ipoh farm visit

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, what is ipoh known for.

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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• Raymond Lim
• Mar 26, 2020

21 Best Things To Do In Ipoh (Places That You Shouldn't Miss!)

Updated: Mar 27

Ipoh, Perak’s capital city, used to be a booming tin mining town. Today, there are many things to do in Ipoh, a once-sleepy city.

Food, cave temples, street art, and British colonial-era architecture draw in many local and international visitors.

If you’re unsure of what to do when you’re here, then continue reading!

1. Eat Famous Food

Start the day at one of the locals’ favorite dim sum restaurants (like Chooi Yue Dim Sum ) or a kopitiam !

Ipoh is famous for its street food too:

You can have Tau Fu Fah for a snack, Hakka Mee for lunch and Portuguese egg tarts for tea! And Bean Sprout Chicken for dinner!

Other must-try food in Ipoh:

Chee Cheong Fun

Kai Se Hor Fun (Prawn and chicken noodles!)

Caramel Egg Custard

2. Drink Ipoh White Coffee

Lonely Planet rates Ipoh as one of the top 3 coffee towns !

It is also the birthplace of the famous Ipoh White Coffee . The history of this famous drink dates as far back as 80 years ago !

Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong is one of the pioneering coffee shops in Ipoh! It was started by Sin Yoon Loong, a Hainanese immigrant in 1937 .

Nam Heong White Coffee Shop is another iconic coffee shop. Not only do they serve Ipoh white coffee, but while you’re here, take a bite of their famed egg tarts !

3. Follow the Ipoh Heritage Trail

Time for a post-meal walk at Ipoh Heritage Trail ! Feast your eyes on the heritage buildings constructed during Ipoh’s boom!

This trail is a great way to appreciate the history of Ipoh . It includes colonial architecture , Chinese heritage , and interesting murals !

Famous stops along the trail:

Ipoh Railway Station - A still-functioning, whitewashed railway station

Ipoh Town Hall & Old Post Office - Next to each other, these Neo-classical buildings were up and running in the late 1910s .

High Court - this other Neo-classical landmark was used by the Japanese during their occupation of Malaya.

St. Michael’s Institution – This all-boys school in Ipoh used to be the Japanese’s administrative headquarter during the war.

Birch Memorial - Erected in 1909 , this clock tower stands across from the Ipoh State Mosque - a memorial to J.W.W Birch (First British Resident of Perak)

Navigate your way through the heritage trail by following this map trail .

4. Discover Concubine Lane

Historically, Concubine Lane was a present from a mining tycoon to his wives. It was also where wealthy men kept their mistresses!

Concubine Lane today is vibrant and bustling with activity, especially during weekends! It is a great place to catch a snack and cool off with the famous colorful iceball ( ais kepal )!

Many food and souvenir stalls line the alley. Drop by Wife Lane and First Concubine Lane within the vicinity too!

5. Check Out Han Chin Pet Soo Museum

Han Chin Pet Soo Museum used to be a Hakka Miners’ Club building .

The daily guided tours provide insight into the lives of the Hakka people of the tin mining industry .

Make sure you book in advance by giving them a call or book online as limited spots are available. Walk-ins are not allowed.

Opening Hours: Daily from 11am to 3:30pm (Closed on Mondays)

Contact: +605-241 4541

Entrance Fee: Admission is free. But an expected donation of RM10 per adult will go into maintaining the building.

6. Pay A Visit To Ho Yan Hor Museum

Next to Han Chin Pet Soo Museum is Ho Yan Hor Museum . Visitors are free to tour the building and discover the origin of Ipoh’s most successful herbal tea business.

Free herbal tea tasting at the end of the tour is definitely one of the highlights of this visit!

Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 4pm (Closed on Mondays)

Contact: +605-241 2048

Entrance Fee: Admission is free.

7. 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery

This air-conditioned gallery requires no reservations beforehand. Register at the counter at the ground floor and proceed upstairs.

The multilingual audio guides allow visitors to browse the gallery at their own pace. The gallery showcases many antiques from Ipoh’s past including a traditional wedding bed. Downstairs, there is a gift shop where you can purchase local handicrafts.

Opening Hours: 10 am–1:30 pm, 2:30 pm–6 pm (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)

Phone: +605-241 3991

Entrance Fee: RM10 per person

8. Check Out Kong Heng Square

On weekends, Kong Heng Square is a small but interesting space to explore close to Concubine Lane. You can pick up local handicrafts from the small artisan stalls here.

There is a spacious air conditioned café ( Plan B ) too if you need time off from the heat!

9. Search For Ipoh Street Art

You can see street art by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic in Ipoh Old Town. His street art skillfully portrays Ipoh’s history, culture, and food!

There’s also an entire lane in Ipoh New Town called the Mural Art’s Lane dedicated to street art! Most of the art painted here is the work of art teacher, Eric Lai and his students.

Famous street art by Ernest Zacharevic:

Old Uncle with Coffee Cup

Paper Plane

Hummingbird

See more photos of street art in Ipoh .

10. Try A Special Snow Beer

What happens when regular beer comes in contact with a frozen glass? It becomes snow beer ! The beer foam will look like shaved ice and the froth is smooth to the touch!

Head over to Kafe Sun Yoon Wah to get a taste of snow beer. Order some finger food to accompany the beer! Definitely try their deep-fried snacks, stir-fried dishes, and squids!

Fei Bo Snow Beer is another place to get your snow beer fix! They also serve delectable Chinese cuisine ! The large round tables make them suitable for large group gatherings .

11. Rocks And More At The Geological Museum

Despite the simple exterior, you can have a look at locally found stones, minerals, and prehistoric fossils from interactive displays!

The air-conditioned museum tells the history of mining activities in Perak too. With dual-language informative boards placed throughout the museum to aid understanding.

Opening Hours: 9am to 12pm, 2:30pm to 4:30pm (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed)

Contact: +605-540 6000

Entrance Fee: Admission is free

12. Drop By Qing Xin Ling Leisure And Cultural Village

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village is just a 15-minute drive from Ipoh Old Town!

Majestic limestone hills and a picturesque lake make up the scenery here. Visitors can ride a bike, feed the fish, and visit the vintage exhibitions there!

Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm (Closed on Sundays)

Contact: +605-312 4140

Entrance Fee: RM12 (Malaysian), RM20 (F oreigner)

13. Visit Cave Temples

Ipoh has nearly 30 cave temples nestled snugly among the foothills of its limestone hills. They are open to the public who can come to admire the limestone formations! And temple architecture!

The majority of these temples are dedicated to Buddhist and Taoist worship.

Famous Cave Temple :

Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple

Perak Cave Temple

Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple

Ling Sen Tong Temple

Kwan Yin Tong Temple

14. See The Gua Tambun Cave Paintings

At Gua Tambun, visitors can see Neolithic rock arts of humans, animals and some abstract shapes among more recent graffiti!

No one’s really sure how long these drawings have been there. But they’re supposedly between 2,000 to 5,000 years old!

You will need to climb a flight of steps to get to the cave painting. And you’ll need a moderate level of fitness, comfortable shoes, mosquito repellent, and drinking water!

15. Spend A Day (Or Evening) At The Lost World of Tambun

There are several zones to explore at The Lost World of Tambun !

These include the amusement park, the Hippo Kingdom (with real hippos !), and of course, the water park (with an artificial beach !) during the day!

Don’t miss the tiger-feeding session in the afternoon! New residents to the petting zoo include giraffe, camels and capybara !

And in the evening, you can wander the Luminous Forest and soak your tired limbs at the Hot Springs at night!

There are pay-per-ride activities, locker rental and tube rental which will incur extra charges.

Lost World has its own hotel, but visitors can try first-class glamping in the outdoors too!

Opening Hours: Daily from 11am to 11pm; Saturday & Sunday 10am to 11pm; (Closed on Tuesdays)

Contact: +605-542 8888

Entrance Fee: Access to all parks:

RM127 (Adults)

RM120 (Children 12 years old & below / Senior Citizens 60 years old & above)

Access to night park ONLY:

RM85 (Adults)

RM76 (Children 12 years old & below / Senior Citizens 60 years old & above)

16. Visit A Pomelo Plantation

Did you know that Tambun, Ipoh produces the best pomelos? Pomelo is the largest citrus of the Rutaceae family (e.g. grapefruit)!

The surrounding limestone hills boost the growth of the fruit with rich minerals that they absorb from the water.

Take a quick tour around Tambun Pomelo GoChin Agro Farm to find out more about the process of growing and harvesting pomelos!

Entrance is free and you can buy pomelo here!

There are 2 varieties – sweet (white flesh) or sour (pink flesh).

Prices of pomelo vary by size – it is cheaper to get them in Ampang than at Ipoh Old Town

17. Enjoy The Outdoors At Gunung Lang Recreational Park

To get to Gunung Lang Recreational Park , visitors need to take a scenic boat ride to cross the lake. The artificial waterfall on top of a limestone hill at the entrance is another highlight!

Take a stroll or rent a bike around the 30-acre park.

Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30am to 6pm Contact: +605-208 3333 Boat Fee:

Children/Senior Citizens: RM1.50

Last boat ticket at 5:30pm

Beautiful location; Unfortunately not as well-maintained as it should be!

18. Visit Kellie’s Castle

Kellie’s Castle is in Batu Gajah near Ipoh. A Scottish planter, William Kellie Smith built the castle after his son was born.

