7 Ways For Getting Around Ipoh (All Transport Methods)

Even though Ipoh is the third most populated city in Malaysia, there are surprisingly not many transport and tour services in Ipoh!

Locals rely on their own cars or motorcycles. For tourists, getting around means taking a bus, taxi, or tour service. But it is possible to explore Ipoh Old Town on foot.

Which option is for you? Find out in this post as we compare the available transportation methods!

Table Of Contents:

1. Bus
2. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
3. Grab Or Taxi
4. Car Rental Service
5. Electric Scooter
6. Ipoh On Foot
7. Transport And Tour Service

1. Public Bus

The local public bus system in Ipoh is known as myBAS by Perak Transit. There are 2 bus terminals in Ipoh. And they are 20 minutes’ drive apart.

Bus Terminal:

1. Terminal Amanjaya – Main terminal for inter-city buses (e.g. Penang or Kuala Lumpur)
2. Medan Kidd Station (Ipoh Old Town) – Main terminal for the local routes

The local buses are not known for their punctuality or reliability. So do prepare yourself for some waiting!

Bus stops around Ipoh are simple, with no facilities (not even a small fan) except for a roof and a bench. They do not have any digital display for the estimated arrival times for the buses.

1.1. Ipoh Airport To Ipoh Town

Flying to Ipoh? There is a bus route that stops at the airport:

But compared to the driving time of 10 minutes, taking local bus is inefficient. If you take the T37 bus from Medan Kidd Station to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (or vice versa), it will take more than 20 minutes.

Moreover, Bus T37 doesn’t come often either! The frequency is 1 hour between the operation hours of 5:40am to 6:40pm.

Bus T37:

Route:

SJKC Bandar Seri Botani – Symphony Suites Hotel – Sam Poh Tong Temple – Gunung Rapat Market – Medan Gopeng Station – Sultan Azlan Shah Airport – Quest International University Perak – Tow Boo Keong Temple – Mural Art’s Lane (Near Jalan Sultan Iskandar – Ipoh New Town) – Railway Station Ipoh (Ipoh Old Town) – Medan Kidd Station

• Frequency: 60 minutes
• Operating Hours: 5:40 am – 6:40 pm

1.2. Amanjaya Terminal To Ipoh Town

Inter-city buses stop at Amanjaya Terminal. The immediate area close to the station has a simple mall with a supermarket. And some other independent shops. But nothing interesting for tourists.

Naturally, visitors keen on seeing more of Ipoh will want to head to livelier parts of the town instead!

And they can get there via the 30-minute bus journey from Amanjaya Terminal to Medan Kidd Station in Ipoh Old Town!

Bus T30a & T30b:

Route (T30a):

Amanjaya Terminal – Meru – Jelapang – Silibin – Medan Kidd Station

Note: Not all stops are listed here.

• Frequency: 60 minutes
• Operating Hours: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm

Route (T30b):

Chemor – Amanjaya Terminal – Meru – Jelapang – Silibin – Medan Kidd Station

Note: Not all stops are listed here.

• Frequency: 60 minutes
• Operating Hours: 6:30 am – 9:30 pm

Reference: peraktransit.com.my

1.3. City Loop

Tourists will want to look out for Bus F100 which makes a loop around Ipoh Old town and other busy areas in the city!

Bus F100 conveniently makes a stop at Ipoh Railway Station too. This is another common arrival point for visitors from Penang or Kuala Lumpur!

The one-way fare for the bus ranges from RM1 to RM3+.

Bus F100:

Route (F100):

Medan Kidd Station – Railway Station Ipoh (Ipoh Old Town) – St. Michael’s Institution – UTC Ipoh – Gerbang Malam Ipoh – Ipoh Parade – Greentown – Angsana Mall – Ipoh General Hospital – Railway Station Ipoh (Ipoh Old Town) – Medan Kidd Station

Note: Not all stops are listed here.

Frequency: 20 – 30 minutes

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Friday, 6:30 am – 8:10 pm
• Saturday to Sunday, 6:30 am – 8:00 pm

Stops To Look Out For:

1. Ipoh Railway Station – 8-10-min walk from Concubine Lane, passing by Ipoh High Court, Birch Memorial Clock Tower

2. Gerbang Malam Ipoh – Close to souvenir shops, salted chicken and peanut candy shops!
3. Ipoh Parade – one of Ipoh’s most well-loved malls

Note: if you wanted to see Ipoh’s Little India, it’s a 7-minute walk from the Medan Kidd Station or Concubine Lane.

Other Bus Routes To Take Note Of:

The public bus system has routes that go past Ipoh Old Town. A few routes have stops close to cave temples.

But you’re much better off taking a taxi or Grab when travelling further than Ipoh Old Town!

