric shapes. Unfortunately having been not very well preserved, today there are only a dozen or so recognisable from the original 600 found.

You can take a Grab here from the last cave temple. It is not far.

Address: 31400 Tambun, Perak

Kellie’s Castle

This unfinished, ruined mansion, is a wonderful Scottish home in the Malaysian jungle! With a story that combines romance, tragedy and mystery, it has become a popular attraction.

Owner and creator William Kellie Smith, a Scottish planter, passed away during construction leaving the project halted and forever unfinished. The castle was designed to replicate the great British Raj palaces in India, with Moorish-style arches and windows.

Shrouded in mystery for many years, eventually three secret tunnels were discovered under the house, and rumours abound of a car found parked inside one! Spooky stories of ghosts continue to this day – whether real or perhaps as a way to increase tourism…

Today, it’s quite a surreal site in the plantations of Perak, and you’ll enjoy the dizzying road that weaves its way to the Castle.

Address: 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak

Gunung Lang Recreational Park

If time permits, finish with a trip to the Gunung Lang Recreational Park.

Covering over 30 hectares, with half consisting of lakes, this park is set to a stunning backdrop of limestone hills. The main attractions include the man-made cascading waterfall, a 2 kilometre boardwalk across a swamp and sporadic lookout towers.

Children can have fun at the on-site playground and visit the mini zoo. Everyone can enjoy a short boat ride around the lake, making a great end to this Ipoh 2 days, 1 night itinerary.

Address: Jalan Damai, 30100 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

Day 3: Tons Of Fun At Sunway Lost World Of Tambun

If you have a third day in Ipoh, lucky you! Today is going to be lots of fun. That’s because you will spend it at the theme park, Sunway Lost World of Tambun.

It’s easy to spend an afternon and evening here exploring and then hanging out in the huge wave pool which may have some of the best views from a wave pool in the world!

Sunway Lost World Of Tambun

Wow, you’re in for fun-overload today! Visit the action-packed Sunway Lost World of Tambun just 10 kilometres from the centre of Ipoh. This great family-adventure destination covers 40-acres of Park. It’s cocooned by lush tropical jungle, natural hot springs, and sits at the foot of dramatic limestone cliffs.

With six themed areas, suitable for all age groups, plus a night park, this is your perfect Malaysian Eco-Adventure.

Try your luck at Malaysia’s biggest wave pool – Jungle Wave Bay. Younger children will adore the giant tipping-buckets, water cannons and spraying elephants in the three different water playgrounds. It’s terrific fun!

Next, time to check-out the majestic tigers at the thrilling Tiger Valley or discover the cute Petting Zoo (great for younger visitors) where you’ll interact with a wide variety of animals.

Now it’s time for some serious fun and thrills at the Amusement Park, with a roller coaster, swing-chair ride, dragon flight and 180 degrees pirate boat swing! They are all quite child-friendly, and there is a lack of thrilling amusement park-style rides.

However, if you want more thrills, head to Adventure Park with 13 high-rope challenges, rock climbing and a zip line along the lake!

Or you can learn some history of the area and look for tin in Tin Valley.

In the evening, head to the Lost World Hot Springs & Night Park. Relax in 13 different rejuvenating hot spring pools, such as the Steam Cave, Geyser of Tambun, and an Infinity Pool, soaking your tired feet! Dry off, grab some dinner at the on-site restaurant, and explore the enchanted Luminous Forest with amazing flora and fauna or the nocturnal wildlife at the Petting Zoo.

I recommend you head to this theme park mid-afternoon and plan to stay for the evening attractions to get the most out of this experience.

Click here to purchase discounted tickets or here to read our full review.

Address: 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway, Sunway City, 31150 Ipoh

Itinerary Ipoh Map

Find all the things to do in this Ipoh itinerary on the map below.

Best Places To Stay In Ipoh

When planning to visit Ipoh, consider staying around the Old Town, the centre of the city, for easy exploration of historic colonial buildings and to be well located for restaurants.

Alternatively, stay out of town hidden amongst the lush jungle and limestone cliffs at Gunung Rapat or stay at Tambun, slightly north of the city, for its natural hot springs, water park and some wonderful locally grown fruits such as the native tasty pomelo.

Whatever your budget, there’s a great range of hotels to choose from. Below, we’ve listed a few different places to consider including a budget, mid-range and more expensive option.

BEST – The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat Review

Set amidst tropical jungle, this peaceful property is a luxurious sanctuary. Offering wellness, longevity, rejuvenation and detox treatments, you’re bound to leave with peace of mind and feeling terrific!

Surrounded by panoramic cliffs, explore the grounds for magnificent waterfalls and take a dip in a private Balinese pool. This is not your usual accommodation. In fact, a stay here will be a highlight of your visit to Ipoh!

Boasting 45 spacious, luxury villas – Lake, Garden or Water – we recommend taking one with a balcony overlooking the local canal. Villas come with private jacuzzi hot tubs filled with natural geothermal hot-spring water, private plunge pools, outdoor rain showers, private decks and sun loungers… All up, this is a quiet, stylish, luxury resort.

Dining is offered at Pomelo, an indoor/outdoor all-day restaurant focused on wellness and specially crafted meals to suit your needs. There’s also Jeff’s Cellar which was named one of the top 20 restaurants in Malaysia by Tatler. This stunning fine-dining restaurant and bar is set within a 260-million-year-old limestone cave!

With a famed spa, thermal steam cave and ice-bath, meditation cave, fish pool, jungle trails, fitness centre and swimming pool, you’ll find it hard to leave the grounds of the hotel!

Available for guests of 12 years of age and above.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

MID-RANGE –  Regalodge Hotel Review

Location is everything here, with the hotel only 800-metres from the Ipoh Parade Shopping Centre, at the heart of the city. This 3-star hotel has a wide variety of room categories, including premier, deluxe, executive, suites, and Regal family suites.

Air-conditioned rooms with modern decor and large windows, overlooking garden, mountain or city views, and a bathroom with shower, all help make this our stand out as a mid-range choice of accommodation.

This hotel is an excellent choice for tourists, offering free WiFi in all rooms, a 24-hour front desk and has recreational facilities such as hot tub, sauna, spa, massage and steam room.

An on-site restaurant offers a selection of French cuisine at The Limestone’s Fine Dining Restaurant.

BUDGET – Beds In Garden Hostel Review

Billed as a 5-star boutique hostel, Beds In Garden is a ten-minute walk from Ipoh town centre.

Modern, quirky and full of natural light, the hostel has a mixture of air-conditioned rooms including family, female-dormitory, 6-bed mixed, single, double or quadruple rooms. Shared bathrooms come with hot water, soap and shampoo.

Guests can relax at a small but well-maintained garden area, enjoy a fitness centre, and the hostel offers WiFi in the communal areas and some parking.

A shared-kitchen area (with a local store less than 5-minutes walk) is available for guests to cook their own food, and a huge common area with a television showing movies and local news is a great place to relax or meet fellow travellers. Next door to a nightclub, it can be loud on weekends so we suggest you request a room away from that side of the hotel.

Click here to see all our recommendations for the best hotels in Ipoh.

Final Words

We love Ipoh for its pretty Old Town which is filled with unusual street art and colonial buildings, trendy coffee shops and newer malls. There’s an air of being slightly off the main tourist-route. It can feel like you are discovering somewhere that will soon develop into a major Malaysian destination with both the New York Times and Lonely Planet trumpeting (quite rightly!) the delights of the local cuisine.

Add in the beauty of the surrounding countryside… We recommend you book your trip soon!

We hope you enjoyed this Ipoh city tour itinerary, perfect whether you are looking for a one day itinerary Ipoh, an Ipoh 2d1n itinerary or longer. You can find more information to plan your perfect trip to Ipoh in our complete guide to Ipoh here or read our full list of things to do in Ipoh here .

You can read our full guides to travelling to Ipoh from:

• Penang here
• Cameron Highlands here
• Taiping here
• Kuala Lumpur here
• Melaka here

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

Places To Visit In Ipoh

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Near Concubine Lane Ipoh

Near Lost World Of Tambun Ipoh

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• Filter (33)
• Landmark (4)
• Amusement & Theme Park (3)

1. Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple

6 km from city center 1 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

The beautiful and intriguing Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple is located at Gunung Rapat in Ipoh. Also known as Kek Look Tong, the temple is set amidst huge limestone caves consisting of a number of metal Buddhist and Taoist statues. Another highlight is the award-winning landscape gardens inside the cave.

2. Perak Cave Temple

5 km from city center 2 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Perak Cave Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in a limestone hill at Gunung Tasek. Popular for its stunning architecture, it is built into a huge cave with a 40-feet tall sitting Golden Buddha statue surrounded by four guardian deities, called as goddesses.

3. Lost World of Tambun

8 km from city center 3 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Located in Sunway City Ipoh, the Lost World of Tambun is a theme park famous for its natural hot springs, tropical jungles, 400 million years old limestone formations and 7 fun park attractions. It is a tribute to industrial and environment history of Ipoh.

4. Funtasy House Trick Art

1 km from city center 4 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Located at Jalan Market, Funtasy House Trick Art is a 3D trick art gallery in Ipoh, Perak. The gallery houses 26 murals and several trick rooms which have been constructed around different themes such as circus and upside down.

Top Hotels In Ipoh

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5. Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple

5 km from city center 5 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, situated in Gunung Rapat, is a cluster of three Chinese limestone cave temples adorned with natural and manmade artistic attractions. Ling Sen Tong, Nam Thean Tong, and Sam Poh Tong are the three temples. The oldest and main cave temple in Ipoh; it affords a spectacular view of the town. A major attraction is the reclining Buddha statue.

6. DR Seenivasagam Park

1 km from city center 6 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Dr. Seenivasagam Park is located in Negeri Perak and is a prominent recreational park for the people in the city. The main highlight of the park is the Japanese Mini Garden that creates an illusion among visitors that they are actually in Japan.

7. Gua Tempurung

23 km from city center 7 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Gua Tempurung is a beautiful limestone cave located in Gopeng in Perak. Popular for caving, it is the largest cave in all of peninsular Malaysia. A part of this 3-kilometer-long cave has been developed as a show cave, complete with walkways and electric lighting. It is quite easy to explore and has a 1.6-kilometer-long river passage running through the hills.

8. Kellie's Castle

14 km from city center 8 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

The unfinished, gothic and ruined mansion of an ambitious Scottish Planter, Mr. William Kellie Smith, Kellie's Castle is located in Batu Gajah, Kenta District, Perak, Malaysia. With several ghost-sighting reports, the castle is believed to be haunted by many.

9. Art of Oldtown

9 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Art of Oldtown is a collection of 7 beautiful murals scattered across the town of Ipoh. The murals are beautiful 3D wall paintings giving a glimpse of the local style, culture and history of the town. These seven murals are 8 Uncle drinking coffee (Jalan Bandar), 9 Paper plane (Jalan Tun Sambanthan), Five packets of kopi-O (Jalan Tun Sambanthan), Hummingbird (Jalan Panglima), Evolution (Jalan Bijeh Timah), 13 Trishaw garbage collector (Concubine Lane 3), Girl and sparrows (painted over, not existing anymore) (Jalan Bandar Timah).

10. Ling Sen Tong Temple

10 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Located at Gunung Rapat, Ling Sen Tong Temple is a charming Taoist temple located next door to Nam Thean Tong and Sam Poh Tong. The temple comprises of several attractive statues of different characters and deities from the Chinese folklore and Chinese mythology.

11. Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village

5 km from city center 11 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

The Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village is an eco-tourist spot 20-minute drive away from Ipoh town. It has been carefully preserved to turn a patch of wilderness into a brilliant attraction. Nestled amid sky-high cliffs of limestone hills covered in lush forests, the village features emerald-green lakes, cute koi ponds, and lots of tiny lakeside cottages to sit and enjoy nature. You can feed the fish as well.

12. Concubine Lane

12 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

With an interesting history of more than 120 years attached to it, the Concubine Lane in Ipoh is one of the most visited lanes in the area bustling with cafes, pop up stalls, souvenir shops, and dessert houses.

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13. Gerbang Malam

1 km from city center 13 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Gerbang Malam or the Night Gate Market of Ipoh is located at Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar in Taman Jubilee. It is a vibrant marketplace that comes alive every evening with the cacophonous exchanges of buyers and sellers. Shops sell all kinds of goods here, ranging from clothes, accessories, jewelry, electronics, and beauty products, to fruits, flowers, and delectable snack items.

14. Birch Memorial Clock Tower

2 km from city center 14 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Located in Kinta District, Birch Memorial Clock Tower, also referred to as Menara Jam Peringatan Birch is a beautiful clock tower in a square inside Old Ipoh. The four-sided tower is surrounded by four statues representing four pillars of British administration.

15. Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan

64 km from city center 15 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan is a clock tower located in the town of Teluk Intan of Hilir Perak District. It is known to be equivalent to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy because it is also tilted to the left.

16. Miniature Wonders Art Gallery

1 km from city center 16 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Located centrally in the Jalan Market in Ipoh Old Town, the Miniature Wonders Art Gallery is a small but incredibly unique gallery that displays dough sculptures.

17. Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge

17 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

The Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No 5, also known as TT5, is a former tin mining dredge, open to the tourists for taking a guided Dredge Tour, panning and self tour inside the gallery while also exploring the magnificent view of the landscape.

18. Ipoh Railway Station

18 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Ipoh Railway Station is located 3km southwest from the city of Ipoh and is an architectural marvel. Its Mughal style of architecture and design has allowed it to be crowned as the Taj Mahal of Ipoh. It’s a great place for visitors who want to visit a landmark architectural monument in the city

19. Ho Yan Hor Museum

19 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Located next to Han Chin Pet Soo Museum in Negeri Perak, Ipoh, the Ho Yan Hor Museum shares amazing stories of Ho Yan Hor, the famous tea brand since the 1940s known for their Chinese herbal tea. It presents the discovery of the origin and evolution of heritage herbal tea.

20. Orang Utan Island

69 km from city center 20 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Orangutan Island is the world's best rehabilitation and conservation center for Orangutans. Located in the heart of Bukit Merah, it is a 35-acre land neighboured by a beautiful lakeside resort. Incepted in 2000, Orangutan Island is still recognized as a global eco-tourism destination. The island offers an amazing experience to the visitors by the varied species of “People of the Jungle” or Orangutan. Orangutan Island is only accessible by a 15 minutes jetty ride which can be boarded from the near lakeside resort-Bukit Merah Laketown resort.

21. Ipoh Town Hall

2 km from city center 21 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

The ancient, colonial-era building, Ipoh Town Hall is situated at Negeri Perak. It provides an old and authentic look with its Edwardian Baroque Architectural style exhibiting the long-standing history and mesmerising architectural beauty for the lovers of historical events.

22. Han Chin Pet Soo

22 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Han Chin Pet Soo is a three-storey Hakka tin mining museum located along Jalan Bijeh Timah, close to Kinta river in Ipoh's Old Town, Perak. This heritage building houses antiques, collectibles, furniture, decoration, photographs, authentic tools and equipment from the tin mining era.

23. Movie Animation Park Studios Malaysia

8 km from city center 23 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Situated in Ipoh, the Movie Animation Park Studios Malaysia (MAPS) is Asia’s first animation theme park. The unique theme park features animated characters of Hollywood movies like Megamind, the Smurfs, Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Casper the Friendly Ghost, and several others. MAPS is divided into 6 zones.

16 km from city center 24 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Seated amidst lofty limestone cliffs, rivers, and some captivating historical caves, Gopeng is a serene town in the Kampar district of Perak. The main draw of Gopeng is thrashing around in rivers and waterfalls.

25. Belum Temenggor Rainforest

109 km from city center 25 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Belum Temenggor Rainforest located in Perak, Malaysia is the world's oldest and largest rainforest. It borders Thailand to its north and Kelantan in Malaysia to its east. The Royal Belum State Park lies entirely in Belum Temenggor Rainforest. A tour to Belum Temenggor includes hiking, rafflesia excursions and exploring Orang Asli village.

26. White Water Rafting at Kampar River

21 km from city center 26 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Kampar River is an ideal location in Ipoh to enjoy white water rafting. Embrace the adrenaline junkie in you as a professionally-oared raft takes you through 14 consecutive rapids for 7 km on the Kampar River. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours. The rafting ride starts from Ulu Geruntum, part of the Ulu River Lodge near Gopeng.

27. Geological Museum Ipoh

3 km from city center 27 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Located in the Kinta district of Perak in Malaysia, the Geological Museum Ipoh exhibits the heritage of the geology of Malaysia since 1957. Crafted with modern architecture, the museum encircling an area of 343 Square Metres, also houses 600 minerals, more than 200 gemstones of the region, crystals, and dinosaur fossils.

28. Gunung Lang Recreational Park

3 km from city center 28 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Located just 5km from Ipoh, the beautiful Gunung Lang Recreational Park in Jalan Damai of Malaysia is a perfect destination for boating, fishing, canoeing, and relaxing in the gazebos. Set against the backdrop of limestone mountains like Gunung Lang and Gunung Bilike, the park covers an area of 30.35 hectares including 14.16 hectares of lake areas.

29. Gunung Lang

3 km from city center 29 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Located in the northern stretch of Ipoh City in Perak, the limestone formations of the Lang mountain, also known as Gunung Lang, is a must-visit destination for any adventure lover. Back in 1880, this limestone area was explored and discovered by a Malay tin miner. Cover by lush greenery, mountain hiking will be great fun only for experienced and professional hikers. Adjacent to the Gunung Lang is the Gunung Lang Recreational Park, attracting tourists to its serenity bounded flora and fauna, lake, and boat rides.

30. Kledang Hills Hike

7 km from city center 30 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Kledang Hill in Ipoh offers a spectacular loop hike route ideal for beginners and experts alike. You will trek for 10.3 km, gain an average altitude of 824m, and it will take 4.5-5 hours to complete. The trail is easy in most parts but challenging in some.

31. Kwan Yin Tong Temple Ipoh

2 km from city center 31 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

In the foothills of the limestone hills of Gunung Rapat in Ipoh, lies the Buddhist cave temple of mercy, the Kwan Yin Tong Temple. Extending up to 20 meters below the cliff, this cave temple worships the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin or Guan Yin. Kwan Yin Tong Temple is the second oldest cave temple in Ipoh and has seventy-five Kwan Yin statues surrounding the cave area along with hundreds of small golden Buddha statues.

32. Kinta Riverfront Walk

1 km from city center 32 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

The Kinta Riverfront Walk in Ipoh is a waterside promenade ideal for taking a romantic stroll. Lined with restaurants and cafes, it has become a central spot for people to hang out. The trees that line the walkway add a touch of refreshing green during the day and come alive with bright LED lights at night. It is a bustling hub for eating out, enjoying live music, or watching the river glow in the lights.

33. Sultan Abdul Aziz Recreation Park

2 km from city center 33 out of 33 Places To Visit in Ipoh

Located in Jalan Tambun, Sultan Abdul Aziz Recreation Park is an open field for walking, jogging, exercising, relaxing, and other leisurely activities. The lush green grass of the park is ideal for families to have picnics. A section of the park is a children’s playground, complete with swings, slides, mary-go-rounds, trampolines, and more.

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PERFECT Ipoh Itinerary in 2024: Day Trip, 2 or 3 Day Itinerary!

Planning an itinerary to Ipoh, Malaysia? Worry not, we are here to help.

Though a small city compared to Kuala Lumpur, there are still many awesome attractions in Ipoh. From the interesting Hakka mining history to the spectacular natural cave temples surrounding Ipoh , visiting Ipoh without a planned itinerary can lead to much unforeseen waste of time and money.

After spending a week in Ipoh, we created the perfect Ipoh itinerary for anyone taking a day trip to Ipoh or spending 2 or 3 days there!

Let’s get to it!

Planning A Trip To Ipoh Last Minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Our recommended tours in Ipoh:

• Private Tour: Ipoh Secrets Full Day Heritage Tour (Must-do!)
• Cameron Highland Private Day Tour From Ipoh (Best day trip from Ipoh!)

Our recommended places to stay in Ipoh:

• The Haven All Suite Resort (Luxurious w/ EPIC views!!)
• The Tudor (AMAZING value-for-money)
• The Brownstone Hostel & Space (Perfect for backpackers)

How Many Days Is Enough In Ipoh?

Day 1 Morning

Aim to arrive in Ipoh as early as possible , ideally around 8 AM. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, it takes about 2.5 hours by car. If you are coming from Penang, it takes about 2 hours. Yes, that means leaving at around 6 AM!

Why are we arriving so early in Ipoh? You want to start your day trip in Ipoh right by having the famous Ipoh white coffee . For anyone that doesn’t know what that is, it is the coffee that put Ipoh on the map as one of the best coffee towns in the world .

In fact, the coffee in Ipoh is so amazing that  Lonely Planet has named Ipoh one of the top 3 coffee towns in Asia !

Ipoh’s white coffee is much sweeter and lighter than the regular kind, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!

There are several cafes in Ipoh known for their white coffee. The two I recommend are  Sin Yoon Loong  and  Nam Heong White Coffee . Though Nam Heong White Coffee is a little more popular, Sin Yoon Loong still follows the original recipe!

Don’t forget to grab some breakfast here as well. The food in Ipoh is some of the best and cheapest in Malaysia!

After an invigorating white coffee and some tasty breakfast, it is time to visit some of the most interesting places in Ipoh: the cave temples .

In the Perak region where Ipoh is located, there are over 30 different cave temples. With so many different options, it is difficult to decide which ones to go to, especially if you only have 1 day in Ipoh.

Luckily, you are reading our Ipoh blog post!

The  best cave temples in Ipoh  are  Perak Tong Cave Temple ,  Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple , and  Kek Lok Tong . You cannot go wrong with visiting any of them. I recommend visiting at least 2 of the 3 cave temples I listed above.

Take your time and admire the geological formations, the intriguing religious artifacts, and just enjoy the unworldly feeling of being in a cave temple!

Another unique attraction in Ipoh is Kellie’s Castle. An abandoned European-style castle built by a Scot, this  unfinished building is rumored to be haunted ! Including this place on your itinerary is going to be difficult, especially without a car.

Day 1 Afternoon

Ipoh has a rich history and it is difficult to grasp all of it on a short trip. The Han Chin Pet Soo Museum is the perfect place in Ipoh to start learning more about how the town became what it is today.

It talks about the early history of Ipoh when it was mostly a tin mining town . Information about the early Hakka miners and their lifestyles is also documented in the museum.

The best part about the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum? It is free and comes with a tour guide! However, there is a suggested donation of 10 Malaysian Ringgit to preserve this historical building.

You must reserve your spot on their  official site  before arriving. Note that the last 2 sessions of the day are at 2 PM and 3:30 PM. Han Chin Pet Soo Museum is closed on Mondays.

2. Ipoh Street Art and Murals

Everyone that travels to Malaysia knows that Penang is the city for graffiti, but we were surprised to find so many cool street art and murals in Ipoh as well.

Street art and murals fill the streets of both the Ipoh Old Town and New Town , and it is nearly impossible to not just randomly stumble upon them.

The amazing thing about Ipoh street art and murals is that they are not just about anything. Usually, they often depict the daily lives of the residents of Ipoh, offering glimpses of their lifestyle and history.

Travelers can find a large concentration of Ipoh street art at  Ipoh Mural  and  Mural’s Art Lane .

Eight of the total murals in Ipoh are done by a Lithuanian artist named Ernest Zacharevic. His most famous work is the “An Old Uncle Drinking Coffee” mural and the trishaw 3D mural which is properly called “Old Town Relives Nostalgia With Trishaw”.

Mural’s Art Lane is one of the most magical places for photography in Ipoh!

3. Concubine Lane

If there is one thing to do in Ipoh, it is to visit the  Concubine Lane . Why? Because this place summarizes Ipoh in just one tiny street.

The Concubine Lane was a street that the mining tycoon Yau Tet Shin gave to one of his three wives. The wife would make money by collecting taxes and profits from the vendors on her street.

Yau Tet Shin gave 2 more streets to his 2 other wives, namely Hale Lane and Second Concubine Lane, though they are not as lively as the Concubine Lane.

Nowadays, restored historical buildings are lined up on the side of the street. Buildings that were once used for brothels and other illegal activities have now become cafes, restaurants, and shops .

As one of the most popular places to visit in Ipoh, Concubine Lane can get very crowded. If it is possible, avoid visiting on the weekend or you will learn the concept of “invasion of personal space.”

4. Ipoh Railway Station

The  Ipoh Railway Station  is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ipoh. Locals love this building so much that they call it the Taj Mahal of Ipoh .

The beautiful transportation hub is used by travelers daily and has connections to many big cities in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

To see the Ipoh Railway Station at its finest state, you must visit at sunset. The golden hues of the sunset emphasize the colors of the building, making it one of my favorite places in Ipoh to watch the sunset (the other being Bukit Kledang but that involves a hike).

After the sun has set, there is a routine evening water show . Though it cannot compare to the one next to the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, it is a relaxing thing to do in Ipoh at night .

Though it is technically a water show, it doesn’t stop locals or travelers from jumping into the cold soothing waters!

Day 1 Night

If the weather is too hot, especially at midday, you can take a break at your accommodation, a cafe, or a shopping mall. From 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, the sun is like a biological weapon that melts you like butter.

With the extra time, you can add a few more attractions to your Ipoh itinerary.

I would personally recommend a visit to the  BookXcess Kong Heng Ipoh  bookstore. Using old bank vaults to display their merchandise, BookXcess Kong Heng is one of the most unique bookstores in the world.

If you are taking a day trip to Cameron Highlands from Ipoh, you won’t be able to fully appreciate its beauty. I recommend staying a few days in Cameron Highlands!

There are still several notable attractions in Camera Highlands you can visit on a day trip.

One of the biggest tea plantations in Malaysia,  BOH Tea Centre , offers tours of their tea processing facility as well as close contact with the tea plants themselves. The maze of tea plants is almost as beautiful as the rice paddies in  Sekinchan  in the western part of the Malay Peninsula.

The  Big Red Strawberry Farm  offers strawberry picking, a caf e, and a gift shop. Due to the climate, the strawberries in Cameron Highlands are some of the best in the world. They do, however, come with a heavy price tag (even by western standards).

The strawberry milkshake at their cafe is very delicious and worth a try!

If you are visiting Ipoh with family and kids or just want to relax for a day, then consider visiting the Lost World of Tambun Theme Park.

This theme park is situated on the outskirts of Ipoh, and it is a theme park that has something for everything – from a water park to natural hot springs and even a petting zoo!

Kids can enjoy the family-friendly rides in Lost World Amusement Park or the wave pools at the Water Park, while adults can relax in the multiple natural hot springs inside the park. The park is on the foot of stunning limestone cliffs, so visitors can admire their views as they soak their aching limbs.

If you are tired of sightseeing, consider a day of easy fun at the Lost World of Tambun Theme Park!

Where To Stay In Ipoh, Malaysia

Best Hostel in Ipoh-  The Brownstone Hostel & Space

If you are looking for an affordable hostel near the center of Ipoh, look no further. The Brownstone Hostel & Space features mixed dormitory-style rooms, clean facilities, and a cozy decor. It is a true backpacker hostel where you can meet other like-minded travelers!

The accommodation is centrally located so it is literally within walking distance from everything you might need or want to see.

Best Budget Hotel in Ipoh-  D Eastern Hotel

With so many  budget hotels in Ipoh , finding the right one can be difficult. Luckily, D Eastern Hotel makes deciding much easier. Featuring comfortable big rooms at a low price, guests can enjoy great comfort without breaking the bank.

The hotel is located in the New Town of Ipoh, with many eateries and things to do nearby!

Best Luxury Hotel in Ipoh-  The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is the ultimate luxury hotel in Ipoh. Nestled in the stunning limestone hills of the Perak region, guests can relax and promote their wellbeing with their ice baths, steam caves, and geothermal hot springs. However, it is located a little far away from the center of town. Having your own vehicle is a must if you decide to stay in this luxurious accommodation.

If you don’t want to stay here but would like to use its facilities, you can check out this day pass option that allows guests to use all of its hot springs and baths.

Best Time To Visit Ipoh

Because Ipoh (and most of Malaysia) has a tropical climate, it is best to visit Ipoh in the winter months, ideally between December and February. Not only will you encounter less rainfall, but the temperatures are cool enough to enjoy exploring the city on foot.

