About Ipoh
Ipoh, Perak’s capital city may not be as famous as its “neighbors”, Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Cameron Highlands. But as one of the most populated cities in Malaysia, Ipoh has a lot to be proud of!
Back in the late 19th century, the discovery of bountiful tin deposits led to the city’s rapid development. Chinese immigrants came over to seek their fortune and their influence and descendants can still be found all over the city. The British had a strong influence in Ipoh too – most notably, by the colonial-style buildings left behind.
These days, Ipoh is home to many retirees. And the industry has shifted to cement, food, and tourism. There are a lot of Ipoh attractions to explore on both sides of the Kinta River – Ipoh Old Town (west side) and Ipoh New Town (east side). Especially if it’s your first trip to Ipoh!
Useful Info
Ipoh Heritage Trail – How To See Many Historical Landmarks
The Ipoh Heritage Trail (or Ipoh Heritage Walk) consists of more than 20 stopping points. If you want to see each of these points, expect…
Ipoh Itinerary For Sightseeing And Food In One To Three Days
As one of the most populated cities in Malaysia, Ipoh has much to offer. And thus, there are many ways to fill your itinerary for Ipoh! But if…
Things To Do
It’s best to be up early so you can do some sightseeing before the afternoon heat kicks in. We would leave touring of cave temples to the afternoon though since these places have their own natural breeze.
Rain usually hits in the later afternoon or evening. Luckily, Ipoh has a fair share of boutique cafes, shopping malls, and spa centers. In addition to a couple of nice museums and galleries if you want something that’s rainproof.
Parks like Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village, Gunung Lang Recreational Park, or Mirror Lake (Tasik Cermin) are full of greenery and have scenic views of limestone karsts.
Ipoh’s nightlife is somewhat limited, but you can still find something to do after dinner.
Ipoh Nightlife – 13 Fun Things To Do When The Sun Sets
True, nightlife in Ipoh isn’t as happening as in other cities. But there are bars, restaurants, the mall, hawker joints, dessert cafes, and good old…
Things To Do In Ipoh – History, Scenery And Culture
Ipoh has many visitors during the public holidays. Many come for the delicious food but there are also plenty of things to do in Ipoh!…
Guide On Where To Find Street Art And Murals In Ipoh
Street art is still popular ever since Ernest Zacharevic first came to Ipoh to continue his street painting legacy from Penang. Naturally, his paintings have…
Local Night Markets In Ipoh – Street Food, Drinks, Snacks & More
A visit to a night market (or pasar malam) in Ipoh is a golden opportunity to sample local fare and street food. And try your hand…
Popular Attractions
First-time visitors Ipoh will want to check out Ipoh Old Town first. And it’s possible to explore Ipoh Old Town on foot. You can see many landmarks if you take on the Ipoh heritage walk. You can get a map from the Ipoh World website (a volunteer organization that aims to preserve Ipoh’s heritage).
Street art is another highlight of exploring Ipoh New Town and Ipoh Old Town.
But Ipoh also has some interesting attractions further away. Like Kellie’s Castle or Gua Tempurung.
Arlene House By Made In Ipoh – Local Heritage Museum
Arlene House (formerly Chung Thye Phin Building) is a heritage museum along Jalan Dato Maharaja Lela in Ipoh Old Town. For admission fees, visitors can…
OldTown Heritage Centre (Earthcare Cafe) At Concubine Lane
The new OldTown Heritage Centre (home to the first Earthcare Café branch in Ipoh) stands out from its older neighbors. This multi-story building houses a…
Everything You Should Know About Tambun Cave Before You Go
Did you know that Ipoh has ancient cave paintings you can see for free? These are over at Tambun Cave. Where is Tambun Cave exactly?…
Hobbitoon Village – A New Attraction On The Way To Cameron Highlands
Besides Hobbitoon Village, there are only a few attractions (none worth stopping for) if you’re driving up to Cameron Highlands from Ipoh. But with its…
Han Chin Pet Soo Museum – More Than Just A History Lesson
Former Hakka miner’s club, Han Chin Pet Soo Museum is in Ipoh Old Town. It is next to Ho Yan Hor Museum. Both museums are…
Lanno Valley – New Scenic Spot For Coffee And Breakfast?