Sadly, construction halted permanently when Kellie died of pneumonia at the age of 56.

The impressive Moorish and European-style mansion houses a wine cellar, an incomplete rooftop tennis court and a shaft for a lift!

Opening Hours: 9:30am to 5:30pm

Entrance Fee: Malaysians: RM5 (Adults), RM3 (Children below 12 years old), RM4 (Senior Citizens) International: RM10 (Adults), RM 9 (Children below 12 years old)

19. Explore Gua Tempurung

Said to be 400 million years old , Gua Tempurung is the largest accessible limestone cave system in West Malaysia !

It is famous for its spectacular rock formations and an underground river .

Famous for its spectacular rock formations and an underground river !

Explore the cave via 1 of 4 tours:

Tour 1 - Golden Flowstone

Tour 2 - Top of the World

Tour 3 - Top of the World & Short River Adventure

Tour 4 - Grand Tour

You can choose to stay either wet or dry as the last 2 tours involve crossing the underground river!

The wet tours need at least 8 participants to start!

Torches, shoes, and helmets are available for rent!

Opening Hours: 9am to 4pm Contact: +6014-220 4142

Price: ~RM30 (Varies based on the tour options)

20. Go white water rafting at Kampar River

White water rafting at Kampar River is perfect for thrill-seekers! Beginners won’t find it too daunting as the river currents range from gentle to rapid !

Participants will go through a 10-15 minute briefing and a water confidence test before the activity!

Price: ~RM150 (Adult)

21. See TT5 Tin Dredge At Tanjung Tualang

Tanjung Tualang is renowned for its big-head freshwater prawns ! And the country’s last remaining tin dredges, TT5 tin dredge !

The 4,500-ton tin dredge has made a comeback as a Perak tourist destination after closing down in 2012 for restoration works.

Call ahead to see if they have tours available before you go!

Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 5:15pm

Contact: +6014-904 3255 Entrance Fee: RM10 (Malaysians) RM20 (International)

Getting Around Ipoh Tourist Attraction

Don’t know where to go with the countless attractions in Ipoh? Why not book a private tour with RayTheTour ! Our local tour guides will take you around!

Why You Should Book Our Service:

Our Ipoh-born tour guides speak English and Chinese

Tour includes pickup and drop-off to and from your Ipoh accommodation!

Spacious MPV or Van

Tour schedule is flexible and customizable

We conduct tours in Penang and Cameron Highlands too!

Book your tour with us on Whatsapp .

Many things to do in Ipoh feature food, Ipoh Old Town, and the limestone hills!

Ipoh Old Town is a must-see for first-time visitors. It has buildings, galleries, and museums with numerous artifacts from Ipoh’s bygone era of the tin mining industry!

And when you want a change of pace, there are outdoor locations like Gua Tempurung, lovely parks and even a water park with hot springs!

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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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The Ultimate Ipoh Itinerary: Best Local Food, Attractions, and Hidden Gems

Nov 17, 2023 | Malaysia , Perak | 0 comments

Discover Ipoh, Malaysia’s enchanting city filled with rich heritage, mouthwatering cuisine, and breathtaking natural wonders. Immerse yourself in its vibrant culture as you explore charming colonial-era streets. 

Indulge in tantalizing aromas and sample local delicacies like Ipoh Hor Fun, Salted Chicken, and Bean Sprouts Chicken. Venture beyond the city to uncover hidden gems like Gua Tempurung’s limestone caves and Gunung Lang Recreational Park’s tranquillity.

 Whether you love history, food, or nature, Ipoh captivates your senses and leaves you spellbound.

Prepare to embark on a truly immersive experience as we unveil the best of Ipoh’s local flavours, captivating attractions, and hidden treasures that will create memories to last a lifetime with this helpful Ipoh Itinerary.

Key Takeaways for your Ipoh Itinerary

• Explore Ipoh’s colonial-era buildings, vibrant street art, and unique Heritage Trail while visiting Ipoh!
• Savour the local delights of white coffee, bean sprouts, chicken rice, and dim sum dishes like Siu Mai and Har Gow!
• Discover magical limestone cave temples, outdoor escapes, and themed cafes for a truly memorable experience!

The Ultimate Ipoh Itinerary: Best Local Food, Attractions, and Hidden Gems.

Click here to find the best tours in Ipoh, whether you are already in the township or coming from KL or Penang. 

Need to head to Ipoh for a few days of Sightseeing? Click here to discover the best fares and routes to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur!

Exploring Ipoh’s Rich Heritage

Ipoh, a charming city in Malaysia, is known for its rich heritage and captivating history. As you stroll through its quaint streets adorned with vibrant flowers, you’ll feel transported to a bygone era of elegance.

The colonial-era buildings, with their intricate architectural details, tell stories of Ipoh’s journey from a humble tin-mining town to a cultural hub.

But Ipoh is more than a city frozen in time. It blends old-world charm with modern attractions. From savouring Ipoh’s famous street food to exploring bustling night markets, there’s always something new to discover.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Ipoh, where every corner reveals a hidden gem. Whether wandering through vibrant street art, sipping aromatic coffee in a traditional kopitiam, or marvelling at breathtaking limestone caves, there’s no shortage of wonders to behold.

Experience the magic of Ipoh, where the past and present intertwine, creating an unforgettable journey.

Let the adventure begin at the Ipoh Heritage trail.

Ipoh Old Town

A visit to Ipoh is incomplete without exploring its Old Town. This historic area combines colonial-era buildings, vibrant street art, and bustling markets. Wander through the narrow streets to discover the iconic Ipoh Railway Station, often called the “Taj Mahal of Ipoh.” This transportation hub connects Ipoh to major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Explore the city’s street art scene at Mural Art’s Lane, where colourful murals adorn heritage shophouses. Don’t miss “Old Uncle Drinking Coffee,” a charming depiction of an elderly man enjoying Ipoh white coffee. Try the local brew at Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong and savour the mouthwatering danzhi at Patisserie Boutique. After exploring the street art, visit the flea market for unique souvenirs and antiques.

The Ipoh Heritage Trail is a must if you’re a history buff. This self-guided tour takes you to iconic landmarks and historical sites such as the Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Ling Sen Tong Temple, and Perak Tong Cave Temple. Immerse yourself in Ipoh’s rich past as you learn about the people and events that shaped the city.

Discover the Old Town in Ipoh that begins with the iconic Clock Tower.

Ipoh Heritage Trail

The Ipoh Heritage Trail is a fascinating journey through the city’s history and culture. With 27 points of interest, including the spectacular Ipoh Railway Station, magnificent Town Hall, and beautiful Old Post Office, this 2.5-hour walking tour offers a deeper understanding of Ipoh’s past. And if you’re up for an extra dose of adventure, don’t miss the Kek Lok Tong Temple, a stunning cave temple that dates back to the 1920s.

Inside Kek Lok Tong Temple, you’ll find various statues of Buddhas and Chinese deities and a few visible stalactites and stalagmites. The temple’s garden is a sight, with a beautiful lake at its centre.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a captivating experience, the Ipoh Heritage Trail is a must-visit attraction.

Wander through the Ipoh Heritage Trail, which includes street markets with great souvenirs and food.

Savoring Ipoh’s Culinary Delights

Ipoh, a food lover’s paradise in Malaysia, is a treasure trove of culinary delights. Its vibrant street food scene and culinary hotspots offer diverse local dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. 

Indulge in the world-famous Ipoh white coffee, renowned for its smooth flavour. Savour the delectable dim sum with delicate dumplings and steamed buns bursting with savoury fillings. But that’s not all – Ipoh has so much more to offer. 

From aromatic Ipoh chicken rice to fiery curry mee, many flavours await exploring. Embark on a gastronomic adventure through the bustling streets, uncovering hidden gems and secret food stalls that make this city remarkable. 

Follow our Ipoh Itinerary to discover the rich heritage and unique flavours defining Ipoh’s culinary landscape.

Must-Try Local Dishes

As you explore the city, take advantage of the opportunity to indulge in some of Ipoh’s must-try local dishes. Start your day with a steaming cup of white coffee, a local specialty made by roasting coffee beans with palm oil margarine and serving it with condensed milk. Head to Sin Yoon Long, Nam Heong White Coffee, or Old Town White Coffee for an authentic taste of this beloved beverage.

For a hearty meal, try the mouthwatering bean sprouts chicken rice, a delicious combination of tender chicken, crunchy bean sprouts, and fluffy rice. And if you’re in the mood for something different, take your taste buds on a journey with dim sum, small plates of Chinese cuisine typically served in bamboo baskets. Siu Mai, Feng Zhao (chicken feet), and Har Gow are just a few delectable dishes you can savour at Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum.

Foodie Hotspots

In addition to its local dishes, Ipoh is home to a variety of foodie hotspots where you can sample the best of the city’s cuisine. Concubine Lane, a narrow street lined with heritage shophouses, offers a mix of traditional eateries and modern cafes. Here, you can indulge in local favourites like chee cheong fun (rice noodle rolls) and egg tarts at Nam Heong or try the creative fusion dishes at Seong Man Teahouse.

Another must-visit foodie hotspot is Tong Sui Kai, a street famous for its mouthwatering desserts and street food. Open from 6 PM to 2 AM, Tong Sui Kai offers an array of cuisines from Chinese to Malay and Indian. Whether craving sweet treats or savoury snacks, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite at this lively foodie destination.