If you visit during the summer, you can easily encounter temperatures over 35 C, which is definitely a recipe for heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Ipoh Itinerary FAQs

Is ipoh worth visiting.

Ipoh is one of the most popular destinations in Malaysia and it is not surprising why! The city has plenty to offer – from epic cave temples to rich history and delicious food, this Malaysian city has something for everything. So, without a doubt, Ipoh is worth visiting!

What Is Ipoh Known For?

Ipoh is known for its white coffee, which has made Ipoh one of the best coffee towns in the world. Compared to other types of coffee, white coffee is much sweeter and lighter and appeals to drinkers that complain about coffee’s bitterness.

Like this post? Don’t forget to save it on Pinterest!

This concludes our suggested Ipoh itineraries! I hope this guide helped you determine how what to do in Ipoh and how many days to spend! Any question? Leave them in the comments!!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you ! The money will help run this site! Thank you !

World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer

LivingOutLau

Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

3 thoughts on “PERFECT Ipoh Itinerary in 2024: Day Trip, 2 or 3 Day Itinerary!”

Thank you livingoutlau… I shall be following your suggested itinerary.

Hi Sean, thank you very much for sharing and giving thoughtful tips n Ipoh. Will plan a 4-5 days trip to enjoy in Ipoh.

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Wander-Lush

Things to Do in Ipoh: The Perfect Ipoh Itinerary for Food, Art & Culture

My Ipoh itinerary covers Ipoh’s best attractions, the top things to do in Ipoh including street art, architecture and hawker food – plus how to get from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.

Occasionally when I travel, I have a sensation that’s closer to experiencing a moment in time and less like visiting a physical destination.

Sight, smell, taste, sound and touch plus something else—a vibe, I suppose—combine to make a place feel all-encompassing. I become completely immersed. It’s like plunging into a different epoch rather than just ‘arriving’ at a new point on the map.

Ipoh is one of those places.

Also read: 30 best places to visit in Malaysia .

The biggest city in Peninsular Malaysia’s central Perak state, Ipoh is one of the country’s best-girded secrets. Sultans, Brits, tin miners, tea barons, Chinese merchants, street artists and entrepreneurs have all left their mark on Ipoh.

The city perfectly captures the multiculturalism and visible strata of history and custom that I so love about Malaysia, with an undercurrent of nostalgia and effortless old-school cool.

I spent a week wandering Ipoh’s streets, slinking in and out of cafes, sipping on white coffee and eating egg tarts. It was one of my top travel experiences of the year. This 3 days 2 nights Ipoh itinerary and Ipoh travel blog brings together everything I enjoyed most about the city, with a strong focus on food, architecture, culture and street art.

I’ve also included some practical travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to Ipoh.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Why visit Ipoh?

I’ve had my sights set on Ipoh ever since Lonely Planet named it one of their top picks in Asia for 2017. Having spent a week there, I can confirm that Ipoh really holds its own as a destination for foodies and art connoisseurs.

Ipoh is often compared to George Town (Penang); both have street art, culture , hawker markets, and cute architecture. In my experience, Ipoh is much quieter and far less touristy than Penang (in terms of foreign visitors at least), which only adds to its appeal.

More than that, there’s something totally unique about Ipoh that I’m yet to find anywhere else in Malaysia . When I shared a photo gallery from Ipoh, one of my readers, who was born and raised in Malaysia, described it as ‘The KL of yesteryear’ .

Ipoh has a wonderful retro vibe and a close-knit community feel. It feels more like a big country town than a city.

Top things to do in Ipoh: Ipoh itinerary highlights

Many people consider Ipoh Malaysia’s culinary capital. Like every city on the peninsula, Ipoh has hundreds of restaurants.

At night, vast hawker food markets take over the streets and alleyways. There are a few notable specialty dishes that were dreamed up in Ipoh kitchens and that you can’t find anywhere else in Malaysia. Must-eats include Hakka mee , Chee cheong fun , Kai se hor fun , and Ipoh laksa. Keeping reading for more recommendations of what to eat in Ipoh.

Another claim to fame: Ipoh is the birthplace of Malaysia’s famous white coffee, which is served in retro cafes throughout the city.

Ipoh laneways

There are a few historic laneways in Ipoh Old Town that have been transformed into street art and culture precincts.

Concubine Lane is far and away the most popular. Ipoh’s lanes are the perfect place to wander, people watch, and cafe-hop an afternoon away.

Ipoh street art

Penang might be Malaysia’s street art capital—but did you know that Ipoh has a collection of murals by the same artist? Truthfully, I prefer the street art in Ipoh! For starters, you don’t have to queue to get a look in.

Ernest Zacharevic’s work spurred on a local street art scene, and now Ipoh is decorated with dozens of colourful murals done by local artists.

Colourful architecture

I love Malaysian architecture, especially Chinese shophouses with their five-foot ways and pretty shutters and tiles.

Ipoh mixes heritage shophouses and British Colonial architecture with modernist concrete monstrosities. If you’re a fan of the Malaysian city aesthetic, you’ll love Ipoh.

Ipoh cave temples

There are some truly magnificent temples nestled in the jungle and built into limestone rock formations on Ipoh’s outskirts. Sam Poh Tong, Kek Lok Tong and Perak Cave Temple are three of the most prominent.

When you need a break from the city, Perak’s lush landscapes are only a short drive away.

Ipoh travel essentials

How long to spend in ipoh.

While it’s possible to visit Ipoh as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur or Penang, I highly recommend staying for at least a few days.

We spent a full week in Ipoh and didn’t run out of things to do. 3 days and 2 nights is a good amount of time to spend in Ipoh if you’re a first-time visitor.

How to get to Ipoh

Finally, Ipoh’s location roughly halfway between KL and Penang means it’s perfectly positioned for a stopover and easy to incorporate into any Malaysia itinerary.

It’s possible to get to Ipoh in a few hours from Kuala Lumpur by car, train or bus, or to travel from George Town or the nearby Cameron Highlands.

Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh train

There are regular daily trains between Kuala Lumpur’s Sentral Station and Ipoh, starting at 8.30am and running until late. This was our preferred method of travel when we visited Ipoh. The journey is fairly unremarkable, but it must be said that Malaysian trains are a very comfortable way to travel!

And for under 10 USD per person, it’s also very affordable. The trip by train from KL to Ipoh takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

View the latest train timetable and book your train tickets online here through 12GoAsia .

Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh bus

If you prefer to travel from KL to Ipoh by bus, there are a number of companies that make this journey. Express coaches depart from TBS Kuala Lumpur (centrally located in Bandar Tasek Selatan) or the airport and terminate at one of three bus depots in the Ipoh area.

Look for a bus that will take you to either Jalan Bendahara or Aman Jaya—both are not too far from the centre. You’ll need to take a taxi for the final part of the journey into town.

There’s no arguing with the price—a bus ticket will set you back as little as 5 USD per person. The bus from KL to Ipoh takes a little over 3 hours.

View the latest bus timetable and book your bus tickets online here through Bookaway .

Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh by private car

If you’re short on time or you just prefer to travel comfortably, a private transfer by air conditioned car (or minivan for large families and groups) is the fastest and easiest way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.

GP Global’s door-to-door service includes pick up from your KL hotel – and you can make as many rest stops as you like along the way.

Check prices and availability for private transfers here on Bookaway .

George Town (Penang) to Ipoh

It’s also possible to travel to Ipoh from Penang. The only option here is to travel by bus—but take heart, because the journey is slightly shorter (a mere 2.5 hours on the road).

A number of different companies run express buses throughout the day and drop passengers off at Aman Jaya station in Ipoh. A ticket for this service will set you back approximately 5-11 USD.

View the latest bus timetable and book your Penang to Ipoh tickets online here through Bookaway .

Cameron Highlands to Ipoh

There are six daily buses connecting Tanah Rata (the closest town to Cameron Highlands) with Ipoh. The journey takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and tickets cost 5 USD per person. This service also terminates at Ipoh’s Aman Jaya station.

View the latest bus timetable and book your Cameron Highlands to Ipoh tickets online here through Bookaway .

Can you visit Ipoh on a day trip?

It’s possible to visit Ipoh in a day from Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, or even Penang. If you have your own rental car , you can drive yourself to Ipoh and spend a day exploring.

If you don’t have a car, I recommend joining an organised day trip that includes transfers. If you try to visit Ipoh in a day using the train or bus, you’ll run out of time.

This private full-day trip from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh covers all the highlights and is incredibly good value for money.

Where to stay in Ipoh

For a city of its size, Ipoh has a great range of accommodation options in both the Old Town and New Town. As you’ll see, Ipoh is fairly walkable, so it doesn’t really matter which side of the river you choose to stay on.

Generally speaking, the new part of town is where you’ll find contemporary hotels and hostels, while the Old Town is home to Ipoh’s heritage inns and boutique accommodations. If you want to be right in the thick of it, I recommend choosing a hotel in the Old Town.

Budget accommodation in Ipoh

Beds in Garden Hostel | Newly opened in 2018, this is probably the best hostel option in Ipoh. Beds start from 14 USD/night. Check availability and rates on Agoda .

Mid-range hotels in Ipoh

French Hotel | Located in the New Town, this hotel is simple but clean with excellent air-con (so important!) and an on-site cafe. Doubles start from 32 USD/night. Check availability and rates on Agoda .

Ban Loong Hotel | Heritage accommodation in a restored Old Town shophouse. Rooms are modern and sparse; some have loft spaces. Doubles start from 40 USD/night. Check availability and rates on Agoda .

Boutique hotels in Ipoh

27 Concubine Lane | Another heritage hotel, this time located right on Ipoh’s Concubine Lane. Brace yourself for crowds and possible noise pollution. Private rooms with a shared bathroom start from 30 USD/night. Check availability and rates on Agoda .

Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay | An exquisite heritage building situated at the quieter end of Ipoh’s Old Town. Rooms are clean and modern, and the indoor-outdoor common spaces feature original floor tiles and loads of greenery. Doubles start from 65 USD/night. Check availability and rates on Agoda .

Sekeping Kong Heng | An uber-trendy warehouse conversion right in the heart of Ipoh Old Town. Some rooms feature sleeping lofts, and there are beautiful shared terraces that open out onto the treetops. Because of the location, it can get noisy (there are cafes and bars directly downstairs and next door), and the chic design isn’t kid-friendly nor accessible. The simplest single rooms start from 20 USD/night. More information and rates here .

Need more Ipoh inspiration? Check out my Ipoh street photography .

Orientation & getting around

Ipoh is split into two by the Kinta River. The west side of the city, the aptly named Old Town, is where you’ll find most of Ipoh’s shophouses, heritage buildings and museums.

The eastern side of the city, the New Town, was developed at the turn of the century. It’s the more ‘livable’ side of town, with parks, gardens, and most of the city’s best restaurants and hawker markets. The New Town area is less atmospheric but has an interesting mishmash of architecture.

I highly recommend taking the time to explore both sides of Ipoh. This Ipoh 3 days 2 nights itinerary includes the Old Town and the New Town.

Ipoh is pretty compact and generally walkable. It does get extremely hot though—and there isn’t a whole lot of shade—so it’s a good idea to avoid walking in the middle of the day. We caught one taxi during our week-long stay, and that was on a particularly blazing day.

Ipoh’s red and yellow metred taxis are generally reliable and can take you across town for a couple of dollars. Uber and Grab, Malaysia’s homegrown rideshare service, are both available in Ipoh as well.

Things to do in Ipoh: 72 hour Ipoh itinerary

72 hours is a good amount of time to spend in Ipoh if you want to see the main sights and sample the best Ipoh food.

Here’s a quick overview of my recommended 3 days 2 nights Ipoh itinerary:

Day 1: Heritage Ipoh Breakfast at a traditional coffee shop The Ipoh Heritage Trail Self-guided tour of Ipoh’s best street art White coffee & egg tarts Ipoh’s house museums Kong Heng Square Explore Ipoh’s laneways Beansprout chicken & snow beer Gerbang Malam night market

Day 2: New Ipoh Dim sum for breakfast Ipoh Flea Market Mural Art’s Lane Panglima Kinta Mosque ‘Dessert Street’ New Town architecture Tong Sui Kai Hawker Centre Cocktails at Tiga Bar

Day 3: Beyond the city Ipoh Cave Temples Mirror Lake

Ipoh itinerary Day 1: Heritage Ipoh (the Old Town)

Breakfast at a traditional coffee shop.

At the time of my visit, I remember commenting that Ipoh makes me nostalgic for a childhood I never had. There’s just something about Malay coffee shops ( kopitiam ) that’s so sentimental.

Maybe it’s the ambiance, or the fact that service staff tend to be older and approach their work with extreme diligence. Or it might be the fact that they serve iced Milo (I actually did drink Milo all throughout my childhood).

I love the addition of crackers on the side of every saccharine cup of white tea. Thick white toast with Kaya butter (coconut jam), which tastes a bit like vanilla or pandan, feels like something your mum would make for you when you were feeling under the weather.

My favourite old-school Ipoh coffee shops:

• Lim Ko Pi ⚑ This no-frills eatery embodies everything that’s great about a traditional Malay coffee shop. You can’t go wrong with a cup of sweet tea with crackers on the side (pictured above). The noodle dishes and dim sum are also tasty.
• 22 Hale Street ⚑ This cute cafe doubles as a heritage museum and souvenir shop . Their rendition of Kaya Toast (pictured above; note the Jenga tower of butter!) was the best we had in Ipoh. Don’t leave without visiting the restroom—the decoration is really something!

Walk the Ipoh Heritage Trail

As in other Malaysian cities, the British left a legacy of stunning architecture when they exited from Perak in 1957. Ipoh’s colonial buildings have since been overlaid with townhouses, mosques and municipal buildings in a range of architectural styles.

But it’s the well-preserved British colonial buildings and turn-of-the-century townhouses that steal the show.

Highlights include the white-domed Ipoh Railway Station and adjoining Majestic Station Hotel, which I’ve heard described as ‘The Taj Mahal of Ipoh’; the neo-Classical High Court ; the 1931-built Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank building ; and the Chung Thye Phin building .

Shophouses of note are the Dramatists’ Hotel (as the name suggests, it served to accommodate actors performing at Ipoh’s since-demolished Chinese Theatre); the Mikasa Photo Shop (famously used as a cover for a Japanese spy during WWII); and the Seenivasagam Brothers’ residence and offices , a row of gorgeous pre-war townhouses.

One of the best ways to explore Ipoh Old Town is using the Ipoh Heritage Trail map. Most buildings marked on the route are signposted and feature information plaques out the front. Ipoh’s tourism information office has a reputation for long queues—avoid that by downloading a PDF copy of the map instead.

If you would prefer to explore Old Town Ipoh in depth with a private local guide, this 8-hour itinerary focuses on the city’s Heritage Trail and includes a visit to Kellie’s Castle at the end.

Track down Ernest Zacharevic’s Ipoh murals

When Lithuanian street artist Ernest Zacharevic left his mark on Penang, he contributed in no small way to the city’s explosion in popularity. Can you blame Ipoh for wanting a piece of the action?

In 2014, Zacharevic was invited to paint a series of eight murals in Ipoh, each inspired by a different facet of local culture. Only seven remain visible today.

Zacharevic’s Ipoh murals are artfully woven into the Old Town and fit seamlessly with Ipoh’s heritage architecture. They really bring the history of the town to life. All the major murals are marked out on Google Maps and are pretty easy to spot from the street.

Ernest Zacharevic murals in Ipoh:

• Old Uncle Drinking Coffee ⚑ This mural, one of the largest in Ipoh, was commissioned by Oldtown White Coffee. The design on the cup is delightful—exactly like the painted china you still see in Ipoh’s cafes today.
• Kopi Break ⚑ You’ll have to come early if you want to see this large-scale mural without the parked cars in front. Coffee is often consumed this way in Southeast Asia, in small plastic bags that can be tied to the handle of a motorbike and sipped on the go.
• A Single Bag of Coffee The smallest of Zacharevic’s Ipoh murals, A Single Bag of Coffee is just that—a life-sized plastic bag of coffee with a drinking straw painted on a blue and white metal gate.

• Trishaw ⚑ Located in Market Lane, this 3D mural incorporates a metal trishaw frame mounted to the wall. My favourite Ernest Zacharevic mural in Ipoh.
• A Yellow Hummingbird ⚑ I love the colours in this piece, which really pop against the blue-wash wall where it’s painted.
• A Paper Plane   ⚑ This mural depicts two kids riding in a paper plane. It’s painted quite high up on the side of a rather weathered building. The child’s bright yellow shirt is the easiest feature to spot.
• Evolution   ⚑ This large-scale, monochrome painting on the northern side of the Han Chin Pet Soo house museum (see below) is an ode to Ipoh’s tin mining history.

Try Ipoh’s famous white coffee & egg tarts

No trip to the Old Town would be complete without a glass of iced white coffee and an egg tart. White coffee , an Ipoh specialty first developed by Chinese tin miners in Perak, is prepared with coffee beans that have been roasted in margarine.

The white colour comes from the copious amounts of condensed milk and creamer added at the end. It’s tooth-loosenly sweet. Pair a glass with a piece of Dan Zhi (toast with a soft-boiled egg) or even better, a Macau -style egg tart—another Ipoh classic.

Where to try Ipoh white coffee:

• Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong ⚑ One of the oldest (if not the oldest) cafes in Ipoh that still serves white coffee the old way. Food stalls along the perimetre offer sweets and lunch meals. Always open, and always crowded.
• Nam Heong White Coffee ⚑ Located directly opposite Sin Yoon Loong, Nam Heong vies for the title of Ipoh’s original white coffee merchant. Try both and decide which one you prefer.
• Oldtown White Coffee ⚑ Malaysia’s biggest white coffee brand, with several branches located across the city.

Learn about local history at a house museum

There are two small house museums in Ipoh Old Town that I think are worth a visit. The first, Han Chin Pet Soo ⚑ , explores Perak’s tin mining heritage. The venue started out as the Hakka Miners Clubhouse, founded in 1893 by a miner named Leong Fee.

Once strictly off-limits to non-members, it reopened as a museum fairly recently, and now displays a collection of mining memorabilia and antiques donated by members of the Ipoh community. Entry is free; reserve online in advance .

The nearby Ho Yan Hor Museum   ⚑ is dedicated to one of Ipoh’s most famous residents, Dr Ho Kai Cheong. The herb magnate is the man behind one of Malaysia’s most prolific medicinal tea brands, and it all started at this little shophouse in Ipoh.

This museum really stole my heart—the family’s story is quite remarkable, and the museum staff are extremely sweet. Entrance is free (no reservations required).

Kong Heng Square

Ipoh’s hip new creative precinct, Kong Heng Square ⚑ , houses a few gift boutiques , a barbershop, and a museum dedicated to local film director Yasmin Ahmad. Plan B , probably the city’s trendiest cafe, is also located inside the industrial-chic complex.

Admittedly I didn’t love the food at Plan B, but the Melbourne-style lattes were fantastic. There are some cool street art pieces and independent shops scattered around as well, making it a nice place for a wander.

Discover Ipoh’s laneway culture

Back in 1892, a fire destroyed much of Ipoh’s Old Town. As part of the urban renewal project that followed, Ipoh was reconstructed in a more ‘orderly’ fashion, with gridded streets to make navigating easier, and laneways to organise the city’s various trades and merchants.

At the time, Yao Tet Shin, a local mining tycoon and land owner, is said to have gifted a lane to each of his three wives. These would go on to become Ipoh’s three most popular laneways.

Wife Lane (now known as Lorong Hale or 大奶巷), Concubine Lane (now known as Lorong Panglima or 二奶巷) and Second Concubine Lane (now known as Market Lane or 三奶巷) are all lined with townhouses that once served as opium dens and brothels.

Those illicit days are long gone—now, many of the historical facades along the lane have been restored and turned into cafes and shops. Add a few interactive street murals and some hanging lanterns, and you have yourself a picture-perfect laneway.

Concubine Lane ⚑ is by far the most popular laneway in Ipoh. It’s packed to the brim on weekends (verging on unpleasant in the afternoons). The other two lanes are probably awaiting a similar fate; but for now, they’re largely empty so you can still enjoy an unfettered stroll.

While you’re in the area, make sure you pop into BookXcess Kong Heng Ipoh ⚑ , a bank turned bookshop where novels are displayed in the old vaults, and the nearby Ipoh Heritage Barber ⚑ , a very photogenic men’s salon that channels those old-school Ipoh vibes. Both are walking distance from the western end of Concubine Lane.

Beansprout chicken and ‘snow beer’ in the Old Town

There are a handful of one-dish-specialty restaurants dotted around the western end of Concubine Lane. Try Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong   ⚑ for a big plate of Ipoh’s famous chicken with beansprouts, and Kafe Sun Yoon Wah   ⚑ for a ‘snow beer’ (literally frozen beer).

If you want to keep the party going, there are a few open-air ‘beer gardens’ located in this area as well (just look out for the blue plastic chairs).

Wander through Gerbang Malam Night Market

If you have time, end your first day in Ipoh with a wander through the lively Gerbang Malam Night Market ⚑ , where dozens of small Gerai shops open up every night at 7pm and sell an array of clothing, accessories and knickknacks.

I wouldn’t necessarily do my souvenir shopping here, but it’s worth visiting for the local atmosphere.

Ipoh itinerary Day 2: Contemporary Ipoh (the New Town)

Dim sum for breakfast.

Do as many of Ipoh’s families do and start your second day with a breakfast spread at one of the city’s dim sum joints. I’ve never been a huge fan of dim sum, but I absolutely adored eating it in Ipoh. The ordering process can be a bit confusing; if in doubt, grab a seat and watch how other people do it.

Usually a waiter will take your drink order first (I highly recommend starting with a pot of jasmine tea). You’re then free to approach the different counters scattered around the dining room and pick out which bite-sized morsels you want to try.

At Restaurant Foh San (pictured below), there are two counters: One for baskets of steamed goodies, and another for sweets. Other restaurants serve dishes on wheely carts: You simply take a seat and wait for the servers to come to you. Everything gets marked off against a long docket, which you present at the cash counter to pay.

The best thing about dim sum restaurants is that they open bright and early, most by 6am. It’s a perfect way to kick off a big day of sightseeing.

Old-school dim sum joints to try in Ipoh:

• Restaurant Foh San ⚑ My favourite dim sum in Ipoh. The food is fantastic (try the tofu, steamed prawn dim sum and sesame balls), and the open-air dining room is very pleasant. Open from 6.30am (closed Tuesdays)
• Restoran Chef Fatt ⚑ More than 50 dim sum on offer, including a nice rendition of lau sar pau (salted egg custard buns) made with lotus paste. Open daily from 6am.
• Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum ⚑ Right across the road from Restaurant Foh San, this is another popular dim sum venue. Try the black sesame soup and fish balls. Open from 6am (closed Thursdays).
• Greentown Dimsum Cafe ⚑ Located at bit further out near Ipoh Town Square and open later, from 9am. We didn’t make it to this dim sum restaurant, but it gets consistently good reviews. It’s a little cheaper than other dim sum joints, too.

Browse the Ipoh Flea Market (Sundays only)

If you happen to be in Ipoh on a Sunday, you can take a stroll down Memory Lane —literally. On Sunday mornings, this laneway in Ipoh’s New Town hosts a colourful pop-up flea market . Dozens of stalls descend on the area, selling an eclectic range of vintage Malaya memorabilia and British-era goods, including melamine plates, tiffin boxes and old records.

There is also a fair amount of second-hand clothing on offer, as well as a sprinkling of food and drink stalls. See if you can spot the two dads who set up a little sex shop on a single trestle table—pretty hilarious.

Be dazzled by Mural Art’s Lane

Also in the New Town, Mural Art’s Lane   ⚑ is where you’ll find the city’s best contemporary street murals. There are literally dozens and dozens of paintings large and small dotted all throughout this area. It’s a visual feast! Some murals are the work of school or community groups; others can be attributed to local artists and collectives.

All blend in perfectly with the urban environment, conforming to the angles of doorways and window grills, and accommodating the sprigs of green emerging from the cracks in the concrete.

These artworks are more colourful than Ernest Zacharevic’s murals, which is why I personally prefer them. Many reference local festivals and traditions, so you can learn a bit about Ipoh as you go.

Pop into Panglima Kinta Mosque

Located at the end of Mural Art’s Lane, Panglima Kinta Mosque ⚑ is worth a quick visit. Dating back to 1898, the blue and white mosque was one of the biggest and most impressive in all of Ipoh when it was finished. Visitors are welcome to enter the mosque outside of prayer times.

Eat your way along Ipoh’s dessert strip

For an afternoon pick-me-up, head to Ipoh’s unofficial sweets strip. Some of the city’s best bakeries, cookie shops and sit-down dessert bars are spread across several blocks in the New Town area.

Start with an ice cream sandwich at Hokkaido Ice Cream Puff ⚑ before sampling some of Perak’s famous pastries at Chin Han Guan Biscuits ⚑ and Guan Heong Biscuit Shop ⚑ (takeaway available). An egg tart or two from Hong Kee Egg Tart ⚑ is also a must.

Check out the New Town’s eclectic architecture

If the Old Town is a well-curated landscape of heritage buildings, Ipoh’s New Town is a total hodgepodge of past and present. As someone who loves concrete, Brutalism and abandoned buildings, I’m a big fan of this style.

Aside from the 1950s theatres (such as the Ruby, pictured below) and a bevvy of dilapidated hotels, offices and banks, you’ll also see some incredible (and original) terrazzo floor mosaics, hand-painted shop signs and the like.

Ipoh has some lovely arched five-foot ways and forsaken buildings that nature has reclaimed. I spent several afternoons wandering around this part of Ipoh with my camera. It might not encapsulate everyone’s idea of beauty—but it’s a street photograph’s dream for sure.

Dinner at Tong Sui Kai Hawker Centre

Dinner at a traditional Malaysian food market is a must for any Ipoh itinerary. Ipoh’s best hawker centres are all in the New Town. Tong Sui Kai ⚑ (open from 6pm daily) is my pick of the bunch.

If you’re not familiar with the concept, a hawker centre (essentially a night food market) is comprised of many separate stalls, each specialising in one or two dishes which are cooked fresh to order.

The idea is to grab a table and rove the aisles, collecting as many plates as you can stomach (or carry) to piece together your own dinner spread.

Nasi Kandar, Ipoh Laksa (pictured above) and Ayam Garam (salted chicken) are among the Ipoh specialty dishes you should look out for.

For dessert, try a bowl of Ais Kacang (a mountain of shaved ice topped with fruit, coconut milk, syrup, and other goodies), or pop around the corner to Funny Mountain Soya Beancurd   ⚑ (open until 7.30pm) for a bowl of Tau Fu Fah (soy custard pudding).

Cocktails at Tiga Bar

Top off your second day with a drink at Ipoh’s coolest cocktail bar. Tucked away in a heritage building on Market Lane, Tiga Bar ⚑ serves imaginative drinks, many of them themed around Ipoh’s heritage and local ingredients. The Dr. Ho Remedy made with cognac infused with Ho Yan Hor tea is a must-try!

Ipoh itinerary Day 3: Temples, caves & lakes

Once you’ve had your fill of city activities, travel just 5km south-east of the city centre to discover Gunung Rapat, home to Ipoh’s best natural attractions.

You can comfortably fill a whole day exploring this area using taxis or rented bicycles to get around.

Ipoh’s Taoist temples

If you’ve been to Vietnam, Gunung Rapat will remind you of Ninh Binh or Halong Bay . The otherwordly landscape is made up of pockets of jungle, rock formations and shimmering waterways (except in Ipoh, you’ll find lakes instead of rice fields).

This area is known for its spectacular Taoist and Buddhist temples, nestled in caves or clinging to the sides of limestone karsts. Don’t miss Sam Poh Tong (Three Buddhas Cave), the oldest cave temple in the area and the largest of its kind in Malaysia (yes, it’s bigger than the Batu Caves Murugan Temple!). Beautiful views of Gunung Rapat can be found from the temple entrance, reached via 240-steps.

Perak Tong Cave Temple is another Ipoh cave temple you should visit. Behind the temple you can access a walking path that leads you to the top of a limestone formation for amazing views of the landscape.

Nearby, Nam Thean Tong Temple and Ling Sen Tong Temple are also worth seeing. A little further south, you’ll find the Buddhist temple at Guanyin Cave and further east, the incredible Kek Lok Tong Buddhist Temple .

