A typical Malaysian holiday starts in Kuala Lumpur and takes you to the most popular places like Georgetown, Penang, and Genting Highlands. However, not many people know that Malaysia is more than just these popular locations. In fact, you would be surprised to find several interesting attractions in the capital city of Perak, Ipoh. Endowed with natural beauty and home to several historical buildings and cave temples, spending your holiday in Ipoh would be nothing more than magical. If you are about to visit Malaysia, book your Malaysia visit visa and do take the time to visit Ipoh and check out at least a few of the best things to do here.
Places To visit In Ipoh
1. Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple
The stunning and fascinating Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple is situated in Ipoh’s Gunung Rapat. The temple, also called Kek Look Tong, is surrounded by enormous limestone caverns that are home to numerous metal statues of Taoist and Buddhist figures. The award-winning landscape gardens inside the cave are another feature.
2. Lost World of Tambun
The Lost World of Tambun is a theme park in Sunway City. It is well-known for its seven exciting park attractions. It has natural hot springs and tropical jungles that date back 400 million years. It pays homage to Ipoh’s industrial and environmental past.
3. Concubine lane
Adorably charming, small Concubine Lane is bordered by vintage Chinese shophouses with exquisite tiles and shutters. Chic boutiques, intriguing antique stores, and an endless supply of cafes serving Ipoh’s signature white coffee may all be found.
The road is less busy during the week, but it’s especially enjoyable to visit on the weekends when stalls offering local delicacies and souvenirs are set up. This area’s rich history and vintage charm should not be missed!
4. Art of Oldtown
The seven stunning murals that makeup Art of Oldtown are dotted across the town of Ipoh. The town’s history, culture, and local flair are glimpsed in the stunning three-dimensional wall paintings known as murals. Among these seven murals are the following: 13 Trishaw garbage collector (Concubine Lane 3), 8 Uncle drinking coffee (Jalan Bandar), 9 Paper plane (Jalan Tun Sambanthan), 5 packets of kopi-O (Jalan Tun Sambanthan), Hummingbird (Jalan Panglima), Evolution (Jalan Bijeh Timah), and Girl and sparrows (painted over, no longer existing) (Jalan Bandar Timah).
Where to eat in Ipoh
The “forgotten food city of Malaysia” is Ipoh. And it’s hardly surprising considering the variety of delicious foods you can find here. Coffee beans are marinated in margarine to make white coffee, an Ipoh creation. You must try the traditional chicken and bean sprouts from Lou Wong while visiting Ipoh. Among the greatest things to do in Ipoh is to sample the food here. Here lie some of the most delightful destinations to indulge in culinary pleasures:
- Jeff’s Cellar
- Indulgence restaurant
- Vegan Delights Cafe
- Old Town Kopitiam
- Tiffin restaurant
Best Experiences and Activities in Ipoh
1. Take a Heritage Walk
Ipoh was a colonial city and you can see a mark of the colonial past in many of its buildings. The Ipoh Heritage Trail would take you through the area in the city that houses almost 30 of these colonial buildings and other attractions. You would also get to check out several Chinese buildings that were built around the 1930s during the tin rush. An old town railway station, City Hall, Ipoh tree, Ipoh Mosque, etc. are some of the things that you would get to see during the tour. Go for a guided tour if you want to know all about the heritage buildings of Ipoh. On the other hand, the self-guided version is the best for those who want to explore the place in their own sweet time.
2. Stroll around Kellie’s Castle
Imagine a Scottish castle right in Malaysia! In reality, you do not need to imagine it. On the other hand, you can visit Kellie’s Castle, a colonial castle built by William Kellie Smith. In fact, Kellie’s Castle is one of the many castles in Malaysia. Made of bricks and marble and surrounded by lush greenery, this castle looks straight out of Scotland. Although the castle was never completed (as Mr. Smith died before that), the castle is said to be home to underground tunnels, hidden rooms, passages, etc. Apart from all this, locals believe that the castle is haunted. In short, it would be interesting to visit Kellie’s Castle.