Many are already familiar with Tasik Cermin. But there is another new spot that may offer a similar experience soon. But before you go, we…
22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery With Self-Guided Tours
22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery in Ipoh Old Town has a bit of everything if you want to know more about Ipoh during its tin…
Ho Yan Hor Museum – Local Herbal Tea Legacy In Ipoh
Ho Yan Hor Museum is one of the best museums you can visit in Ipoh Old Town. And because Ho Yan Hor Museum is across…
Kek Look Tong In Ipoh – Limestone Cave Temple With A Large Garden
It’s no wonder that Kek Look Tong translates to Cave of Great Happiness! Visitors who look upon, let alone step into the temple will immediately…
Famous Food
Eating local food should be your priority in Ipoh. Starting with breakfast! Ipoh has many traditional coffee shops, hawker centers, and dim sum restaurants!
And while you’re in Ipoh, you have to try chicken rice, white coffee, tau fu fa, and salted chicken.
Red Mountain Sin Yoon Loong White Coffee – Our Experience
Red Mountain Sin Yoon Loong White Coffee is in an industrial area far from the touristy part of Ipoh. It’s also hidden in a warehouse!…
Memories Ipoh By Morel Restaurant For Wood Fired Pizza And More
It’s easy to miss this restaurant if you are in Ipoh Old Town because of its plain exterior. Memories Ipoh By Morel Restaurant is by…
Chang Keong Dim Sum Restaurant – No Long Queues Necessary
Ipoh Old Town has its fair share of options when it comes to dim sum and Chang Keong Dim Sum Restaurant is one of them….
Sam Poh Restaurant In Tambun, Ipoh – Go-To For Locals
Sam Poh Restaurant is not halal. Nor is it suitable for parties and weddings. But for casual meals, it’s very popular among the local crowd!…
Dimsum Paradise – Reliable Branch In Ipoh Garden
Many dim sum eateries are closed in the middle of the week. But not Dimsum Paradise! This is the first of two branches in Ipoh….
Red Brick Kitchen In Ipoh – Hidden Café With A Scenic View
Red Brick Kitchen is a new addition to existing upscale dining options in Ipoh. They have a great head start thanks to a boost from…
Zhen Hi Hao Dim Sum Restaurant – Hidden Location With Easy Parking
Zhen Hi Hao Dim Sum Restaurant is in Ipoh town but out of sight from the main tourist attractions. Because of this, it is a…
Paloh Street Food Paradise – New Weekend Food Street In Ipoh
For a long time, there was only one food street in Ipoh after sundown. Now, tourists have another food street to explore in the evening….
Ming Yue Confectionery – Reputable Pastry Shop In Ipoh (Mooncakes!)
If you want freshly made mooncakes, Ming Yue Confectionery in Ipoh is the go-to place for many. This includes locals as well as tourists. Thus,…
Cafes
Ipoh has a strong cafe culture. And you’ll find cafes all over Ipoh too. Close to Kong Heng Square in Ipoh Old Town is an entire street with excellent hipster cafes in a row.
If you have your own car, you can explore the cafes in Canning Garden too.
Signature 49 Cafe – Stylish Eatery With Coffee, Cake, And Mains
Signature 49 Café in Ipoh Old Town might catch your eye because it is next to other cafes. This is a new café too. But…
Little Allegra Bakery – Hidden Cosy Café With Wonderful Bakes
If you have not heard of Little Allegra Bakery, it is time to take note of it! We did not know of its existence until…
Omni Coffee Roasters – Coffee Specialist Café At Seri Botani Ipoh
For anyone living in Bandar Seri Botani area, Omni Coffee Roasters is a must-visit if you like coffee. But is it worth the visit if…
10 Studio Café – Western Coffee And Bespoke Cakes At Tambun, Ipoh
10 Studio Café should be on your radar if you happen to be in Tambun! Because Tambun does not have a lot of options if…
Coffee Camp 612 – Plant Filled Café At Ipoh Kinta Riverfront
Coffee Camp 612 is getting some attention for their unusual camping theme interior filled with live plants. They have a good location overlooking the river…
Flufff Dessert Cafe In Ipoh – Souffle Pancakes In A Trendy Setting
For a café that specializes in Japanese souffle pancakes, you can check out Flufff in Ipoh. This relative newcomer has other desserts to offer customers…
Crema 65 – A Café At Greentown Business Centre, Ipoh
For want of more Ipoh cafes to visit, Crema 65 should be on your list. As Cream 65 has its own way of staying on…
Kommons – Café At Jalan Raja Dihilir Inside Travelodge Hotel Ipoh
Spacious, minimalist cafe with plenty of natural lighting? Kommons is a relatively new space for hanging out with friends in Ipoh. What do they specialize…
Être Patisserie – Chic Café In Canning Garden With Delish Pastries!