Tasik Cermin (Mirror Lake)

Popular with locals, Tasik Cermin (Mirror Lake) is part of a network of waterways around Gunung Rapat. There are viewing platforms and restaurants nearby.

You can also do short walks or bike rides around the lake and up to Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village , another popular tourist attraction in the area.

We didn’t get to go to Mirror Lake when we were in Ipoh, but Daphne’s guide includes everything you need to plan a visit.

Where to eat in Ipoh: More Ipoh restaurants to try

• Funny Mountain Soya Beancurd – for Ipoh tau fu far
• Deen CT Corner Cendol – for Malaysian cendol and other desserts
• Lou Wong’s – for delicious chicken and rice
• Yum Yum Restaurant – for authentic Nyonya food
• Sri Anandha Bahavan – for authentic Indian cuisine

More time? Here are the best day trips from Ipoh

If you have more time left on your Ipoh itinerary, try one of these day trips.

Ipoh to Cameron Highlands

If you have a day in Ipoh to spare, take the opportunity to visit Cameron Highlands. Spend a full day hopping between tea plantations, picking strawberries, or even hiking in the nearby rainforest.

The easiest way to travel between Ipoh and Cameron Highlands is by bus. The first bus from Ipoh to Tanah Rata (the closest town to the tea fields) departs Ipoh at 8am and arrives in Cameron Highlands at 10.45am. The last return bus departs Tanah Rata at 6pm.

Note that Cameron Highlands can get very busy on weekends with day trippers from KL, so it’s best to visit on a weekday if possible. I also recommend pre-booking your transportation from Ipoh to avoid disappointment.

Click here to view the bus timetable and reserve tickets online through Bookaway .

Ipoh to Kuala Kangsar

Kuala Kangsar, Perak’s royal town, is an easy half-day trip from Ipoh. It boasts a beautiful mosque (the Ubudiah Mosque, pictured), and is close to some of Ipoh’s cave temples. The train journey from Ipoh to Kuala Kangsar takes just 30 minutes.

Services depart regularly (every half hour during peak times) from Ipoh Railway Station, and a one-way ticket costs around 4 USD.

Click here to check times and reserve train tickets online through 12GoAsia .

Alternatively, you can join an organised day tour from Ipoh to Kuala Kangsar. This private tour includes hotel transfers by air conditioned car. As well as visiting the mosque, you’ll also participate in a hands-on pottery workshop and visit the historic Victoria Bridge.

Click here to check prices and availability on Klook .

Ipoh to Kellie’s Castle

For a slightly off-beat addition to your Ipoh itinerary, travel 20km south to Batu Gajah. There you’ll find Kellie’s Castle, an abandoned country home sponsored by a Scottish rubber baron in 1915 but never finished.

The Moorish-revival architecture is quite spectacular, and the castle is filled with history (tours are available if you want to learn more). Nowadays, most people visit to take selfies in front of the deteriorating brickwork, which is utterly ‘Instagrammable’. More details about Kellie’s Castle here .

More Malaysia inspiration

• Ipoh street photography gallery
• The best Malaysia souvenirs & where to find them
• Kuala Lumpur airport & layover guide
• 9 reasons to visit Kuching, Borneo
• The art of Malaysian batik painting
• How to spend a perfect 24 hours in KL
• My guide to George Town, Penang
• Why you should take a food tour in Penang

What are your favourite things to do in Ipoh? If you have any tips or recommendations to add to my Ipoh itinerary, please leave them in the comments below!

Ipoh itinerary: Pin it!

27 Comments

I used your blog so much last summer in Georgia. And everyone I met raved about it!! So nice to get some tips off you again on another adventure! You have a really nice writing style that doesn’t feel like it’s selling me something like so many other blogs. Thanks for your work!

Thanks so much Rhiannon, that’s so kind of you to say! I hope you had an incredible time in Georgia and enjoy your time in Malaysia! Safe travels.

Is it easy to travel from Ipoh to KLIA2?

Hi Jem – yes for sure, you can use the train.

I knew you would be the one helping me plan that (too short trip) to Malaysia!

Travel guides are helpful, but I was hoping to find a blog I could trust (which I hadn’t yet). I didn’t think you had been to SEA lately but I decided to take a look anyway after going through the Lonely Planet and reading the description of Ipoh. It reminded me of Haiphong, which we had decided to visit after reading your article and we all loved it so much. We will indeed absolutely put Ipoh on the top of our destinations for that short two week stay next July.

Can’t wait to read more of your suggestions for Malaysia. Thank you so much!

So happy to hear that Isabelle! Ipoh really is one of my favourite places in Asia… I really want to go back. It definitely reminds me a bit of Haiphong so I’m sure you will enjoy it too! Have a blast!!

Thank you for this article, it’s really helpful. Do you have more information about the eclectic architecture of the new town, like places to see (I love brutalist architecture) ? Or maybe, I’ll just have to walk around without a plan…

The old town is quite small so you can happily walk around and explore! That was my strategy and I had a great time!

that’s an amazing blog post. thank you for all the effort and informations.

Loved Ipoh. Great food, great street art and lovely people. Definitely worth a visit.

Agreed! Glad you liked my Ipoh itinerary, thanks for reading 🙂

Hello! Thank you for your complete guide it helped us so much to plan our trip to Ipoh!

So happy to hear that, Sofia! I hope you had a wonderful time!

I like to go to Ipoh for weekend getaway from KL. My favourite place to stay is Weil Hotel, they serve good spread of breakfast. Mostly local food. If tourist don’t have time to try local food while in Ipoh, don’t miss this one!

Thanks for the tip!

I am from Malaysia and Ipoh is often compared to Penang and has the best choices of food. You perfectly summed up the experiences of Ipoh, from the mural arts to the colonial past! A reminder for me to explore my country more 🙂 Thanks Emily.

Thanks for the kind words, Pashmina! Very glad to hear that!

Beautiful writing of my hometown, Ipoh

Thank you Teresa!

Beautiful post! BTW, the gourd-like vase on the bottom left of the photo for the flea market is the iconic Perak ‘labu sayong’ – a fired clay vessel for holding water and keeping it cool. It’s always dark, nearly black in colour. That one looks somewhat worn. One of the several craftwork unique to Perak. (Another is ‘tekat’, a Perak Malay technique of gold embroidery onto velvet).

I think one reason I have a soft spot for Perak, despite not being Perakian myself, is that there’s so much to discover in Perak, yet Perak doesn’t show herself off. She plays it cool, and it’s up to you to come find out. Or not. She doesn’t care!

What a beautiful way to put it, Teja! I love that.

Thanks for the information about the antiques, too. I recognised the tiffin boxes but I wasn’t sure what that vessel was used for!

Such a great guide about ipoh! Its right in my backyard but I haven’t spent any proper time there. Definitely need to now!

Thanks, Nadia! I hope you get a chance to visit soon—it’s a really cool city! I’d be very interested to hear your perspective as a local!

What a comprehensive article on Ipoh! I’be never been to Malaysia. For when I do, I’ve got to visit Ipoh and for that reason I’ll pin it for planning. BTW, I love street art too.

Thanks a lot, Jyoti! I hope you make it there soon! If you love street art, you’ll love Ipoh for sure!

I’ve never heard of Ipoh until today and now I want to go there. What a beautiful place! I especially love the murals and from what you describe, the food scene is pretty great too. One more for the bucket list!

Thanks, Bea! Definitely one for your travel wish list. The food is excellent! I only wish I had eaten more!

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Explore Malaysia's Hidden Gem With This Ultimate Ipoh Travel Guide

Explore ipoh with our ultimate ipoh travel guide for top tourist attractions, things to do, best time to visit and places to stay..

By: Nikita Mazindar Baruah Published: Jul 09, 2023 04:00 PM SGT

Ipoh, the capital of Perak in Malaysia, is a breathtaking destination often overlooked by travellers. Adorned with quaint streets, rich history, stunning limestone caves and delectable local cuisine, it makes for a peaceful as well as adventurous getaway. Read our comprehensive Ipoh travel guide to include this gem in your itinerary.

From an exotic theme park named Lost World of Tambun to the majestic Kellie’s Castle, which is believed to be haunted, and the stunning Gua Tempurung caves, you can pick the things to do that best suit your interests. But don’t forget to add some of the best outlets serving sumptuous street foods .

How to plan a trip to Ipoh?

You can keep these pointers in mind while planning a trip to Ipoh:

• Determine the best time to visit according to the weather and local events.
• Research transportation options and book your flights or other modes of travel.
• Book your preferred accommodations in advance and keep your detailed itinerary handy.

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Ipoh weather and the best time to visit.

Ipoh experiences a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather throughout the year. Temperatures generally range from 23°C to 30°C, with the warmest months being of April and May. Rainfall is common year-round, but the wettest months are typically from August to November. Ideally, you can plan your trip sometime between December and February, which has pleasant weather.

During this period, you can expect bright sunny days and comfortable temperatures, perfect for exploring the city and nearby places. You must avoid visiting during the monsoon as thunderstorms and continuous rain may limit your sightseeing hours.

How to reach Ipoh?

The town is well-connected by road to other major cities in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur, which is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. You can opt for a private car service or rent a luxury vehicle for a comfortable and convenient journey.

The Ipoh Railway Station is a major stop along the West Coast Line, connecting Ipoh with Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other destinations. For a luxurious train ride, choose from the ETS gold or platinum services.

Ipoh is connected to major cities in Malaysia by air via the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IPH). Located six kilometres away from Ipoh, the airport also welcomes international flights from a few select destinations.

Best places to visit in Ipoh

Qing xin ling leisure and cultural village.

Located twenty minutes away from Ipoh town, the Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village is known for its spectacular views of the surrounding jungles and limestone cliffs. Get up close with the Malay way of life and culture as you explore the village on a trishaw, a rare sight in today’s time. This tourist spot is also known for its wishing tree — a majestic banyan tree where people tie red ribbons and make wishes as per traditional Chinese customs. A perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, the village also features beautiful koi ponds, emerald-green lakes and lakeside cottages.

Kellie’s Castle

If you’re looking for something intriguing in Ipoh, head to Kellie’s Castle. Perched on a hill with a gorgeous backdrop, the unfinished ruins of the mansion tell the tale of an ambitious Scottish planter, William Kellie Smith. While there have been many stories of ghost sightings, nothing has stopped tourists from visiting the Gothic place. The interior and exterior have also been featured in several movies like Skyline Cruisers (2000) and Anna and the King (1999).

Lost World of Tambun

Once a tin-mining wasteland, the Lost World of Tambun is one of the most prominent theme parks in the world. Adrenaline-inducing roller coaster rides along with exciting eco-adventure excursions and majestic wave pools, this premium theme park is one of a kind. Cocooned within the lush tropical jungles and limestone cliffs, it is a must-visit for adventure seekers.

D.R. Seenivasagam Park

Spend a blissful day with your loved ones at D.R. Seenivasagam Park. Built-in honour of a well-known politician in 1960, the park offers many recreational activities. While here, check out the mesmerising Japanese Zen garden featuring an artificial carp pond. The nursery, play area and dedicated picnic zones make the park a fun place for young ones.

Gua Tempurung

Next on this Ipoh travel guide is the Gua Tempurung — the largest cave in the region of peninsular Malaysia. This three-kilometre-long cave has been retrofitted with walkways and electric lighting for tourists. The tunnel comprises five domes with ceilings that resemble coconut shells. The majestic stalactites and stalagmites are truly a sight to behold.

Funtasy House Trick Art

Head to Funtasy House Trick Art to add some magic to your trip to Ipoh. This unique art gallery is home to several trick rooms with different themes like upside down and circus. The gallery also displays 26 murals, along with several exquisite art structures and paintings which are a treat for art lovers.

Concubine Lane

Once a quaint corner of Ipoh, housing a few coffee shops, Concubine Lane is one of the most visited areas of the town today. Housing numerous cafes, dessert shops and souvenir pop-ups this lane is loved by tourists and locals alike for its aesthetic and trendy vibe. If you are visiting Ipoh during the time of Chinese New Year, exploring Concubine Lane must be on your to-do list. During this time, the street comes alive with red lanterns much like China Town and is a sight that must not be missed.

Yasmin Ahmad Museum

Named after the Malaysian film director, writer and scriptwriter Yasmin Ahmad, the museum and resource centre is an unconventional one featuring her life’s work. It is located in Kong Heng, Ipoh, a place close to the locales where most of Ahmad’s famous work was shot. The museum is a popular tourist spot in Ipoh created as an attempt to inspire people towards screenwriting and filmmaking. The highlight of the museum is that its contents are refreshed every six months or one year.

Rumah Lat Dan Galeri

If you are a comic aficionado, head to the Rumah Lat Dan Galeri — a gallery that provides a peek at the life of Malaysia’s most famous cartoonist — Lat or Datuk Mohammad Nor Khalid. Lat’s comic books are a common finding in Malaysian households. With over twenty graphic comics to his name, his museum was one of the most awaited ventures in Ipoh which finally opened its doors to the public in 2021.

The museum is a replica of the Kampung house from ‘The Kampung Boy’, one of his most renowned creations. At the museum, you can explore Lat’s belongings from his childhood, mostly from the World War II era. You can also check out all of his work spanning four decades, some of which dates back to 1964.

Bukit Kledang

Located thirty minutes away from Ipoh town, Bukit Kledang is one of Ipoh’s most picturesque hiking spots, with its summit at 800 metres above sea level. It has four trails, with different difficulty levels and the time required to reach the peak. While the tarred main route goes directly to the peak, others cut through the jungle and meet the main route at different spots. The jungle route encompasses a beautiful waterfall which is a sight to behold.

Things to do in Ipoh

Enjoy street art across the town.

Ipoh is known for its street art, specifically seven spectacular murals scattered across the town. These 3D wall paintings portray the history and culture of Ipoh. Some of the popular ones are as follows:

• Uncle drinking coffee at White Coffee Cafe, Old Town, Jalan Bandar
• Paper plane at Jalan Tun Sambanthan
• Five packets of kopi-O at Jalan Tun Sambanthan
• Hummingbird at Jalan Panglima
• Evolution at Jalan Bijeh Timah
• Trishaw garbage collector at Concubine Lane 3
• Girl and sparrows at Jalan Bandar Timah (replaced now)

Go for a river walk

What can be more peaceful than walking alongside a tranquil river and appreciating the beauty of nature? The River Kinta is one of the most-visited places where people can simply gaze at the illuminated river on a starry night as an escape from the hustle of everyday life.

Adorned with beautiful LED lights, the river bank gleams up with colours, making it a perfect romantic spot for an evening stroll with your partner. The area is also home to many restaurants and eateries for you to grab a bite by the river. The canopies on the riverside are studded with sapphire and white lights that create an illusion of a meteorite shower — a sight that you must not miss on your visit to Ipoh.

Visit the cave temples

The cave temples are a major attraction here and are heavily thronged by tourists from across the world. Having around 30 cave temples for Buddhist and Taoist deities, these places are unique and serene. Surrounded by lush greens with streams flowing through the rocks, it is an experience that should not be missed. Some of the most popular cave temples to visit during your trip are Perak Tong, Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong.

Explore Ipoh’s history in tin mining

Ipoh is often nicknamed The Town Built on Tin referring to its deep-rooted history in the tin mining industry. The Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge is one such example that speaks about the town’s glorious yesteryears. Once a tin mining dredge, it was built by F.W.Payne & Son in England in 1938. Today, it is the last remaining tin dredge and a popular tourist destination located at a 40-minute drive from Ipoh town. You can take a guided tour to explore the floating factory and its gallery that houses relics from the past.

Nightlife in Ipoh

Ipoh is filled with a range of activities that visitors can partake in after sundown. Whether you are looking to grab a drink, try sumptuous local delicacies or simply explore the beauty of the town at night — the options are endless. This Ipoh travel guide has some of the best ones to visit.

Head to Brick & Barrels with your friends and enjoy the live music with exotic drinks and food. If you’re in for the speakeasy vibe, Atas Speakeasy Bar is the place to be. With a wide range of board games, besides great food and drinks, this place is sure to keep you entertained.

When club hopping, don’t forget to try Ipoh’s uniquely served beer called snow beer. The chilled beer is poured over frozen mugs which causes the foam to crystallise, giving a unique texture and refreshing taste, especially on a hot and humid day.

You can also choose to visit the heritage buildings, including the Ipoh Railway Station, Ipoh Town Hall or Birch Clock Tower for stellar views.

What to eat in Ipoh?

Often termed the ‘lost food capital of Malaysia’, Ipoh has numerous culinary delights to offer to its guests. Tender chicken served with steamed rice and various sauces and condiments is a popular choice by locals and tourists alike and can be found at street stalls as well as posh restaurants.

Another much-loved delicacy is the nasi ganja , rice served in a medley of coconut sambal and spicy fried chicken. It is one of Ipoh’s top crowd-pullers nowadays.

When in Ipoh don’t forget to try their famous salt-baked chicken, locally known as ayam garam . The dish gets its name from its cooking process where chicken is marinated with Chinese herbs, wrapped and baked with rock salt.

Got a sweet tooth? Try the soya beancurd pudding, popularly known as tau fu fah . It is said that this dessert is made with the town’s spring water which gives it a unique taste and texture.

What to shop in Ipoh?

Ipoh doesn’t lag anywhere behind when it comes to providing a luxury shopping experience. Ipoh Parade is a premium mall in Perak and houses some of the best global brands and international stores. If you’re looking for local boutiques offering exquisite products, head to the AEON Mall Station 18.

Ipoh is renowned for its white coffee and it is a must-buy during your shopping sprees. Don’t forget to pick up a few packets from any of the town’s malls or shopping centres. As Ipoh is known for its art, why not pick a few handicrafts as souvenirs? Head to the Kong Heng Square Artisan Market and browse through their wide collection of local art and handicrafts.

Where to stay in Ipoh

Hotels in ipoh.

Hotel Excelsior Ipoh

Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites

WEIL Hotel Ipoh

Resorts in Ipoh

Meru Suites at Meru Valley Resort

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

The Haven All Suite Resort

Related: The Best Street Food To Savour In Melaka, Malaysia

(Hero image credit: Luke Ow/Unsplash; Featured image credit: John T/Unsplash)

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Answer: Two to three days are enough to explore Ipoh.

Answer: Since Ipoh has a tropical climate throughout the year, it is best to carry cotton, breathable clothes for your trip.

Answer: Yes, it is best to carry cash in local currency while travelling across Ipoh.

Answer: The cave temples, including Perak Tong, Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong, are some of the most famous historical places in Ipoh.

Answer: Ipoh Parade, Angsana Mall and AEON Mall Kinta City are some of the best malls in Ipoh.

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Nikita Mazindar Baruah

An anthropology graduate, Nikita started her journey in writing and editing while she was still a student. She has worked with various agencies and brands, creating content in lifestyle, entertainment, travel and wellness space. She aspires to travel the world and explore food, culture and more while penning it all down to share with the world.

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Ultimate Ipoh Itinerary For 1-2 Days + Best Food!

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

After my time in Yogyakarta and Ipoh, I have two new favourite Southeast Asian cities. That’s why I’m sharing my Ipoh itinerary, packed with colourful corners and tasty local food. Whether you take a day trip to Ipoh or stay overnight, I have plenty of suggestions! I was excited to get back to Malaysia as I’d had such a good time there in 2016. Last year, my sister visited and went somewhere I’d missed: Ipoh. It sounded interesting so, en route from KL to Georgetown, I paid it a visit.

IPOH ESSENTIALS E-sim data plan Copy of Lonely Planet Malaysia Getting there: flight, bus, train ( 12GoAsia ) Accommodation: Hotels on Booking.com // hostels on Hostelworld Tours: GetYourGuide / Viator

Related read: how to spend 2 weeks in Malaysia

Many visitors to Malaysia miss Ipoh but I don’t know why – it’s the perfect tourist city: colourful, friendly, easy to get around and a foodie paradise. What’s not to love? Add it to your Southeast Asia bucket list if you haven’t already.

Can you see Ipoh as a day trip?

If you just have one day in Ipoh, a good option is to take an Ipoh day trip from Kuala Lumpur. You can catch a bus or train in 2.5 hours from the capital . It’s a long day trip but possible since you can see the top Ipoh things to do during a short amount of time.

For an Ipoh day trip, I recommend GetYourGuide:

You could also consider taking a day trip to Ipoh from Penang . Once you’ve hopped on the ferry from George Town, the bus or train journey to Ipoh is just 1.45 hours from Butterworth. Use 12go to book journies in Malaysia .

Read next: 101 Asia travel tips

Ipoh one day trip itinerary:

• 8am – leave Kuala Lumpur and board a train or bus
• 10.30am arrive in Ipoh for a late breakfast
• 12pm – explore the best things to do in Ipoh (keep reading)
• 7pm – have dinner and board your return transportation
• 9pm – arrive back to your accommodation.

Staying overnight in Ipoh

Obviously I’d say the longer the better for your Ipoh itinerary as it’s such a lovely little city. I spent 2 days in Ipoh exploring at my leisure which I’d highly recommend if you have time. Consider staying over at… Brownstone Hostel – with a rooftop garden, TV room, coffee makers and more, this is a great budget backpackers base with dorm beds from $13 a night. M Boutique Station 18 – for an affordable yet stylish hotel with thoughtful details and quirky decor, check out this boutique guesthouse. Rooms start from $40. Ipoh Bali Hotel – splashing out on one of the most stylish hotels in Ipoh will only cost you around $50. This rustic Bali-inspired hotel has thought of everything, from carved elephant door handles to views over leafy gardens.

Things to do during an Ipoh itinerary

Where to start? The central city has gorgeous old-fashioned streets, spectacular street art and lots of authentic local restaurants. Dotted around the countryside are more Ipoh attractions including a few sets of cave temples.

After sharing the best things to do, I’ll run through my suggested Ipoh itinerary for day trip visitors, as well as those staying overnight for 2 days in Ipoh.

Read next: Solo female travel in Malaysia

The basketball court

There are definite Hong Kong vibes at this basketball court and symmetrical apartment building. Right beside Old Town White Coffee, one of the best restaurants in Ipoh on Jalan Bandar Timah , a visit is easy to work into your Ipoh day trip itinerary.

The colourful house street

So many rainbow-coloured houses on such a small hidden street, who knew? As a city of undiscovered gems, one of the best things to do in Ipoh is seek them out. This really is a hidden one because the street doesn’t even have a name. It’s very near Mural Art’s Lane so you’ll probably spot it straight away but if not, head to Cakchibow Cafe and find it in the alley beside.

Ipoh Booth Cart

There’s street art all over Ipoh but for an interactive experience, pop over to Ipoh Booth Cart . Outside you’ll find this awesome swing mural. Inside, there are even more interactive murals. It was totally empty when I visited but the murals are well worth checking out.

Mural Art’s Lane

Of all the attractions in Ipoh, none are more colourful or quirky than Instagram paradise, Mural Art’s Lane . Whole alleyways of stunning colourful designs – I spent ages taking photos and I’d love to do it all over again.

Concubine Lane

Named after the fact that British colonialists used to frequent ‘houses of the night’ on this street, Concubine Lane is completely different today. Cute markets selling jewellery and souvenirs pop up, flowers blossom, and even an English red phone box has a spot!

Market Lane (umbrellas and art)

Market Lane was once known as Second Concubine Lane because apparently one wasn’t enough for the British. Like the first one, it’s now bright, colourful and quirky. You can barely imagine it dimly-lit and full of seedy bars. The main reason people seek it out today is to get their ‘grams with the interactive street art: the Trishaw piece by Ernest Zacharevic is located here, as well as a cute tea party mural and one of some jumping kids.

Read next: my Ipoh street art guide with map

Panglima Kinta Mosque

This dreamy blue and white mosque is a great place to experience Malaysia’s rich culture. Nearby to Taoist and Hindu temples, it makes the city of Ipoh a real melting pot. It’s also gorgeous to photograph.

Ipoh railway station

This iconic station built by the British has become a well-photographed attraction in Ipoh. I arrived by train at night and came back (minus the luggage) for a photo in the daytime. It’s unlike much of Ipoh’s architecture so it’s worth seeking out.

Visit the caves around Ipoh

Another of the best things to do in Ipoh is explore the countryside, particularly the incredible cave temples dotted outside the city. Religious shrines are hidden away inside vast labyrinths within craggy limestone caves. Top Ipoh caves to visit include Perak Cave, Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong.

Read next: visiting the Ipoh caves

Day trip Ipoh itinerary

If you’re coming from KL or Penang and not staying overnight, follow this detailed Ipoh one day trip: 10.30am: After arriving into Ipoh, start your day with famous white coffee and an egg tart at Old Town White Coffee , a well-loved local establishment dating back generations. It’s also a food court known for its tasty Malaysian food so if you have time to return for a meal, do!

Don’t forget to visit the basketball court, right beside Old Town White Coffee. Take a few minutes to snap some photos before moving on.

12pm: Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple

During a day trip to Ipoh, you’ll probably only have time to visit one set of caves. I’d suggest Sam Poh Tong . I t closes at 2pm which is why I’m suggesting it for the morning (swap it for one of the other set slower down if you miss this window). Sam Poh Tong is super bright and colourful, home to pagodas, statues from Buddist mythology and a reclining Buddha statue. There are three temples beside each other so you can spend a couple of hours exploring.

Getting there: Jump in a Grab from Ipoh for 8 MYR.

3pm: Mural Art’s Lane / Ernest Zacharevic street art tour

Arrive back from the caves and head to Mural Art’s Lane, one of the best things to do in Ipoh for street art fans. Take a while to wander while snapping photos of world-class street art.

Depending how into street art you are, you might want to follow the Ernest Zacharevic Ipoh street art trail. After becoming famous for his street art in Georgetown, this Lithuanian artist completed similar works in Ipoh. They’re well worth finding.

4pm: Concubine Lane and Market Lane

Next, head to the colourful centre. Concubine Lane is a great place to shop for souvenirs but I preferred Market Lane’s quieter, rustic feel and street art murals. You can leisurely wander both streets in under an hour.

6pm: Dinner – Chinese food

Chinese food is a right of passage in Malaysia. Make sure to include a tasty meal before ending your Ipoh day trip. Chinese residents used to make up 50% of Malaysia’s total population, and the total is still around 20% today. For that reason, Chinese food is deeply ingrained in the culture and, thanks to the small size of Ipoh, none of it will be far away. I went to  Luo Wang  for their renowned chicken with bean sprout dish. It was delicious!

Ipoh itinerary for 2 days

If you have 2 days in Ipoh, add this day. Start with an adventurous hike or decadent brunch. I won’t judge you based on which you pick. Based on the fact I only have a photo of one, which do you think I did? 😉

Hiking option – Bukit Kledang

An adventurous thing to do in Ipoh is hike Bukit Kledang . There are four hikes you can do, the shortest taking one hour and the longest taking four. Bukit Kledang is 800m above sea level and my advice would be to go early or late to beat the heat.

Brunch option – Plan B Cafe

No Ipoh itinerary would be complete without brunch! Foodies should visit   Plan B and order the French toast with maple syrup, caramelised bananas, peanut butter, peanut brittle and ice cream. It was so indulgent but worth it. The coffee was great, too.

Afternoon – Kek Lok Tong / Perak Cave

For the afternoon, visit another set of cave temples, or two if you want. Set in 12 acres of gardens,  Kek Lok Tong  is pretty as a postcard. Visually, the surroundings of this cave temple remind me of China which is interesting since so many Chinese people moved here last century. They must have felt at home in these stunning surroundings. Take an hour to wander the limestone cliff-lined gardens. There are Buddha statues to admire inside but the grounds steal the show. Getting there: It’s easy to call a Grab in Ipoh but there aren’t so many drivers waiting near the caves. For that reason, I’d suggest asking your driver to wait. Often waiting time is free and they’ll just charge for the ride home.

Perak Cave Temple

A 20-minute drive from Kek Lok Tong is Perak Cave Temple . Built in the same era as Kek Lok Tong, these two cave temples are actually pretty different. This gorgeous red temple has no grounds and is all about cave paintings, Buddhist shrines and panoramic views from the top. An hour is plenty of time to see everything. Getting there: I got my Grab driver to take me to Perak Cave from Kek Lok Tong, then back to Ipoh. Book on Grab then arrange the rest of the journey when you meet. Swing by Ipoh railway station for photos before heading home!