The calm before the Storm at the Ipoh Night Markets, a famous place for locals to eat.

Uncovering Ipoh’s Natural Wonders

Discover the enchanting city of Ipoh, with its rich heritage, culinary delights, and stunning natural wonders. Immerse yourself in limestone cave temples, where ancient stories come alive through intricate carvings and artifacts. 

Explore outdoor escapes, lush with greenery and tranquillity, for a peaceful retreat. Indulge in rejuvenating hot springs to unwind and rejuvenate. Ipoh’s natural wonders are a testament to Mother Nature’s breathtaking beauty, leaving you spellbound and yearning for more. 

Embark on a journey to uncover hidden gems and immerse in the captivating magic of Ipoh’s natural wonders.

Visit the Kek Look Tong Castle; I promise it will mesmerise you from inside and out.

Limestone Cave Temples

A visit to Ipoh would be complete with exploring its magnificent limestone cave temples. The most impressive are Sam Poh Tong, Kek Lok Tong, and Perak Tong, each offering a unique beauty and spiritual atmosphere. For instance, the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple is renowned for being the largest temple in Malaysia and boasts stunning Buddha statues and other deities.

At Kek Lok Tong, you’ll find awe-inspiring cave chambers adorned with intricate Buddhist statues and artwork. The temple’s garden is a sight, with a pond and charming pagodas dotted with ancient stone lanterns.  

At Perak Tong, take advantage of the opportunity to climb to the top for a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Each cave temple, including the Perak Cave Temple, offers an unforgettable experience that should not be missed while exploring the stunning limestone hills of Ipoh.

Climbing to the top of the Perak Cave temple is worth the views during your Ipoh Itinerary.

Outdoor Escapes

If you’re looking for fresh air, Ipoh has plenty of outdoor escapes offering picturesque landscapes, relaxation, and adventure opportunities. Gunung Lang Recreational Park, for example, is a limestone area with unique formations, a lake, lookout towers, a waterfall, a playground, and even a mini zoo. It’s the perfect spot for a stroll or a family picnic.

Another outdoor gem is Tasik Cermin, a secret lake surrounded by limestone karsts. Known for its stunning, mirror-like reflection on the lake’s surface, Tasik Cermin is a popular spot for picnics and camping. And if you’re up for a little more adventure, why not visit Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village? This charming cultural village offers fun activities for all ages, including lake walks, cultural activities, and workshops.

The Gunung Lang Recreational Park is a laidback nature park in Ipoh.

The Banjaran Hot Springs

For those seeking a luxurious and immersive experience, Banjaran Hot Springs is a hidden gem nestled among stunning limestone hills and enchanting caves. Surrounded by natural beauty, this tranquil retreat offers relaxation and rejuvenation.

Indulge in pampering as you immerse yourself in the healing waters of the hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. The upscale resort takes luxury to new heights with abundant amenities, including a unique cave restaurant where you can savour exquisite cuisine.

To invigorate your senses, the resort features refreshing ice baths. And for ultimate relaxation, spa treatments are designed to melt away stress and leave you revitalized.

Whether unwinding after exploring or escaping everyday life, Banjaran Hot Springs provides an idyllic haven for luxury and tranquillity. Experience the epitome of indulgence and let the natural beauty transport you to pure bliss.

Click here for fantastic tour prices to enjoy a day trip to the Banjaran Hotsprings in Ipoh!

The Banjaran Hot Springs is the perfect escape during your Ipoh trip.

Unique Attractions and Experiences

Ipoh offers a rich heritage, delectable food, breathtaking natural wonders, and many unique attractions. 

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of art and culture, and visit fascinating museums and art galleries. Indulge in themed cafes’ charm and explore bustling shops with local crafts and treats. 

Take advantage of the iconic Ipoh Railway Station, a stunning architectural gem. Venture into mystical cave temples exuding serenity and spirituality. 

Stroll through the enchanting Old Town with its quaint streets, colonial-era buildings, and vibrant street art. Get ready for a journey of discovery and immerse yourself in the wonders of Ipoh!

Visit the Unique Attractions during your Ipoh Itinerary.

Museums and Art Galleries

As you explore Ipoh, be sure to visit some of its fascinating museums and art galleries, such as:

• Han Chin Pet Soo Museum: dedicated to the Hakka and Cantonese miners who lived in Ipoh during the tin mining era, providing a glimpse into the city’s past
• Yasmin Ahmad Museum: showcasing the works and life of the late filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad
• 22 Hale Street: a contemporary art gallery featuring local and international artists
• Ipoh World:  explores the history and heritage of Ipoh through interactive exhibits

These museums and art galleries offer a unique cultural experience and a deeper understanding of Ipoh’s history and artistic scene.

Click here to enjoy a city tour of Ipoh and witness the heritage and culture of Malaysia at its very best.

Fabulous temples and museums await you during your Ipoh Vacation.

Themed Cafes and Shops

If you’re looking for a memorable and quirky experience, Ipoh’s themed cafes and shops will surely delight. One such gem is Platform 9 1/2 Cafe, a Harry Potter-themed cafe where you can don costumes and take magical photos in a Hogwarts-like environment. For book lovers, BookXcess Kong Heng is a must-visit bookstore located in the trendy Kong Heng Square Market.

And for a touch of whimsy, stop by the Purple Moon Lover Cafe, known for its minimalist, white-themed interior and cute mini cakes. With so many unique and charming establishments to explore, you’ll always have exciting experiences to enjoy in Ipoh.

Kellie’s Castle

Kellie’s Castle is a must-visit for history buffs and fans of architectural wonders. The unfinished mansion, built in the early 20th century by an eccentric Scottish planter, William Kellie Smith, boasts unique features such as secret underground tunnels and a rooftop courtyard. It’s rumoured that the castle is haunted, adding to its mystique and allure.

Please tour the castle to learn about its fascinating history and its intricate design, combining elements of Scottish, Moorish, and Indian architecture. You can also explore the surrounding gardens and enjoy stunning countryside views from the castle’s rooftop.

Kellie’s Castle is a true hidden gem in Ipoh that will transport you back in time and leave you in awe of its grandeur and mystery. So, make sure to include it in your Ipoh itinerary!

Kellie’s Castle in Ipoh os the Place to Be in Malaysia.

Day Trips from Ipoh

While there’s plenty to see and do within Ipoh, the city’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions. Embark on day trips to the picturesque Cameron Highlands, the charming towns of Gopeng and Taiping, or other nearby destinations to make the most of your time in this enchanting region.

Let’s venture beyond Ipoh and discover more of Malaysia’s hidden gems.

Cameron Highlands

Just a short drive from Ipoh, the Cameron Highlands is a breathtaking destination known for its sprawling tea plantations, strawberry farms, and beautiful hikes. Visit the BOH Tea Garden, Mossy Forest, and Cactus Valley to enjoy the stunning scenery. Alternatively, explore the Raju Hill Strawberry Farm and Cameron Bharat Tea Estate to taste the region’s agricultural bounty.

The Cameron Highlands offers a refreshing escape from the city with its cool climate and rolling hills. Whether you’re looking to relax amidst nature or embark on an outdoor adventure, this picturesque region is a must-visit destination on your Ipoh itinerary.

Click here to enjoy a Cameron Highlands Tour in the Majestic Cameron Highlands.

Gopeng and Taiping

For a mix of nature, adventure, and history, consider day trips to the towns of Gopeng and Taiping. In Gopeng, you can try exhilarating activities like white water rafting at the Kampar River, hiking the thrilling Bukit Batu Putih, or discovering the history of Gopeng at the Gopeng Museum. 

With its majestic rainforests, rivers, caves, and limestone cliffs, Gopeng offers a unique outdoor experience that will thrill adventure seekers.

In Taiping, you’ll find a variety of one-of-a-kind attractions, such as:

• Taiping Lake Gardens
• Taiping Zoo
• Antong Coffee Mill
• Taiping Clock Tower

With so much to see and do, these charming towns make perfect day trips from Ipoh, offering a glimpse into Malaysia’s diverse landscapes and rich history.

There’s never a reason to leave Ipoh, as you can see, but when you stay a few extra days to venture out, it never hurts.

Practical Information for Your Ipoh Trip

You must have some practical information to make the most of your visit to Ipoh. From where to stay to how to get around the city, we’ve covered you with tips and recommendations to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Now, let’s embark on an unforgettable journey to Ipoh.

Where to Stay in Ipoh

Ipoh offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From budget hostels to luxury resorts, you’ll find the perfect place to rest your head after a day of exploration. Some of the best and most affordable places to stay in Ipoh include:

• Ipoh French Hotel
• MU Hotel Ipoh
• Symphony Suites Hotel
• D Eastern Hotel
• MH Hotel Ipoh
• Horizon @ Ipoh Homestay

Many of these hotels are conveniently located near the city centre or within walking distance of the old town, making exploring Ipoh’s top attractions easy.

For a more immersive experience, consider staying in one of the many charming guest houses within the old town. These accommodations offer a unique blend of heritage and modern amenities, providing a comfortable base to discover Ipoh’s rich history and culture.

Click here to find the best hotel options in the City of Ipoh!

Horizon @ Ipoh is the perfect Airbnb-type apartment to stay in when staying for a few nights.

