Ipoh Travel - The Essential Guide - travelswithsun

You must make it a point to travel to Ipoh if you want to see another side of Malaysia!

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!

There are a lot of Ipoh attractions to be explored, especially if it’s your first trip to Ipoh!

Table of contents:

History

Back in the late 19th century, the discovery of bountiful tin deposits in Ipoh let to the city’s rapid development!

Eventually even overtaking Taiping as the capital of Perak (often known as the silver state).

Chinese immigrants came over to seek their fortune and their influence and descendants can be found all over the city, even until today!

Ipoh Train Station At Sunset
Ipoh Train Station At Sunset

Within a century though, tin mining was no longer profitable as the value of tin went down:

And that in turn, caused many former tin miners to flee the city for better work prospects.

However, retirees and their descendants are now returning to open hawker stalls, cafes and all manners of food and hotel businesses in Ipoh!

Ipoh is essentially split into two by the Kinta River.

There’s the Old Town on the West, and the New Town on the East side.

Ipoh Old Town

The British previously had a strong influence in Ipoh too and you can see their mark in the colonial-style buildings left behind in Old Town.

Some notable landmarks and attractions on this side of Ipoh include:

  • Ipoh Railway Station
  • Town Hall
Ipoh Town Hall Seen From Across The Road (Fountain At Ipoh Train Station) At Night
Ipoh Town Hall Seen From Across The Road (Fountain At Ipoh Train Station) At Night – Photo by Travelswithsun
  • Birch Memorial Clock Tower
Birch Memorial Clock Tower In Ipoh
A Famous Ipoh Landmark, Birch Memorial Clock Tower – Photo by Travelswithsun
  • St Michael’s Institution

It’s possible to walk to all of these spots in a day 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).

Don’t forget to include these places into your walk:

Other old buildings have been refurbished anew for the younger generations to enjoy and the older to reminisce.

Ipoh architecture (Arlene House) – photo credits to eddxearxffxn (Instagram)

Take the time to admire the transition as you explore Ipoh Old Town and Ipoh New Town!

Upcoming Tin Hotel in Ipoh – photo credits to ainijalil (Instagram)

Ipoh New Town

Way back in the early 1930’s (tin mining period), the wealthy Hakka miner, Yau Tet Shin developed the other side of Kinta river.

Ipoh Town
Ipoh Town – photo credits to fadzlin_tahar (Instagram)

Dubbed New Town, this part of the city stretches from the east side of the river all the way to Ipoh Greentown.

Notable landmarks include:

  • The Octagon serviced apartments
  • Lou Wong Chicken Rice restaurant
  • Ipoh Parade shopping mall
  • Tong Sui Kai (Dessert street)

It’s clear that tourism and not tin, is now the main driver of Ipoh’s development!

Now, let’s move on to what people normally travel to Ipoh for:

Make sure to include some of these into your itinerary for Ipoh!

Ipoh White Coffee

Firstly, we have to talk about the coffee that has made Ipoh world-famous!

Try a cup of authentic Ipoh white coffee at any of these Ipoh kopitiams!

Have it served cold or hot:

Hot Ipoh White Coffee At Yinzo Kopi
Ipoh white coffee

1. Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong

A favorite among locals and tourists, they’re supposedly the founder of Ipoh White Coffee!

Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong At Ipoh Old Town
Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong At Ipoh Old Town – Photo by Travelswithsun

It is very busy here in the morning!

Sin Yoon Loong White Coffee Shop in Ipoh – photo credits to timjilimin (Instagram)

2. Kedai Kopi Nam Heong

Another renown stop for Ipoh white coffee, Nam Heong has been in business for many years too!

Nam Heong White Coffee Shop At Ipoh Old Town
Nam Heong White Coffee Shop At Ipoh Old Town – Photo by Travelswithsun
Egg Tart And Dim Sum At Ipoh Nam Heong White Coffee
Egg Tart And Dim Sum At Ipoh Nam Heong White Coffee – Photo by Travelswithsun
  • Address: 2, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
  • Opening hours: 7am to 5:30pm
  • Contact: +6012-588 8766
  • Second Ipoh branch: Nam Heong Food Court, Solo Ipoh at Blok B, 2-14 Soho Ipoh, Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
  • Halal: No

3. Chang Jiang White Coffee

In contrast to the other two white coffee spots, this one resembles a hipster cafe more than a typical Ipoh kopitiam:

Interior Of Chang Jiang White Coffee
Interior Of Chang Jiang White Coffee – Photo by Travelswithsun

And now, the highlight of any Ipoh trip!

Famous Food

Secondly, there’s the food – bean sprout chicken, kai se hor fun, and salted herbal chicken are food that Ipoh is famous for!

