Take full advantage of Instagram worthy Ipoh and grab some lovely photos while you are here for the food (well, aren’t you?)!
The thirst is real if you go seeking out any of these spots, why not check out these Ipoh cafes too? Or try some Ipoh’s famous white coffee?
Table of Contents
- Market Lane & Concubine Lane (Panglima Lane)
- Plan B & Kong Heng Square
- [email protected]
- Luminous Forest (Lost World of Tambun)
- The Haven Resort
- Ipoh Art Murals
- Book Xcess (in Instagram worthy Ipoh)
- Burps & Giggles
- Opëam
- Sam Poh Tong
- Petit Mary Patisserie
- Ipoh Town Hall
- Purple Moon Lover
- Weil Hotel (Rooftop)
- Ipoh Railway Station
- Kinta Riverfront
- Tasik Cermin
- Gunung Lang Recreational Park
- Kellie’s Castle
- TT5 Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge
- Qin Xing Ling (Serene Hill)
- HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley
- Catch A Toy x Rainbow Box
- The Narrow Alley @ De Café & Rest House
- Kinta Heights
- Seong Man
- TidoFish
- Victoria Bridge
- Belum Rainforest Resort
29 Gorgeous Instagram Worthy Ipoh Spots
1. Market Lane & Concubine Lane (Panglima Lane)
First, let’s start with the most obvious one!
The colorful stores and decorations around this particular alley in Ipoh Old Town make a beautiful background for any photo!
Some maneuvering will be necessary though since this is also the most happening spot for tourists!
Address: Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Don’t forget to check out Market Lane (or Second Concubine Lane) for the colored umbrellas!
2. Plan B & Kong Heng Square
Second on this list, is Kong Heng Square.
This is also where you can find Ipoh’s trendiest cafe, Plan B.
Plan B’s modern industrial exterior goes well together with its surroundings – the grungy brick walls with overgrown vegetation.
Besides searching for the best angle for your Instagram photos, you can have a look at the stalls set up outside of Plan B.
Address: Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
3. [email protected]
Originally an abandoned shop lot, this new hipster cafe is making a name for itself in Tambun area.
The exterior as well as the interior is an eclectic but sensual mix of grunge and industrialist elements!
Every angle of the cafe could potentially be a good background for a portrait photo!
It looks good in the daytime and night time!
Address: No 1 & 13, Jalan Besar Tambun, Kampung Lata, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 11am – 11pm (Closed on Mondays)
Cuisine: Malay (halal)
Contact: +017-553 5074
Remarks: Live band performances on Friday and Saturday night!
Explore more Ipoh hipster cafes!
4. Luminous Forest (Lost World of Tambun)
Ever heard of the Penang Avatar Secret Garden that is inspired by one of the scenes in James Cameron’s 2009 movie, Avatar?
Well, this is the equivalent of that place but in Ipoh!
Note: It’s not free to enter since it’s in Sunway’s Lost World of Tambun water park.
Address: 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway, Sunway City, 31150 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 8pm – 10pm
Contact: +605-540 8888
5. The Haven Resort
Possibly the most expensive place you can go to get a good photo for your Instagram feed:
The Haven Resort is a world-class 5-star resort situated in Tambun.
Location-wise, it’s quite a distance from the city but that is completely compensated:
By the incredible views due to the close proximity of the resort to the surrounding limestone hills!
Of course, you will have to be a guest to take advantage of the infinity pool that overlooks the lake and Rock Haven (the gigantic rock feature that sits on the edge of the lake).
Address: Jalan Haven, Persiaran Lembah Perpaduan, 31150 Ipoh, Perak
Phone: +605-540 0000
Price range: Costs about RM300-500 for night for 2 people
Read also: 7 Best Ipoh Massage Spa Centre To Get A Relaxing Body Massage
6. Ipoh Art Murals
Heaps of murals to choose from in Ipoh Old Town:
Some are 3D but most are 2D and usually feature something ubiquitous in Malaysian culture – either in the past or the present times.
But mostly in the past:
Here are some popular places to get you started:
- Mural Art’s Lane: Jalan Masjid, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
- Old Town Relieves Nostalgia with Trishaw: http://bit.ly/2Zs1GpS
- A Yellow Hummingbird: 37, Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Kopi-O: 73, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Kids Riding a Paper Plane: http://bit.ly/2IPK1CW
Read more: Ipoh Street Art: A Must-do In Ipoh (Mural Art Includes Where To Find Them)
7. Book Xcess (in Instagram worthy Ipoh)
Kong Heng Square‘s latest addition is BookXcess Kong Heng.
The first Ipoh outlet for this bookstore chain officially opened on 11 April, 2019.