Getting Around Ipoh

Navigating Ipoh is relatively easy, thanks to its compact size and grid-like layout. Walking is a popular way to explore the city, especially in the old town, where many attractions are nearby. Biking is another excellent option, allowing you to cover more ground and enjoy the city’s picturesque streets at your own pace.

Consider using the Grab app for longer distances or when you’re short on time. This popular ride-hailing service is widely available in Ipoh and offers a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. With various transportation options, you will indeed have a smooth and enjoyable experience exploring Ipoh.

Getting to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur or Penang

If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur , the best way to reach Ipoh is by bus or train. Buses depart frequently from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur and arrive at Amanjaya Bus Terminal in Ipoh. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic.

You can also take a train from KL Sentral to Ipoh for a more scenic route. The journey takes about 2-3 hours, and trains run throughout the day, ending at the Ipoh railway Station.

If you’re coming from Penang, you can easily reach Ipoh by bus or train. Buses depart daily from Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal in Penang and arrive at Amanjaya Bus. 

Click here for the best routes and prices to Ipoh from KL or Penang.

Arrive in Ipoh and watch unbelievable Sunsets, you know, when it’s not too cloudy.

Summary of Your Ipoh Itinerary

Ipoh, Malaysia’s hidden gem, is a captivating city that offers many experiences for travellers searching for rich heritage, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural wonders. 

From its charming old town and bustling foodie hotspots to its breathtaking limestone cave temples and picturesque outdoor escapes, Ipoh is a destination sure to enchant and inspire. So why wait? Start planning your unforgettable trip to Ipoh today!

Enjoy riverwalks by the Recreational Parks at Ipoh, Malaysia.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days is enough in ipoh.

Three days and two nights is enough time to get a great taste of Ipoh. We recommend staying for a whole week to make the most of your visit!

Is Ipoh Malaysia worth visiting?

Ipoh Malaysia is worth visiting, with its status as the second food capital and dramatic surrounding caves containing temples and ancient paintings!

How do I spend a day in Ipoh?

Spend a day in Ipoh exploring its best local food, beautiful cafes, and must-visit spots like Concubine Lane and Market Lane, Kong Heng Square, BookXcess Kong Heng, Yasmin Ahmad Museum, Mural-spotting across Ipoh Old Town, Lost World of Tambun, Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat and Gunung Lang Recreational Park!

What is the best time of year to visit Ipoh?

Experience the best of Ipoh by visiting during the dry season from June to August for unbeatable sightseeing!

Is it easy to get around Ipoh?

Getting around Ipoh is a breeze – walking and biking are easy, and you can even use Grab for convenience!

The Ipoh Street Art says it all.

Ipoh Itinerary

Ipoh Cave temple

Arrive in Ipoh and watch unbelievable Sunsets, you know, when it’s not too cloudy out of course.

Enjoy a day trip to the Banjaran Hot Springs.

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Go big or GoChin Pomelo Agro Farm

GoChin Pomelo Agro Farm has been around for over 20 years, passed down from one generation to another, making it a meaningful family business worth supporting. The pomelos from this area are especially sweet, perhaps due to the rich limestone soil and the underground water used to water the trees.

Interestingly, the sweetness of their fruit is so exceptional that even Chef Wan, Malaysia’s top celebrity chef, uses this particular variety in his exclusive Business Class menu for Qatar Airways.

The staff here are also friendly, so if you have any questions regarding the farm, don’t be shy to ask away!

On your way out, don't forget to stop by the store to pick up their freshly picked pomelos and pomelo-based essential oils.

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Planning An Ipoh Day Trip? Here are 13 Places to Add In Your Ipoh Itinerary

Table of Contents

Planning a day trip to Ipoh? It’s just 2, 3 hours away from KL. I lived there for a year, and here are 13 places, activities and food places that I can recommend you to add in your Ipoh itinerary.

As a bonus, and considering the economy, the places in this list are also budget-friendly and affordable to experience… if you don’t go overboard with the shopping and eating that is.

Under each recommendation, I added Google Map Search keywords that you can type in to find these places. Just use Google Map to locate them. 

#1 – Concubine Lane Ipoh (2 hours)

Concubine Lane Ipoh is a must-go location. Go for a walk to look for the murals and go in the small shops selling knick-knacks. If you have the munchies, highly recommend you to buy an egg tart or two.

Google map search: ‘Dataran Kong Heng’ ; ‘Concubine Lane Ipoh’

#2 – Dataran Kok Heng (1 hour)

Dataran Kong Heng is very ‘industrialist chic’ with an abandoned building vibe, and a great place to take instagram pictures. On weekends, they also have a mini flea market. 

#3 – Yasmin Ahmad Museum (1 hour) 

It is not a bad idea to combine #1-3 during your Ipoh day trip, especially if this is your first time visiting. Simply go to Dataran Kong Heng, walk along Concubine Lane Ipoh, then visit Yasmin Ahmad Museum. They are all located in Ipoh city center and nearby each other, within walking distance.

The entry fee to the Yasmin Ahmad Museum is just RM5 donation, ridiculously cheap. If you enjoy Yasmin Ahmad’s work, you will like this place. 

Google map search: Yasmin Ahmad Museum

#4 – Eat at Restaurant New Hollywood, a halal Chinese food court (1.5 hours)

Restaurant New Hollywood is very packed on weekend mornings, but worth going. They have chee cheong fun, curry mee, lobak, and many other delicious items. Try the famous Roti Goyang. 

Google map search: ‘Restaurant New Hollywood’

#5 – Drive around Tambun area, then go buy pomelo/ limau bali (2+ hour)

Tambun area and its surrounding is SO beautiful. On a good day, you can see details of the mountain range. At certain places, you can walk up and view the high, gorgeous, prehistoric walls up close. There are tiny crevices housing families of birds, and many varieties of insects (ProTip: wear mosquito repellent), and just… amazing plants that somehow grow on what is essentially a big rock.

Drive around, enjoy the view then go buy what Ipoh is famous for: pomelo. A good-size pomelo is about RM10. Pick a shop that offers free samples. Some of them can even help you to remove the skin, so you can enjoy it on the go.

Google map search:  I have no particular routes to suggest, but you can try Ipoh-Tambun-Tanjung Rambutan-Tambun-Pomelo shops-Ipoh. Plenty of pomelo farms and shops along ‘Jalan Tambun Baru’

#6 – Attend Garden Market at Food Truck Garden (2+ hours)

Garden Market happens every Friday, Saturday and Sunday after 6pm. They have food trucks, preloved market, open cinema, and local performances.

Super hipster. Very cool side of urban Ipoh.

Find out more here .

Google map search: ‘P.O.R.T. (People of Remarkable Talents)’

#7 – Go to Sunday flea market  (2+ hours)

Ipoh Sunday flea market is also known as Memory Lane Ipoh, as well as Pasar Karat Memory Lane. It starts early on Sunday morning, and ends early: 7am-12pm.

This is probably the best flea market I’ve attended in Malaysia, so far. None of those flea-market-but-actually-tudung-market. People actually sell good junk treasures.

Google map search: ‘Memory Lane Morning Market’

#8 – Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple (2+ hours)

It’s a temple. It’s a cave. It’s a park. It’s Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple!

If you’re the slightest bit interested in:

• Rock formations
• Stalactites and stalagmites
• Buddhist temples
• Miniature figurines of tiny people doing stuff
• Miniature stuff in general like bonsai and stuff
• Tame (?) geese (Disclaimer: results may vary)

Go here. Entrance is free, but donations encouraged.

Google map search: ‘Kek Lok Tong’

#9 – Gunung Lang Recreational Park (1+ hour)

Aka the cheapskate’s version of the Banjaran experience. Entrance is free, and you can purchase boat tickets to the attractions area, where apparently there’s a mini zoo.

Alternative: Sneak into The Haven. It’s a luxury condominium with hotel, and security is tight, but gosh if you can bullshit your way in, the view will take your breath away. Just say you want to go to the restaurant there or something.

Alternative if you’re ballin’: Have a couple thousand ringgit in loose change? Just go to The Banjaran. Even I haven’t been here, but I know people who do, and every time they talk about it they have this dreamy face on.

Google map search: ‘Gunung Lang Recreational Park’; ‘The Haven Resort Hotel & Resort Ipoh’ ; ‘The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat’

#10 – Bike along River Walk @ Kinta Riverfront Hotel (2+ hours)

Rent a bicycle (test it first, some are wonky) then just cycle around this area. It’s very cooling during late afternoons. Watch lovebirds whisper sweet nothings to each other. See a couple of displays about Ipoh’s mining past. If you’re lucky, you might find a couple doing their engagement/wedding shoot.

Google map search: ‘Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites’

#11 – Eat chicken wings at Wing Zone (1-2 hours)

I lol-ed before adding Wing Zone in this Ipoh day trip guide. Wing Zone is an American-style joint serving Americans-style buffalo wings, with celery and blue cheese dressing on the side. It’s ridiculous and slightly pricey, but it’s also delicious. The joint have non-stop MTV (or similar) music video channel and fast WiFi.

It’s worth a visit because it’s fun to choose between like a million flavours of chicken wings.

Google map search: ‘Wing Zone Wings Burger Flavor’ (??? but that’s what it says!)

#12 – Drive to Tanjung Rambutan and see the famous hospital (1-2 hours)

It’s really just another building, but you can’t help to be excited to be in Tanjung Rambutan because of its reputation as mental illness recovery area.