Where to eat in Ipoh

Don’t forget to work some amazing meals into your 1 or 2 day Ipoh itinerary. As a multi-ethnic society, Malaysia is a great place to try Chinese and Indian classics as well as Malay-specific dishes. Ipoh may be smaller than KL and George Town but that only makes it easier to move between the abundant food courts and cafes. Eat local food and everything’s cheap! I managed to track down some of the best food in Ipoh and I hope you do too. As well as coffee and egg tarts at Ipoh White Coffee and French toast at Plan B , don’t miss these places. It wouldn’t be an Ipoh travel guide without food, right?

Sri Anandha Bahavan (authentic Indian)

Malaysian-Indian food will be good wherever you try it – Ipoh is no exception!  Sri Anandha Bhavan  is one of the best restaurants in Ipoh for Indian food, serving vegetarian and meat dishes including curries, dosa and banana leaf dishes. You can’t go wrong with any of it but I loved my serving of spicy palak paneer (cheese cubes in a spinach sauce). Don’t forget to order some Indian sweets for dessert! Jalebi is always a winner. These milk and pistachio squares above were also extremely moreish. Address: 7 Persiaran Bandar Timah.

Restoran Lou Wong Tauge Ayam Kuetiau

As I already mentioned earlier, Hainanese chicken with bean sprouts is what this local restaurant is known for. It’s a simple dish but well-worth worth trying. My fresh, generous serving was very moreish and doused in sweet soy sauce. Address: 49 Jalan Yau Tet Shin.

Thean Chun (shredded chicken noodles)

Another of the best restaurants in Ipoh for Chinese food is  Restoran Thean Chun . The shredded chicken noodles with prawns and a salty broth were tasty and cheap at 6 MYR. This busy restaurant is food court-style like many others so grab a shared table and order whatever takes your fancy. Address: 73 Jalan Bandar Timah. Opening times: 8am-4.30pm (only until midday on Sundays), closed on Thursdays.

Yoke Fook Mun (dim sum)

I’m always on the hunt for dim sum and I wasn’t disappointed in Ipoh. This old-school restaurant is run by a team of older ladies who can’t speak much English but make some excellent dim sum. A bit of pointing and guessing went my order but I was happy with what came out – a selection of pork and prawn dumplings and fried rice batter with spicy sauce. I paid 25 MYR for 3 plates and a drink – a bit on the pricey side for Ipoh but at least I was stuffed! Address: 65-69 Jalan Leong Sin Nam. Opening times: 6am-1.30pm and 6.30pm-10pm.

Ipoh essentials

These are the items that came with me to Ipoh and I would recommend using during your Malaysia trip.

• Copy of Lonely Planet Malaysia
• A handy bum bag with secure zip to keep your belongings secure
• Combination padlock (ideal for hostel lockers)
• A stainless steel reusable water bottle that you can fill up with filtered water (hotels in Ipoh will have these)
• Alternatively, a filtering water bottle that allows you to safely drink tap water
• Reusable coffee cup (collapsable) for hot takeaway drinks
• Travel luggage – I use the Mountain Warehouse Traveller Backpack (60l with 20l detachable backpack)
• A camera – I use the Sony DSC-HX350 Digital Compact Bridge Camera which I think is one of the most affordable options for a camera with such a good zoom
• A GoPro if you’re into making videos – I use the HERO8 Black
• Solo travel pick: a tripod or mini GorillaPod to get yourself in the shot – I use the Manfrotto tripod and Joby Gorillapod .

Thanks for reading my Ipoh itinerary!

I’m very jealous you’re visiting as I want to do it all again. There are so many things to do in Ipoh, including simply sipping white coffee and watching the world go by. Whether you choose an Ipoh day trip or spend a couple of days getting immersed, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Penang blogs:

• The best places to visit in George Town, Penang
• The top hawker food in Penang
• How to visit Kek Lok Si from George Town
• Penang digital nomad guide
• The best cafes in George Town, Penang
• Where to find healthy food in George Town

Kuala Lumpur posts:

• The ultimate KL itinerary for 2 days
• 5 cute cafes in Kuala Lumpur
• The top restaurants in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur

Melaka posts:

• All the best things to do in Melaka
• The best food in Melaka
• 10 cute Melaka coffee shops
• Where to see street art in Melaka

Southeast Asia travel planning:

• 101 items for your Southeast Asia bucket list
• 101 backpacking Asia tips
• The perfect Southeast Asia travel route

Follow for more Malaysia content on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

See you next time for more adventures,

Ps. Liked this itinerary for Ipoh? Pin it for later!

Malaysia quick links Flights – I use Skyscanner and search by month to see the cheapest dates. Stay connected with E-sim data plans that don’t require delivery or collection; just span the QR code. In my opinion, Lonely Planet offer the best guidebooks. Get the latest Copy of Lonely Planet Malaysia . For Malaysia buses and trains , I use 12GoAsia . The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations. I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. For activities, I use GetYourGuide and Viator as they both have a huge range of affordable tours. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

2 thoughts on “ Ultimate Ipoh Itinerary For 1-2 Days + Best Food! ”

Last year I decided to skip the mainland of Malaysia and only visit Borneo. Otherwise Ipoh would’ve definitely be part of my itinerary

Ah how did you enjoy Borneo? Hope you make it back to the mainland sometime!

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14+ Fun Things To Do in Ipoh (Best Ipoh Itinerary)

This Ipoh travel blog will show you 14+ fun things to do in Ipoh, Malaysia, and a suggested 3-day Ipoh itinerary to help you see as many Ipoh attractions as possible!

Ipoh is located in the Malaysian state of Perak but is surprisingly still under the radar as most people tend to overlook the city for Penang or Melaka . Needless to say, it’s the perfect off-beat destination to add to your Malaysia itinerary !

Famous for its old town covered with street arts, traditional shophouses, cave temples at literally every corner, and without forgetting the iconic white coffee, Ipoh should definitely rank high on your bucket list!

So, whether you want to break up your journey between Kuala Lumpur and Penang or just looking for an underrated weekend getaway in Malaysia , this Ipoh travel blog will show you exactly what to do in Ipoh, Malaysia!

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support 🙂

Table of Contents

How to get to Ipoh Malaysia?

One of the best ways to get to Ipoh is by taking the bus. I recommend the bus from Sri Maju Group since they are cheap and reliable.

Most buses will drop you off at Ipoh Amanjaya which is found about 20 minutes from the center, where you’ll most likely spend your Ipoh itinerary. From there, take a Grab for about RM 15 (US$ 3.45).  

Some buses might drop you off at Jalan Bendahara or the Sri Maju Group bus station, both of which are located within Ipoh center. 

Bus from Kuala Lumpur airport:  The bus journey from the airport (KLIA1 or KLIA2) takes approximately 4 hours and costs about US$ 10 ( Click here to book! )

Bus from Kuala Lumpur Center : The bus will leave from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan and will cost only about US$ 6 ( Click here to book! )

Bus from Penang:  The bus journey from Penang to Ipoh usually lasts for about two hours and costs about US$ 5 ( Click here to book! )

Bus from Johor Bahru : The bus will depart from Taman Ungku Tun Aminah and the journey usually lasts for about 7 hours ( Click here to book! )

Trains are also available from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh, usually taking about 3 hours. You can book tickets online from US$ 6. The train station is located less than 5 minutes from Ipoh Old Town.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK TRAIN TICKETS FROM KL TO IPOH

Scoot Airlines and Air Asia have flights from Singapore to Ipoh . Tickets for both airlines cost about US$ 60 one way without checked luggage. You can also get flights from Johor Bahru to Ipoh through Air Asia.

Private Tour

If you have limited time for your Ipoh trip, another option is to book a private guided tour from Kuala Lumpur . During the tour, you’ll visit Kellie’s Castle, walk the Heritage trail, taste the delicious food, visit Perak cave temple and more.

The tour price is inclusive of lunch, round trip transfers to and from your hotel in Kuala Lumpur , an English-speaking guide and the admission fee to Kellie’s Castle.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK AN IPOH TOUR FROM KL + LUNCH

Where to Stay in Ipoh?

Ipoh old town.

27 Concubine Lane : A beautiful Chinese shophouse that has been converted into a homestay. Because it’s found right in the heart of Concubine Lane, close to some of the best things to do in Ipoh, it can be a bit loud during the day but it’s mostly quiet at night. Prices start from US$ 25 for a double room with a shared bathroom.

CHECK LATEST PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Dé Cafe & Rest House : This hostel has separate dormitories for men and women and costs only about US$ 10. The hostel is found just a few meters from some of the most popular Ipoh attractions such as Market Lane and Concubine Lane.

CHECK LATEST PRICE AND AVAILABILITY ON AGODA OR BOOKING.COM

Ipoh New Town

Hotel Pi : The hotel is located in the center of New Town, right opposite Memory Lane and less than a 15 minutes walk from the Old Town. Each room has a private bathroom and wifi. The price for a queen room costs about US$ 27.

Grayhaus Soho Ipoh : Grayhaus Soho is a great place to stay during your Ipoh trip and offers single and queen rooms with private bathrooms which cost about US$ 12 and US$ 16 respectively. Coffee and toast are available anytime during the day and night and laundry will set you back RM 15 (US$ 3.45) per load.

Abby by the River : The hotel is located along Kinta River and costs about RM 90 (US$ 22) for a superior double room with a private bathroom. Breakfast is also included in the price.

FIND THE BEST HOTELS IN IPOH HERE

What to do in Ipoh Malaysia?

If you’re wondering what to do in Ipoh, you’ve come to the right place! Below are some of the best things to do during your 3-day Ipoh itinerary!

Ipoh Street Arts

One of the most popular things to do in Ipoh is hunting for street art. The Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic who is famous for his murals in Penang and other parts of Malaysia, was appointed to paint the streets of Ipoh Old Town.

His paintings are reminiscing of the old days and provide an insight into the history and cultural heritage of Ipoh.

More of the street arts can be found along Mural Art’s Lane, behind Jalan Sultan Iskandar. Here, you’ll come across a whole lane covered with murals of kids playing, traditional lion dance, and Indian dance, which clearly showcase the different cultures of Malaysia.

Unlike Penang, the streets will be completely deserted, even in the middle of the day, so no waiting in line to get a picture!

Ipoh Travel Tip: You can find some colorful buildings just opposite Mural Art’s Lane.

Read more: How to spend 3 days in Penang?

Concubine Lane

The second best thing to do in Ipoh is visiting Concubine Lane. This is where the action happens! During the weekend, shop owners set out their stalls on the street and sell everything from souvenirs to jewelry and delicious food. You can also find a few street arts around here as well.

Market Lane

Market Lane is another little back road where the rainbow umbrellas are located together with a few interactive street arts. This is also where the painting of Ernest Zacharevic, “Old Town Relieves Nostalgia with Trishaw”, is found.

Kong Heng Square

Kong Heng Square is another shopping spot worth visiting. Located just a few meters from Concubine Lane, the buildings of Kong Heng Square have an industrial and almost run-down feel which gives a certain charm to the area. 

Ipoh White Coffee

Have you been to Ipoh if you didn’t taste the original Ipoh white coffee!? The drink is made from coffee beans roasted with palm oil and served with sweetened condensed milk.

It’s available either hot or cold and is bound to give you a major sugar rush (although, I much prefer the cold one which tastes less sweet).

Nam Heong White Coffee and Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong , two of the most popular cafes in Ipoh, are said to serve the original Ipoh white coffee. Both are located opposite each other along Jalan Bandar Timah.

Make sure to get there early as they are always very crowded and don’t forget to taste the egg tarts, dim sums, and other traditional Hainanese dishes.

Perak Tong (Perak Cave Temple)

With an abundance of cave temples to visit, it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the highly-rated attractions in Ipoh!

Perak Tong is by far the most visited cave temple in the city . The walls are decorated with paintings of Chinese deities and mythical creatures and house several golden Buddha statues.

You can even climb up the 450 stairs for a breathtaking view of Ipoh! So, if you’re wondering what to do in Ipoh, make sure to visit Perak Cave Temple! 

Kek Lok Tong

Kek Lok Tong is another beautiful cave temple found in one of the most picturesque settings. The temple ground comprises of Buddha statues on the inside, while the outside features a beautiful lake garden which is perfect for a peaceful nature stroll.

You’ll also find a reflexology footpath and even encounter swans around the garden.

Sam Poh Tong

Just a few minutes drive away is Sam Poh Tong temple which was founded by a Chinese monk in the 1800s. Though smaller than the other two, the entrance features a beautiful garden and fish pond.

There are stairs leading to the upper floor but they seemed to be closed off at the time of my visit. There’s also a passageway leading to quite an impressive pagoda and a tortoise pond but unfortunately, they didn’t seem well maintained. So, if you’re on a tight schedule, you could skip this one if you wish.

Read more: 20 places to visit in Malaysia for a short trip

Walk the Heritage Trail 

One of the best things to do in Ipoh is walking the Heritage Trail. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of what Ipoh looked like back in the day and witness the beautiful colonial buildings and historical landmarks.  

The trail starts at the Railway Station and includes some notable stops such as the Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Town Hall, and Old Post Office. 

You can either DIY your own heritage trail itinerary by following this map or taking a private guided tour  which also includes visits to Kek Lok Tong, Sam Poh Tong, and Kellie’s Castle. 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A HERITAGE TOUR OF IPOH

Gunung Lang Recreational Park

Gunung Lang Lake was actually a tin mining site back in the days but has now been transformed into a recreational park. The lake is very busy during the weekend and seems to be a very popular attraction in Ipoh, especially among locals. 

At the entrance, you’ll see an artificial waterfall made by hydraulic pumps with beautiful limestone cliffs in the backdrop. 

You can also take a boat to the other side of the lake for RM 3 (US$ 0.70) for adults and RM 1.50 (US$ 0.35) for children. 

Memory Lane Flea Market

If you’re wondering what to do in Ipoh, I recommend visiting the Memory Lane flea market. Every Sunday, Memory Lane comes alive during the early hours when locals sell everything from antiques to the usual knick-knacks found at flea markets.

Gerbang Malam Night Market

Gerbang Malam is open every night from 9 p.m. You won’t find much food here but rather a mix of clothes, accessories, and other random items for sale. If you’re hungry, I recommend heading to Hangout @ Ipoh for some delicious street food.

If you’re not eating out and thinking of cooking your own food, UTC market is where you’ll find fresh produce from 7 a.m to 10 p.m.

It can be quite overwhelming when you first enter the market since everything seems to be all stacked together. The vegetable stalls are located near the entrance while the fruit stalls are found upstairs, all the way back.

Funtasy House

Funtasy House is a small trick-eye museum found near Concubine lane. The entrance fee is RM 19 (US$ 5) for adults and RM 10 (US$ 2.5) for children.

CLICK HERE FOR DISCOUNTED TICKETS FOR FUNTASY HOUSE

Other Ipoh Attractions

• Lost World of Tambun : Family-theme park. Click here to book discounted tickets
• Go on a jungle trekking experience .
• Tempurung Cave Exploration
• Ipoh Parade: Shopping mall found in Ipoh New Town.
• Kellie’s Castle: An abandoned castle that’s supposedly haunted!
• Restoran New Hollywood: A popular local food spot located about a 10 minutes ride from Ipoh Old Town.
• Birch Memorial Clock Tower : Historical landmark in Ipoh (Apparently where most locals have their wedding photoshoot)!

3-day Ipoh Itinerary

Ipoh itinerary day 1.

• Start off your Ipoh itinerary by getting some Ipoh white coffee and egg tarts at Nam Heong White Coffee or Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong.
• Visit Concubine and Market Lanes and see the colorful umbrellas and street arts in the area.
• Kong Heng Square.
• More street arts on Mural Art’s Lane.
• Dinner at  Hangout @ Ipoh  

Ipoh Itinerary Day 2

• Early morning at the flea market on Memory Lane (if visiting on a Sunday).
• Cave temples: start with Kek Lok Tong, then visit Sam Poh Tong and finally Perak Cave temple.
• Gunung Lang Recreational Park.

Ipoh Itinerary Day 3

• Walk the heritage trail using this map or take a  guided tour .
• Tour of Kellie’s Castle.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the New Town and maybe go shopping at Ipoh Parade.

Read more: Malaysia itinerary for first-time visitors

How to get around Ipoh?

Ipoh is a fairly walkable city, but keep in mind that it’s very hot during the day. If you want to visit farther out to the cave temples you can take a Grab for less than RM 10 (US$ 2.30). Buses are also available, though not quite frequent.

Best time to visit Ipoh

Ipoh is usually hot and humid year-round with the occasional rainfall and temperatures going up to 32 degrees Celsius. The wet season is from April to October, while November to February is usually the driest.

Although you might want to travel during the Chinese New Year, traffic will be a nightmare (from my personal experience, the bus ride took more than 6 hours from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh instead of 3-4 hours, even one week before the festivities). In addition, most shops will be closed and hotel prices tend to be higher.

I hope that this guide to the best things to do in Ipoh has given you some inspiration for your next trip. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions and I’ll be happy to answer them! 

Need more help planning your trip to Malaysia? Check out these posts:

• Top things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days
• Best hotels in KL with infinity pools
• Best things to do in Melaka
• Penang itinerary for 3 days
• Things to do in Langkawi in 3 days
• Malaysia itinerary for two weeks on a budget
• How to plan an epic Singapore Malaysia Itinerary?  
• Ultimate guide to Seven Wells in Langkawi
• 20 short trips in Malaysia

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Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

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Colonial architecture stands side by side with rickety kedai kopi (coffee shops) in chameleonic Ipoh. The capital of Perak is flanked by towering white cliffs, some with magnificent cave temples pocketed in the limestone. Sliced into old and new towns by the Kinta River, Ipoh charms with its street art and street food – rather like a languid version of George Town.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Sam Poh Tong

First discovered by a monk in 1890, this cavern, 5km south of Ipoh, is now a riot of religious statuary and pagoda tiles. The entrance pavilion is grand…

Kek Look Tong

With a craggy cave mouth beneath a towering cliff, Kek Look Tong (1920) has the most impressive approach of all Ipoh's temples. Three Sages dominate the…

Developed in 1926 by Chinese Buddhists Chong Sen Yee and his wife, this temple (7km north of Ipoh) is popular for its mesmerising murals and panoramic…

Birch Memorial Clock Tower

The clock tower, with a 1.95m-diameter bell, was erected in 1909 in memory of James WW Birch, Perak’s first British Resident. Birch was murdered in 1875…

Train Station

It's no wonder that locals compare it to the Taj Mahal: Ipoh's train station is a harmonious Moorish and Victorian architectural masterpiece, framed by…

Han Chin Pet Soo

This charming small museum charts the history of Han Chin Villa, a 1929 clubhouse for Hakka tin miners that became a hotbed of prostitution, opium trading…

Muzium Darul Ridzuan

North of the padang (field), this museum is housed in a 1926 villa built for a wealthy Chinese tin miner. The museum features displays on the history of…

Ipoh’s courthouse was completed in 1928 by AB Hubback, the same architect who designed Ipoh’s train station and the town hall.

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Ipoh Itinerary: Best Things To Do On A Ipoh One Day Trip!

Posted on Last updated: March 25, 2024

Looking for the best things to do in Ipoh, Malaysia? You’ve come to the right place!

Ipoh is the capital city of Perak state in Malaysia, and a charming city to discover during your Malaysia itinerary. In Ipoh you will find beautiful temples, unique natural landscapes and fun shopping streets.

We visited Ipoh as a stopover on the way from Cameron Highlands to Georgetown, and while one day isn’t enough to see everything Ipoh has to offer, it gave us the opportunity to tick off the main highlights.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and discover the best things to do in Ipoh in one day!

• 1 About Ipoh
• 2.1 Concubine Lane
• 2.2 Kong Heng Artisan Market
• 2.3 Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village
• 2.4 Kek Look Tong
• 2.5 Mirror Lake
• 2.6 Sam Poh Tong Temple
• 2.7 Perak Cave Temple
• 3 How to get to Ipoh 
• 4 How many days in Ipoh?
• 5 Where to stay in Ipoh
• 6 What to pack for your Ipoh itinerary
• 7 Do you need travel insurance to visit Ipoh?

Enjoying the view over Ipoh from above Perak Cave Temple

Essentials to book before you read on!

Best tours in Ipoh

Ipoh Secrets Full Day Heritage Private Tour

Ipoh Private City Tour

Best hotels in Ipoh

Budget: The Brownstone Hostel & Space

Mid-range: Ipoh City Executive Suite

Luxury: Banjaran Hotsprings Resort

Get 5% off your travel insurance here!

While Ipoh is often seen as a gateway to the Cameron Highlands, there’s much more to this city than being a jumping-off point.

In fact, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Ipoh. The capital of the state of Perak, Ipoh lies 150 kilometres to the north of Kuala Lumpur.  

Starting life as a village in the 1880s, Ipoh grew from its tin-mining fortunes and today is awash with colonial buildings, crumbling shop houses, and gardens – all on a dramatic backdrop of karst limestone hills.  

Even without the tourist attractions, one of the best things to do in Ipoh on a day trip is to simply eat!

Discovering unique street art in Ipoh, Malaysia

Best things to do in Ipoh  in one day

Concubine lane.

A trip to this part of the city is usually a must on every Ipoh day trip itinerary. You’ve probably seen this vintage-looking street on Instagram or Tiktok during your searches for travel inspiration.

The street has been known for sex workers and opium smoking dens since 1908, when it was called Yee Lai Hong (literally “Mistress Lane”) in Chinese. It grew with the booming local tin trade.

Today it’s a narrow street strung with lanterns and edged by heritage buildings housing old kopi tiam (traditional Malaysian eateries) and shops.

Grab a coffee, some of the best food in town, and watch the hustle and bustle go by, or duck into one of the shop houses to take a browse for souvenirs.

Exploring Concubine Lane in Ipoh, Malaysia

Kong Heng Artisan Market

Close to Concubine Lane, you will find the Kong Heng Artisan Market (open daily, from 10AM to 5PM). It’s within easy walking distance, a 10 minute walk away at most.

Another of the must-visit places in Ipoh, it’s a great spot for shopping and is an attractive destination in itself, being surrounded by the heritage architecture of the old town.  

Browse trinkets, antiques and locally produced crafts and grab a coffee or snack from one of the many kiosks.

Exploring the stalls of Kong Heng Artisan Market in Ipoh, Malaysia

Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village

One of the best things to do in Ipoh is to head to the Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village (it’s open 9:30AM to 5PM, but is closed on Sundays). The entrance fee is RM 20.

Located about a 20-minute drive from Concubine Lane, this cultural park is a fun spot to see some of the natural scenery of Ipoh, complete with traditional architecture, winding paths and dreamy waterways.

You can hire bicycles if you don’t want to walk, but either way it’s a fun place to explore for an hour or two. The karst cliffs and lush greenery make it feel like a real adventure.

I have to admit, we couldn’t really understand what was going on most of the time, as there were no signs or explanations anywhere. But the scenery is very beautiful, and with all the vintage memorabilia around, it was a fun place to explore.

Exploring Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village in Ipoh, Malaysia

Kek Look Tong

The picturesque Kek Look Tong is a mountain cave temple that uses natural stalactites and stalagmites as decorations. It reminded me a bit of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.

The 12-acre religious site is set at the foot of karst mountains, with the entrance to the temple itself being the mouth of a cave.

The temple is dotted with Buddha statues and Confucian figures, but it’s really the cave itself that makes this a must-see if you’re wondering what to do in Ipoh.

There’s also a beautiful garden with a little river, where you can go on a short pedalo boat trip. It’s the best place to combine a cultural and historical visit with relaxing and beautiful nature.

You’ll find it a 7-minute drive (or Grab ride) away from the Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village. It’s open every day, 8AM to 4:30PM, and entrance is free.

The inside of Kek Look Tong cave temple

The outdoors area of Kek Look Tong cave temple in Ipoh

Mirror Lake

This place is really cool. Just a few minutes’ drive from Kek Look Tong and you’ll be at the entrance to Mirror Lake (open 9AM to 6PM; admission RM 8).

It begins by walking through a tunnel cut through the karst limestone (an old mining tunnel), after which you’ll come out into a hidden lake surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery. There’s the option to take a boat trip out onto the water.  

Sam Poh Tong Temple

Next up on your Ipoh trip itinerary is a visit to the Sam Poh Tong Temple. From Mirror Lake it’s less than a 10-minute drive away.

Another temple set within a mystical cave, it was discovered in 1890 by a Buddhist monk, who decided it would be a good place for a shrine.  

Today it’s filled with statues, pagodas and even an ornamental garden. It’s open from 9AM to 4PM most days (no admission, but you can make a voluntary donation if you wish).

Going inside of Kek Look Tong cave temple in Ipoh, Malaysia

Perak Cave Temple

Opened in 1926, this impressive Buddhist temple (open every day, 8AM to 5PM) is around a 15-minute drive from the Ipoh Old Town.

Constructed within the limestone walls of the cave, the temple is home to colourful murals and a towering seated Buddha statue in the main hall – 12 metres tall!  

Wandering inside the cave, admiring the impressive natural cave formation, as well as the golden statues and beautiful artwork, was one of my favourite things to do in Ipoh.

But don’t limit yourself to just the cave! Don’t miss out on climbing 450 metres up the staircase for views of the karst hills and the city below.

As you proceed through the cave you will come out on the other side, here is where you’ll find a staircase leading up to the top of the temple mountain. Along the way you will find little pagodas and viewpoints.

The steps up are very steep, but the views are well worth it, and it’s a great way to round up your time in Ipoh.

Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur was my favourite temple we saw in Malaysia, but this was a close second.

The inside of Perak Cave Temple in Ipoh, Malaysia

The view from the top of mountain above Perak Tong Cave Temple in Ipoh, Malaysia

How to get to Ipoh  

Getting to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur is relatively simple. By car, it’s a straightforward route that takes around 2.5 hours to drive.

Public transport is also an option. You could travel by bus, which takes around 3 hours and costs from RM 20-27 (depending on the bus company).  

The train takes 2 hours 40 minutes from KL Sentral (tickets from RM 35). So an Ipoh day trip from KL is definitely doable.

A day trip to Ipoh from Georgetown (just over 150 kilometres away) is also easy. The journey takes 2 hours 15 by car.

You could also take the train from Butterworth Railway Station (near Penang) to Ipoh, which takes around 2 hours and costs from RM 32. Buses between Georgetown and Ipoh take just over 2 hours and cost around RM 28

Going for a boat ride at Kek Look Tong cave temple in Ipoh

How many days in Ipoh?

I would say that a one-day trip to Ipoh is enough. You could visit on the way to Cameron Highlands from other destinations (Kuala Lumpur or Georgetown, for example) to break up the drive.

It’s a cool city to explore for a day.  This is actually what we did, as we visited Ipoh on the way from Cameron Highlands to Georgetown. It was the perfect place to break up an otherwise 4-hour drive.

However, you may be a little rushed doing absolutely everything on your Ipoh itinerary in one day, so you could also consider spending at least one night here if you want to explore at a more chilled-out pace.

Plus, from what we saw Ipoh had a very cool vibe, with lots of hipster western eateries, so you could easily spend longer here.

Where to stay in Ipoh

Here are some great places to stay in Ipoh for every budget.

Budget: The Brownstone Hostel & Space – Located close to the centre of Ipoh, this hostel is great for budget travellers, as it has cool common areas, spacious dorms and also private rooms available.

Click here to book your stay at The Brownstone Hostel & Space in Ipoh!

Mid-range: Ipoh City Executive Suite – This apartment is spacious, modern and has a rooftop infinity pool with epic views over Ipoh, all for an affordable price. What more do you need?

Click here to book your stay at Ipoh City Executive Suite!

Luxury: Banjaran Hotsprings Resort – Tucked away into the hills, this resort is a gem and great place to treat yourself. Imagine private pool villas, massages, cave restaurants and beautiful views!

Check out prices & availability at Banjaran Hotsprings Resort in Ipoh!

The view from the top of mountain above Perak Cave Temple in Ipoh, Malaysia

What to pack for your Ipoh itinerary

You don’t need much beyond your usual travel essentials , but here are a couple useful things you don’t want to forget for your Ipoh trip!

Waterproof jacket – even if you’re visiting in dry season, you will need one of these! We even went as far as rain ponchos , as it was just too rainy when we were there.

Adapter – depending on where you come from you might need one of these to charge your electronics. I like to use an international one so that it can work for multiple destinations.