Tinted windows hide a quirky interior inside the bookstore!
Books are stacked on cinder block shelves and neon lights guide visitors down into the basement:
Where (surprise!) more books are hidden away in the building’s old bank vaults and security deposits!
Keen photographers and Instagram models will have a blast finding photo angles here!
Don’t forget to check out the “peephole” outside the shop entrance!
Address: 91, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
Opening hours: 8am to 10pm
8. Burps & Giggles
One of the best Ipoh cafes that you may stumble upon is Burps & Giggles!
They have delicious food here and a very charming interior that can only be described as eccentric!
Feel free to get snap-happy here!
Address: 93-95, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
Opening hours: 9am to 9pm (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Cuisine: Western
Read also: 11 Exceptional Homestay In Ipoh
9. Opëam
Set in a renovated house close to Ipoh’s De Gardens:
Opëam provides a kind of luxury that has none of the typical relaxed Ipoh vibes.
The modern white facade gives way to a cozy interior peppered with slim dark furniture.
Strategic lighting in the restaurant provide a challenge for portrait photography – a play of light and shadows!
Address: 28, Lebuh Hock Lee, Taman Hock Lee, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Cuisine: Western
Opening hours: 6pm to 12am (closed on Wednesdays)
Remarks:
- Reservations are necessary for the weekend or public holidays
- Their “skinny” pizzas and truffle come highly recommended
- On the pricey side
10. Sam Poh Tong
Ipoh’s oldest (and highly photogenic) limestone cave temple can be found in Gunung Rapat along with some other temples.
At the front of the temple is a beautiful garden and pond and you may well spend a few minutes here!
Your very first up and close look of Sam Poh Tong temple will be the grand archway before the temple entrance:
Step through the cooler interior of the temple, past the limestone cave altars and out through a tunnel:
The first thing you will notice is the turtle sanctuary on the right:
But on the left, is a splendid red temple against the face of a limestone hill!
And while you can’t go inside, you can still take some photos of it!
Read more: 5 Popular Hot Spring Locations In Perak
11. Petit Mary Patisserie
It’s hard to believe that this cute fairytale-esque pastry shop exists in Instagram worthy Ipoh!
Pastel blue windows and doors makes this cafe rather appealing:
The shop looks like it could fit right in on an European street!
This adorable pastel theme extends right inside the cafe as well.
They have pretty good food and a satisfying spread of baked goods that will entice you to come again!
Address: 83, Jalan Langsat, Taman Teh Teng Seng, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Cuisine: Western, vegetarian options, Asian fusion
Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am – 8 pm
Remarks:
- Crowded on weekends
- Open air carpark
12. Ipoh Town Hall
Instagram worthy Ipoh has a few of these British colonial beauties around Ipoh Old Town area.
Be sure to stop by Dewan Bandaraya Ipoh (Ipoh town hall) for a quick photo!
Go around the building to find some interesting angles!
Come back at night for an entirely different atmosphere when the building is lit up!
13. Purple Moon Lover
Another hipster cafe on this list:
Purple Moon Lover is away from Ipoh Old Town and in the quiet neighborhood of Canning Garden.
It sticks out from its neighbors because it looks very much like it was designed by Ikea with a modern and Scandinavian look to it!
There’s plenty of room inside the cafe but most people gravitate towards the seats in front of the giant wall length window!
Which is not big deal since every angle of the cafe seems to made for Instagram!
This is a great place to catch up with friends over some affordable food and drinks.
Best enjoyed in the morning or afternoon (high tea).
If their pastry selection looks familiar:
It’s because they get their supply from their other branch, Petit Mary Pattiserie!
Address: 53, Jalan Lee Kwee Foh, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
Cuisine: Japanese
Opening Hours: Daily 9 am – 9 pm
Read more: 15 Best Breakfast In Ipoh: Recommended By A Local!
14. Weil Hotel (Rooftop)
Of course you will have to be a guest at this fancy hotel to use their exclusive infinity pool:
But you can still go up to the roof if you have something to eat or drink at The Deck Gastrobar (Weil’s rooftop restaurant):
You can see Ipoh’s skyline and more importantly, the limestone hills in all their glory from the top of Weil hotel!
It’s very romantic up here – especially at night. Why not take a special someone up here?
Deck Gastrobar
Opening hours: 5pm-1am
Weil Hotel
Address:292, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Price range: RM200-250/night for 2 people
There are a couple of other Ipoh boutique hotels that are Instaworthy too!
15. Ipoh Railway Station
Do not leave Instagram worthy Ipoh without having a look at its most famous landmark, the train station!
A little rundown in some corners but the stark white building is still an exceptional vision with its British-colonial architecture and pleasurable symmetry!