For you non-Malaysians, let me elaborate. It’s pretty common for parents to threaten to send misbehaving kids to the Tanjung Rambutan Hospital. I don’t know how this came about, but it’s just a place you hear about since you were little. If you tell Malaysians you visited here, they’ll get a good appreciative laugh out of it.

Google map search: ‘Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta’

#13 – Walk and eat at a local Ipoh pasar malam

I’m not familiar with ALL pasar malam in Ipoh and surrounding areas, but I know they have it nightly or almost nightly.

(Technically I should call this Ipoh night trip not Ipoh day trip, lol. Pasar malam starts from about 7pm until late.)

• Every night @ Gerbang Malam (Ipoh city centre)
• Tuesday @ Medan Ipoh (nearby AEON Kinta City Mall)
• Wednesday @ Stadium Perak
• Thursday @ Taman Perindustrian Tambun

Google map search: ‘Gerbang Malam’ ; ‘AEON Kinta City’ ; ‘Stadium Perak’ ; ‘Pasar Malam Taman Perpaduan’

Note: The days may change without notice, so if the info/location here is wrong let me know

What other things to do in Ipoh?

Hope you like these recommendations! Hope you will enjoy your Ipoh day trip, while you save up for international trips 🙂

For those of you who have been to Ipoh, what did you add in your Ipoh itinerary that is not included here? Please add in comments, would love to try your recommendations 🙂

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Didn’t know there was so much to do in Ipoh which I thought was sort of a sleepy town! Wish there were more pictures to satisfy my curiosity about these places though but nonetheless, I think I will find this very helpful should I visit soon =)

It was a sleepy town, but it’s changing. You should come before it gets too touristy :p

Before deciding to get all touristy, got any hotels to recommend that is value for money there?

I really enjoyed EFM Nature Homestay. Used to be mushroom farm. Last time they even sold DIY mushroom kits! http://www.everfreshmushroom.com/

Sy pon dari klang. Now kat vagas. But wantan mee tak bukak lagi. -.- sini the best wantan mee eva.

Great write ups and tips! Will definitely check it out this weekend!

Another things to do in Ipoh : – Cafe hunting (plan b,burps n giggles, hello elvis, konda kondi, thumbs, karat, petit mary patisserie, and so much more!) – trying ipoh famous food (the one and only nasi ganja-jln yang kalsom, nasi kandar, dim sum, funny mountain soya n tau fu fah, ipoh kacang putih, and more) – themepark (lost world of tambun (play until nite), banjaran hotspring, movie animation park studio (coming soon 2017)) – street art (ipoh town) – stay at hipster hotel (sekeping kong heng, M Boutique Hotel, cekodok regee dll) – walk around park at ipoh – padang polo and taman DR – nature (chepor waterfall, hutan simpan klebang siong at meru city, gua tempurung, water rafting at gopeng) – visit tea farm in ipoh! (Gaharu Tea Valley-worth visiting)

Thank you for the recommendations Azim!

I tried Konda Kondi, Thumbs and Karat – they’re all good. Particularly love the Mihun Briyani at Karat!

Friday pasar malam at first garden area.

A must visit place for the travel lovers.

Apparently im in the middle of listing down places to visit on my next vacay. Ipoh should be listed. Thanks Ms.Suraya, good write up.

‘Apparently’. You sound like you were just online and got sidetracked by vacation pics and just realised what you’re doing by the time you got to RoR. You’re welcome Azfar 🙂

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3 Days in Ipoh Itinerary: Cultural Escapes, Culinary Delights, and Nature Retreats

Your ultimate 3-day guide to exploring ipoh, malaysia.

Welcome to Ipoh, a city that effortlessly blends heritage with modernity, offering an enticing mix of cultural sights, delightful cuisine, and natural wonders. This guide will help you navigate through Ipoh’s charming neighborhoods and discover all you can enjoy over a 3-day visit.

Understanding Ipoh’s Rich Tapestry

Ipoh, the capital city of Perak, holds a special place in Malaysia’s rich mosaic of cities. Known for its colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and a thriving café scene, Ipoh is a testament to a history that spans the epochs. A former tin mining town, it has evolved into a tourism powerhouse where visitors can experience a slice of authentic Malaysian life.

Preparing for Your Journey

Before setting off to Ipoh, a few preparations are in order. Here’s what you need to know:

• Travel Essentials: Make sure your travel documents are updated and accessible. Malaysians will need their MyKad, and international travelers require a passport with at least six months of validity.
• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Ipoh is from June to August when the weather is dry, making it perfect for outdoor explorations.
• Getting There: Ipoh is well-connected by road, rail, and air. You can opt for a scenic train ride, a short flight from Kuala Lumpur, or a leisurely drive up the North-South Expressway.
• Getting Around: Ipoh’s points of interest are fairly spread out, so consider renting a car or using ride-sharing apps for convenience.

Day 1: Delve into Ipoh’s History and Culture

Start your Ipoh adventure by immersing yourself in the city’s history and culture.

Breakfast at a Traditional Kopitiam

Begin with a local breakfast at one of Ipoh’s traditional coffee shops or kopitiams, where you can indulge in Ipoh’s famous white coffee paired with kaya toast or soft-boiled eggs.

Ipoh Heritage Walk

Stroll through the old town and admire the melding of colonial and Chinese baroque architecture. Don’t miss landmark buildings like the Ipoh Railway Station and Birch Memorial Clock Tower.

Discover the Art of Old Town

Explore the labyrinth of laneways brimming with street art depicting scenes from local life. Commissioned from Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, these murals are a photo opportunity not to be missed.

Lunch at Concubine Lane

Dine amidst history at Concubine Lane, an area once frequented by the wealthy tin miners. Today, it’s a bustling spot filled with eateries and souvenir shops.

Day 2: Ipoh’s Natural Wonders and Culinary Highlights

On your second day, get ready to explore Ipoh’s natural landscapes followed by an afternoon and evening of delicious culinary delights.

Visit Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple

Start off with a serene visit to the Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, set within a stunning limestone cave. The surrounding gardens offer a tranquil escape and picturesque photo opportunities.

Admire the Views at Gunung Lang Recreational Park

Take in the scenic beauty of Gunung Lang Recreational Park, featuring a man-made lake bordered by towering limestone outcrops. A boat ride across the lake provides an up-close look at this natural wonder.

Lunch at Ipoh’s Famous Bean Sprout Chicken Restaurants

No visit to Ipoh is complete without tasting the famed Bean Sprout Chicken. Head to Lou Wong or Onn Kee for a succulent serving of this local favorite.

Tea Time at a Local Cafe

Ipoh is known for its vibrant café culture. Take a mid-day break in one of its many chic cafes and enjoy a cup of locally produced coffee or tea along with some delicious pastries.

Dinner and Shopping at Ipoh Night Market

Conclude your day with a visit to the Ipoh Night Market. Feast on a variety of street food and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs to remember your journey by.

Day 3: Leisure and Local Experiences

Your final day in Ipoh is a blend of leisure and engaging with local experiences.

Breakfast at a Dim Sum Restaurant

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at one of Ipoh’s renowned dim sum restaurants. Foh San and Ming Court are popular choices among locals and tourists alike.

Explore the Lost World of Tambun

Spend the morning at the Lost World of Tambun, a theme park set against a backdrop of natural hot springs and limestone hills. It’s the perfect place for families and adventure seekers.

Lunch at Ipoh Parade Mall

Enjoy a variety of lunch options available at Ipoh Parade Mall. With an array of local and international cuisines, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Relax at the Tambun Hot Springs

In the evening, unwind at the Tambun Hot Springs. The therapeutic waters are a wonderful way to relax your muscles after a few days of exploration.

Farewell Dinner at a Local Restaurant

For your last meal in Ipoh, choose one of the many local restaurants that serve an array of tantalizing dishes. Try signature dishes such as curry mee or nasi kandar to round off your culinary adventure.

Special Focus: Ipoh’s Culinary Delights

Ipoh is a haven for food lovers, boasting a culinary tradition that’s both rich and varied. Here’s a closer look at some must-try dishes and where to find them:

• Ipoh Bean Sprout Chicken: Renowned for its tender texture and unique flavor, it’s a dish best enjoyed at Lou Wong Tauge Ayam Kuetiau.
• Ipoh White Coffee: Aromatic and rich, Ipoh’s famed coffee can be sipped at Sin Yoon Loong Coffee Shop, the birthplace of white coffee.
• Dim Sum: For an early morning feast, Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum offers a wide selection of steamed and fried bites.
• Tau Fu Fah: This silky-smooth soybean dessert is a delight, especially at Funny Mountain Soya Bean, known for its creamy texture.

Immersive Local Experiences in Ipoh

To truly connect with Ipoh, engage with its people and participate in local activities. Here’s a snapshot of immersive experiences:

• Ipoh Heritage Trail: Take a self-guided walk through Ipoh’s historical core, learning about its tin mining past and colonial heritage.
• Traditional Markets: Visit Pasar Besar Ipoh in the morning to witness the hustle and bustle of daily life and local commerce.
• Arts and Crafts: Participate in a workshop at Ipoh Craftnerds to learn traditional crafts like batik painting or pottery.
• Local Festivities: Time your visit with cultural festivals like Thaipusam at Kallumalai Temple, where you can witness vibrant processions and devotional activities.