3.Have a Picnic at D.R. Seenivasagam Park
A picnic during your holiday in Ipoh would be a perfect way to relax and unwind. Head to D.R. Seenivasagam Park, a recreational park that was opened in 1969. Complete with greenery, playgrounds, picnic areas, football fields, and even a Japanese garden with a lake, the park is absolutely stunning. You can have a picnic, bike around the park, play ball games, or simply relax. Remember to take your camera as you will get to click some amazing pictures.
4.Visit the Beautiful Cave Temples
The cave temples are surely some of the best attractions of Ipoh and visiting them should definitely be on your itinerary. There are majorly four cave temples namely Perak Tong, Kek Lok Tong, Sam Poh Tong, and Ling Sen Tong. Visit Long Sen Tong Temple for its sheer size and the numerous sculptures of Chinese deities and Chinese legendary figures. Do not miss the manicured garden inside the temple complex where you can mediate or just sit and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the place. Alternatively, the Sam Poh Yong has some amazing artwork and statues of Buddha that are worth seeing.
5. View the Birch Memorial Clock Tower
You would see the Birch Memorial Clock Tower if you choose to take the Heritage Trail. However, if you do not, do take the time to visit this place. Painted in black and white, this clock tower was built in memory of J.W.W. Birch, who was one of the first inhabitants of Ipoh. Apart from the huge clock, the tower has four figures that stand for the virtues and values of the British government. You would also find a mural containing 44 historical figures including Shakespeare, Darwin, Buddha, etc.
6. Have Fun at Lost World of Tambun
When you travelling with kids, you would want to do something that would keep them entertained, and the Lost World of Tambun is the answer for the same. One of the best theme parks in Ipoh, it is not only large but filled with several amazing attractions. You can visit the water park, amusement park, Lost World Hot Springs, Lost World Petting Zoo, etc. There is also a spa inside the theme park where you can relax while getting a massage. The theme park is also home to The Lost World Hotel, which is a luxury resort.
7. Go for White Water Rafting at Gopeng Rainforest
If you love adventure, white water rafting at Gopeng Rainforest would surely be the best. You would go rafting on River Kampur while enjoying the gorgeous views of the rainforest and its waterfalls. Most of the river rafting tours come with a guide who would talk to you about safety and other important stuff. Apart from river rafting, Gopeng town is a great place to enjoy a picnic before or after your adventure. River rafting in Gopeng town takes around 3-4 hours and is definitely worthwhile.
8. Shop at the Markets of Ipoh
Your holiday in Ipoh cannot be complete without shopping, and the city offers a lot of avenues for the same. You would find several flea and street markets in the city from where you can buy gifts and souvenirs at great prices. Memory Lane in Jalan Lim Bo Seng is known for its Sunday flea market where you can buy local antiques, furniture, trinkets, jewelry, etc. at great prices. Do not forget to bargain. There is also the Night Market, which is a great place to buy electronics, computer accessories, etc. Even if shopping is not on your agenda, visit these places to enjoy their vibe.
9. Admire the Street Art
Malaysia is one of the hotspots for street art. Just like Penang and Georgetown also has its share of street art. The main difference is that Ipoh is not as famous as the other cities and hence you can enjoy viewing the street art without the presence of too much crowd. These murals or wall art are the works of the artist Ernest Zacharevic and are truly beautiful. Check out for the Uncle holding a coffee cup, the hummingbird, etc. Checking out the street art would give you a glimpse of the unique and peculiar culture of the city.
10. Indulge in the Cuisine
Just like every other Malaysian city, Ipoh has its own take on Malaysian cuisine. What’s more? It is one of the best places to indulge in lip-smacking food. Right from momos to Ipoh chicken rice and shredded chicken noodles (Gai Si Hor Fun), the food in Malaysia is truly mouth-watering. One of the things that you have to try when in the city is the Ipoh White Coffee. The coffee beans are first roasted using palm oil margarine and seeped in milk to make this delicious brew. The roasting process makes the coffee beans a little less bitter. Although you may have a different way of having your coffee, you must definitely try this delicacy at the Old Town White Coffee.
Apart from these 10 best things to do in Ipoh, the city offers several other interesting attractions. All you need to do is find time in your itinerary and visit Ipoh to check out the things that truly interest you.