The garden in front is tended with great effort:
If you have time to spare, it’s worth taking some time to appreciate it!
Address: Stesen KTM Ipoh, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
16. Kinta Riverfront
Unless you’ve already been to an I-city before (like the one in Shah Alam):
Kinta Riverfront is a welcome venue for an evening stroll.
LED trees in almost-fluorescent colors light both sides of the river – don’t forget to bring a tripod to help stabilize your shots!
To make things more interesting, there are bicycles here that you can rent on the spot!
Update: The buzz (and some of the lights) at Kinta Riverfront have faded. However, it’s still a pretty place to take photos in the day time
Address: Jalan Lim Bo Seng, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
17. Tasik Cermin
Next on the list, is Instagram worth Ipoh’s very own mirror lake, Tasik Cermin!
Fair warning if you plan to come here:
It’s not an official tourist spot and hence, there is no one responsible for its upkeep.
How do you get to Tasik Cermin?
You can rely on Google Maps to find this place!
Just note that the site of this stunning hidden lake is in a quarry:
So expect a narrow dirt road in and a sketchy entrance by means of a dark tunnel.
There are 2 paths to the entrance:
- Via the quarry site (which is sometimes closed)
- Or past the white, abandoned house to the right before the quarry site
Read more about Ipoh Mirror Lake.
18. Gunung Lang Recreational Park
Gunung Lang Recreational Park is a detour from the North-South Express highway but you can also get there from Ipoh town via Jalan Kuala Kangsar.
The peaceful scenery is reason enough to go but there are also some family-friendly activities to do here!
Most people will queue up to take a photo with the man-made waterfall by the Gunung Lang sign.
But try to be creative with your photos! Look for unusual ways to frame your subject!
Address: Gunung Lang Recreational Park, Jalan Damai, 30100 Ipoh, Perak
Cost:
- Free if you don’t cross the lake or buy food to feed the fish.
- Boat ride is RM3/adult and RM1.50/child or senior citizen.
- Fish food costs RM1 while bread for the fish costs RM2.
Opening hours: 8am to 7pm (except on Fridays when it closes by 4pm)
More on visiting Gunung Lang Recreational Park.
19. Kellie’s Castle
Go as early as you can (admission hours start at 9am) to this elegant relic to avoid the fierceness of the midday sun!
There are dozens of different photo spots that you can find throughout the castle!
Tips:
- There are no fans or aircon here!
- Bring some drinking water along to keep cool if you plan to stay longer to get those shots!
- A reflector might come in handy to take photos at the darker corners of the castle!
If you have no fear of heights, you can climb onto the roof!
Address: Kellie’s Castle, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak
Cost: Admission fee is RM 4 for Malaysian adults. And RM 5 for foreigners.
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm on most days except on Saturday (8:45am to 7pm)
Remarks: Food court and a carpark are available
20. TT5 Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge
Yet another Instagram worthy Ipoh spot, the TT5 Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge is the last of its kind that still stands in Perak.
A picture with this unique 80 year old relic of Ipoh’s glorious tin mining past can certainly help you make your Instagram feed stand out!
Proceeds go fully to the maintenance and restoration of the dredge (it’s currently sinking under its 4.5 ton weight!).
Address: 9th KM, Jalan Tanjung Tualang, 31000 Batu Gajah, Negeri Perak
Cost: Admission and tours is RM10 (locals) and RM20 (foreigners)
Operating Hours: 9am – 6pm (Closed every Tuesday)
21. Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village
Moving on, what’s not to like about this place?
Admission isn’t free but you get to use their bicycles and straw hats!
Beautiful limestone scenery and historical set ups with nostalgic antiques (that date back to the 60’s and 70’s) are scattered around the park:
Bring your friends or family and have a blast!
Address: 22A, Persiaran Pinggir Rapat 5a, Taman Saikat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
Entrance fee: RM10/pax (including parking fee)
Opening hours: 9:30am to 5pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: +6016-559 3499
Remarks:
- Tickets are sold at the Kota furniture shop (syarikat perabot KOTA) outside of the park entrance.
- It is less crowded (and less hot) in the morning when the place just opens (at 9:30am)
- Call before you go in case they are closed or are full!
22. HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley
Nature lovers will love the Cameron Highlands look and feel (minus the cool temperature) of this place in Instagram worthy Ipoh!
There are 3 sections to the plantation:
- The cafe with a stunning view of the valley
- Trees with animals painted on them – Pick your favorite and stike a pose!
- Lovers’ trees – A couple of huge century-old trees with a fish pond where visitors can feed the fish
Address: Mukim Teja, Kampung Sungai Itek 9840 Jalan Gopeng, Gaharu Tea Valley, Gopeng 31600, Malaysia
Cost: Tour fee is RM10 for adult and free for kid below 4 years old.