Eco-friendly Adventures in Ipoh

For the environmentally conscious traveler, Ipoh offers a variety of eco-friendly activities that allow you to explore while respecting nature:

• Gua Tempurung: Go spelunking in this impressive cave system and marvel at the eco-tourism efforts preserving its splendor.
• Bike Tours: Join a guided bicycle tour around Ipoh Old Town and its environs, a sustainable way to see the city’s sights.
• Organic Farms: Visit the Green Acres Orchard and Ecolodge to learn about sustainable farming and sample organic produce.
• Recycling Initiatives: Support local businesses that prioritize recycling and sustainability, found in many of Ipoh’s boutique cafes and shops.

Ipoh’s Nightlife: A Guide to Evening Entertainment

As the sun sets, Ipoh’s nightlife begins to stir. Here’s a peek at how to spend your evenings:

• Café Hopping: Ipoh’s café scene is vibrant at night. Try Plan B for a nightcap in a chic environment.
• Live Music Venues: Enjoy live music performances at establishments like The Warehouse or Bricks & Barrels.
• Night Markets: The Gerbang Malam Night Market is the perfect spot to shop, snack, and soak in local ambiance.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Your Ipoh Journey

As your 3-day excursion in Ipoh comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the memories you’ve created. Ipoh’s blend of history, culture, and nature, coupled with its culinary offerings, makes it a unique destination within Malaysia. We hope this guide helps you enjoy Ipoh to the fullest, and we look forward to welcoming you back to uncover even more of its treasures.

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• (3.96 km) Yuk Sou Hin
• (0.73 km) SeongWong Durian Stall
• (5.15 km) Ipoh World at Han Chin Pet Soo
• (2.44 km) Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple and Zen Gardens
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• (5.16 km) Ho Yan Hor Museum
• (6.18 km) Ipoh Secrets

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

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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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Dive Into Malaysia

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!

Related posts:

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.

Complete Ipoh Itinerary For Food, Day Trip, 2D1N & 3D2N (2024)

As one of the most populated cities in Malaysia, Ipoh has much to offer. And thus, there are many ways to fill your itinerary for Ipoh!

But if you only have a day or a few hours, have a look at our ready-made itinerary below!

This way, you won’t miss out on anything that you should see while you are here. We also have suggestions on what to do if you’re staying longer.

Table of contents:

• Itinerary Highlights
• Suggested Itinerary
• How Long Should You Stay In Ipoh?
• Accommodation In Ipoh
• Day Trips From Ipoh

1. Itinerary Highlights

These are the best of Ipoh attractions and the ones that are the most accessible too. You don’t necessarily need a car either. Although a car would be much more convenient (and comfortable).

And you best believe that there are tourists that come to Ipoh just for the food! In fact, locals from neighboring states often make a weekend excursion to Ipoh for this reason.

1.1. Ipoh Food

Steep competition guarantees an impressively high standard when it comes to the taste of Ipoh food.

Many hawker stalls are run by the owners themselves who have had years (sometimes, passed on from parents to children) to perfect their sole dish.

There is everything from:

• Kai se hor fun,
• Chee cheong fun,

And others!

Don’t know where to start? See a list of must-try food in Ipoh .

Keep your eyes peeled:

1.2. Ipoh Street Art/ Mural Lane

You’ll bump into a couple of these colorful wall murals in a stray alley or at the back of a building when you’re exploring Ipoh Old Town and Ipoh New Town.

There are particularly many instances of street art in Mural Art’s Lane : Jalan Masjid, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh,Perak

And if you want to see the ones painted by Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic , here are the ones to look out for:

• Old Town Relieves Nostalgia With Trishaw (Pictured below)
• A Yellow Hummingbird
• Kids Riding a Paper Plane
• An Old Uncle Drinking Coffee
• Evolution (Tin mining Dredge)

Read our detailed guide on street art in Ipoh .

1.3. Ipoh Heritage Walk/ Historical Buildings

Don’t forget to grab a map of the Ipoh heritage walk from the Tourist Information Centre in Ipoh! Or download the Ipoh heritage walk map from the Ipoh World website.

This walk will take you around all the buildings of historical significance in Ipoh.

Including a British-colonial building, Ipoh Railway Station, and other landmarks like the Birch Memorial Clock Tower .

Allow at least 1-2 hours to do this trail at a leisurely pace (not including time for a coffee break). For more details and photos, see our post on the Ipoh heritage walk .

• Start early in the morning (8am) or in the evening (6:30pm) to avoid the suffocating heat
• Bring drinking water and wear comfortable shoes and a hat

A unique feature of Ipoh:

1.4. Cave Temples

Ipoh is home to at least 20 of these wonderful temples that take advantage of the geographical features around them!

Some of these temples were built in the 1950s too.

The most notable temples to visit are:

• Perak Cave Temple
• Kek Lok Tong
• Sam Poh Tong

Check out our list of recommended cave temples to see in Ipoh .

2. Suggested Itinerary For Ipoh

Ipoh is a laidback city, and your itinerary should reflect this pace!

• Start the day with breakfast in a local kopitiam –  Try Ipoh white coffee!
• Go on the Ipoh heritage walk
• Visit a historical museum or antique gallery
• Stay cool in one of Ipoh’s many cave temples
• Try silky-smooth tau fu fah !
• See how Tambun pomelos are grown
• End the day with a roadside “snow beer”

If you can only afford a day to see Ipoh:

3.1. Ipoh Day Trip Itinerary

A day trip to Ipoh is common – many see Ipoh as a passing stop rather than the end destination.

What we have planned here assumes that you plan to walk for most of the day. And thus, the main highlight of this itinerary is  Ipoh Old Town .

Note: Parking in Ipoh Old Town is incredibly difficult and frustrating on a weekend!

The earlier you arrive, the better it is to avoid the afternoon heat!

• Arrive for breakfast or brunch at Nam Heong White Coffee  (or Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong) – try egg tarts and Ipoh White Coffee .

• Explore Concubine Lane and Kong Heng Square .
• Time Tunnel Musuem  is worth a peep. So is the Yasmin Ahmad Museum (in Book Xcess Kong Heng ).
• Spot some Ipoh street art by Ernest Zacharevic at Old Town too.

Note: Tours for Han Chin Pet Soo Museum must be booked in advanced!

• Have lunch at Thean Chun but prepare for a long wait for the kai se hor fun .
• Visit Han Chin Pet Soo museum (requires booking) for an eye-opener into Ipoh’s tin mining history. And while you’re here, check out Ho Yan Hor Museum  next door.

• Attempt the Ipoh Heritage Walk (e.g. Birch memorial clock tower, Ipoh railway station, Ipoh high court, St. Michael Old Building)
• Go for some local desserts – tau fu fah at Big Mom Beancurd or cendol at Deen CT Corner Cendol
• Or cool down at an Ipoh café (Pâtisserie BoutiQue or Aud’s Café)
• See some murals at Mural Art’s Lane
• Pick up salted chicken at Ayam Garam Aun Kheng Lim (Main Branch) first
• Shop for souvenirs (Sin Weng Fai Peanut Candy Shop, Guan Heong Biscuit Shop, Ching Han Guan 鍾漢元, Kedai Biskut Sin Eng Heong)
• Have dinner in Ipoh – Lou Wong’s chicken rice or Restoran Tuck Kee

• From 7 pm onwards, you can see the Gerbang Malam ( night market )

Want to see something less touristy with a local Ipoh-born guide to show you the way?

You can book a Ipoh private tour with RayTheTour through WhatsApp .

3.2. Ipoh 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary

2 days is the sweet spot for exploring Ipoh!

The itinerary here is a continuation of the 1-day itinerary above.

On the first day (night):

• Get supper or dessert (or both) at Tong Sui Kai
• Go shopping at Ipoh Parade shopping mall
• Check out Ipoh nightlife (Bricks & Barrels, Euro House, or  Fei Bo Snow beer)

There’s a whole medley of places to check out at night in Ipoh actually.

On the second day:

Wake up as early as you can.

• Try some Ipoh dim sum ( Restoran Chooi Yue Dim Sum  or Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum) !
• Alternatively, have a typical Malaysian breakfast at Moon De Moon (curry mee and kai se hor fun)

• Go see Perak Cave Temple (or Perak Tong) or Qing Xin Ling Leisure And Cultural Village (recreational park)

• For lunch, try Restoran Nasi Ayam Pak Kong, fish head noodles at 辉记石斑鱼头米粉 or Dai Shu Geok Big Tree Foot Yong Tau Foo

• Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring cave temples (Kek Lok Tong, Ling Sen Tong, Nam Thean Tong, and Sam Poh Tong)

• Dinner at a local food court Aneka Selera Kam Wan has a lot of food in one place (e.g., popiah, nasi lemak, etc)
• Or you can have dinner at this Chinese seafood restaurant,  Pusing Public Seafood Restaurant

As a further extension of the previous itinerary:

3.3. Ipoh 3 Days 2 Night Itinerary

Staying longer in Ipoh means more opportunities to try the food! And this is when you can start to get out of Ipoh to explore other places of interest.

On the second day (Night):

• Soak at the hot springs at Sunway’s Lost World of Tambun
• Or go for a massage at Thai Oasis (ICC Club)

On the third day:

You can easily spend the whole of this day at Sunway Lost World of Tambun! They have quite a substantial zoo that the kids will particularly enjoy!