Power bank – if you’re out and about all day you don’t want your phone to die on you just as you’re about to snap a great photo of the beautiful temples in Kuala Lumpur!

Waterproof shoes – if it ends up raining, you don’t want to get your feet wet! It’s also a good idea to pack flip-flops or a change of shoes, that way you can get out of your wet shoes at the end of the day (if you then head to the beach or waterfalls of  Langkawi , you’ll need these then anyway!)

Entering Kek Lok Tong cave temple in Ipoh, Malaysia

Do you need travel insurance to visit Ipoh?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance .

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo .

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance !

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

The outdoors area and statues of Kek Look Tong cave temple in Ipoh

Final thoughts on my Ipoh day trip itinerary

There you have it, the ultimate Ipoh 1-day itinerary! Have you been to Ipoh before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

I’ll admit that while I enjoyed visiting Ipoh, I recognise that it’s probably not the most exciting city in Asia. There are some cool views of limestone cliffs, pedestrian shopping streets and unique temples, but it’s not as wow as Bangkok for example.

It’s a great place to stop to break up the drive from Cameron Highlands to George Town, but I probably wouldn’t dedicate too long to it, especially if you have a tight Malaysia itinerary.

This is just my personal opinion. Other travellers see Ipoh as a beautiful hidden gem that is definitely worth visiting. While I agree that it’s a great place with lots of Ipoh attractions, I wouldn’t exactly define it as a must-see.

I hope you found my Ipoh itinerary useful, and that it helps you plan your day in Ipoh! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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• EAT & DRINK
• Penang Mainland
• Itineraries

25 Incredible Ipoh Attractions you Must Visit in 2023: Best Things to Do in Ipoh, Perak

Never been to Ipoh? No worries, for this article will point you to Ipoh's best attractions, from the best things to do, heritage and food in Ipoh Old Town, to where to go on day trips in the surrounding Kinta Valley.

When it comes to colonial heritage, Penang Island gets all the praise as the jewel in Malaysia’s crown. However, fewer are keen to admit that it’s also getting back to being overcrowded with too many camera-toting tourists, foodies on a Penang street food rampage, and astute locals who are exploiting the hype of Penang street art and the many Penang cafes to cash in.

Even fewer people seem to know that when Penang’s hustle gets too much to take in, there’s an equally captivating and less visited city to visit. I’m talking about Ipoh, the former tin-mining center of 1930s colonial Malaysia and the capital of Perak state . Compared to George Town’s boutique and sterile beautification, Ipoh’s Old Town’s quaint streets are still far from mass tourism’s evils.

But what to do in Ipoh? You will not wonder anymore after reading this article. We will tell you about Ipoh’s most interesting places and things to do.

Article Contents

Ipoh Travel Essentials

• Use Klook to get discounts and great deals for many activities around Ipoh . I use it myself all the time.
• If you want to rent an apartment in Ipoh, start by reading my article on Ipoh’s best Airbnbs .
• Ipoh has some great 5-star hotels and inexpensive boutique hotels for a special stay. Check out our guide to the best hotels in Ipoh.
• If you are short on time, consider taking this Ipoh day tour from Kuala Lumpur or this one from Penang .
• If you want a private car to take you around all of Ipoh’s best sights, check out this link

When to Travel to Ipoh

Ipoh lies in the tropical zone and is a destination you can visit year-round, regardless of the rainy season — roughly between September and December. Still, truth be told, it never really rains all day, bringing some respite to the heat.

How to Get to Ipoh

Ipoh is pretty much the midpoint between Penang and Kuala Lumpur and is well-connected by road along the North-South expressway. It’s also possible to arrive in Ipoh by bus and train. You can book train tickets from Butterworth in Penang to Ipoh , from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh , or book your bus tickets on 12GoAsia or BusOnlineTickets . And here you go, the list of the Best Things to Do in Ipoh.

Blogging transparency: this post contains affiliate links. These are products and services that we personally use and recommend. If you click on one and buy any service, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Consider it a small way to say thanks, and keep Penang Insider going.

Best Things to do in Ipoh

Some of the most interesting places in Ipoh are in the Old Town, where you can also find some of Ipoh’s best hotels.

1 See Ipoh’s Iconic Train Station

Situated between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Ipoh is just a two-hour drive from each city and perfectly served by fast and cozy fast train services. Read our guide to catching an ETS train in Ipoh . The exquisite white marble 1935 train station is aptly nicknamed ‘Mini Taj-Mahal’ by locals, for it still boasts original Mughal-inspired architecture. It’s also a great place to arrive in Ipoh because it’s just a quick stroll on foot to Ipoh’s Old Town. Don’t forget an evening stroll in the square facing Ipoh’s Taj Mahal train station for chances to see a colorful fountain light and water show.

2 Walk around Ipoh Old Town

Walking from the train station across the field that once served as the Japanese Army’s operation base during the occupation of Malaya between 1941 and 1945, one finds himself in Ipoh Old Town proper. In this cluster of streets sheltered by a bend of the Kinta River, multi-coloured Chinese shophouses lean against each other like sleepy fellows soaking the ebb and flow of slow tropical days. Nothing seems to have changed how local shopkeepers still tend to their century-old crafts here. Several historical buildings have been upholstered into brand-new boutique hotels, and now travelers have no more excuses to skip Ipoh’s quiet but infectious beat. The Old Town has a series of key streets packed with tourist-oriented trinket shops, but be advised that life winds down early in this part of the time — you won’t find much in terms of food options in the Old Town past 7 pm.

3 Visit Ipoh’s Concubine Lane

After Lonely Planet listed Ipoh as one of the best destinations in Asia in 2016 , the town spruced itself up and tried to catch up with modern tourist gentrification in the footsteps of George Town on Penang island and Melaka. Concubine Lane today is Ipoh’s version of a touristy alley packed with cafes, food stalls, and souvenir shops, but it preserves a less frenetic, more authentic charm. There are three Concubine lanes in reality. The history is that after Ipoh was destroyed by fire in 1892, it was rebuilt into lanes of shops. Mining tycoon Yao Tet Shin gave three lanes to his three wives as a gift – each wife would collect rent from the shops in her own lane. Concubine Lane (二奶巷 in Mandarin, which means “second wife”) is today’s Lorong Panglima, the busiest among the three lanes. Apart from Restoran Wong Koh Kee, most other establishments are new. The beauty is that some houses are restored as they looked in the old days, but the place gets crowded. At night, the lane lights up with red lanterns and resembles a Red-Light district. Try to avoid visiting at weekends and pick a weekday instead.

4 Explore Ipoh’s Market Lane

Market Lane, or the Second Concubine Lane (三奶巷 in Mandarin), is very close to Concubine Lane. Don’t be confused by the Chinese characters because Hale Street was the Wife Lane, hence considered the “first”. Concubine Lane was dedicated to the second wife, and this Market Lane to the third wife.

Market Lane is quieter than Concubine Lane and has no shops except for the Nam Chau Coffee Shop with their silky white coffee. But it’s a characteristic lane because of its three iconic street art murals: the coffee shop scene, the kids jumping, and, on the other end of the street, a mural-cum-installation by Ernest Zacharevic – the Lithuanian artist responsible for kick-starting Penang’s gentrification. In Market Lane, he painted a mural inspired by the unique tricycle uncle of George Town in Penang. Eternally shirtless and barefoot, this man makes a living collecting recycled items in Penang… funny, however, how this character ended up on a wall in Ipoh!

5 Kong Heng Square and Artisan Market

The maze of old cobbled lanes that make up Ipoh’s Kong Heng square, right off Concubine Lane, is undoubtedly the most happening part of the Old Town. The area is best known for Kong Heng Artisan Market , a collection of pop-up stalls selling anything from home-grown brands’ collectables, bags, and clothes, and the sky’s the limit.

6 Learn about Malaysian Cinema at Yasmin at Kong Heng Newseum

7 Drink Ipoh’s traditional White Coffee

8 Try Ipoh Tauge Ayam (Beansprout Chicken)

Along the way, one might stumble upon the aroma of bean sprout chicken, or Tauge Ayam in Malay, another local delicacy. Try to find a seat among the locals at mom and pop Restoran Ong Kee at 48 Jalan Yau Tet Shin, which dishes up some of the best in town. Served with noodle soup or rice, tauge ayam here is boiled to perfection and sprinkled with fresh bean sprouts and soy sauce. You should also consider Lou Wong, on the opposite corner from Ong Kee, which is also juicy and popular.

Here’s a location of Ong Kee Tauge Ayam:

9 Have a drink at the Sinhalese Bar, one of Malaysia’s oldest

Set in a corner of Ipoh Old Town along Jalan Bijeh Timah, the Sinhalese Bar is a Malaysian institution harking back to 91 years of service. Like the owner, 81-year-old Alfred Perera, this place has seen the transformation of British colonial Malaya, the Japanese invasion, and the transformation into today’s wealthy and fast-developing Malaysia. By going through the Sinhalese Bar’s saloon-like swinging doors and taking a seat inside its bright pink walls, one really time-travels to a liminal space in which booze and colorful local characters intermingle in explosive feasts of great conversations. Absolutely do not miss a drink here, even if you just order a Coke. Perera is a fountain of local knowledge, having lived all his life here.

Here’s a map of the Sinhalese Bar:

10 Visit Han Chit Pet Soo, Ipoh’s Hakka Tin-Mining Museum

To have a break from all the food, take a tour of Ipoh’s excellent Hakka tin-mining heritage museum. Han Chin Pet Soo offers a peek into the old world charms of a Hakka Chinese clan house. The first floor of this double story “gentlemen club” for tin-miners and tycoons recounts the history of Ipoh’s industrial past. Upstairs, the quirky reproduction of a Chinese gambling and opium den completed with life-sized statues of Fu Manchu-alike punters and their molls is unmissable. Remember that you must make a reservation prior to your visit . Travelers are required to offer a donation, while guided tours pay RM10 per adult and RM5 per child. Here’s a map of Han Chit Pet Soo:

11 Check out Ipoh’s Street Art

Like most Malaysian cities, even Ipoh has its fair share of colourful mural art. Start by checking the walls in Jalan Dato Maharajalela, where Ernest Zacharevic, the Lithuanian artist who started the craze for Penang street art , glorified Ipoh’s signature drink, white coffee. From here starts a treasure hunt for the other six murals that Ernest painted on the Old Town’s walls — including the popular trishaw man in Market Lane. But there are also many more murals outside the Old Town and across the bridge on the Kinta River along Mural’s Art Lane (Jalan Masjid in Taman Jubilee), a back lane between the major thoroughfare Jalan Sultan Iskandar and Jalan Masjid. There’s a high concentration of beautiful murals along this lane that ends with the historical Masjid Panglima Kinta. Many have been done by art teacher Eric Lai, who launched this project back in 2013. Lai and his students are still taking care of retouching the artwork.

12 Visit the Panglima Kinta Mosque

This old mosque’s blue dome and white hue have served the Malay community of Kampung Kuchai and surrounding neighborhoods for over a century. It was built in 1898 in rectangular form, about 40 meters in length and 25 meters in width, with a prayer squarish prayer hall enclosed with a two-tiered pyramid roof. Set on the side of the Kinta River and at the beginning of the lane that today is Ipoh’s Mural Art Lane, it’s a city landmark you should not miss.

Here’s a map of Panglima Kinta Mosque’s location:

13 Hunt for vintage bargains at Memory Lane Market

Vintage lovers and collectible seekers should better know that on Sundays, Ipoh’s Jalan Horley is home to one of the best open-air flea markets in the country. Called Pasar Karat, or Loken, by locals, Memory Lane Market opens every Sunday from 7 am until noon in Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil near Ipoh Parade shopping mall. It’s a fantastic spot to find old memorabilia, such as old home telephones, vintage vinyl records, collectible telephone cards, stamps, and even old-world items such as heavy copper irons.

Here’s a map of Memory Lane Market:

14 Shop until you drop at Gerbang Malam Ipoh

15 Check the Pulse of Ipoh’s underground at Chokodok Reggae House

The easiest place to meet up with an unconventional, youthful side of Ipoh is visiting the Chokodok Reggae Bar and Backpackers Hostel. Run by Wira Malik, a Muslim Rastafarian who’s been around the world and married a Japanese wife. This may be the only rasta bar without alcohol on the globe.

But the fruit juices, shakes, and western food are not the only reasons to come here: from 9 pm, there is an open stage and live music performances by a resident band and touring musicians, and it’s a favorite mainstay for local artists and creatives. The Backpacker’s lodge upstairs is currently limited due to premises renovations, but it should be back soon. Here’s a map of Chokodok Reggae House’s location:

16 Take a night stroll at Kinta River Front

Ipoh Attractions outside the Old Town

If you thought all you could do in Ipoh lies in the Old Town, you are very wrong. These are some of Ipoh’s other unmissable things to do.

17 Marvel at Ipoh’s Cave Temples

Set inside limestone massifs covered in viridian tropical vegetation, Ipoh’s Cave Temples are some of the most unique in Malaysia and even the whole of Southeast Asia.

We have covered a list of the eight best Ipoh cave temples , but if you are short on time, the three unmissable are the Perak Cave Temple, Sam Poh Tong, and Kek Lok Tong. Perak Cave Temple is famous for its beautiful entrance, a symmetrical Chinese temple gate set at the bottom of the limestone massif Gunung Tasek. The main hall hosts a 40-foot-tall golden seated Buddha flanked by four guardian deities. The beauty of this cave is also the giant wall murals depicting characters from Chinese mythology and Buddhist scriptures.

Behind the main altar, there’s a flight of steps that, after passing through the upper recesses of the cave, brings visitors up and out on the top of the limestone hill.

Sam Poh Tong is the second most-known Ipoh cave temple and the most important in the cluster of cave temples situated within the Gunung Rapat area to the southeast of Ipoh and on the way to Gopeng. Its main feature is inside and beyond a tunnel, where the cave temple opens into a gap in the limestone with a stunning red Chinese pagoda set in front of a turtle pond.

Always in Gunung Rapat is Kek Lok Tong temple. The entry is via a path that immerses into the cave, tall enough to house a small building filled with statues of Taoist deities. In the middle of the cave, a staircase leads visitors through a narrower tunnel that hosts Buddhist statues and opens once again onto a beautifully landscaped garden with a pond (you can ride paddle boats here) encased by walls of limestones topped by viridian vegetation.

18 Go wild at Lost World of Tambun

Coming with family from Kuala Lumpur? Check out this direct private charter from Kuala Lumpur to Lost World of Tambun .

19 Explore forgotten history at Tambun Rupestrial Art Site

One of the most important albeit sadly forgotten historical sites in Ipoh is hidden at its outskirts, in the village of Tambun. Discovered in 1959 by a British soldier, Gua Tambun is a limestone hill with rupestrian art that dates back to 3,000 years. The rock face here presents reddish drawings of human figures, a tortoise, what seems to be a dugong – Southeast Asia’s peculiar dolphin-alike mammal – a deer, and sketches that resemble arrows, fish, and even an octopus. Fragments of seashells and peculiar sedimentation of the rock face suggest that this area may have been covered by water in the past. Regardless of the site’s archaeological importance, it’s puzzling to note that it’s not at all preserved: it’s not easily accessible as its entrance is on private land, and the rock face has been vandalized by graffiti. A group from Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang is doing what it can to preserve the site and get help from the government for restoration work, but development is slow. If you decide to visit, pay attention to where you tread. Anything on the soil is potentially an unprotected archaeological remain that too many callous visitors have already damaged irreparably.

20 Rejuvenate in style at Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat

If you want to soak in the piece of Kinta Valley’s ancient rock formations, then a pampering stay at Banjaran Hot Springs Resort is what you need. The centrepiece is a free-form swimming pool surrounded by beautiful thatched pavillions and accommodations. Viridian walls of rock shelter the place on all sides, and believe it or not, you may isolate yourself in a meditation cave, try a thermal bath in a steam cave, and enjoy geothermal hot springs dipping pools. It’s very close to the Lost World of Tambun, too.

21 Get out and about at Gunung Lang Recreational Park

Tucked to the north of Ipoh, in close proximity to the North-South Expressway, is the area of Gunung Lang Recreational Park. A large 14 hectares lake shimmers in the middle of 30 hectares of rainforest, surrounded by the soaring limestone hills of Gunung Lang and Gunung Bilike. It is part of the Kinta Geopark and a perfect sample of Malaysia’s beautiful nature on the doorstep of Ipoh.

You can drive here and marvel at man-made cascading waterfalls, walk along a 2-km-long boardwalk over a swamp, bring your children to a playground, and even use the campsite. There are also several other possible activities, like fishing, jungle trekking, and canoeing on the lake.

22 Travel back in time to Qing Xing Ling Leisure and Cultural Village

Gunung Rapat holds some of Ipoh’s most amazing cave temples and this interesting cultural village.

“Qing Xing Ling” means “Serene Hill” in English and is tucked under a towering limestone massif. The concept here is to give a fairy-tale impression of life in an old traditional village. Traditional houses cluster on the sides of a speckle of water, and right upon entering, you’ll find old-world trishaws that can be rented to get around the park in a unique old-world fashion.

A large banyan tree holds hundreds of wishing ribbons, and a hiking trail called “Memory Lane,” strewn with mini-windmills and statues, goes uphill in the limestone and back in time to 1980s Malaysia.

Here’s a map of Qing Xin Ling village:

Places to visit outside of Ipoh town

If you have a few days in Ipoh, you could easily base yourself in the city and take a few day trips further into the Kinta Valley. The following are some of the most interesting attractions near Ipoh.

23 Spook yourself out at Kellie’s Castle

Situated halfway between the Perak adventure sports capital of Gopeng and the town of Batu Gajah, both not far from Ipoh, Kellie’s Castles is a quirky sight in Malaysia — and one that has a reputation for hantu — ghosts, in the Malay language. Built by a Scottish planter, William Kellie-Smith, Kellie’s Castle is an unfinished European-styled manor that mixes South Indian Tamil architecture and is set next to the Raya River in lush tropical surroundings. Locals say that Kellie built this manor either as a gift to his wife or to celebrate the birth of his son in 1915. In the original plan, the castle should have had Malaysia’s first elevator, an indoor tennis court, and a rooftop courtyard for nightlife and entertainment.

But something strange started happening during construction: many among Kellie’s team of Indian workers started dying of a bad case of Spanish Flu. Worried they may have attracted the wrath of some god, Kellie’s men asked him permission to build an Indian temple nearby — to which the Scot promptly agreed. The pandemic and the deaths stopped shortly after the temple was erected, and Kellie was immortalized as a statue among the Hindu Gods on its roof.

The castle, however, was never finished because Kellie died of pneumonia while away in Portugal in 1926. Devastated, his wife decided to return to Scotland, leaving everything unfinished. Today Kellie’s Castle is a tourist attraction, and some say ghosts haunt it. You can experience this history on a Kellie’s Castle Paranormal Tour, which brings guests through the empty hallways and rooftops of the manor.

24 Go spelunking at Gua Tempurung

Take a day trip to Gua Tempurung, one of Perak’s biggest caves, and a real adventure.

If you go to Gopeng, you shouldn’t miss a trip to Gua Tempurung, one of Peninsular Malaysia’s oldest and most stunning caves, estimated to be a stunning 400-millions-year-old. Gua Tempurung is divided into 5 different caverns filled with stalagmites and stalactites, and being more than 3 kilometers long, it is a perfect place for all levels of adventure caving expeditions. For the same reason — huge, dark, and scary chambers — Gua Tempurung was also used as a hideout by the Communist insurgents of the Malayan Emergency between 1948 and 1960.

Today the cave is very popular among spelunkers who come in droves to try one of four different exploration packages. Expect to get wet and dirty as you trawl through wide and narrow passages and chambers filled with the tweeting of bats and sloshing of an underground river.

25 Go Whitewater rafting and explore Gopeng

Gopeng is a Perak attraction that’s definitely off the beaten track, but for no good reason. Set only 20km south of Ipoh and about 2 hours drive north of Kuala Lumpur, Gopeng was one of Malaya’s prominent tin-mining centers. Few things have stayed on from those times. Still, the town is set next to Peninsular Malaysia’s most stunning limestone cave systems and the Kampar River, one of the best white water rafting spots in the whole of Peninsular Malaysia.

Gopeng town also had a strong Chinese community whose immigration history reflected in the town’s architecture, heritage, and, of course, Gopeng food — lai fun noodles, anyone?

You should go to Gopeng if you want to experience a remote small Malaysian town with excellent tourist facilities — from good hotels to white water rafting and adventurous activities such as caving, hiking, and abseiling.

READ MORE — Best Things to Do (and Eat) in Gopeng

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE Best Hotels in Ipoh How to catch an ETS train from Ipoh Guide to Ipoh cave temples

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9 Best Things To Do in Ipoh, Malaysia

Ipoh is Georgetown’s relaxed little brother and the gateway to the Cameron Highlands. This town-sized city is undiscovered on the usual Malaysia route. Within the old town, the colonial buildings stand out. Timeworn streets have been freshened up with contemporary street art. Wander a bit to find vibrant temples, surrounded by spectacular limestone cliffs, caves, and lakes. The hidden gem of Ipoh is a great addition to your Malaysia itinerary!

Things To Do in Ipoh

Always in the shadow of Penang, Ipoh is underestimated for many things. For instance, Ipoh is known in Malaysia for its terrific food and is worth visiting for this alone! Spend one or two days, but only if it fits in your itinerary.

1. Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple

A short 10-minute drive from the town is the extraordinary Gunung Rapat Limestone Hills, which are home to many temples. One of the most interesting is the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, a beautiful Chinese Buddhist temple built into the limestone. 

Book a tour and discover the best of Ipoh.

The temple is picture-perfect, set amongst beautiful gardens and pools. The entryway leading through a cave comes out into an open space in between the limestone. 

A stunning temple painted in reds and oranges touched by the rays of the sun. It is believed to be the biggest cave temple in the country and a great thing to do in Ipoh.

Here are all your hotel options in Ipoh.

There are plenty of other temples to see in the area such as:

• Ling Sen Tong Temple
• Kwan Yin Tong Temple
• Kek Look Tong Cave Temple

2. Walk down Concubine Lane

Concubine Lane is a cute, narrow lane flanked by old-style Chinese shophouses, complete with shutters and beautiful tiles. You can find trendy boutiques, fascinating antique shops, and countless cafes selling Ipoh’s traditional white coffee.

Great from Ipoh:   Do a day trip to the Cameron Highlands

The lane is less crowded during the week but is most fun to visit at the weekend when stalls are set up selling souvenirs and typical foods of the area. The old charm and vibrant history of this area are not to be missed!

Tip: Once you’ve wandered down Concubine Lane, make sure to see Wife Lane and Market Lane. Market Lane is decorated with beautiful hanging umbrellas and red lanterns that light up the area at night.

3. Tasik Cermin (‘Mirror Lake’)

Experience Ipoh’s best-hidden gems: a secret lake named Tasik Cermin. The lake’s setting, surrounded by limestone karsts, is truly unique and has been given the nickname ‘Mirror Lake’.

Hotels in Ipoh 😴

Update: Due to increasing popularity, there’s now an official entrance building selling tickets at 4 RM per person. Open daily from 9 AM-6 PM.

It is located close to the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple. To enter the cave, you have to pass an abandoned house and follow a narrow path until you see your right cave entrance. Walk through the limestone rock tunnel that brings you out on the edge of this exceptionally peaceful part of nature. 

Discover: Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur

We spotted a group of wild beavers swimming around and making noises that echo through the entire nirvana. Sadly, despite the peace here, the lake is under threat from the extraction of limestone, which is slowly getting closer to its boundaries.

To get out to the temples and the limestone hills, it is best to take a ‘Grab’ taxi and ask/pay him to wait.

See the 2-week Malaysia Travel Route

4. Kong Heng Flea Market

The Kong Heng Square market is a small crafts bazaar and flea market in the city center. This space is creatively decorated and has a fun walk-through. The market is located behind the Plan B restaurant and is open daily between 10 AM and 5 PM.

5. Ipoh Railway Station

The Ipoh railway station, built in the typical colonial-style architecture of the time, opened in 1917 and still stands out over 100 years later! It is a fully functioning station, with many trains running daily to numerous destinations throughout Malaysia. If you’re planning on visiting Penang, Ipoh Railway Station has fast trains to Butterworth throughout the day (once you’re at Butterworth, change onto a ferry for Penang ).

Read: Langkawi, Malaysia’s paradise island

Tip: If you are interested in the history of Ipoh, the Heritage Trail (a short walk designed to encounter all the key sites of the old town) starts here at Ipoh Railway Station. ( MAP )

6. Street Art (Mural Art’s Lane)

If the street art around Concubine Lane left you wanting more, then Mural Art’s Lane should be your next stop! The lane, running between the main roads Jalan Sultan Iskandar and Jalan Masjid, is home to dozens of murals that brighten up the houses’ walls. Most are painted by Ernest Zacharevic, who has had many successes as a street artist in Penang . 

Tip: Follow the Mural Art trail (get a map at Ipoh Tourist Information Centre) to find the locations of various works of art throughout town.

7. Memory Lane Flea Market (Sundays only)

If possible, plan your itinerary so that your time in Ipoh falls over a weekend. Although the streets will be busier, you’ll get the opportunity to see the renowned Memory Lane Flea Market, which only takes place on Sundays.

The market takes up the entire street’s entire length, with vendors laying out endless treasures, from vintage records to antique typewriters. Have fun trying to drive a hard bargain here and leave Malaysia with some amazing artifacts and memoirs.

8. 22 Hale Street 

The 22 Hale Street buildings are two old shops transformed into a museum and cafe. The heritage gallery displays the Ipoh lifestyles over time, including a lot of retro items. There is an entrance fee with a ticket, but this seems to change depending on the exhibition. 

9. Climb to the viewpoint of the Perak Tong Cave Temple

Enter the small passage between the limestone of the Perak Tong Cave Temple. Inside opens up into an enormous space with a 12-meter-high Buddha statue.

In the back of the cave, you will find steps that lead to the top of the limestone rock. It is a walk of 10-15 minutes to the top, with the last steps being quite challenging. On top, you will have a view over the surrounding area.

Getting to Ipoh

As a stopover before the Cameron Highlands or Penang , Ipoh is simply perfectly located. Both buses and trains run regularly to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur and take 2.5-3 hours.

From Ipoh, you can take a bus to the Cameron Highlands, a bus to Penang, or a 2-hour train to Butterworth (for a ferry connection to Penang).

Book all your bus or train tickets easily online

Alternatively, for the ultimate freedom and flexibility, you can rent a car to explore Ipoh and the surrounding area.

We recommend to rent a car in Malaysia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

How to get around Ipoh

Ipoh may technically be a city, but its size and atmosphere make it feel more like a town. As a result, it is very easy to see the old town and many of the key sights on foot or bike. 

Where to eat in Ipoh

Many specialties exist in Ipoh, such as its sweet white coffee, varieties of dim sum, and famed egg custard tarts, yes, the same one as the Pasteis de Belem from Lisbon !

Here are our favorite places to eat in Ipoh:

• Vegan Delights Cafe
• Lodge 163 Cafe
• Old Town Kopitiam

Vegan Delights has delicious plant-based dishes, but the impressive part is that you’re served by incredibly friendly people who are either deaf or mute. A must-visit!

Where to stay in Ipoh

There is a diverse range of budget hostels to luxury resorts within Ipoh, set within the town’s bustling center or set amongst the serene nature.

As a recommended stay in Ipoh is around 2 days, it’s best to situate yourself in one of the many good quality guest houses within the old town as a base to explore.

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• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

11 Best Things To Do in Penang, Malaysia (Georgetown)

15 things to do in kuala lumpur (3-day guide), 9 best things to do in langkawi (3-day travel guide).

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20 Things To Do In & Near Ipoh – Visit Must-Try Eateries, Serene Nature Spots & Thrift Markets

Things to do in and near Ipoh 

Among the popular day-trip destinations in the country, the city of Ipoh stands alongside George Town as a local-favourite. Its plethora of old-school kopitiams , colonial buildings, and weathered streets lined with art murals have Ipoh-ites bragging about them in and outside of their city.

To help you make the most of your next visit to this city, we’ve compiled 20 things to do in and near Ipoh that’ll keep you on your toes for a full day. 