23. Catch A Toy x Rainbow Box
In daylight, the shop radiates a sweet and cute persona with its pastel pink decor.
But at night, the neon lights will be on!
While you’re there, you can try your hand at their claw machines.
Expect the same all-pink demeanor inside the shop too!
Address: 29, Jalan Lau Ek Ching, Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: Weekdays – 4pm-3am, Weekends – 3pm-3am
There is a bigger branch: Catch A Toy @ Ipoh Garden.
Address: NO 2 BWH, Jalan Medan Ipoh 6, Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 4pm to 12am (Weekdays), 12.30pm to 12am (Saturday & Sunday)
Contact: +6018-6601014
Remarks: It’s just as great for photos. They have cute prizes but unfortunately, the games are very hard to win.
24. The Narrow Alley @ De Café & Rest House
Not just a cafe, De Cafe & Rest House also serves as a dormitory-style hostel:
Where the cafe on the bottom floor acts as the large common area for the hotel guests.
More about the hostel:
- Warm welcome
- Air-conditioned dormitories
- All-female dormitory is available
- Clean and modern bathrooms
- Reliable WiFi
- Close to Ipoh Old Town, the murals and other eateries
The whole building has an intentional disheveled look to it, inside and out:
And all those textures make it such a curious and striking place to take photographs!
Address: 35, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Price range: RM80-100/ night for 2 people
Remarks: Try the Tiramisu and pasta!
25. Kinta Heights
You’ll see this striking block of flats along Jalan Bandar Timah, close to the Yinzo Kopi 银州之香 café. It’s also just a 2-minute walk from Sin Yoon Loong kopitiam!
Look at some Instagram photos taken against Hong Kong flats for inspiration before you go!
The typical spot to stand is the basketball court in front of the flats.
26. Seong Man 上 文
Muslim-friendly, this Chinese tea house provides a quaint hipster environment to sip on Chinese tea (wide selection) and sample different Nonya kuih and traditional desserts!
Coffee lovers will be a bit disappointed since there’s none on the menu!
Address: 124, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 2pm to 7pm (Thursday & Friday), 11am to 6pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Closed: Monday to Wednesday
Contact: +6012-458 6117
Remarks: Vegetarian options available
27. TidoFish
If you’re looking for a glow in the dark cafe in Ipoh, this is the closest so far:
TidoFish is the latest instagrammable place in Ipoh!
It will not surprise us to see this neon café go viral for its unconventional colorful interior! They serve typical Malaysian favorites. Like bubble tea, laksa, rojak and snow ice desserts.
Address: 85, Jalan Langsat, Taman Teh Teng Seng, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm
Remarks: Muslim-friendly
28. Victoria Bridge
Originally built by the British sometime towards the end of the 1890s when tin mining was booming:
Victoria Bridge is also one of the oldest railway bridges in Malaysia!
Don’t worry if you wish to pose here, the bridge hasn’t been used since 2002. Taking photos is about the only thing to do here. Besides taking a stroll along the tracks and river.
Address: Kampung Kapor, 31050 Enggor, Perak
Remarks: Have something to eat and use the toilet before you come here
29. Belum Rainforest Resort
We’re fully aware that this is yet another resort on this list and that it is not in Instagram worthy Ipoh:
But we thought that it deserves a spot on this list!
Looking at the photos here, wouldn’t your agree?
Belum Rainforest Resort sits on an island in a lake surrounded by thick jungle.
You can take some photos around the resorts different chalet styles:
Or take a raft out onto the lake:
And chill by (or in) the infinity pool that overlooks the jungle!
No car?
Getting To These Instagram Spots
You can resort to the following modes of transport to get from place to place around Ipoh Old Town but it gets a little trickier if you need to go further:
- Public city bus
- Taxi
- Grab
The other alternative involves car rental.
But you can also consider hiring a private tour service to fetch you around and give you some insight on the places too!
Book a Ipoh private tour service with RayTheTour via our WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger!
Conclusion
Are you inspired by these photos to visit Instagram worthy Ipoh? Which tickles your fancy the most?
Leave a comment below.
Check out some other posts on Ipoh here:
- Want to know what else there is to do in Ipoh?
- Need to get some shopping done? Here’s a list of the best Ipoh shopping malls.
- Gua Tempurung Caving (Perak’s Own Cave Of Wonders) – Fantastic Caving Experience In Gopeng.
- Leaving Ipoh soon? See if you can squeeze one of these Ipoh attractions into your roadtrip!
- Kek Lok Tong Temple & Zen Gardens: Stunning Limestone Ipoh Cave Temple