You can’t visit Ipoh without exploring the heart of this historic city, Ipoh Old Town! More than one attraction can be found here. And usually within walking distance to somewhere serving delicious food!
So, it’s not a bad idea to book a hotel in this area too. That way, you can take the time to explore all corners on foot.
We’ll cover all that and more as you’ll see in this post.
Ipoh Old Town Vs New Town
Kinta River divides the historic center of Ipoh into Ipoh Old Town and New Town.
Ipoh Old Town sits on the west side of the Kinta River. With its British-colonial shop lots, it looks a bit like Penang’s Georgetown.
The area on the opposite bank at the east side of the river, is Ipoh New Town.
There are interesting places to visit in both areas. Both have many mural art and local food spots. Most of the famous eateries are at Ipoh New Town while Ipoh Old Town has more historical buildings.
At a glance, here are the highlights in each area:
| Attraction Type | Ipoh Old Town | Ipoh New Town |
|---|---|---|
| History Places | Kong Heng Square, Concubine Lane, Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Ipoh Padang, St. Michael’s Institution, Ipoh Train Station, Little India, Durbar (FMS) | Panglima Kinta Mosque, St Michael’s Church, Hugh Low Bridge, Ipoh Central Market (now UTC Perak), Yik Foong Complex, Guan Yin Temple |
| Food | Nam Heong White Coffee, Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong | Lou Wong Chicken Rice, Foh San, Tong Sui Kai, Kedai Kopi Yong Suan, Funny Mountain Soya Beancurd, Ayam Garam Aun Kheng Lim |
| Cafes | Plan B, Aud’s Cafe, Patisserie BoutiQue | Jln Theatre Coffee, August Healing |
| Art, Museums And More | Ho Yan Hor Museum, Han Chin Pet Soo Museum, 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery | Mural Art’s Lane, Gerbang Malam (Night Market) |
If you have your own transport (or don’t mind walking), there’s really no excuse not to see both sides of the Kinta River!
It’s possible to walk to both areas via two bridges. One at Jalan Sultan Idris Shah and another at Jalan Sultan Iskandar.
History
At the start of the 19th century, Malaysia was under British Colonial rule with Ipoh as the second administrative city after Taiping.
Today, landmarks like the Ipoh Railway Station and Ipoh Town Hall symbolize that part in Ipoh’s history.
In 1892, a huge fire led to the city being rebuilt. And the grid-like structure of Ipoh Old Town (on the west side of Kinta River) is what remains today.
Ipoh’s rapid development during the early 1900s was a result of the tin rush that brought in many people. Particularly Chinese from Penang that were seeking their fortunes.
And Ipoh Old Town was the center of all this growth, starting with Panglima Street. And eventually spreading across the river to the east side (Ipoh New Town) under Chinese tycoon, Yau Tet Shin.
Even through till the 1930s, development continued due to the flourishing rubber plantations, in addition to the tin mines.
There are schools in this side of town that are still operating despite being over 100 years old, like the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Convent Ipoh (or simply just Main Convent Ipoh).
Attractions In Ipoh Old Town
Tourism has taken a strong root in Ipoh:
Hence, there are always new places to explore as many old shop lots often turn into trendy cafes, hotels, galleries, etc.
But despite this, you’ll realize that Ipoh still holds its small-town charm.
1. Concubine Lane
There’s a lot more to Ipoh’s most famous street!
Concubine Lane is akin to Malacca’s Jonker Street. But on a much smaller scale which makes it tremendously easy to wander through and worth a look!
Sample local delights like silky-smooth tau fu fah or have some cold treats while you browse through the various trinket stalls.
Try to imagine what Concubine Lane looked like back when these shops housed opium and gambling dens!
2. OldTown Heritage Centre
We do recommend having a look at the gallery upstairs if you have time and want to know more about the history of coffee in Ipoh (and OldTown White Coffee’s sustainability journey). There are some nice exhibits here too.
You don’t have to get coffee at the café below to enter the gallery upstairs. The building itself is spacious and beautiful and right next to Concubine Lane. Apart from the gallery, there is an OldTown White Coffee shop upstairs.
See more photos from our visit to OldTown Heritage Centre.
3. Street Art
You’ll surely pass by some of the numerous wall murals in Ipoh Old Town.
Tip: Pick up a map of the mural arts by Ernest Zacharevic from the Ipoh Tourist Information Center (ITIC) and incorporate them into your Ipoh Heritage Walk.
These are some of the iconic ones:
- Old Town Relieves Nostalgia With Trishaw
- A Yellow Hummingbird
- Kids Riding a Paper Plane
- An Old Uncle Drinking Coffee (Pictured below)
- Evolution (Tin mining Dredge)
Exposure to sunlight has faded the colors of many but there are new paintings too. If you really want to see a whole row of them, drop by Mural Arts Lane in Ipoh New Town!
4. Ipoh Heritage Walk
The classic Ipoh heritage walk takes you to multiple landmarks that have great historic significance!
You can see Ipoh Railway Station and other grand buildings like Ipoh Town Hall. Followed by the leading banks and other top companies in Ipoh back in the 19th century.