Or you can do the following:

• Breakfast at Chang Jiang White Coffee
• Journey to Kellie’s Castle
• After visiting Kellie’s Castle, go for a tour at Tin Dredge No. 5 at Batu Gajah (call first)

Other morning activities:

• Hiking up Bukit Kledang
• Caving at Gua Tempurung
• White water rafting at Gopeng

• Have a seafood lunch at Tanjung Tualang village (Thong Lok Seafood Restaurant, Yew Kei Seafood Restaurant or Luen Fong Restaurant)
• Stop by the Kinta Tin Mining (Gravel Pump) Museum at Kampar
• HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley in Gopeng (Closed on Tuesdays, closes at 6pm on other days)
• Dinner At Yum Yum Restaurant Ipoh (Nyonya food) or Durbar

3. How Long Should You Stay In Ipoh?

Should you stay in Ipoh for a few hours? Or 2 days or 3 days?

1 day seems like you are just scratching the surface unless you’ll be in Malaysia for a while. Then, you can always make a trip to Ipoh when you have a day to spare.

However, if your passion is food, staying for 2 days will really allow you to try more of the local cuisine. And give your tummy time to digest!

But if you want to see something most first-time tourists don’t see, stay an extra day, and go beyond Ipoh Old Town!

Note: 3 days gives you enough time to explore more than just central Ipoh!

4. Transport

Ipoh is on the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia flanked by Penang, Pahang, and Selangor. The 3 neighboring states are linked by main highways making Ipoh highly accessible.

Especially if you have your own car!

But if you’re not driving to Ipoh, there are  3 main entry points  into Ipoh:

• AmanJaya Bus Terminal
• Ipoh Railway Station
• Ipoh Airport (Sultan Azlan Shah Airport)

It is possible to walk to Ipoh Old Town from Ipoh Railway Station if you don’t have much luggage weighing you down. And if you don’t mind the heat of the day.

As for the other two arrival points, you will need to rely on public or private transport .

But public transport involves waiting and it is not as flexible. So, we advise taking a private tour service to get around Ipoh. And the one we recommend is  RayTheTour .

You can book them on  WhatsApp .

We have individual and more detailed guides on how to get to Ipoh from Singapore. As well as how to get to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur. Or how to get to Ipoh from Penang.

5. Accommodation In Ipoh

As with the food industry, the hotel sector in Ipoh is equally competitive, which is good news for visitors!

5.1. Ipoh Hotel

There are  a lot of hotels in Ipoh . The ones below are close to Ipoh downtown where there are a lot of options for food.

5.1.1. Weil Hotel Ipoh

A modern hotel with contemporary rooms:

• Infinity pool overlooking Ipoh skyline
• Rooftop bar and restaurant (and other dining options)
• Connected to a shopping mall (Ipoh Parade)
• Close to Tong Sui Kai (Dessert Street)
• Covered and secure parking

Weil Hotel – Check Best Price On:

• Booking.com

Designed after a Bali-esque resort:

5.1.2. Ipoh Bali Hotel

Ipoh Bali Hotel is a little pricier than your average boutique hotel in Ipoh:

But they have an almost-perfect record for their reviews!

• In-house spa
• Delicious breakfast menu (local cuisine)
• Beautiful décor
• Quiet neighborhood
• Close to Secret Garden restaurant

Ipoh Bali Hotel – Check Best Price On:

5.1.3. Grayhaus Soho

Grayhaus Soho is budget-friendly and very comfortable if you don’t mind small spaces too much!

It’s also walking distance to Ipoh Old Town .

Note: Not convenient if you need to park your car

Grayhaus Soho – Check Best Price On:

More choices: 11 Exceptional Homestay In Ipoh

6. Day Trips From Ipoh

Make an Ipoh road trip since you are already here!

Cameron Highlands is usually the next destination for many Ipoh visitors:

6.1. Ipoh To Cameron Highlands

The journey from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands is doable at 2 hours if you don’t mind windy roads!

Duration: 2 hours’ drive or more under heavy traffic

Distance from Ipoh: 89.8km

Attractions to take note of:

• Hobbitoon Village – this one is new, and on the way to Cameron Highlands from Simpang Pulai
• Green View Garden – free entry
• Kea Farm Market
• Agro Market
• Sheep Sanctuary
• Lavender Farm
• Strawberry farms
• Cactus farms
• BOH Tea Plantation
• Mossy Forest (Gunung Brinchang)

Read also: Cameron Highlands Itinerary : Cameron Highlands One Day Trip, 2D1N & 3D2N Itinerary

Taiping is a short drive from Ipoh with a very different character:

6.2. Ipoh To Taiping

It’s even quieter here than in Ipoh and many of the attractions will delight nature lovers!

Duration: 1 hour drive

Distance from Ipoh: 68.6km

What are the top attractions:

• Taiping Lake Gardens
• Taiping Zoo
• Perak Museum
• Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill)

Read also: Orangutan Island: A Hidden Orangutan Sanctuary In West Malaysia

If you’re Malaysian, you should come over to Ipoh at least once! For foreigners, you can consider Ipoh a less commercial version of Penang but without the beaches and night clubs.

Instead, there are limestone hills, tin mining history, and cave temples. So, feel free to follow or alter our suggested itinerary plans for an Ipoh trip of your own!

Too long, didn’t read? Get our itinerary in PDF form for free when you sign up with us!

You may also like these posts:

• Penang Itinerary – How To Get The Most Out Of Your Penang Trip

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Rocky Farm: Ipoh Retreat With Traditional Japanese & Quirky Seashell Rooms Set Against Scenic Hills

Rocky Farm in Ipoh, Perak

Accommodations are merely a roof to sleep under for some travellers. But if you consider unique stays part of the fun of travelling, you might want to look out for places such as Rocky Farm in Ipoh.

Nestled in a hilly forest, this retreat has themed accommodations, including seashell-shaped and Japanese-style rooms. There are also fishing activities and a serene garden, in addition to scenic views of nearby mountains, so you can take a break from the everyday stresses of life, here in nature. 

Secluded retreat with Japanese-style homes

Tucked within the mountains of Ipoh, Perak, is Rocky Farm – a therapeutic retreat surrounded by lush greenery. It’s r un by a retired couple, who were inspired to build various themed rooms in a secluded area, so they could continue to ‘travel’ while retiring by a peaceful hillside.

For those looking for a staycay with overseas vibes, Rocky Farm and its various themed accommodations scattered around an emerald-green pond is open to guests too.

If you wish to travel to Japan without a passport, there are several Japanese-style   rooms at Rocky Farm. These accommodations are inspired by a ryokan – or a traditional Japanese inn – with its wooden exterior. Inside, you’ll find comfortable, modern furnishings including a large bed and a TV.

Surrounding these rooms is a Japanese-inspired garden with picturesque trees that adds to the zen vibes here.

Seashell-inspired homes and European villas

Another themed accommodation here is the Little Mermaid House – a wonderfully whimsical room with a ‘seashell’ roof. It’s reminiscent of this Seashell House in Mexico that has been enthralling mermaid fans around the world.  

There are two pristinely white seashell rooms at Rocky Farm that stand out amidst the lush greenery – one of them is a kitchen, and the other is a sanctuary with a comfortable bed and minimal decor items for guests to spend a night in.

You can also travel back in time by checking in at their European-style brick villa . These no-frills, yet comfortable and homey, rooms inside the castle-inspired building let guests have the experience of staying in a countryside cottage.

As the owners are particular about the privacy and safety of their guests, a booking must be made before your visit. Prices for a night’s stay ranges from RM168 to RM350 . They have a selection of 10 rooms to choose from – five Castle Rooms, four Japanese Rooms, and one The Little Mermaid room.

Activities in nature

While you’re here, you can also check out various laid-back activities in the great outdoors.

Try your hand at fishing in the scenic pond, hike through a nearby forest, or simply stroll along the garden area at Rocky Farm to sip up the serenity of the secluded retreat.

Those looking for a magical backdrop for events or photoshoots will be pleased to know that Rocky Farm also opens their space up for such purposes – but do ensure you contact the owners prior to visiting.

Nature retreat in Ipoh

If you’re looking for a remote staycation in the country, Rocky Farm in Ipoh lets you take your pick of themed accommodations – from a cosy European-style villa and a charming Japanese ryokan, to a quirky conch-shaped room.

So consider spending a night here while surrounded by sweeping mountain views and fresh air this weekend.

Address: Lot 14884, DAT Pulai Jaya 31300, Pulai Jaya 3, Taman Bersatu , 31300 Ipoh, Perak Opening hours: 24 Hours, Daily Contact: Rocky Farm  Facebook

Read more interesting features of places here: 

• Karuna Hill, durian orchard resort in Penang
• The Blue Mansion, a heritage boutique hotel in Penang
• Sea Horizon Resort, glamping resort with dome tents and sea views in Johor
• Hobbit Home in Sabah with views of Mount Kinabalu

Cover image adapted from: Booking.com , Rocky Farm Ipoh & Rocky Farm Ipoh

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Ipoh Itinerary – How Long Do You Need To See Ipoh?

Ipoh is a small city that is famous for its food, cave temples, history, and limestone hills. But how long does it take to see the best that Ipoh has to offer?

If you’re a foodie, we recommend staying a minimum of 2 days so that you have more opportunities to try the local food.