Table of Contents

– Attractions –

– food –, best things to do in & near ipoh, 1. bask in nature’s beauty by a mirror-like lake at tasik cermin.

Formerly an abandoned quarry, Tasik Cermin has been transformed into a national geopark that welcomes visitors looking to marvel at a collection of jaw-dropping natural gems – this includes a mirror-like lake, towering rock formations, and captivating caves and tunnels.

Just a stone’s throw from Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, the park hosts various activities around its centrepiece: a “Mirror Lake”, as it is nicknamed by locals. 

You can hop on a leisurely boat ride (RM25/pax) that promises a view of lush greenery and various monkey species. During the 25-minute journey, you’ll get to travel between Tasik Cermin 1 and 2 through a tunnel. 

After your boat trip, you can explore the caves and tunnels on foot. Other activities to try here include flying fox, rock climbing, and a kid’s playground. 

Admission: RM5/pax Address: 31, Jalan Perniagaan Sengat, Pusat Perniagaan Sengat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily Contact: 012-268 4116 | Tasik Cermin’s Facebook

2. Visit a cave temple & hop on a boat ride at Kek Lok Tong

With most temples housed within four walls, you might just be surprised at the sheer number of cave temples to be discovered in Ipoh – there are nearly 30 of them. One of them is Kek Lok Tong temple, named the “cave of ultimate bliss”, that sits at the foot of Gunung Rapat. 

As you approach the temple, it’ll be hard to miss the impressive mouth of the cave – it serves as a door leading into the cavernous space where the temple is located. Inside the cave, the temple features multiple statues of the revered Buddha, with stunning rock formations just overhead.  

Other areas to explore here include a zen garden with a lake, which also features an array of Taoist deities and mythical creatures carved from rocks. At the garden, you can opt to take a boat ride (RM12 for 2 pax) on the lake. The 30-minute ride meanders along rocky cliffs dotted with lush greenery, and is available from Wednesdays to Mondays.

Admission: Free Address: Persiaran Sepakat 3, Taman Endah Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 8am-4.30pm, Daily

3. Learn more about Ipoh’s tin-mining history at Han Chin Pet Soo Museum

Whether you’re a history buff or not, Han Chin Pet Soo Museum is a local museum that lets you delve into the early history of Ipoh’s tin mining history through life-like dioramas and intriguing artefacts. 

The museum was formerly a Hakka Tin Miners club founded in 1893, spanning two floors. Today, the refurbished 3-storey space explores the building’s past as well as Ipoh’s history of tin mining, as it was one of the largest tin-mining towns in the world during its heyday. 

Free guided tours are offered at different hours in the day. You can also learn more about the daily life of early Hakka settlers in the area, as well as the vices commonly associated with the tin-mining industry – opium dens and gambling halls included.

The entrance to the museum is free, but a recommended donation of RM10 will go towards supporting the preservation of the museum and its historic building. Do note that you’ll have to reserve a time slot to visit through Ipoh World’s official site to avoid disappointment. 

Address: 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-3.30pm (Closed on Mondays) Contact: 05-241 4541 | Ipoh World’s website

4. Sift for preloved & vintage goods at a roadside flea market, Pasar Karat

We’re no strangers to the plethora of pasar malams in our neighbourhoods that offer up street food to fresh produce. But Pasar Karat – also called Memory Lane – is a renowned flea market in Ipoh where locals gather to sell preloved and vintage goods on a long stretch of road. 

Only open on Sundays, this market is where you can browse through a treasure trove of diverse wares. Expect to spend some time exploring the market, as rows after rows of vendors set up shop by arranging their goods on tables or cloths right on the street.

You can also find almost anything – from old-school enamel plates and cassette players, to books and apparel. 

As with all flea markets, you’ll want to come ready to flex your haggling muscles – it’s an integral part of the shopping experience here, and it’s not uncommon to see other locals engaging with vendors to get a good deal on an interesting find. 

Address: Jalan Horley, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: Sun 7am-12pm (Closed from Mondays to Saturdays)

5. Go on a journey back in time by embarking on the Ipoh Heritage Trail

Ipoh is made up of historic colonial structures and shophouses. If one of them happens to catch your attention, a stroll down the Ipoh Heritage Trail is a must as it’ll take you on a journey back in time. 

With a total of 27 points of interest through both Ipoh Old Town and New Town, the trail will take about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on how many sites you plan to visit. So, be sure to plan your trip ahead of time if you’re aiming to take in all of the city’s historical tapestry.

Begin your self-guided tour at the iconic Ipoh Railway Station , nicknamed the “Taj Mahal of Ipoh” by locals. Built in 1917, it features a grand all-white facade, as well as a central dome and elaborate arches that reflects a unique blend of colonial and traditional Malay architectural styles. 

Along the trail, you’ll also get to marvel at the Dewan Bandaran Ipoh . It’s a gorgeous white building with multiple European-style columns and delicate lattices over archways, which was designed by the colonial government architect, A.B. Hubback. 

Other sites on the trail is Masjid Panglima Kinta , an eye-catching mosque featuring Moorish and European architectural styles along with a striking blue dome, and the iconic Birch Memorial Clock Tower.  

The latter is a 100-year-old clock tower that stands as a monument to James W. Birch, the first British resident of Perak, as well as to the evolution of civilization. Four panels at the clock’s midsection depict the journey through time, from the Stone Age to modernity.

6. Have a serene soak in natural hot springs at the Lost World Of Tambun

When it comes to theme parks in Malaysia, the Lost World Of Tambun stands apart for its ambience. Beyond its six themed zones housing 88 attractions, the park is enveloped by a jungle and features historic limestones and natural mineral hot springs.

Come day, visitors drop by to splash away at water slides and hop on exhilarating roller coasters at the adventure park. By night, a different set of attractions come to life, including a Luminous Forest and the Lost World Hot Springs & Spa. 

There are a range of facilities at the latter, including a Steam Cave where you can enjoy a sauna sesh in an actual cave, and the Top Of The World Pool , a jacuzzi with massage water jets that’ll soothe your tired muscles. 

For those with kiddos, there’s a Saphira’s Lair at the hot springs too , where the little ones can swim in an illuminated hot spring.

You can purchase tickets at the park, but we recommend getting them online here as you can enjoy lower rates for tickets booked online. 

Lost World Of Tambun Admission: RM95/pax for Malaysians and RM127/pax for standard tickets | RM88/pax for Malaysians and RM120/pax for standard tickets for children and senior citizens Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm | Sat & Sun 10am-6pm

Lost World Hot Springs & Night Park Admission : RM70/pax for Malaysians and RM85/pax for standard tickets | RM62/pax for Malaysians and RM76/pax for standard tickets for children and senior citizens Opening hours : 6pm-11pm, Daily

Address: No.1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1, Sunway City Perak, 31150 Ipoh, Perak Contact: 05-542 8888 | Lost World Of Tambun’s website

7. Learn more about a popular local herbal drink at Ho Yan Hor Tea Museum

Chances are, you know someone who swears by Ho Yan Hor Tea to help with their various ailments. The Chinese herbal tea is said to help combat everything from ‘heatiness’ to arthritis, becoming a household name in Malaysia.

To learn more about this drink, drop by Ho Yan Hor Museum.

This free-entry museum is dedicated to Dr Ho Kai Cheong and his renowned Chinese herbal tea, and is actually his former residence. History has it that Dr Ho formulated the herbal remedy in 1941, incorporating natural ingredients to help with heatiness often experienced by miners working in scorching conditions.

A visit here lets you delve into the history of the local Chinese herbal tea through various photographs and displays of tea-related equipment. Gain insights into Dr Ho’s life, and enjoy a herbal tea taste testing at the end of your museum visit. 

Admission: Free Address:   1, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-4pm (Closed on Mondays) Contact: 05-241 2048 | Ho Yan Hor Museum’s website

8. Gorge on a variety of street food at Concubine Lane

Concubine Lane stands as one of Ipoh’s top must-visit attractions, and its allure is unmistakable. 

Made up of three bustling yet narrow streets steeped in history, the lane’s name references the mistresses of Chinese tycoons and British officers who used to frequent the area. It was also once said to be the site of opium and gambling dens during Ipoh’s peak tin-mining days.

Today, the lanes teem with street food vendors, cafes, and souvenir shops, encapsulating the essence of Ipoh within its quaint confines.

A stroll will lead you to stalls selling Ipoh-famous street snacks, such as Kuma Rainbow Cheese Toast (RM13.90) – a cheese-filled sandwich that stretches to impressive heights when pulled, all while boasting a rainbow of colours. 

Another must-try here is Ice Cream Puffs (RM8) , available in a delightful array of flavours.

Address: Lorong Panglima, 30000 Ipoh Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

9. Marvel at the unfinished architecture of Kellie’s Castle

If you’re up to explore a little further out of Ipoh, then a visit to Kellie’s Castle is a must. Located in Batu Gajah, about a 30-minute drive from the bustle of Concubine Lane, the mansion is nestled within a former rubber estate.

Enveloped by lush greenery, the grand structure exudes a mysterious charm even from afar, thanks to its unfinished state and eye-catching colonial-style architecture. 

History goes that the mansion was built by William Kellie-Smith. He was a wealthy Scotsman who aspired to build a gorgeous residence for his family in then-Malaya that featured Moorish and Roman architectural styles.

Sadly, his dream was short-lived due to his sudden death by pneumonia. His wife and daughter returned to Scotland not long after, abandoning the mansion, and its construction was thus never completed.

Nonetheless, the unfinished castle-like mansion continues to attract locals and visitors from around the world who wish to explore its remains. 

The mansion features secret tunnels and what would’ve been the first elevator in Malaya. Some have also claimed that the abode’s halls are haunted. 

Admission: RM5/adult and RM3/child for Malaysians | RM10/adult and RM8/child for standard tickets Address: Lot 48436, Kompleks Pelancongan Kellie’s Castle, Jalan Gopeng, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak Opening hours: 9.30am-5.15pm, Daily

10. Uncover a row of abandoned shophouses at a single-street town, Papan

Another spot that’s worth a drive from Ipoh is Papan . While the streets of downtown Ipoh are filled with pristine heritage shophouses, there’s a row of over 30 forgotten shophouses at this single-street town that have been left abandoned and are now overgrown with greenery.

Once a prosperous tin-mining town in the 1800s, the sleepy Papan now accommodates just over 300 residents. You can explore the town on foot, with many curious out-of-towners often dropping by to take a peek at the crumbling shophouses for themselves.

There are several notable attractions here, including a shophouse that once belonged to local war hero Sybil Kathigasu , who operated a clinic there during World War II. There’s also the historic Istana Raja Billah and Kampung Papan Mosque, both built sometime in the 1800s.

Find out more about Papan here .

11. Revel in old-school street art murals along Mural Art’s Lane

While Ipoh is known as a historic city with old-school charms, you’ll be surprised to see an abundance of remarkable street art murals gracing the facades of shophouses and buildings.

You’ll find them at almost every street corner leading to Ipoh’s famed attractions. But to revel in a collection of them just a short walk from each other, you’ll want to add Mural Art’s Lane to your itinerary – especially if you’re a shutterbug. 

This city’s murals are known for their lifelike depictions, often providing a glimpse into the daily lives of Ipoh’s residents. There are two locations where you’ll find a plethora of these artistic gems: Ipoh Mural and Mural Art’s Lane.

Fun fact – some of the gorgeous murals that you’ll see in Ipoh are done by Lithuania-born artist Ernest Zacharevic, who is often hailed as “Malaysia’s Banksy”.

At Ipoh Mural, you’ll see enchanting old-school street art such as a 3D trishaw mural, while Mural Art’s Lane houses more abstract and contemporary pieces. Fortunately, these two locations are within a short walking distance of each other, leaving you with no reason to skip out on either one.

Address: Jalan Masjid, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

12. Shop for local handmade goods at Kong Heng Square Market

If you’re looking to #supportlokal, then make your way to Kong Heng Square Market, where you can shop for local artisanal products and handicrafts. 

This charming bricked building is a hotspot among locals, hosting a diverse collection of pop-up stalls selling an array of meticulously crafted items.

Consider bringing home a piece of Ipoh by purchasing local-themed knick-knacks, such as handmade keychains and adorable miniature replicas of Ipoh shophouses priced at RM18/each . 

Address: 75A, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 10am-5pm, Daily 

13. Pay tribute to legendary filmmaker, Yasmin Ahmad, at BookXcess Kong Heng

Strategically located at Kong Heng Square Market, Yasmin Ahmad Museum is a continuously evolving commemorative museum with refreshed content every six months to a year to celebrate the local filmmaker’s life and works. 

This intimate yet versatile space, nestled within an industrial-style BookXcess outlet, serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the late Yasmin Ahmad. Here, her vast body of work spanning film, poetry, and media is showcased, and open to the public to explore for free.

After you’re done checking out the gallery, you can shop for books at discounted prices from BookXcess. 

Admission: Free Address: 91, Jalan Sultan Yussof, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 10am-5pm, Daily Contact: 016-417 7822 | Yasmin Ahmad Museum’s website

14. Take trippy photos at Funtasy House Trick Art

Funtasy House Trick Art is Ipoh’s popular trick art gallery, which transports visitors to a trippy alternate universe – think Alice In Wonderland with all its weird and wonderful charms. The gallery boasts a sizable collection of 20 3D exhibits, each designed to create visual illusions that inspire both fun and fantasy. 

The gallery’s magic is conjured by the creative minds of nine artists, who collaborated to breathe life into these mesmerising and realistic trick art installations. 

To make the most of your visit, friendly staff members will lead you through each exhibit, offering to help you capture the perfect trippy photo for the ‘Gram. 

Admission: RM25/pax Address: 16, Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily Contact: 05-255 0007 | Funtasy House Trick Art’s website

15. Stroll along captivating light displays at Kinta Riverfront Walk

A visit to Ipoh would be incomplete without a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Kinta Riverfront Walk .  This charming promenade situated alongside the river is adorned with trees that come to life with enchanting LED lights in the evenings. 

To further enjoy the views, there are cafes to be found along the waterfront, where you can grab a seat and savour a cup of warm liquid. 

Address: Jalan Lim Bo Seng, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

16. Drink butterbeer & live out your Hogwarts dreams at Platform 9 ½ Cafe

While Ipoh’s attractions tend to lean towards cultural experiences, there’s always a dash of quirkiness to be found – one in particular is the Platform 9 ½ Cafe. Nestled within the popular Concubine Lane, this Harry Potter-themed cafe is a must-visit for Potterheads. 

Don’t pass up the chance to savour a Butterbeer (RM6) here, which is a delightful concoction featuring homemade butterscotch and Sarsaparilla. Other drinks on the menu include a collection of caffeinated beverages, frappes, and slushies. 

That’s not all – the cafe also provides diners with wizardry costumes and props, such as Hogwarts scarves and wands, which you can don for photos at the various IG-worthy corners around the cafe. 

Do consider visiting the cafe during off-peak hours before noon as the cafe can get quite crowded.

Address: 22, Lorong Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 11.30am-6.30pm, Daily Contact: Platform 9 ½ Cafe’s Instagram

17. Delight in a breakfast fit for champions at Ipoh’s famed kopitiams 

Visiting one of Ipoh’s kopitiams is a no-brainer – picture savouring iconic kaw Ipoh white coffee, and pairing it with steamed bread slathered with melted butter and runny half-boiled eggs. It’s the perfect way to kick start your trip in this city. 

Or opt to indulge in a breakfast fit for champion with other Ipoh kopitiam staples, such as the soft-and-light chee cheong fun or flaky egg tarts served in a variety of flavours.

If you’re wondering where to savour these local goodness, fret not as it’s hardly a trouble to find a kopitiam as the city is dotted with them. Simply opt for the one with the liveliest crowd and queues – often a Malaysian signal for a must-try establishment. 

You might also want to check out Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong, which is known as an iconic coffee shop that has been serving traditional breakfast delights for over 80 years. 

Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong Address: 15A, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 6.30am-2.30pm, Daily Contact: 05-241 4601  

18. Get messy with mixed curries at Nasi Ganja Ipoh

If there’s one combo that all Malaysians love, it’s none other than the blend of rice and spice. There’s no better way to savour them both than at Nasi Ganja Ipoh, a local-recommended spot.

Tucked away in Kedai Kopi Yong Suan , this restaurant is known as the most famous Nasi Kandar spot in the whole of Ipoh, and has been in operation for decades. 

The magic lies in the grated coconut-infused fluffy rice, which imparts a delightful savoury-and-sweet essence in each bite. Paired with a generous pour of rich, flavourful mixture of curries, you get to enjoy a delectable mess comprising meat and vegetables. 

Expect to pay about RM8 per person for a meal here. 

If you plan to visit this spot for lunch, do factor in a potential wait time and a 30-minute dining time limit that the restaurant has in place to help with crowd control.

Address: Nasi Ganja @ Kedai Kopi Yong Suan, 4, Jalan Yang Kalsom, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 9.30am-5pm, Daily Contact: 05-254 4314

19. Savour dim sum served in bamboo baskets at Ipoh’s popular dim sum joints

With a strong Chinese cultural influence in Ipoh, you’ll encounter a wealth of mouth-watering Chinese cuisine, with dim sum being a standout highlight. For the uninitiated, dim sum consists of small bite-sized dishes often served in bamboo baskets, offering a diverse array of flavours and textures in one sitting. 

While Siu Mai, Feng Zhao (chicken feet), and Har Gow are staple dim sum dishes, there are over a hundred other varieties to explore. In Ipoh, there are plenty of dim sum joints to enjoy all the classics and more.

A highly recommended spot is Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum . This restaurant is renowned for serving some of the best dim sum in the city, offering a true culinary treat for dim sum lovers. Expect to pay around RM3 per plate or basket.

Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum Address: 36, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: Fri-Wed 6am-2pm (Closed on Thursdays) Contact: 05-255 7134 | Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum’s Facebook

20. Treat your tastebuds to Ipoh’s Taugeh Chicken Rice

Ipoh’s Taugeh Chicken Rice is celebrated for its impeccable texture and flavours. This delectable dish features succulent poached chicken, typically served with aromatic rice infused with chicken broth and a medley of herbs and spices. 

Image credit: @casseybaby via Instagram

What sets Ipoh’s version apart is its exceptionally tender and smooth chicken, achieved through skilful poaching that’s often followed by an ice bath to preserve the meat’s tenderness. It is also paired with a plate of crunchy and flavourful bean sprouts.

Image credit: @faizdusuki via Instagram

Two of the most popular eateries in Ipoh to try this dish are Ong Kee Restaurant and Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken, which both often see snaking queues for their chicken rice. Those with dietary restrictions can also savour this meal at the popular Halal-certified Ipoh Hainan Chicken Rice on Jalan Raja Musa Aziz.

Ong Kee Restaurant Address: No. 48/51, 53, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 10am-9.30pm, Daily

Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken Rice Address: 49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 10.30am-9pm, Daily 

Ipoh Hainan Chicken Rice Address: 107, Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm | Fri-Sun 10am-10pm

Ipoh is without a doubt one of the most interesting cities to visit in Malaysia, with its array of things to do and delicacies to savour. So if you’re planning to head down to this city sometime soon, consider visiting these places that’ll keep you entertained for a full day.

For more things to do in M’sia, check out 60 things to do in Melaka and 53 things to do in Johor Bahru, including carnivals, photo spots & more.

This article was updated on 17th October 2023.

Cover image adapted from: @_milokong_ via Instagram, Lost World Of Tambun, @ipoh_lover via Instagram, @gowalkwok via Instagram

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25 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN IPOH [MALAYSIA GUIDE]

What To Do in Ipoh?

Ipoh is located halfway between Penang and Kuala Lumpur. It is the capital of the state of Perak in Malaysia .

We spent 3 beautiful days in Ipoh, discovering its heritage, temples, mosques, colorful markets, delicious street food, impressive caves, and a lot more which we invite you to discover in this post.

Ipoh is probably the most underrated place to visit in Malaysia!

For a relaxing or exhilarating vacation, alone or with family, the city of Ipoh is a must-visit during your trip to Malaysia.

Here is a Teaser about the Best Things to Do in Ipoh:

25 Best Things to Do in Ipoh

1. start your visit with ipoh’s old town at market lane.

Just like in Penang or part of Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, we love the heritage shophouses built around Malaysia. In the old town of Ipoh, you will find many of them, turned into trendy cafes, restaurants, craft shops and so much more.

We invite you to wander through Market Lane, one of our favorite streets in Ipoh! There are street arts everywhere as well, which is super cool!

Location: here

2. Next, head to the narrow street of Concubine Lane

Concubine Lane is another trendy street in Ipoh and probably the most visited. When we went there it was actually jam-packed!

Nevertheless, we enjoyed taking a walk through this narrow lane, filled with many fun shops. You can also try a lot of different street food. As you know, Malaysia is famous for its great food all over the country!

While Market Lane and Concubine Lane are 2 of the most famous streets in Ipoh’s old town, make sure to walk to the other neighboring streets to discover more of Ipoh!

3. Visit Hong Heng Square

Kong Heng Square is set in an old colonial-style houses with a mix of renovated and old. It’s a bit of a hipster zone with small cafes, hip clothes shops, and souvenirs.

This is also where we did some shopping and took the opportunity to have something to eat.

Location: here Website: here

4. Nearby, take a look at BookXcess

For some reason, which we still don’t know why, bookstores in Malaysia are all super cool! And BookXcess is another one of them.

Located at the end of Concubine Lane, make sure to visit this place. The underground looks like an old huge safe from a bank with steel bars as the door and deposit boxes with books placed around it. Very unique!

They also have a section dedicated to the late Yasmin Ahmad , the famous director of famous TV commercials and movies back in the day. She tackled topics that speak about diversity and the importance of tolerance of one another in a multiracial and multicultural country.

5. Check out Tin Alley, one of our favorite places to visit in Ipoh

If like us you love vintage vibes, you are going to adore Tin Alley! This venue showcases vintage furniture and decorations. It’s sort of like a museum, a venue (the day we visited there was a cool band playing live music on the 2nd floor), and a restaurant altogether! So hard to describe exactly what it is!

Anyway, the decor and ambiance are really cool and worth a visit. On the top floor, the restaurant called Galleries offers really good pizza! Probably the best in town 🙂

It’s also a great place to take fun Instagrammable shots!

6. Take plenty of shots at Mural Art’s Lane

A bit like in Penang , Ipoh is full of awesome street art! They are everywhere. But in particular in Mural Art’s Lane!

Although some murals are a bit deteriorated, many of them are really nice to take photos! The Lane is rather long with many different art themes!

This is exactly what we love about Ipoh! So take your time to stroll through Mural Art’s Lane, one of the best things to do in Ipoh…

7. Visit one of the oldest Mosques in Malaysia: Masjid Panglima Kinta

Just behind Mural Art’s Lane is the Masjid Panglima Kinta, one of the oldest Mosques in the country (from 1898 to be precise)! This Mosque is absolutely stunning.

There we met a guide who freely explained to us about the construction of the Mosque, a bit about Islam in Malaysia, and some fun facts about Ipoh!

With its blue dome, Masjid Panglima Kinta almost looks like some places in Santorini, Greece.

With its large marble slabs, tall minarets, and beautiful prayer hall, we highly recommend stopping for a visit at Masjid Panglima Kinta after you finish your walk through the Mural Lane.

8. Go back in time to Ipoh’s Time Tunnel

Time Tunnel, is like Ali Baba cave. You can find everything!

In this heritage old Ipoh building, you can see an interesting eclectic collection of objects from pre-war to the 80s, that transports you back in time. We found here many memories and familiar objects from our childhoods. The entrance fee is 8 MYR.

The shop on the ground floor of the Time Tunnel sells various handicrafts made in the region, by local artisans.

9. Visit 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery to learn more about Ipoh’s history

If you are interested in knowing more about Ipoh, its history, and seeing some old photography then we recommend visiting 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery located near the Time Tunnel.

Here the entrance fee is 10 RM.

They also have art exhibitions and shops for all sorts of handicrafts.

10. Check out Gerbang Malam Ipoh Night Market

From 6pm until midnight, head to Gerbang Malam Ipoh Night Market. Here you can buy all sorts of things, there are also artists playing music everywhere, and many eateries around.

A fun things to do in Ipoh at night!

11. Visit the flea market at Memory Lane on Sundays

If you are visiting Ipoh on a Sunday, then make sure to take a look at the flea market on Memory Lane.

This is a fun place to visit, with lots of activities, live bands, great food etc.

The vendors are selling everything you can imagine. If you like antiques, then this is the best time to buy some unique items.

12. At night, eat local food at Tong Sui Kai, Ipoh’s dessert street

If you want to experience the true Ipoh local life, then head to Tong Sui Kai at Jalan Carey Street which is filled with stalls serving all kinds of local dishes! At night this place gets very crowded with locals, especially on weekends.

Tong Sui Kai, is actually known as dessert street since many stalls serve delicious desserts. However, during our visit, we could find all sorts of food. And every single dish we tried was absolutely delicious.

The atmosphere is really awesome, hence this is one of the best things to do in Ipoh.

13. Follow the heritage trail

During your walk in Ipoh’s old town, you can also follow the Heritage Trail, which will bring you to the most historical places around the city.

Some of the main sights are Ipoh Train Station, The Palace of Justice, and Birch Memorial Clock Tower.

The Birch Memorial Clock Tower is a significant historical landmark in Ipoh, named in honor of J.W.W. Birch, the first British Resident of Perak. This clock tower stands tall as a symbol of Ipoh’s colonial past and offers a great spot for taking photographs.

You can collect the map at the Tourist Center or also see the map online here .

14. Visit Ipoh’s outskirts, starting with Perak Cave Temple

Ipoh is full of amazing Chinese temples nestled in caves. Indeed there are many amazing caves to visit in Ipoh (more on that later).

Perched within a limestone hill, the Perak Cave Temple is a breathtaking religious site adorned with intricate sculptures and colorful murals.

As you ascend the steep stairs leading to top of the cliff, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Ipoh and its surrounding countryside. Be aware though that the way. to the top is not very easy with lots and lots of stairs. But the view is rewarding for sure!

15. Take a boat ride at Gunung Lang

Near Perak Cave Temple, you can visit Gunung Lang.

The highlight of Gunung Lang is undoubtedly its stunning lake. As you approach the area, you’ll be greeted by a tranquil lake surrounded by lush greenery and limestone hills.

Here you can take a boat ride to a recreational area, perfect for a family outing over the weekend.

There is also a small zoo attached to Gunung Lang.

16. Visit Qing Xin Ling, one of the best things to see in Ipoh

Qing Xin Ling, was by far one of our favorite things we visited in Ipoh!

This is a charming cultural village located in the serene countryside near Ipoh. This hidden gem offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a unique cultural and natural experience.

At Qing Xin Ling, you can walk around the lake and experience life as it used to be in Chinese villages around a beautiful lake. Qing Xin Ling offers cultural activities and workshops, providing an opportunity to learn about Chinese customs and traditions. You might participate in activities like tea ceremonies, Chinese calligraphy, or even traditional games.

Our favorite part was Memory Lane along a cliff, showcasing old stores.

At the entrance you can also rent free bicycles, to make your visit even more fun!

Make sure to visit this place, it’s 100% worth it!

17. Visit Sam Poh Tong Temple, one of our favorite temples in Ipoh!

Without a doubt, Sam Poh Tong Temple is one of the most interesting temples in Ipoh!

Sam Poh Tong Temple is a renowned Buddhist temple. It is one of the oldest and most significant cave temples in the country, known for its stunning natural surroundings, impressive cave chambers, and intricate Buddhist statues and artwork.

When you visit Sam Poh Tong Temple in Ipoh, you will be in complete awe!

Make sure to visit all the way inside the cave, as this is where lies the most interesting part! A sort of hidden world, with a huge temple surrounded by big cliffs. This place felt so special! An absolute must-see in Ipoh!

On that street there are many other temples such as Nam Thean Tong Temple and Ling Sen Tong Temple, however Sam Poh Tong seems to be the most interesting one!

18. Explore Tasik Cermin to see the Mirror Lake!

Tasik Cermin, also known as the Mirror Lake, is a hidden gem located in Ipoh near Sam Poh Tong Temple.

This stunning lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and the unique mirror-like reflections it creates, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The main attraction of Tasik Cermin is, of course, the mirror-like reflection on the lake’s surface. The calm and clear waters create a perfect mirror effect, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is just right.

You can choose between 2 different lakes to go on a boat ride and explore various limestone caves.