Don’t miss St Michael’s Institution! The impressive school building was formerly a base for the Japanese during the Japanese occupation. Classes are still in session today in this exclusive all-boys school.
End your walk at Malaysia’s oldest restaurant, F.M.S (Now known as Durbar).
Or continue your journey to see Ipoh’s Little India and Dato’ Panglima Kinta’s Mosque – an enchanting blue mosque!
Read our post on the Ipoh Heritage Walk.
5. Time Tunnel Ipoh
If you were born in the 90s or earlier, a visit to this gallery will be a nostalgic throwback for you!
The small museum houses miscellaneous antique items like toys, kitchen ware, cassette tapes and photographs.
- Location: 23, Jalan Panglima, Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 9am to 4:30pm (Closed from Monday to Thursday)
- Entrance Fee:
- Ground floor: Free
- First floor: RM 8 (Adult), RM 5 (Child)
6. Ho Yan Hor Museum
It’s free to visit this museum dedicated to the history behind Ipoh-owned Hor Yan Hor herbal tea.
This museum is just next to Han Chin Pet Soo.
Tip: Register at the door before you take your scheduled tour at Han Chin Pet Soo.
The friendly staff will give you a short briefing before you enter the gallery. At the end of it, you’ll get to sample different types of herbal tea (free of charge).
For more information, see our separate post on Ho Yan Hor Museum.
Note: Be careful when going up their old steep staircase. No toilets here.
- Location: 1, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 10am to 4pm (Closed on Mondays)
- Entrance Fee: Free
7. Han Chin Pet Soo
Definitely a must-visit when you come to Ipoh! This is a former VIP Hakka miners’ club that is now a museum run by a non-profit organization (Ipoh World).
Tours (in Chinese or English) start at the exquisite lobby and work their way through the back of the building, ending with the top floors.
The tours usually take an hour.
Antiques, murals, a brief history video and detailed room set-ups compliment the tours.
See more photos of what a tour is like at Han Chin Pet Soo Museum.
- Location: 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30100 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 11am to 3:30pm (Closed on Mondays)
- Entrance Fee: Free but a donation of RM10 per person is suggested.
- Remark: You need to call or go on their website to make a booking (+605-241 4541).
8. Yasmin Ahmad at Kong Heng Museum
In the basement of a chic bookstore (BookXcess), is a small gallery dedicated to Yasmin Ahmad. She brought out the best of Malaysian diversity through her heartwarming and relatable directed works.
There is a screen here where they play her most famous works:
Most notable are the Petronas commercials that were produced specifically for local celebrations like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Merdeka.
There are photos of her, and her memorable quotes as well!
- Location: 91, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm (Tuesday To Friday); Saturday to Monday (10am to 10pm)
- Entrance Fee: Free
9. 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery
Downstairs of this restored building has a café (now closed), a rather exquisite toilet, and a souvenir shop (with handcrafted goods from vulnerable communities).
You’ll need to pay at the counter downstairs before you can head up to the gallery upstairs.
The gallery has beautiful arrangements of antiques and photographs showcasing Ipoh’s past. Including a setup for a Peranakan wedding!
The audio tours are flexible, and you can go at your own pace. See more photos of 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery.
- Location: 22, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 10am to 1:30pm, and again from 2:30pm to 6pm (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays); they have longer hours on weekends (10am to 6pm)
- Entrance Fee: RM10 (with audio guide)
Traditional Coffee Shops
Taste a real cup of Ipoh white coffee in between your sightseeing! You can find this unique drink at any local coffee shop (kopitiam as locals call them).
It can be served cold with ice or hot in the quintessential little cup that is synonymous with old school kopitiams!
The options listed here are frequently packed during breakfast and lunch hours and you’d best come early if you want to avoid long waiting times and a lack of parking slots.
1. Nam Heong White Coffee
Along with Sin Yoon Loong (next on the list), Nam Heong White Coffee is one of the first brewers of Ipoh white coffee!
Their freshly baked egg tarts are the perfect accompaniment to their fragrant and creamy hot coffees. We’ve been here a few times (read about our experience at Nam Heong White Coffee Shop).
- Location: 2, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 6:30am to 4:30pm
2. Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong
This humble coffee shop is the supposed birthplace of Ipoh white coffee:
Even after many years of being in business:
Local patrons still claim that the taste of the coffee (strong and slightly bitter) has not changed and it remains their favorite breakfast spot in Ipoh!
- Location: 15A, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 6:30am to 2:30pm
3. Yinzo Kopi
A trendy cafe close to Little India, we recommend Yinzo Kopi for their comfortable air-conditioned environment, excellent iced coffee and tasty food (nasi lemak with curry chicken)!
Polo bun is a must-try item on their menu! And we especially like their curry mee (soup version).
- Location: No. 1 & 3, Persiaran Bijih Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm (Closed on Mondays)
4. Kedai Kopi Ah Chow
For an alcoholic twist to the traditional white coffee, you can head over to Kedai Kopi Ah Chow.
It might be the best coffee you’ve ever tasted! Affordably priced too!
This is a popular local breakfast spot. And besides the curry noodles, we’ve tried the wantan mee and have found it to be tasty and well-priced for the ingredients and portions given.