But it is possible to see Ipoh’s most famous attractions in a single day too. Keep reading and we’ll show you how!

Half Day In Ipoh

Only have a few hours in Ipoh? Then check out Ipoh Old Town . If you’re planning on picking up Ipoh souvenirs, you can get them at Ipoh New Town too.

Attractions to see in Ipoh Old Town include Ipoh Railway Station (just for photos), Concubine Lane and Han Chin Pet Soo Museum .

As for food, we recommend Kedai Makanan Nam Heong (typical local breakfast cuisine, Ipoh white coffee, and great egg tarts). Or Restoran Thean Chun for its authentic kai se hor fun .

Taking an e-hailing service will save valuable time having to find parking during peak times.

One Day In Ipoh

If you have a full day in Ipoh, you can afford to go a bit further than Ipoh Old Town.

Fill up the rest of the day with a trip to one of Ipoh’s recreational parks and many cave temples – we recommend Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village and Kek Look Tong.

A typical Ipoh day itinerary could be:

• 8am – Breakfast at Moon De Moon (kai se hor fun)
• 9am – Cycling at Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village
• 10am – Explore Concubine Lane , see some historical landmarks, and street murals
• 11am – Early lunch at Ipoh Old Town (Restoran Thean Chun)
• 12pm – Visit a museum (Han Chin Pet Soo) and shop for some souvenirs in Ipoh New Town (e.g., Ayam Garam Aun Kheng Lim, Sin Weng Fai Peanut Candy Shop, Sin Eng Heong biscuit shop)
• 2pm – Grab a coffee at an Ipoh café (Jalan Theatre Coffee), or try Ipoh tau fu fah (Woong Kee Beancurd on Taman Jubilee)
• 3pm – Visit Kek Look Tong or Perak Cave Temple . Or see the TT5 tin dredge.
• 5pm – Try some pomelos at Tambun Pomelo GoChin Agro Farm
• 6pm – Early dinner at Restoran Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau

If you want convenience and a local’s insight, you can consider a local tour service.

Two Days In Ipoh

With two days in Ipoh, you can afford to get up early for a filling dim sum breakfast (queues start early for Chooi Yue Dim Sum Ipoh.

After which, you can break up the above itinerary for a more relaxed pace . Or extend the above itinerary by adding even more cave temples . Or go café hopping in the afternoon as Ipoh has many charming cafes.

You can also go further from Ipoh to see the TT5 tin dredge, Kellie’s Castle , or Gua Tempurung.

And because you are staying in Ipoh for a night, you can check out the local night markets – there is usually one every day of the week.

Or go for snow beer and a late supper at Fei Bo Snow Beer Ipoh Garden East.

There are also the hot springs over at Lost World Tambun – these open in the evening and they have a mini zoo as well.

If you think you’ve had enough of Ipoh already, you can use your second day to make a day trip from Ipoh to either Taiping or Cameron Highlands.

Three Days In Ipoh

Three days is probably the longest you can stay in Ipoh before you start getting bored. You should have enough time to cover all the places mentioned in this post. And get a good nights’ rest too.

With three days, you can try even more food in Ipoh – there is a lot of good food outside Ipoh Old Town and Ipoh New Town.

Joining a tour and having a local guide show you their favorite spots is a great way of finding these lesser-known foodie jewels in Ipoh.

Some local favorites include the chee cheong fun at Pasir Pinji (Pasir Pinji Chee Cheong Fun) or the cendol at Gunung Rapat (Cendol Mari Gunung Rapat | Hawker Stall).

Plan your Ipoh itinerary well and you’ll be able to see the top attractions in a day. But as locals, we suggest staying longer than a day.

Because the unique attractions like the TT5 tin dredge are further away from Ipoh Old Town. You might also want to stay longer for the food!

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Parents could sue petting farm after 20 people fell ill after visit over Easter

Parents are considering legal action after 20 people including a one-year-old child fell ill at a petting farm .

People were hospitalised with sickness and diarrhoea symptoms after visiting Gannow Farm in Redditch, Worcestershire, over Easter 2024.

They were believed to have contracted an animal parasite called cryptosporidium after parents reported there was “faeces everywhere” at the farm.

The farm has since closed for the rest of 2024’s visiting season and is being investigated by the UK Health Security Agency.

Georgia Powell, four, has been unable to return to nursery after being struck down with severe sickness and diarrhoea.

She visited the petting farm, which offers cuddles with lambs and calves, with her mother Michelle on April 1 2024.

‘There were too many people’

Mrs Powell, 41, said: “Easter Monday was meant to be a fun day out for Georgia to see the farm animals. I never dreamt it could turn into such a nightmare.

“To see your four-year-old so sick was devastating.”

Mrs Powell said she noticed issues with the farm on arrival.

She said: “It was obviously busy that day and I thought at the time there were too many people for each slot with the animals and not a lot of supervision.

“The lambs looked lethargic and unwell compared to previous visits and their faeces were everywhere, including the bails of hay set out for sitting on.

“There were so many in those pens that day that I’m not surprised to hear we’re not alone in having fallen sick.”

Mrs Powell is one of several affected people who are being supported by Irwin Mitchell law firm.

Another is Danielle Southern whose daughters Sienna-Mai, nine, and Darcie, three, both fell ill after visiting on April 2.

Sienna-Mai was admitted to Birmingham Children’s hospital to be treated with anti-sickness and rehydration medication.

Ms Southern said: “This was one family day out we’ll always remember for all the wrong reasons.

“When the girls fell ill it was a huge concern and we’re all continuing to live with the effects weeks later.”

Infection can prove fatal

Jatinder Paul, specialist public health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is supporting the families, urged anyone else affected to contact her.

She said: “Parasitic infections like cryptosporidium can be very serious, particularly for the most vulnerable such as older adults or young children and in some cases can prove fatal.”

In a Facebook post, the farm said: “We at Gannow Farm take the welfare of our visitors very seriously and for that reason we have decided to close for the remainder of the 2024 Farm Experience.

“This is a decision taken by the team and not by governing bodies, however we are working closely with them as always.

“All bookings for April 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st will be fully refunded, please bear with us while we work through this difficult time.

“We would like to wish anyone that is poorly a speedy recovery.”

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Senate hopeful’s claims about ‘growing up on a farm’ draw scrutiny

By Steve Benen

In Montana, Republican Senate hopeful Tim Sheehy realizes that he’s running in a rural state against incumbent Sen. Jon Tester, who has a lot of experience as a farmer. It’s probably why the GOP challenger has told voters that he grew up “rural Minnesota,” adding, “[A]lthough we were not farmers, I grew up in an old farmstead and we were surrounded by farmland.”

A Daily Beast report recently called these details into question, noting that Sheehy actually grew up in an expensive home in suburban St. Paul and attended an elite private high school.

But as it happens, Sheehy isn’t the only Republican Senate candidate who’s made curious claims about a rural past.

In Pennsylvania, Dave McCormick is a very wealthy, Connecticut-based former hedge fund CEO, though he wants voters to believe he’s a man of humble origins. The candidate has spoken and written, for example, about “growing up on a farm” and starting with "nothing."

The New York Times reported , however, that the available evidence suggests that McCormick “has given a misleading impression about key aspects of his background.”

He has explicitly said and strongly implied that he grew up on a farm, claimed in 2022 that he had “started with nothing” and that he “didn’t have anything,” and he and his campaign have recently described his parents as schoolteachers. In fact, Mr. McCormick is the son of a well-regarded college president who later became chancellor of higher education systems in Pennsylvania and Minnesota. He largely grew up in the president’s sprawling hilltop residence, which students called the president’s mansion, at what is now Bloomsburg University.

The Times’ report , which has not been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News, added that the Republican’s family did own a farm, which the candidate described as the “McCormick Tree Farm” in a holiday-themed ad during his first unsuccessful Senate campaign. But the farm was “also often known locally as a place where his mother raised Arabian horses,” which was “something of a family hobby , according to local news reports from the 1970s and ’80s.”

There appears to be a disconnect, in other words, between McCormick’s claims about starting “with nothing” and his actual family background.

The point isn’t that there’s something wrong with the candidate’s personal history, and there’s no reason to criticize McCormick for being the son of a college president and someone who raised Arabian horses. Plenty of senators have grown up in privileged families and gone on to champion the interests of working people.

It becomes a political problem, however, when political candidates pretend to be something they’re not.

For his part, the GOP candidate issued a statement describing discrepancies in his personal narrative as “hair-splitting, frivolous, cherry-picked distortions of what I have always said.” This defense seems unlikely to stop a barrage of Democratic criticisms.

Primary Day in Pennsylvania is today. McCormick is running unopposed and is slated to face incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey in the fall.

Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor. He's also the bestselling author of "The Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics."

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Free farm and ag law clinics set for may.

Free legal and financial clinics are being offered for farmers and ranchers across the state in May. The clinics are one-on-one in-person meetings with an agricultural law attorney and an agricultural financial counselor. These are not group sessions, and they are confidential.

The attorney and financial advisor specialize in legal and financial issues related to farming and ranching, including financial and business planning, transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, debt structure and cash flow, agricultural disaster programs, and other relevant matters. Here is an opportunity to obtain an independent, outside perspective on issues that may be affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Dates

• Thursday, May 2 — Fairbury
• Wednesday, May 15 — Norfolk
• Thursday, May 16 — Valentine

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258 .

Funding for this work is provided by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska .

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