19. Kek Lok Tong Temple

In the same area, you can visit another spectacular cave temple in Ipoh, Kek Lok Tong.

Becoming a place of worship in the 1920s, the cave withstood the destruction of the surrounding mining companies, of which the site was part in the 1960s.

Inside, in addition to a few visible stalactites and stalagmites, you can see various statues of Buddhas and Chinese deities. The high walls of this cavity are beautifully sculpted by centuries of erosion.

There is also a beautiful garden to be visited with a fabulous lake at the center.

20. Be amazed at Kellie’s castle

After discovering Ipoh and its surroundings, we decided to explore the south of the Perak region, starting with the marvelous Kellie’s Castle.

A short drive from Ipoh lies this unfinished Castle built by a Scottish planter ( William Kellie Smith ) in the early 20th century. The castle’s Gothic architecture and surrounding gardens make for an intriguing visit, and the tale of its construction is equally captivating.

Some didactic panels explain the eventful life of this engineer and the history of his castle.

We spent quite a lot of time exploring the castle. At the top, there was a nice cooling breeze which was really enjoyable!

Location: here Website: here Entrance fee: 10 RM for foreigners

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR A VISIT AT KELLIE’S CASTLE

21. Explore HOGA: Gaharu Tea Valley

If you want to see unusual tea plantations, then HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley is for you. Indeed, it is not a classic plantation of Oolong tea or green tea, more classic and growing on kinds of hedge normally not exceeding one meter.

Here, it is Gahuru, a variety growing on types of small trees reaching 2 m high. It is a tea appreciated for its particularly renowned medicinal virtues.

The site can be visited via a van tour. You can taste the famous tea on the terrace of one of the shops and appreciate the very green landscape surrounding the estate.

Overall, a great and informative visit as we knew little about Gahuru tree.

Location: here Website: here Price for the Van Tour: 10 RM

22. Be amazed at Gua Tempurung, some of the most impressive caves we’ve ever visited!

Visiting Gua Tempurung, one of the largest limestone caves in Peninsular Malaysia, near Ipoh is an exciting adventure for nature enthusiasts and those interested in exploring caves.

Here you can choose from 4 different trails (Dry and Wet).

As you enter the cave, you’ll immediately be greeted by the grandeur of Gua Tempurung. The cave mouth opens up into a massive chamber, and you’ll begin your descent into the depths of the cave. Some chambers are reaching 600m in height.

Inside the cave, you’ll also encounter an awe-inspiring array of limestone formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. The cave’s interior is adorned with these natural sculptures, each formed over centuries by the slow drip of mineral-rich water.

Honestly, for us, it is one of the most impressive caves we’ve ever visited! For sure, one of the best things to see near Ipoh!

23. Have fun white water rafting in Gopeng 

It was only until we drove to this area, that we saw lots of advertising about White Water Rafting in Gopeng.

Gopeng is a small town near Ipoh in Malaysia where HOGA Tea Plantation is located. It is indeed known for its rafting adventure that combines the thrill of navigating through fast-flowing river rapids with the beauty of the lush rainforest scenery.

Most tour operators provide transportation from Ipoh or nearby cities, making it convenient for visitors. Once you arrive at the spot, you’ll be provided with essential gear, including a life jacket, a helmet, and a paddle. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear that can get wet and stay securely on your feet.

And HAVE FUN!

>> MORE INFO HERE

24. Lata Kinjang, one of the tallest waterfalls in Malaysia!

Lata Kinjang is a stunning waterfall located in the state of Perak, 30-40 minute drive from Ipoh.

This waterfall is renowned for its majestic beauty and is a popular destination for nature lovers and tourists.

The highlight of Lata Kinjang is, of course, the waterfall itself. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Malaysia, standing at an impressive height of over 850 feet (260 meters). The sight of water cascading down the limestone cliffs is truly awe-inspiring.

To reach the waterfall’s base, you’ll need to take a short and relatively easy hike along a well-marked trail. As you progress along the trail, there are several viewing points where you can pause and admire the waterfall from different angles. These points offer fantastic photo opportunities.

25. For families have fun at Lost World Tambun (amusement park)

Lost World of Tambun is a popular family-friendly theme park in Ipoh.

It’s known for its thrilling rides, water attractions, natural hot springs, and a range of other activities that cater to visitors of all ages.

The water park at Lost World of Tambun is one of its main attractions. It features a variety of water rides and slides, including tube rides, body slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.

Lost World of Tambun is home to a collection of tigers. You can observe these magnificent creatures from a safe distance and learn more about their conservation efforts.

BEST RESTAURANTS IN IPOH

Like most places in Malaysia, food is a BIG thing! Ipoh is home to Malaysia’s white coffee and offers amazing dishes including great desserts!

As cliché as it sounds, to immerse yourself in its rich past, you have to try the foods that Ipoh is proud of.

1. Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong

Ipoh is synonymous with white coffee! Head to Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong in Ipoh Old Town to enjoy an authentic, rich and aromatic cup of this popular drink. Locals enjoy theirs with an order of Danzhi (toast topped with a creamy boiled egg)! Founded in 1937, this humble cafe has been around for over 80 years!

2. Kedai Makanan Nam Heong

Nam Heong is Ipoh’s most popular restaurant! This hawker like place is really unique and worth the experience in Ipoh! Come enjoy delicious, freshly baked Egg Tarts, Chee Cheong Fun, Dim Sum and other famous dishes!

3. Kedai Kopi Weng Seng

This place is a hidden gem in Ipoh! Famous for their traditional hotpot with rich aroma served in a unique way! Go there especially for dinner, as they put all the tables on the street making it a very nice atmosphere!

4. Morel Restaurant

If you are looking for something more modern, then we highly recommend Morel. Here you can expect fancy top-notch food. You should try their dry-aged fish which is absolutely divine!

WHERE TO STAY IN IPOH?

In the city of Ipoh, you will find accommodation at all prices, in the city center or a little further out. Here are our top recommendations:

1. Weil – the best value for money

Weil is located just outside the old town, but still close enough to walk there. The rooms are very clean, the hotel is fairly well maintained and the breakfast is included. They also have parking spaces.

On top of that, they have an amazing rooftop pool with an incredible view of Ipoh! For us, Weil has the best value for money in Ipoh!

2. Belakang KongHeng – the most charming one!

If you want to stay in the heart of the old town in a heritage building to fully live the Ipoh experience, then we highly recommend Belakang HongHeng .

Located near Concubine Street, you will be in the middle of the action in Ipoh, staying in a beautifully renovated building.

3. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat – the most luxurious one

If you want to experience something completely unique and unforgettable, then we recommend The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat .

Set against limestone hills, this hotel provides a natural hot springs bath, a beautiful cave with a fantastic restaurant, ice baths and so much more. This is the ultimate luxury experience in Ipoh!

HOW TO GET TO IPOH?

From Kuala Lumpur:

• By Car: Ipoh is approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway (E1). The journey is straightforward.
• By Bus: There are numerous bus services that operate between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh. Buses depart from various terminals in Kuala Lumpur, including Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS). The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. BOOK HERE
• By Train: You can take a KTM ETS (Electric Train Service) from Kuala Lumpur Sentral (KL Sentral) to Ipoh Railway Station. The ETS offers a comfortable and efficient option, with a journey time of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. BOOK HERE
• Tour group: For a peace of mind solution, opt for a tour group. The organized tour will pick you up from your hotel in KL and show you the main sights. in Ipoh! See here

2. From Penang:

• By Car: Ipoh is about a 2-hour drive from Penang via the North-South Expressway (E1).
• By Bus: Several bus companies operate services between Penang and Ipoh. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the route and stops. BOOK HERE
• By train: Ipoh is also easily accessible by train from Penang. MORE INFO HERE

HOW TO GET AROUND IN IPOH?

Getting around in Ipoh is really easy. You can take the bus and Grab.

City bus: the cheapest transport, but often with connections, it takes time.

Grab: The app is easy to use and inexpensive. Just download the Grab app and you will always find a driver in Ipoh!

Scooter rental: ONLY if you have your international license and insurance. We didn’t try but it must be a fun experience. The traffic in Ipoh is not bad, so it’s relatively easy to drive, compared to Kuala Lumpur…

HOW MANY DAYS TO VISIT IPOH?

To cover all the best things to do in Ipoh which we listed in this article, you will need at least 3 full days (excluding the Lost World Tambun Amusement Park).

2-3 days , will give you a good amount of time to explore Ipoh’s old town as well as the outskirts of the city which has plenty of great places to visit!

So if your intention is to visit Ipoh during a weekend trip, then try to arrive Friday night, so you can start your visit on Saturday morning!

IS IPOH WORTH VISITING IN MALAYSIA?

Ipoh, Malaysia, is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and culinary delights.

Whether you’re exploring its historic streets, marveling at its cave temples, or indulging in its mouthwatering cuisine, Ipoh offers a myriad of experiences that will leave you enchanted. So yes, Ipoh is absolutely worth a visit if you are in Malaysia!

So, pack your bags and embark on an adventure to discover the hidden gems of Ipoh, a city that will undoubtedly capture your heart.

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We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple traveling the world. We will take you to some of the most amazing places on earth. Hammer is a yoga instructor and Guillaume a true water baby, enjoying all kinds of water sports. Follow-us to get the latest update about our travels.

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The Top 26 Best places to visit in Ipoh, Explore the best of Ipoh

Ipoh is the capital of Peninsular Malaysia’s heart state, Perak and contains the multi-culture and history of this country. It offers a unique travel experience to the visitors as Ipoh is rich with numerous tourist attractions. 

At the same time, Ipoh is widely known as a historic city because it was the centre of the world’s tin industry in the British period. So, you’ll get plenty of things to do here.

Before you head down to this enchanting city, quickly check out The Top 26 Best places to visit in Ipoh & Things to do .

Let’s Walk Through the History of Ipoh

When I said let’s walk through the history of Ipoh, it means you can literally walk and explore the heritage of Ipoh . Just like other cities of Malaysia, the British had also left their legacy in the colonial architectures and buildings of Ipoh. You just have to grab a map of the Ipoh heritage trail from the Ipoh information centre or online and set your way.

Address: Mostly centred around Jalan Dato Sagor, Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, and Jalan Dato Maharajalela.

Entrance: Free

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Best places to visit in Ipoh: The Heritage Trail

Here we have listed some important heritage sites that are regarded as the best attractions to the tourists .

1. Ipoh Railway Station

At the Ipoh heritage trail, the first colonial architecture you’ll notice is the Ipoh Railway Station . This building was started building in 1894 and completed in 1917. The Station reflects Moorish and Victorian styles of architecture. It also has some features of Mughal architecture, that’s why it’s affectionately called the “Taj Mahal of Ipoh”.

2. Ipoh Town Hall and Old Post Office

After visiting the Railway Station, go for Ipoh Town Hall and Old Post Office as they are just across the road from the station. These long-standing historic buildings mimic the architectural style of the train station because they were designed by the same man A.B Hubback, a British architect. Nowadays, the Town Hall is used as a venue for public events.

3. Birch Memorial Clock

Birch Memorial Clock is named after James W W Birch, the first British resident in Ipoh. The tower is placed just behind the Ipoh Old Post Office, over a renowned hawker centre. This colonial architecture is famous for its controversial history and carries British symbolism. At the top of the Birch Memorial, you will get to see four figures representing the four virtues of the British government. 

5. Take A Cup of Traditional White Coffee

Your Ipoh tour is incomplete without having a cup of its famous Ipoh White Coffee . Actually, the coffee beans are not white, but they are roasted with palm oil margarine to turn white and less bitter. Serving with condensed milk is the star attraction of this traditional white coffee.

In Malaysia, the most popular brand of Ipoh white coffee is the “Old Town White Coffee”. You will get more than 200 coffee shops in Old Town, among them Nam Heong White Coffee , Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong , and Chang Jiang White Coffee are the most renowned.

Nam Heong White Coffee: 2, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong: 15A, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Chang Jiang White Coffee: 7, Jalan Windsor, 30250 Ipoh, Perak

6. Check Out Exclusive Street Art

Penang is known as the capital of street art in Malaysia. Still, you would be surprised to learn that Ipoh has a rich collection of murals as most of the Ipoh murals are painted by Ernest Zacharevic , the same artist who has painted Penang’s famous street art. 

The star collections of Zacharevic’s painting in Ipoh are wise-looking uncle drinking coffee, the celestial hummingbird, a man stacking rubbish bags on the back of a trishaw, and so on. You will find a large number of murals around the laneways of Ipoh Old Town, but there’s also plenty of others in Ipoh New Town. 

Address: Ipoh Old Town and Mural’s Art Lane in Ipoh New Town

7. Explore the Gua Tempurung

If you are a cave enthusiast, then The Gua Tempurung will give you an epic adventure. This 3-kilometre-long cave has waterfalls, strange animals, and beautiful rock formations that you can explore. They will provide professional cavers to guide you and get your way. Make sure that you bring some extra clothes, and a waterproof camera as some parts of the cave could make you wet.

Address: Pusat Pelancongan Gua Tempurung,, 31600 Gopeng, Perak

Opening Hour: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Entrance: There are four different tours. The fee depends on which one you would like to choose

How to Get to Gua Tempurung

The Tempurung Cave is situated near the village Gopeng in Perak. It is not so far from Ipoh. If you have a car, you can easily get there by using google maps . Or take a train from Ipoh or Kuala Lumpur to Gopeng and then take a Grab to reach the cave.

Visit Best Three Cave Temples

Ipoh is famous for its cave temples. Here you will find some magnificent temples that are built into limestone rock formations. Sam Poh Tong , Kek Lok Tong , and Perak Cave Temple are the most prominent among them.

8. Sam Poh Tong

Sam Poh Tong is one of the oldest and largest limestone cave temples in Malaysia. This temple will impress you from both the inside and outside. You have to follow the 246 steps to visit the statues of Buddha and other deities. The temple also includes a pond that is filled with Japanese tortoises, symbolising longevity. 

Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak

Opening Hour: Daily 7:00 am to 2:30 pm

9. Kek Lok Tong

Located in the natural area of Gunung Rapat in Ipoh, the Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple is one of the most prominent tourist attractions for its incredible architecture and award-winning garden.

The temple has some similarities with Perak Cave Temple and Sam Poh Tong, such as bronze statues, religious relics, landscape, and so on. You can experience spiritual tranquillity in the environment of this temple.

Address: Pesiaran Sepakat 3, TMN ENDAH JAYA, 31350 Ipoh, Perak

Opening Hour: Daily 7:00 am to 4:30 pm

10. Perak Cave Temple

Perak Cave Temple will impress you with its marvellous architecture and hilltop views. After entering the temple, the first thing that will catch your attention is the 40-feet tall gold Buddha statue and guardian deities at both sides of this statue. Follow the 400 steps to enjoy this magical environment.

Address: Jln. Kuala Kangsar, Kawasan Perindustrian Tasek, 31400 Ipoh, Perak 

Opening Hour: Daily 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

11. Discover Ipoh’s Laneway Culture

You can see the traditional Ipoh in its Laneways . Located in Ipoh Old Town, the laneways are narrow alleyways loaded with small shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. The Old Town is the same area where you will find Ipoh’s traditional white coffee and exclusive street art. Without mentioning Concubine Lane , the list of things to do in Ipoh would be incomplete.

Concubine Lane

Concubine Lane is one of the most popular and the most visited lanes in Ipoh. It has become the top tourist attraction for its charming souvenir shops, fashion outlets, cafes, and dessert houses. 

At the same time, the naming history of Concubine Lane is more interesting. According to the locals, the mining tycoon Yau Tet Shin had built this lane for his three wives. Each street was named for each of his wives. 

The entire atmosphere is very akin to Jonker Street in Malacca or Armenian Street in Georgetown .

Address: Lorong Panglima, Concubine Ln, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

Opening Hour: Daily 7:00 am to 7:00 pm

12. Enter the 3D World @ Funtasy House Trick Art

Ipoh is well known for its 3D art and murals. And the Funtasy House Trick Art has taken the reputation one step further. It is a gallery with unique and spectacular murals and paintings.

Although the gallery is new (opened in 2015) and they have more attractions to add, they still, have thousands of visitors here. Because the  Funtasy House Trick Art is capable of taking you to the magical three-dimensional world. 

The gallery has nearly 26 murals and several trick rooms where you’ll find amusement like the circus and upside down. 

Address: 16, Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh

Open hours: Thursday to Tuesday 09:00 am to 06:00 pm (closed on Wednesday)

Entry fee: Adults with MyCard RM15.00｜Adults without MyCard RM19.00｜Children(below 4 to 12) RM10.00

13. Rejuvenate yourself @ Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Surrounded by over 400 million years old limestone caves, Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is a health and fitness sanctuary where you’ll get relief from the hustle and bustle of the city.

At first, you will be greeted by the butlers in the lobby. Then at this retreat center, you will get facilities like spectacular geothermal hot springs, steam caves, an ice bath, a heated freeform swimming pool, crystal caves, and many more. 

You can also make yourself calm in the meditation cave or can get refreshment by bathing at the hot springs. 

Address: 1, Persiaran Lagoon, Sunway 3, 31150 Ipoh

14. Visit Spooky Kellie’s Castle

Kellie’s Castle is famous for its mysterious stories and ghostly rumours. The castle was named after its owner William Kellie Smith who died without finishing it. Hence some claim to see the ghost of Smith roam the abandoned hallways of this castle. 

The structure of the building is a mixture of Moorish, Scottish, and British Indian architecture styles. To visit this spooky, half-finish mansion, you have to pass through a jungle road.

Address: Batu Gajah, Perak

Opening Hour: Daily 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entrance: Malaysians, Adult: RM5.00, Child: RM3.00 ｜Foreigners, Adult: RM10.00, Child: RM9.00

How to Get to Kellie’s Castle

From Ipoh, the Castle is just a 30-minute drive away. You can use google maps or look for signboards at Jalan Gopeng pointing towards the castle.

Or you can take a taxi from Sultan Shah Airport or Ipoh Railway Station and get there directly.

If you choose to take a bus, you first have to take the Route 66 Perak Transit Bus heading to Kampar to reach Gompeng. And then take the Route 67 Perak Transit Bus heading to Batu Gajah. There is no direct bus heading to the castle. 

Admire the Greenery of Ipoh

Ipoh is well known for its limestone surroundings and that’s why you will find several limestone hills, lakes and recreation parks in this town. 

15. Tasik Cermin (‘Mirror Lake’)

Located near the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, Tasik Cermin or ‘Mirror Lake’ is a hidden gem in Ipoh, not many people know about this beautiful lake. The uniqueness of this lake is its limestone karst towers which make the lake so attractive.

Here you can admire the view of this peaceful lake and take pictures of it. Swimming may not be a good option but fishing can be a great way to spend your time here.

But sadly, this spectacularly beautiful lake is in danger from the extraction of limestone. If you’re willing to visit this natural wonder, make your visit as soon as you can. 

Address: 31350 Ipoh, Perak

Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday 09:00 am to 05:30 pm (closed on Wednesday)

16. Gunung Lang Recreational Park

For those of you who want a day tour near Ipoh, Gunung Lang Recreational Park is the perfect destination for them. Located just 5km away from Ipoh, it is a recreation park with facilities like boating, canoeing, pacifying in the gazebos, fishing, and so on.

The best part of this park is that it is set between two mighty limestone mountains Gunung Lang and Gunung Bilike . There is a cascading waterfall, mini zoo, smoothened gardens, and an observation tower.

Mostly, visitors come here for boat riding which gives you a stunning view of the surroundings. About one-third of this park is covered with a spectacular lake.

Address: Jalan Damai, 30100 Ipoh

Opening hours: Everyday 08:30 am to 06:00 pm

Entry fee: Free of charge

Boat ride: Adults RM3.00 & Children (below 3 to 12) RM1.50

17. D.R. Seenivasagam Park

Located next to the Kinta River, D.R. Seenivasagam Park is a recreational park with lush greenery and turquoise lakes. D.R. Seenivasagam was a prominent politician, and the park was named after him.

The star attraction of this park is the Japanese Zen Garden which is capable of giving you an illusion that you’re actually in Japan. Apart from natural surroundings, there is a gigantic bamboo thicket and a small playground for kids.

The best way to explore the park is by biking. Rent a bicycle and visit the whole park by riding it. 

Address: Jalan Keliling Dalam, 30300 Ipoh

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 am to 11:30 am & 03:00 pm to 06:00 pm｜Saturday & Sunday 08:30 am to 12:00 pm & 01:00 pm to 06:00 pm

18. Set Campfire at Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village

Located in Gunung Rapat, Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village has become one of the finest and latest tourist attractions for its lakeside beauty and outdoor activities. The words ‘Qing Xing Ling’ mean ‘Serene Hill’ in English. 

You’ll be amazed by the view of magnificent limestones surrounding all over the lake. The park is the perfect place to set your campfire. Moreover, you can do numerous outdoor activities here, including fishing, fish feeding, jungle tracking, bicycle riding, BBQ and so on. 

They also rent old-style colourful chalets at a very reasonable price. Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village is worthwhile for a family tour. Or you can set camp with your large group of friends.

Address: 22A, Persiaran Pinggir Rapat 5a, Taman Saikat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak

Opening Hour: Monday to Saturday 09:30 am to 05:00 pm

Entrance: RM10 per person

Note: The place is close on all public holidays (Federals & states) Please call and make sure first

19. Explore Lost World of Tambun Theme Park

Lost World of Tambun is the best option to have a fun day out with the whole family. Located in Sunway City Ipoh, this premium Malaysian theme park holds the position of a popular tourist attraction. The park is surrounded by 400 years old limestone cliffs, natural hot springs, 88 attractions within ten splendid, themed areas, and a lush tropical jungle. 

Address: 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway, Sunway City, 31150 Ipoh, Perak

Opening Hour: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm

Book your entry tickets

20. Kinta RiverFront

One of my favourite Ipoh nightlife activities is walking through the Kinta RiverFront . When the sun goes down, trees that are placed beside the river, are illuminated with colourful LED lights which you can never watch during the daylight. 

The RiverFront turns into a magical world by the reflection of these lights. Apart from enjoying the view, you can dine at the nearby restaurants and cafes or can go to the shopping mall as well.  Address: 30000 Ipoh, Perak

Visit Ipoh’s Museums

A museum is a place where you can learn history, culture, and tradition and Ipoh has so much history to reveal. So, whenever you come, don’t miss its museums. 

21. Han Chin Pet Soo Museum

Located near the Kinta River, Han Chin Pet Soo Museum is the first Hakka tin mining museum not only in Ipoh but in the whole country as well. This museum used to be a tin miners’ clubhouse called “Hakka Miners”. So, if you want to see the authentic history of tin mining in Ipoh you must come to this museum.

Han Chin Pet Soo Museum showcases the authentic tools and equipment that were used in the tin mining era, photographs, antiques, furniture, collectables, and so on. 

Address: 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30100 Ipoh

Open hours: Saturday & Sunday 09:30 am to 03:30 pm

22. Ho Yan Hor Museum

Ho Yan Hor is actually a tea brand that was quite famous during the 1940s. And the museum Ho Yan Hor is a tribute to the tea brand and tells its visitors the interesting stories of this Chinese herbal tea.

Dr Ho had started this tea for the sake of human health. It is said that this tea is prepared with 29 natural herbs and premium Pu Erh tea leaves. This tea has several health benefits. 

All this information you will get in the museum which is located just next to the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum . 

Address: 1, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh

Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 04:00 pm (closed on Monday)

23. 22 Hale Street

If you’re willing to learn something new and exclusive about Ipoh, you have to visit 22 Hale Street . It’s a museum and cafe that used to be two old shops. 

The museum shows the history of tin mining and the development of Ipoh during the British period. On the ground floor of this museum, there is a shop that sells coffee, snacks, handicraft items, and so on. And a portion of their profits contributes to the charity. 

Address: 22, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 30000 Ipoh

Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 12:30 pm & 01:30 pm to 06:00 pm (closed on Monday & Tuesday)

24. Learn Geology at Ipoh’s Geological Museum

The Geological Museum is here to give you knowledge about geoscience and geology. It exhibits more than 600 minerals and 150 specimens of different rocks, and some 200 kinds of gemstones. The museum will give you a historical tour of dinosaur fossils, minerals, marine geology activities, and many more. By visiting the museum, you will get lots of things to learn and enjoy.

Address: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 30820 Ipoh, Perak

Opening Hour: Monday to Thursday 09:00 am to 12:30 pm & 02:00 pm to 04:30 pm ｜Friday 09:00 am to 12:00 pm & 03:00 pm to 04:30 pm

Visit Some Famous Markets & Make Your Purchase

Travelling to Ipoh and not visiting its markets that’s nearly impossible for any tour lover. The market is the ideal place where you can communicate with locals and get knowledge of their culture and tradition. 

25. Kong Heng flea market 

Located in Ipoh Old Town, the Kong Heng flea market is one of the famous markets in Ipoh and a tourist hotspot. It’s a busy area and a couple of minutes walking away from Concubine Lane. 

Here you’ll find every kind of shops like restaurants, souvenir shops, fashion boutiques, jewellery shops, and many more. This market is most popular for its booths and little shops where you’ll get genuine hand-crafted items that are not available anywhere else.

“Talking Trees” is another attraction of the Kong Heng Square Artisan market. Here you will see many trees that are decorated with motivational quotes. And as these trees motivate and inspire you, so they are called “Talking Trees”.

Address: 11, Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh

Open hours: Everyday 10:00 am to 05:00 pm

26. Gerbang Malam Night Market

Ipoh is very popular for night markets. Some night markets are set only on a specific day of the week and some are set regularly. Gerbang Malam Night Market is an open-air flea market that opens every night. 

You can come here for dinner as here you’ll find many famous eateries or you can walk through the market after dinner. Make sure you pay a visit after 9 pm when all shops are fully open. 

Address: Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh

Open hours: Everyday 06:00 pm to 12:00 pm

How to Get to Ipoh

From Kuala Lumpur, you can easily get to Ipoh within a few hours by car, bus, or train. Thanks to its well-paved roads and highways, you can make a smooth journey.

You will get a direct train from KL’s Sentral Station or Butterworth Penang to Ipoh. If you don’t want to get stuck in traffic congestion (Sometimes worst) then you should better take a train to reach Ipoh. The train journey to Ipoh is also comfortable and affordable. It only takes 2.5 to 3 hours to arrive in Ipoh with beautiful scenic views from window.

There are a number of buses available from Kuala Lumpur or Penang to Ipoh. You will get more than 20 bus operators who give regular services for this route. The bus is the cheapest way to travel from KL to Ipoh. Depending on traffic, it takes 3 to 3.5 hours to reach Ipoh. 

You can check the price, schedule, and book tickets online on https://thesimpletravel.12go.asia/ . Note: This is an affiliate link when you purchase something I will get commission at no cost to you.

If you prefer driving, you can make your journey within 3 hours from either Penang or Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh. Or you can also rent private transport (car or minivan) to have a comfortable journey. It is the fastest and easiest way to get to Ipoh. 

If you’re looking for a convenient and comfortable day trip from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh , there are many private tour operators that offer these services. You can explore all the highlights and attractions of this historic town as well as enjoy a sumptuous local meal in one easy, stress-free day tour.

What Food You Can Eat in Ipoh

Ipoh is known as the food paradise in Malaysia. If you are visiting Ipoh for the first time, you must not miss its delicious foods and the white coffee. Here we have listed some restaurants where you can have your meal.

Popular Nasi Ganja

Famous Nasi Ganja at Kedai Kopi Yong Suan is a family-run restaurant, and the recipe of this dish is their family secret. The family doesn’t want to reveal the secret to keeping the quality and taste of Nasi Ganja authentic.

It’s a Northern Malaysian dish that is served with steamed rice, a variety of different curries, and side dishes. You will get all these items in a single plate which is quite unique and weird. And the taste is so delicious that you will surely return Ipoh for this dish. Nasi Ganja is perfect for a full-belly lunch. 

Address: 2, Jalan Yang Kalsom, Taman Jubilee, 30250 Ipoh

Opening hours: Everyday 09:00 am to 05:00 pm

Canning Dim Sum

Famous for delicious dim sum, the Canning Dim Sum has gained a reputation in a short time. This popular eatery has an extensive collection of dim sums. You can go with your friends here and try a bit of every food.

