Things To Do in Ipoh
Always in the shadow of Penang, Ipoh is underestimated for many things. For instance, Ipoh is known in Malaysia for its terrific food and is worth visiting for this alone! Spend one or two days, but only if it fits in your itinerary.
1. Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple
A short 10-minute drive from the town is the extraordinary Gunung Rapat Limestone Hills, which are home to many temples. One of the most interesting is the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, a beautiful Chinese Buddhist temple built into the limestone.
The temple is picture-perfect, set amongst beautiful gardens and pools. The entryway leading through a cave comes out into an open space in between the limestone.
A stunning temple painted in reds and oranges touched by the rays of the sun. It is believed to be the biggest cave temple in the country and a great thing to do in Ipoh.
There are plenty of other temples to see in the area such as:
- Ling Sen Tong Temple
- Kwan Yin Tong Temple
- Kek Look Tong Cave Temple
2. Walk down Concubine Lane
Concubine Lane is a cute, narrow lane flanked by old-style Chinese shophouses, complete with shutters and beautiful tiles. You can find trendy boutiques, fascinating antique shops, and countless cafes selling Ipoh’s traditional white coffee.
Great from Ipoh: Do a day trip to the Cameron Highlands
The lane is less crowded during the week but is most fun to visit at the weekend when stalls are set up selling souvenirs and typical foods of the area. The old charm and vibrant history of this area are not to be missed!
3. Tasik Cermin (‘Mirror Lake’)
Experience Ipoh’s best-hidden gems: a secret lake named Tasik Cermin. The lake’s setting, surrounded by limestone karsts, is truly unique and has been given the nickname ‘Mirror Lake’.
Update: Due to increasing popularity, there’s now an official entrance building selling tickets at 4 RM per person. Open daily from 9 AM-6 PM.
It is located close to the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple. To enter the cave, you have to pass an abandoned house and follow a narrow path until you see your right cave entrance. Walk through the limestone rock tunnel that brings you out on the edge of this exceptionally peaceful part of nature.
Discover: Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur
We spotted a group of wild beavers swimming around and making noises that echo through the entire nirvana. Sadly, despite the peace here, the lake is under threat from the extraction of limestone, which is slowly getting closer to its boundaries.
To get out to the temples and the limestone hills, it is best to take a ‘Grab’ taxi and ask/pay him to wait.
See the 2-week Malaysia Travel Route
4. Kong Heng Flea Market
The Kong Heng Square market is a small crafts bazaar and flea market in the city center. This space is creatively decorated and has a fun walk-through. The market is located behind the Plan B restaurant and is open daily between 10 AM and 5 PM.
5. Ipoh Railway Station
The Ipoh railway station, built in the typical colonial-style architecture of the time, opened in 1917 and still stands out over 100 years later! It is a fully functioning station, with many trains running daily to numerous destinations throughout Malaysia. If you’re planning on visiting Penang, Ipoh Railway Station has fast trains to Butterworth throughout the day (once you’re at Butterworth, change onto a ferry for Penang).
Tip: If you are interested in the history of Ipoh, the Heritage Trail (a short walk designed to encounter all the key sites of the old town) starts here at Ipoh Railway Station. (MAP)
6. Street Art (Mural Art’s Lane)
If the street art around Concubine Lane left you wanting more, then Mural Art’s Lane should be your next stop! The lane, running between the main roads Jalan Sultan Iskandar and Jalan Masjid, is home to dozens of murals that brighten up the houses’ walls. Most are painted by Ernest Zacharevic, who has had many successes as a street artist in Penang.
Tip: Follow the Mural Art trail (get a map at Ipoh Tourist Information Centre) to find the locations of various works of art throughout town.
7. Memory Lane Flea Market (Sundays only)
If possible, plan your itinerary so that your time in Ipoh falls over a weekend. Although the streets will be busier, you’ll get the opportunity to see the renowned Memory Lane Flea Market, which only takes place on Sundays.
The market takes up the entire street’s entire length, with vendors laying out endless treasures, from vintage records to antique typewriters. Have fun trying to drive a hard bargain here and leave Malaysia with some amazing artifacts and memoirs.
9. Climb to the viewpoint of the Perak Tong Cave Temple
Enter the small passage between the limestone of the Perak Tong Cave Temple. Inside opens up into an enormous space with a 12-meter-high Buddha statue.
Getting to Ipoh
As a stopover before the Cameron Highlands or Penang, Ipoh is simply perfectly located. Both buses and trains run regularly to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur and take 2.5-3 hours.
From Ipoh, you can take a bus to the Cameron Highlands, a bus to Penang, or a 2-hour train to Butterworth (for a ferry connection to Penang).
Alternatively, for the ultimate freedom and flexibility, you can rent a car to explore Ipoh and the surrounding area.
We recommend to rent a car in Malaysia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to eat in Ipoh
Many specialties exist in Ipoh, such as its sweet white coffee, varieties of dim sum, and famed egg custard tarts, yes, the same one as the Pasteis de Belem from Lisbon!
Where to stay in Ipoh
There is a diverse range of budget hostels to luxury resorts within Ipoh, set within the town’s bustling center or set amongst the serene nature.
As a recommended stay in Ipoh is around 2 days, it’s best to situate yourself in one of the many good quality guest houses within the old town as a base to explore.
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