Tip: Good curry noodles here!
- Location: 31, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 6:30am to 2pm (Closed from Wednesday to Friday)
5. Lim Ko Pi
Just beside Jalan Sultan Iskandar (Sultan Iskandar road), Lim Ko Pi serves a robust coffee and a variety of savory and spicy Malaysian dishes!
At the back of the shop, are some beautiful open seating areas! They have parking for their customers across the road!
- Location: 10, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 9am to 4:30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Cafés
Ipoh clearly doesn’t have any shortage of cafes, especially within Ipoh Old Town!
They are just the thing if you want some respite from the overbearing afternoon heat.
1. Aud’s Cafe
While they have limited seating, Aud’s by JJ Cafe has air conditioning, sensational coffee and avocado smoothies!
Tip: Plant-based milk is available
They have a small but interesting menu with items like their pesto pork burger! We like their avocado and egg sandwiches as well.
- Location: 97, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm (Closed on Mondays)
- Contact: +605-246 1310
2. Patisserie BoutiQue
You might walk past this dainty cafe if you’re not looking for it specifically:
Cakes (e.g. Tiramisu or burnt cheesecake) and coffee are what they are known for, although they do have western mains too.
Note: Book a table if you have a group of 4 for the weekend or during a public holiday!
- Location: 103, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 12pm to 10pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
- Contact: +6014-901 9268
3. Plan B Restaurant (Ipoh)
In contrast, it’s hard to miss this one. Particularly if you’re checking out Concubine Lane and Kong Heng Square!
The floor-to-ceiling windows all around the spacious cafe entice passersby to come in and enjoy the air conditioning and cold drinks, desserts, and western/fusion food.
Read more about Plan B in Ipoh.
Note: They do have a bar here
- Location: No. 75, Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm
- Contact: +605-2498288
4. The Marketplace Waffle Bar & Cafe
You can try their coffee and trademark waffle sets that are either sweet or savory in a very pleasant environment.
They have some fascinating flavors of waffles – smoke duck, salmon, oreo, green tea, etc. Fish and chips are not bad either.
- Location: 13, Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm
5. Girlie’s Café
Pop over here to this industrial-style cafe:
For a western-style brunch with their delectable coffee, exquisite croissants, and cakes with unusual flavors (e.g. watermelon or musang king burnt cheesecake).
Read more about Girlie’s Café in Ipoh.
- Location: No 26, Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm (Closed on Mondays) or 10am to 6pm for Fridays to Sundays
- Contact: +6016-550 4451
Hotels
Take your pick of hotels in Ipoh Old Town – the majority are affordable and within walking distance to local eateries!
Note: If you have a car, the hotels listed here (with the exception of Cititel Express) may not be suitable for you since parking is often not provided.
Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay & Event Hall – Just next to Lim Ko Pi, this hotel is in a refurbished historical Chinese bank. They have elegant and spacious rooms in many configurations. The hotel is walking distance to many attractions. And they have free private parking for their guests
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Dé Cafe & Rest House – this is a capsule hotel with its own café. They have good modern facilities like their new showers, on-site cafe and bar, as well as a lockers! Solo travelers who don’t mind sharing some facilities feel right at home here.
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Ban Loong Boutique Hotel – Spacious minimalist rooms with industrial-themed furnishings, air-conditioning, TVs and desks. You can walk to Ipoh Old Town and Ipoh New Town from here. Or drive since they have free parking for their guests too!
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Cititel Express Ipoh – Contemporary rooms have everything you need for a short business or leisure stay. Including fast and reliable WiFI connection! Some rooms have views of Kinta River and limestone hills in the distance! You can walk to some local eateries from here.
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Getting Around Ipoh Old Town
Unless you are prepared to take on the heat and use your own feet to get around, you can rely on the following modes of transport.
For groups that want to travel together, we recommend a private tour service.
1. Private Tour Service
With RayTheTour private tour service, you can customize your itinerary and go where you want without having to wait for anyone!
And you’ll have an Ipoh-born guide to show you the sights!
Book an Ipoh tour on their WhatsApp!
Conclusion
The birthplace of Ipoh white coffee, Ipoh Old Town has similar traits to Penang’s Georgetown but with fewer tourists!
It is here that you can truly appreciate Ipoh’s humble beginnings as a tin mining town and its evolution.
Food To Try In Ipoh
While you’re exploring Ipoh Old Town, keep an eye out for these locations for good food. There is usually a traditional or modern coffee shop just around the corner.
Things To Do In Ipoh
Read this if you want to know more about what else you can do in Ipoh outside of Ipoh Old Town. You will need a car to visit many of these places but it will be worth it!
How To Plan An Itinerary For Ipoh
For first time visitors to Ipoh, your itinerary is simply incomplete without including Ipoh Old Town! We’ve got a few different itineraries you can check out if you want to see what else you should explore outside of Ipoh Old Town.
Full Travel Guide For Ipoh
Don’t know anything about visiting Ipoh as a first-timer? Read our Ipoh travel guide for essential information that first-time visitors should know. It includes some travel tips that will be helpful when you are here.