Address: 1, Lebuh Cecil Rae, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Perak

Opening Hour: Thursday to Tuesday 07:30 am to 03:30 pm

Ipoh Hainan Chicken Rice

Don’t leave Ipoh without having taugeh with chicken rice. And this dish is well-served at Ipoh Hainan Chicken Rice . You’ll surely love the flavour of poached chicken with light soy sauce. Try the dish for lunch or dinner.

Address: 107, Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Perak

Opening Hour: Monday to Friday 11:00 am to 09:00 pm ｜Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Nelli’s Deli

Located in the heart of Ipoh’s Old Town, Nelli’s Deli comes with an expansive Western menu. Here you can have English breakfast sets, fish and chips, but their signature dish is nasi lemak. Although a plate of nasi lemak can be costly to you, the taste is unforgettable. 

Address: 99, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

Opening Hour: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 04:00 pm

Where to Stay in Ipoh

You’ll get plenty of accommodation options both in the Ipoh Old Town and New Town. Here we have listed a hostel, an Airbnb, and a luxury hotel. Choose whichever suits you best.

Read more: Best Hotels in Ipoh

Hostel- Dé Cafe & Rest House

If you are a backpacker and looking for the cheapest hostel, Dé Cafe & Rest House is undoubtedly the best option for you. It is located 2.1 km from Ipoh Parade and offers you air-conditioned accommodation and a restaurant. Moreover, you’ll have luggage storage and free wi-fi throughout the property. 

Airbnb- Ipoh Majestic Homestay by GA Homes

You can have many accommodation options in Ipoh, but none of them can give you cosiness and a homelike environment except Airbnb. Ipoh Majestic Homestay provides you with two bedrooms, two beds, and two baths. This well-decorated accommodation will give you more facilities and is perfect for families to have comfort and space. 

Luxury Hotel- The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

To experience the ultimate luxury in Ipoh, you can choose to stay at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat . Nestled against limestone hill, this luxury hotel provides you with lots of facilities such as geothermal hot springs, a naturally heated swimming pool, ice baths, living rooms that are fitted with TV, and so on. You’ll get complete satisfaction with their service.

Ipoh is an unforgettable place to have holidays for its spectacular views, historical sites, friendly locals, fun-filled activities, and great foods. I hope this article “ The Top 26 Best places to visit in Ipoh & Things to do ” has helped you to plan your Ipoh tour.

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Ipoh Travel Guide: All You Need To Plan A Trip To Ipoh

Ipoh, Perak’s capital city may not be as famous as its “neighbors”, Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Cameron Highlands. But as one of the most populated cities in Malaysia, Ipoh has a lot to be proud of!

Back in the late 19th century, the discovery of bountiful tin deposits led to the city’s rapid development. Chinese immigrants came over to seek their fortune and their influence and descendants can still be found all over the city. The British had a strong influence in Ipoh too – most notably, by the  colonial-style buildings  left behind.

These days, Ipoh is home to many retirees. And the industry has shifted to cement, food, and tourism. There are a lot of Ipoh attractions to explore on both sides of the Kinta River – Ipoh Old Town (west side) and Ipoh New Town (east side). Especially if it’s your first trip to Ipoh!

Ipoh Useful Info

Ipoh Heritage Trail – How To See Many Historical Landmarks

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Things To Do In Ipoh

It’s best to be up early so you can do some sightseeing before the afternoon heat kicks in. We would leave touring of cave temples to the afternoon though since these places have their own natural breeze.

Rain usually hits in the later afternoon or evening. Luckily, Ipoh has a fair share of boutique cafes, shopping malls, and spa centers. In addition to a couple of nice museums and galleries if you want something that’s rainproof.

Parks like Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village , Gunung Lang Recreational Park , or Mirror Lake ( Tasik Cermin ) are full of greenery and have scenic views of limestone karsts.

Ipoh’s nightlife is somewhat limited, but you can still find something to do after dinner.

Ipoh Nightlife – 13 Fun Things To Do When The Sun Sets

True, nightlife in Ipoh isn’t as happening as in other cities. But there are bars, restaurants, the mall, hawker joints, dessert cafes, and good old…

27 Best Things To Do In Ipoh That You Shouldn’t Miss

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Top 11 Ipoh Night Markets – Discover Local Culture, Food, Drinks & Souvenirs

A visit to a night market (or pasar malam) in Ipoh is a golden opportunity to sample local fare and street food. And try your hand…

Ipoh Popular Attractions

First-time visitors Ipoh will want to check out Ipoh Old Town first. And it’s possible to explore Ipoh Old Town on foot. You can see many landmarks if you take on the  Ipoh heritage walk . You can get a map from the  Ipoh World website  (a volunteer organization that aims to preserve Ipoh’s heritage).

Street art is another highlight of exploring Ipoh New Town and Ipoh Old Town.

But Ipoh also has some interesting attractions further away. Like Kellie’s Castle or Gua Tempurung .

Everything You Should Know About Tambun Cave Before You Go

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Besides Hobbitoon Village, there are only a few attractions (none worth stopping for) if you’re driving up to Cameron Highlands from Ipoh. But with its…

Han Chin Pet Soo Museum – More Than Just A History Lesson

Former Hakka miner’s club, Han Chin Pet Soo Museum is in Ipoh Old Town. It is next to Ho Yan Hor Museum. Both museums are…

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Many are already familiar with Tasik Cermin. But there is another new spot that may offer a similar experience soon. But before you go, we…

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Ho Yan Hor Museum – Local Herbal Tea Legacy In Ipoh

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Kek Look Tong In Ipoh – Must-See Limestone Cave Temple & Garden

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Famous Food In Ipoh

Eating local food should be your priority in Ipoh. Starting with breakfast ! Ipoh has many traditional coffee shops, hawker centers, and dim sum restaurants !

And while you’re in Ipoh, you have to try Ipoh chicken rice , Ipoh white coffee , tau fu fa , and salted chicken .

Chang Keong Dim Sum Restaurant – No Long Queues Necessary

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Dimsum Paradise – Reliable Branch In Ipoh Garden

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Paloh Street Food Paradise – New Weekend Food Street In Ipoh

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Ipoh Fine Dining: 9 Best Restaurants That You Should Try

Fine dining in Ipoh may not be the reason you visit but it’s as good of a reason as any. You’d be surprised how many…

Cafes In Ipoh

Ipoh has a strong cafe culture. And you’ll find cafes all over Ipoh too. Close to Kong Heng Square  in Ipoh Old Town is an entire street with excellent hipster cafes in a row.

If you have your own car, you can explore the cafes in Canning Garden too.

Signature 49 Cafe – Stylish Eatery With Coffee, Cake, And Mains

Signature 49 Café in Ipoh Old Town might catch your eye because it is next to other cafes. This is a new café too. But…

Little Allegra Bakery – Hidden Cosy Café With Wonderful Bakes

If you have not heard of Little Allegra Bakery, it is time to take note of it! We did not know of its existence until…

Omni Coffee Roasters – Coffee Specialist Café At Seri Botani Ipoh

For anyone living in Bandar Seri Botani area, Omni Coffee Roasters is a must-visit if you like coffee. But is it worth the visit if…

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For a café that specializes in Japanese souffle pancakes, you can check out Flufff in Ipoh. This relative newcomer has other desserts to offer customers…

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Shopping In Ipoh

Most shopping malls in Ipoh open from 10am to 10pm. They are convenient for getting essentials under one roof. The most popular malls in Ipoh are AEON Kinta City and Ipoh Parade.

Besides shopping malls, there are also traditional pastry shops to check out. Heong peah, kaya puffs, and egg tarts make for great snacks!

Night markets not to be underestimated too. You can try street snacks, have a fresh bowl of laksa, or get fruit and freshly made sugarcane juice! The night market in Ipoh changes location every day of the week.

9 Top Shopping Malls In Ipoh (To Escape A Rainy Day!)

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Ipoh How-Tos

Ipoh’s small airport has limited flights but the main link into and out of Ipoh is the  North-South highway . And there is the ETS train as well which you can take from Ipoh Railway Station in Ipoh Old Town.

Here are some detailed guides on how to get around Ipoh. Or how to go to other nearby cities from Ipoh. A popular destination for visitors from Ipoh is Cameron Highlands.

How To Go To Ipoh From Kuala Lumpur (Complete & Easy Guide)

The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh is uncomplicated. This is despite the bountiful limestone ranges that surround Ipoh! These same limestone hills make Ipoh…

Where To Stay In Ipoh

Ipoh’s stunning limestone hills are the backdrop of some 5-star resorts . There are also many hotels in downtown Ipoh (Greentown Ipoh or Ipoh New Town) that are more budget-friendly and close to eateries.

If you’ve got a big travel group, it’s more affordable to book a  homestay in Ipoh  rather than a hotel.

5 New Hotels In Ipoh (2023) With Great Potential For Short Stays

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Latest Ipoh Blog Posts

Frequently asked questions, how many days in ipoh is enough.

If this is your first time in Ipoh, one full day is enough to try some food, see one or two cave temples, and explore Ipoh Old Town. But if you want to explore at a more relaxed pace (and try even more food), 2 days is advisable.

Because there are some great attractions outside of Ipoh, you may want to add another day to do a day trip to either Taiping, Gopeng, Batu Gajah or Kuala Kangsar too.

Cameron Highlands is a 2-hour drive one way from Ipoh. And for this reason, it is more convenient to visit it while you are in Ipoh. But we don’t think you should skip Ipoh and head to Cameron Highlands straightaway. Both places have their own unique attractions (and Ipoh has the better food even if it is hotter). Check out our Cameron Highlands guide here.

How should you spend one day in Ipoh?

If you have just one day in Ipoh, check out Ipoh Old Town and Ipoh New Town on foot. A visit to Han Chin Pet Soo is highly recommended if you want to learn more about the history of Ipoh.

Besides explore the town, you can visit Gua Tempurung or at least one cave temple (we recommend Perak Cave temple or Kek Look Tong). If you still have time to spare, visit either Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge or Kellie’s Castle.

Why you should travel to Ipoh

For many, Ipoh’s delicious and affordable food is reason enough to come. The fact that Ipoh is close to Cameron Highlands is usually the second reason for most tourists.

But Ipoh’s rich history and unique limestone hills are not to be ignored either.

Ipoh Private Tour

If you don’t want to:

• Deal with parking
• Drive in an unfamiliar place
• Walk around in the heat
• Wait around for a taxi or bus

Then, hire a Ipoh day tour with RayTheTour .

This way, you get transport around Ipoh as well as a personal local guide to show you around!

Book by simply sending them a message on WhatsApp !

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Travel Blog, Itineraries & Guides, Hotel Reviews

The Updated Ipoh Itinerary Plus Taiping & Kuala Kangsar – Sightseeing & Food Highlights of Perak, Malaysia

January 23, 2024 by Bino 1 Comment

The state of Perak in Malaysia, and by extension, its main cities of Ipoh, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar, is a somewhat underrated destination despite being one of Malaysia’s gems. While many flock to the nearby city of Penang or head down to the capital, Kuala Lumpur, Perak is only starting to gain recognition as a tourist destination in its own right. This corner of the peninsula is a personal favorite and I love the wealth of heritage architecture, delicious food, friendly folk as well as the overall variety of attractions in Ipoh and the state of Perak.

This itinerary for Ipoh, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar shows you how you can combine these cities on a trip that lasts from 3 to 4 days. This itinerary is also flexible in the sense that if you only have 2 days to spare for a weekend trip and are only interested in Ipoh, you can easily trim this itinerary depending on your needs. Aside from providing the recommended places to visit, I also documented some of my favorite places to eat in these cities.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Ipoh – Old Town & New Town

Your itinerary starts in Ipoh – Perak’s largest city. Ipoh was once one of Malaysia’s most prosperous towns and the amount of shophouses with intricate facades at the city center attest to that. Ipoh’s glory days however, came to an end when the tin boom collapsed in the 1980s. After decades of stagnation, the city has regained a new lease of life – this time as an up-and-coming tourist destination.

Check out this itinerary if you are also heading to Penang

As of this writing, Ipoh’s tiny airport has direct flights to Singapore and Johor Bahru while it’s roughly a 2 hour drive / 2.5 hour train ride from KL. Regardless of the destination, most of the incoming flights to Ipoh arrive in the city in the morning or by noon at the latest, with the exception of 1 daily flight from Singapore that arrives in the afternoon. From Ipoh Airport, it is an easy transfer to anywhere in the city via a ride-sharing app such as Grab. I paid about 10 Ringgit for my ride to Ipoh’s center.

ipoh white coffee from sin yoon loong

After dropping your bags in the hotel and depending on your time of arrival, it may still be a good idea to catch a late breakfast at one of Ipoh’s old school cafes. Said to be the best place for Ipoh’s famed white coffee, Sin Yoon Loong (daily, 6:30AM to 2:30PM) is as old school as it gets with coffee served in ceramic cups with floral motifs. Go for a kaya toast or even an egg custard (flan) for your morning meal. Alternatively, Nam Heong (daily, 6:30AM to 4:30PM) just next door is a worthwhile alternative.

ipoh market lane

Ipoh is known for its street art an insta-worthy back lanes. From Sin Yoon Loong, walk north a couple of blocks to reach Market Lane with its red and white umbrellas strung up from above.  If you come here early enough in the mornings, you’ll find the lane all to yourself. Otherwise, you might have to compete for photo-taking space with a number of tourists getting that perfect instagram shot.

A few blocks north is Ipoh’s Concubine Lane . This is where wealthy merchants of yore used to house their mistresses back in the day. Today, this narrow alley is busy with souvenir shops, eateries as well as drinks/dessert stalls. Despite probably being Ipoh’s most touristy spot these days, there are a number of noteworthy eateries here for a light meal. Worthwhile places to check out include Kong Heng (daily except Thursdays, 7AM to 5PM) for its egg custard and Sin Lean Lee (open daily except Tuesday, 6AM to 2PM; 6:30AM to 1PM on Mondays) which is known for the city’s own rendition of char kway teow which is topped with a fried egg. 

plan b cafe in ipoh

Ipoh has plenty of hipster cafes to choose from, and the most prominent one seems to be Plan B (75 Jalan Panglima, 10AM to 10PM daily) with its large indoor space and voluminous menu. Alternatively, if you prefer the clean and minimalist look with a strong focus on the coffee itself,   Jalan Theatre Coffee (76, Jalan Theatre, Taman Jubilee; open daily 10AM to 6PM) is a good option.

ipoh railway station

The old part of town has plenty of heritage buildings and one thing you shouldn’t miss doing while in Ipoh is to go for a heritage walk. You can choose to DIY or go with a tour. The advantage of going with a tour is you don’t need to worry about hailing a Grab each time you finish exploring one attraction. This tour focusing on Ipoh’s heritage sites also includes stops that are farther afield such as Kellie’s Castle . There is a detailed map with more than 2 dozen buildings to check out in Ipoh city center itself but if you have time to only check out a few, make sure to stop by the impressive Ipoh Railway Station as well as the block of buildings by HSBC, OCBC, Standard Chartered, etc. This area is only a block or two away from Concubine Lane.

sultan iskandar bridge separating the old town and new town of ipoh

After having your fill of Ipoh’s old town, it’s now time to cross the Kinta River and head to the “new town.” Don’t be misled by the name however, the new town is only named as such because it was built after the old town but the new town itself dates from the early 20th century, making it not really new at all. 

mural art’s lane

The great thing about the “new town” is that many of the restaurants here are open in the evening, unlike many establishments in the old town which shut down by mid-afternoon. You can cross the Kinta Bridge to get to the new town, where you’ll find the Mural Art’s Lane in the next block to the south parallel to Jalan Sultan Iskandar.

various kuehs in seong man

If hunger strikes by this time in the afternoon, the nearby Seong Man (124 Jalan Sultan Iskandar, open Thursday to Sunday 11am to 6pm) is a worthy stop for its quaint kueh (traditional rice cakes) and tea.

woong kee beancurd ipoh

Another worthwhile afternoon stop is Woong Kee Beancurd (Jalan Ali Pitchay Taman Jubilee, daily except Wednesday, 11:30am to 6pm) especially if you’d like something refreshing to counter the punishing heat. Sit by the counter with a window overlooking a lorong (alley) while sipping on a refreshing and smooth beancurd. I loved it so much that I went for two consecutive days! Ipoh is very popular for its beancurd desserts and other places to try include Big Mom (daily except Thursday, 12PM to 6PM) for its more atmospheric setting and presentation and Funny Mountain Soya Beancurd (daily except Tuesday, 10:30AM to 7:30PM) which has the smoothest beancurd among the three most popular brands.

in front of lou wong restaurant

For dinner, stop by Lou Wong (open daily except Wednesday, 10:30am to 9pm) for its famous beansprouts chicken rice. Ipoh’s water purportedly has a mineral quality to it which supposedly makes the beansprout more fragrant in these parts. End your day with some shopping in the night market in this area. Most travelers would be shopping for traditional snacks to take home such as tau sar piah (salted bean biscuit). If you do not mind queuing however, check out Cowan Street Tauge Ayam and Koitiau Restaurant (Thurs to Sun, 6PM to 12AM; til 10PM on Sundays) where I thought the chicken was slightly more flavorful. The carbohydrate of choice here is the kway teow, made savory thanks to the fragrant chicken stock.

Day 2 – Ipoh – Caves & Lost World of Tambun

dimsum in ipoh

Start your second day by partaking in one of Ipoh’s most beloved morning rituals. Having yum cha in a dimsum restaurant is a common weekend morning activity here. While the dimsum in Ipoh is not typically as refined as what you’ll find in Hong Kong or Singapore, prices are very reasonable and there is also quite a bit of variety. One can also still see the use of dimsum trolleys – a practice which has just about disappeared in major capitals. The area around Jalan Leong Sing Nam has a couple of dimsum places, including two that are situated across each other. Ming Court (36 Jalan Leong Sing Nam, daily except Thursday, 6am to 2pm) and Foh San (51 Jalan Leong Sing Nam, daily except Tuesdays, 7am to 2pm) are among the most popular options.

kai see hor fun from moon de moon

Alternatively, go where the locals go and head to Restoran Moon de Moon (Wed to Sun, 7:30AM to 1PM) for its Kai See Hor Fun (Flat Noodles with Shredded Chicken). Located in a residential area in the outskirts of town, the place makes for a worthy detour. You’ll have to come here early (think: 8AM or before on a weekend) to get a seat without having to queue. What makes this a winning dish in my view, is the prawn flavored broth which went well with the oh-so-soft flat noodles and moist shredded chicken.

entrance to perak cave

Your second day in Ipoh can be spent exploring the outskirts. Surrounding the city are plenty of karst limestone hills that don’t look out of place in areas such as Guilin or Krabi. Some of the caverns found in these hills have been turned into temples and the likes of Perak Cave , Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong are visited by tourists.

For nature lovers, some of Perak’s caves (which have NOT been turned into temples) can be entered and explored if you have a guide. Tempurung Cave in Gopeng is probably the most popular in the area. A typical tour involves 3 hours of exploring the cave’s many chambers and rock formations and takes only slightly more than half a day door-to-door.

empty streets of gopeng

Once you finish your cave exploration, you can enjoy a late lunch in Gopeng itself. The town of Gopeng used to be quite important and was even more prominent than Ipoh until the turn of the 20th century when Gopeng fell into rapid decline. This is why you’ll see some unusual quirks here such as finding rows of charming shophouses that abruptly lead to a dead end. Popular eateries here include the High Street Kopitiam and Heritage Town Cafe Gopeng . The latter only opens at night.

If you are traveling with kids, a trip to the Lost World of Tambun (discounted tickets available here ) is perhaps necessary. This theme park is likewise located amidst these limestone hills which makes it quite photogenic even for those not coming with kids. The Lost World of Tambun aptly has “old tin mining town Ipoh” as its theme – something more realistic and close to home – which makes for a nice departure from the “fantasy world” of bigger and more established theme parks in the region. 

Allow for a day to finish the caves and the Lost World of Tambun.

Day 3 – Kuala Kangsar and Taiping

Kuala Kangsar, the royal capital of Perak, is a mere 30 to 40 minute drive from Ipoh or a relatively quick train ride through one of Malaysia’s modern ETS trains. Accessible through private transport or through a pre-booked tour, this small town is well worth a day trip. 

ubudiah mosque in kuala kangsar

There are a handful of architectural highlights in Kuala Kangsar and first on that list would most likely be the stately Ubudiah Mosque . This is undoubtedly Kuala Kangsar’s most recognized building. With its bulbous dome looming even from a distance, this place of worship is notable for its striped facade and combination of Moorish and British design features. It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, the same person who designed Ipoh’s and Kuala Lumpur’s railway stations.

istana kenangan in kuala kangsar

Other highlights of the town include Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah , a museum dedicated to the current sultan of Perak as well as Istana Iskandariah , the current royal residence of the sultan. The Istana Kenangan , which perpetually seems to be under refurbishment is a worthwhile stop even if the inside is off limits. The palace is notable for having been built without using a single nail with its floor raised from the ground using stilts, in traditional Malay style.

Kuala Kangsar can be done in about 2 hours. It will be close to noon by the time you finish but I would recommend having your lunch at the next town, Taiping.

the beautiful taiping lake gardens

The sleepy town of Taiping is probably one of Malaysia’s most underrated destinations. Lying about 30 minutes away from Kuala Kangsar and an hour away from Ipoh, Taiping feels even sleepier with its centuries old buildings and arcades with barely any foot traffic.  The highlight here is undoubtedly the Lake Gardens – a tranquil expanse located at the edge of town with views of Maxwell Hill in the distance. The lake gardens are best explored later in the afternoon or early in the morning when it is cooler. Check out the decades-old rain trees here which have branches almost touching the lake. 

As one of the major settlements in Malaya during colonial times, Taiping has a fine collection of 19th century and early 20th century buildings. The Taiping Land Office building is among the city’s finest, and seems almost too grand if you consider the population of Taiping today.

perak museum taiping

Many of the architectural highlights of Taiping can be done on foot or via a series of rides on the ride-sharing app. Other highlights in town include the Taiping Hokkien Association and Perak Museum .

coffee shop inside the shun tak association of taiping

You can have dinner at the restaurant inside the Shun Tak Association , an old clan association, for an atmospheric dining experience. 

For coffee lovers, a stop at the Antong Coffee Mill (open daily 8:30AM to 5:30PM) at the city outskirts is worthwhile. You can witness coffee beans being roasted the traditional way and buy some to bring home. Dating back from 1933, this is supposedly the oldest coffee mill in Malaysia. 

Another dinner option is Golden Corner (open daily except Monday, 4PM to 9:30PM) for its curry mee and chicken noodles in clear soup.

Day 4 – Taiping

maxwell hill

Start the day early and explore Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut) for some cooler climes as well as awesome views. You can choose to go up on foot. It’s a 2 hour climb this way. Alternatively, you can also get a seat on one of the Land Rovers that make the trip up. You will have to queue relatively early to get a guaranteed seat. You can buy tickets near the entrance. Some folks come here the day before to buy tickets for the following day.

At the top, you can expect to find a view point as well as well-manicured gardens and some walking trails. There are also chalets which can be rented for the evening, though facilities are a tad basic and you are better off in one of the hotels in Taiping itself.

Check out this itinerary if you are also heading to Kuala Lumpur

It will be close to / around noon by the time you finish the Maxwell Hill hike, provided you manage to get a seat at the lorry. From there, you can make your way back to Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur or Penang to catch your flight back to your home destination.

Getting To Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru or Singapore

Ipoh has a small airport with international flights to Singapore as well as domestic flights from Johor Bahru. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur and do not have your own car, you can rent one here or take the ETS trains instead. Malaysia’s ETS trains are thoroughly modern and clean with several departures a day from Kuala Lumpur. The ride lasts roughly 2.5 hours each way.

Travel Insurance 

If you come from Singapore, you can check out Starr Travelead for its cheap single- trip travel insurance with S$10 cash rebate here . 

Where to Stay in Ipoh and Taiping

Lodging options in Ipoh and Taiping are inexpensive, even if you go with the big name brands. Ipoh is now dominated by boutique names while Taiping has 2 hotels managed by Accor. Kuala Kangsar can be done as a day trip so you are better off staying in better hotels in either Taiping or Ipoh.

rooftop swimming pool of m roof hotel in ipoh

Ipoh – I have been to Ipoh a couple of times and stayed at different placed. I can recommend M Roof Ipoh for a unique view of the city’s limestone hills from its rooftop pool. Otherwise, for options closer to town, French Hotel is noted for its proximity to many of the city’s recommended eating places while MU Hotel is close to the main road leading to the old town. You can book other Ipoh hotels here .

Taiping – It is not the highest rated hotel in Taiping but if like me, you were captivated by the Lake Gardens, you might want to stay somewhere near it. Flemington Hotel is just across and some rooms even offer fine views of the lake. Otherwise, Novotel Taiping is the best all-around option in town and is adjacent to Taiping Mall. You can book other Taiping hotels here .

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October 15, 2021 at 9:44 am

Hai Bino,I see from your comments regarding Ipoh town,Kuala kangsar and taiping town are in incomplete with details of various places to eat and places to see. For example you only concentrate in Ipoh where Chinese like to visit and eat but what about the malays and the Indians like to patronised in these places like the Nasi Ganja,curry mee and nasi kandar in Ipoh town, in Kuala Kangsar you can taste the best beef and in Taiping town popia and mee rebus at casual market. u dont ride lorries to Maxwellhill but used land Rovers to climb.

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Rockfall kills tour guide at popular tourist attraction in Ipoh

Tuesday, 09 Apr 2024

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30 school kids among 178 people nabbed in joint enforcement op in Ipoh

Kuching native becomes new ipoh ocpd, ipoh international run set for a comeback in july.

IPOH: A 44-year-old tour guide was killed after a rock fell on his head at a popular tourist spot in Taman Saikat here.

Ipoh OCPD Asst Comm Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said the victim, who was bringing a group of tourists from Vietnam to visit the city, died on the spot at about 11.30am on Monday (April 8).

"A postmortem conducted at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital corroborates the cause of death and there was no foul play.

"The case has been classified as sudden death," he said in a statement.

"The police welcome the cooperation of the people who may have information on the incident to contact the district police control centre at 05-254 2222 to assist with the investigation," he added.

Tags / Keywords: Ipoh , Police , Death , Rock , Vietnam , Taman Saikat

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Popular tourist spot in Perak temporarily closed after fatal rockfall

IPOH – A popular tourist spot in Ipoh where a man was killed by a falling rock on April 8 will be temporarily closed to allow experts to check the limestone hill, says Perak state executive council member Loh Sze Yee.

This comes amid a study at various premises near limestone hills in the Malaysian state to ensure they are safe.

Mr Loh, who holds the tourism portfolio, said the state government received a proposal to close down the tourist spot.

“We want to find out from the experts if this is a once-in-a-blue-moon incident or something bigger,” he said.

“We want the experts to check and see what their recommendations are for mitigation works.”

He was speaking to reporters after visiting Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village in Taman Saikat, Ipoh, where the victim, a 44-year-old local tourist, was killed on the spot when a rock fell on his head at about 11.30am on April 8. The man from Pangkor, said Mr Loh, had brought his friends to visit the place.

“Our condolences to the victim’s family and we will try to assist in any way we can,” he said.

Regarding the study, Mr Loh said this was being conducted by the state’s limestone foothills and caves committee on various developments, including temples and tourist spots.

He said: “There have been a lot of ecotourism activities in Perak in the past five to 10 years. We want to check all these developments, as some of these may not have been developed according to specifications.

“For example, for the old (cave) temples, they need reports from consultants to determine whether their premises are safe. I will meet the committee to come up with the specifications to ensure all developments are safe for the people.”

Ipoh is famous for its limestone enclaves, he said, but added that these places came with risks, like any other locations.

“Limestone hills are nice to look at and be in. But limestone itself is more hazardous than other (types of) stone or granite,” he said.

Qing Xin Ling operator Cheng Swee Kiat said it was willing to help the victim’s family in getting compensation through public liability insurance. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

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The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (“IRB”) has issued the e-Invoice Guideline (Version 2.3) and e-Invoice Specific Guideline (Version 2.1) on 6 April 2024 which replaces the e-Invoice Guideline (Version 2.2) and the e-Invoice Specific Guideline (Version 2.0) respectively. 

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Updated by IRBM on 9 February

By Soh Lian Seng, Partner – Head of Tax, KPMG in Malaysia

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