You might just miss this photogenic café in a single-story house at Canning Garden, Ipoh. It is one of many charming cafes in Ipoh. And…
Shopping
Most shopping malls in Ipoh open from 10am to 10pm. They are convenient for getting essentials under one roof. The most popular malls in Ipoh are AEON Kinta City and Ipoh Parade.
Besides shopping malls, there are also traditional pastry shops to check out. Heong peah, kaya puffs, and egg tarts make for great snacks!
Night markets not to be underestimated too. You can try street snacks, have a fresh bowl of laksa, or get fruit and freshly made sugarcane juice! The night market in Ipoh changes location every day of the week.
Shopping Malls In Ipoh – Where To Go To Escape A Rainy Day
Visiting a shopping mall is how locals usually escape the heat (or rain). It’s a very popular pastime for families on the weekends since the…
How-Tos
Ipoh’s small airport has limited flights but the main link into and out of Ipoh is the North-South highway. And there is the ETS train as well which you can take from Ipoh Railway Station in Ipoh Old Town.
Here are some detailed guides on how to get around Ipoh. Or how to go to other nearby cities from Ipoh. A popular destination for visitors from Ipoh is Cameron Highlands.
How To Go To Ipoh From Kuala Lumpur (Complete & Easy Guide)
The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh is uncomplicated. This is despite the bountiful limestone ranges that surround Ipoh. Electric trains connect the cities via…
How To Go To Ipoh From Penang – All Methods Covered! (Easy Guide)
Thinking about making a trip from Penang to Ipoh? Ipoh is also famous for food and British colonial architecture. But that’s where the similarities end!…
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…
Where To Stay In Ipoh
Ipoh’s stunning limestone hills are the backdrop of some 5-star resorts. There are also many hotels in downtown Ipoh (Greentown Ipoh or Ipoh New Town) that are more budget-friendly and close to eateries.
If you’ve got a big travel group, it’s more affordable to book a homestay in Ipoh rather than a hotel.
New Hotels In Ipoh With Great Locations And Amenities
The pandemic slowed the growth of new hotels in Ipoh. So, most of the hotels on this list are not brand new. They are just…
Homestays In Ipoh That We Recommend
Homestays are numerous in Ipoh! Sometimes, you can get an amazing deal – like an entire house or apartment suite for the price of a plush…
Where To Stay – Suggested Hotels In Ipoh For Different Budgets
Which is the best hotel in Ipoh for you? There are many to pick and choose from if you’re planning a staycation. There’s everything from 5-star…
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days in Ipoh is enough?
If this is your first time in Ipoh, one full day is enough to try some food, see one or two cave temples, and explore Ipoh Old Town. But if you want to explore at a more relaxed pace (and try even more food), 2 days is advisable.
Because there are some great attractions outside of Ipoh, you may want to add another day to do a day trip to either Taiping, Gopeng, Batu Gajah or Kuala Kangsar too.
Cameron Highlands is a 2-hour drive one way from Ipoh. And for this reason, it is more convenient to visit it while you are in Ipoh. But we don’t think you should skip Ipoh and head to Cameron Highlands straightaway. Both places have their own unique attractions (and Ipoh has the better food even if it is hotter). Check out our Cameron Highlands guide here.
How should you spend one day in Ipoh?
If you have just one day in Ipoh, check out Ipoh Old Town and Ipoh New Town on foot. A visit to Han Chin Pet Soo is highly recommended if you want to learn more about the history of Ipoh.
Besides explore the town, you can visit Gua Tempurung or at least one cave temple (we recommend Perak Cave temple or Kek Look Tong). If you still have time to spare, visit either Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge or Kellie’s Castle.
Why you should travel to Ipoh
For many, Ipoh’s delicious and affordable food is reason enough to come. The fact that Ipoh is close to Cameron Highlands is usually the second reason for most tourists.
But Ipoh’s rich history and unique limestone hills are not to be ignored either.
Ipoh Private Tour
If you don’t want to:
- Deal with parking
- Drive in an unfamiliar place
- Walk around in the heat
- Wait around for a taxi or bus
Then, hire a Ipoh day tour with RayTheTour.
This way, you get transport around Ipoh as well as a personal local guide to show you around!
Book by simply sending them a message on WhatsApp!