Because the buses will not stop directly at these locations. And thus, walking in the heat for 10 to 20 minutes is not optional.

Bus Route 35 – Perak Cave Temple (from Ipoh Old Town, Medan Kidd Bus Station)

Bus T33a, T33b, F101a, F101b – Lost World Of Tambun (from Ipoh Old Town)

Tips For Taking The Public Bus In Ipoh

Communication may be an issue as there’s a good chance the driver doesn’t speak fluent English.

But you can try your luck!

Tips:

• Have loose change so you can prepare the exact change
• Let the driver know where you intend to get off
• Dress appropriately – locals are not accustomed to seeing a lot of bare skin. You may get uncomfortable glances.

Pros:

• Very cheap fares
• Buses go to a good number of tourist attractions in Ipoh
• Better for the environment

Cons:

• Buses are quite old
• Language barrier
• No buses after 8pm
• Not always on time
• Bus stops can be uncomfortable places to wait (hot and stuffy)

2. Perak Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (Private Charter Only)

The colorful Perak Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is run by Perak Transit. And while it used to run only on weekends, the buses will be operating on a private charter-basis (from June 23, 2024).

Theses buses are air-conditioned, but they are also fitted with an open-top deck for visitors to enjoy the view.

Check for updates and official announcements on their Facebook page.

3. E-Haling Service Or Taxi

We would only recommend taking the bus if you’re trying to make your money stretch. And if you have lots of time to spare.

Because taking a taxi or e-hailing service can usually get you where you want to go in half the time!

You’ll find it easier to hail a car or taxi closer to the shopping malls. As well as the airport. Pricing may depend on the hour you take the service too.

Tips:

• It’s polite (and expected) to take the first taxi in the queue
• Check that they use a meter first
• If they quote you more than RM20 for within the city, that’s too much!

Pros:

• Not too expensive
• You can go anywhere you want in Ipoh
• Fixed prices through the app

Cons:

• Usually just a small car
• Arranging return trips with the driver is an additional hassle but necessity for places that are further (e.g. Tasik Cermin)
• Grab is not as common as in Penang or Kuala Lumpur so don’t assume that you can find one easily after dark or further from the city

4. Car Rental Service

Not your first time driving in Malaysia? Renting a car is another option you may want to look into. Especially if you’re arriving at the Amanjaya Bus Terminal or Ipoh Airport.

Price averages around RM120 per day for a small car of local make. Or ~RM250+ per day for a reputable brand (e.g., Honda). An 8-seater can cost RM800.

Pros:

• Keeps your schedule somewhat flexible
• Travel together in a private group

Cons:

• Must pay for parking fees (use the Perak Park app)
• Pricey for more than a day
• It’s not easy to find parking in Ipoh Old Town

5. Electric Scooter

There is a rental service providing purple scooters around Ipoh Old Town near Concubine Lane and Ipoh Padang.

Pros:

• Go at your own pace
• Family-friendly activity
• Not too expensive

Cons:

• Only available around Ipoh Old Town
• Need to register on the app first
• You can return the bicycle at any of the parking stations around town.
• Exposed to the elements

6. Walking

Staying in a hotel in Ipoh Old Town? Then, walking is an ideal way of sightseeing at a leisurely pace! With more chances of spotting street art!

You can get a map from the Ipoh Tourist Information Centre by Ipoh Padang if you need it. Or read our guide on taking the heritage trail.

Tips:

• Snatch thieves exist in Ipoh! Always keep your bag close to you. And eyes off your phone when walking the streets.

Pros:

• No time limit
• Free
• Don’t have to worry about parking or catching the bus

Cons:

• Very hot with limited shade

7. Private Transport And Tour Service

Finally, there is a private tour service that you can take for the better part of the day to explore Ipoh.

RayTheTour offers flexible private tours to Ipoh and even up to Cameron Highlands!

Other benefits of booking a tour with RayTheTour include:

• Friendly local tour guide (English or Chinese-speaking)
• Pick up from your hotel
• Drop off at your hotel after the tour
• MPV or van transport
• All transport costs covered
• No limit to the number of places to visit!

Conclusion

Choosing the most suitable transport in Ipoh for your trip depends on your arrival point, your budget, location of your hotel, and the places you want to see!

It may be the local bus, taxi, e-hailing service or your own two feet! And don’t forget, you can also choose to go with an electric scooter, car rental or a private tour service.

Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh

Coming to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur? Our separate guide on this topic has suggestions on convenient and comfortable methods of transportation that you can use to travel between the two cities. The train is worth considering if you don’t have your own car and are travelling lightly.

Penang to Ipoh

With minimal traffic, it takes about 2 hours to drive from Penang to Ipoh. If you’re not planning on driving, you may want to read up about how you can travel from Penang to Ipoh with public transport instead.