1. Ipoh Taugeh (Beansprout) Chicken Rice (nga choi kai  in cantonese)

To go with the poached free-range chicken, are short and crunchy bean sprouts which owe their texture to the limestone-rich water around Ipoh!

Silky hor fun (long flat white rice noodles) instead of rice will accompany the chicken and sprouts!

Ipoh is famous for Tauge ayam (beansprout chicken) or Nga Choi Kai
Ipoh is famous for Tauge ayam (beansprout chicken) or Nga Choi Kai.

These two are the most famous chicken rice outlets in Ipoh new town:

1.1. Ong Kee Bean Sprouts Chicken Restaurant

Ong Kee Bean Sprouts Chicken Restaurant
Ong Kee Bean Sprouts Chicken Restaurant

1.2. Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong

Ipoh Lou Wong Tauge Ayam Restaurant
Ipoh Lou Wong Tauge Ayam Restaurant

There are other places to have chicken rice that are less touristy. See our guide on Ipoh chicken rice.

2. Salted Chicken by Aun Kheng Lim

Delicious juicy salted chicken with a slight herbal flavor. They are packed ready to takeaway for dinner after your Ipoh trip or you can get the frozen version if you wish!

Shop Front Of Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken In Ipoh New Town
Shop Front Of Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken In Ipoh New Town

There are other places to get the famous Ipoh salted chicken if you want more options!

3. Shredded Chicken Ho Fun (Gai Se Hor Fun)

Ipoh’s ubiquitous staple and food icon –  gai se hor fun!

This is a broth with hor fun noodles typically made from chicken soup and some prawn oil on top.

Other common ingredients include:

  • shredded bits of chicken meat
  • a couple of small prawns
  • some beansprouts thrown in
  • chopped spring onions as garnish.

3.1. Restoran Thean Chun

Parking is extremely difficult to find here and you will have to wait for a table and the food.

Ipoh Thean Chun Coffee Shop
Ipoh Thean Chun Coffee Shop – Photo by Travelswithsun

Crowded but you will not be disappointed once you taste the food!

Gai Se Hor Fun From Thean Chun Coffee Shop In Ipoh
Gai Se Hor Fun From Thean Chun Coffee Shop In Ipoh – Photo by Travelswithsun

Get a caramel custard and pork satay to go with your gai se hor fun too!

3.2. Restaurant Moon De Moon

Usually packed with customers going for the gai se hor fun and curry mee! The iced Ipoh white coffee here is worth a try too!

Come early in the morning and enjoy a hearty local breakfast in Ipoh!

Gai Se Hor Fun at Restaurant Moon De Moon
Gai Se Hor Fun at Restaurant Moon De Moon

Other Ipoh Food Related Articles To Read:

Ipoh Dim Sum

You can try some on the last day of your Ipoh trip if you wake up early enough!

It’s excellent motivation to start the day early!

Close Up Of Dim Sum Classics At Zui Le Xuan Dim Sum In Ipoh
Close Up Of Dim Sum Classics At Zui Le Xuan Dim Sum In Ipoh – Photo by Travelswithsun

There are dozens of dim sum restaurants in Ipoh!

So, if you want to have dim sum for dinner or pork-free dim sum, that will not be an issue at all!

Famous Biscuits

Take biscuits, coffee powder or handmade crafts back home to remember your amazing travel to Ipoh!

These souvenirs from Ipoh are bound to delight the receiver!

1. Hiong Peah

A crispy and flaky outer shell hides a sweet and sticky filling inside.

Get them fresh out of the oven at Ipoh!

Hiong Peah in Ipoh is a popular souvenir
Hiong Peah in Ipoh is a popular souvenir – photo credits to hungry_paus (Instagram)

1.1. Yee Hup Hiong Peah

Yee Hup’s sealed packets of hiong peah can be bought mostly anywhere in Malaysia now but:

You can get a fresh packet straight from the main branch in Ipoh!

Address (HQ): 7, Jalan Sri Ampang, Taman Ipoh Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Perak

2. Meat Floss Biscuits

There are two places in Ipoh that do justice to this type of pastry:

2.1. Guan Heong Biscuit Shop

Get your hands on the freshly baked pastries from Guan Heong!

Guan Heong Biscuit Shop In Ipoh
Guan Heong Biscuit Shop – Photo by Travelswithsun

Their must-try flaky meat floss biscuits are almost-spherical and have a lotus paste filling with meat floss.

Meat floss biscuits from Guan Heong biscuit shop
Meat floss biscuits from Guan Heong biscuit shop – photo credits to mskate_kat (Instagram)

2.2. Ching Han Guan Biscuit Shop (钟汉元饼铺)

Biscuits here are also made right at the shop!

Ching Han Guan Biscuit Shop In Ipoh
Ching Han Guan Biscuit Shop – Photo by Travelswithsun

The star in their Chinese pastry selection are the meat floss biscuits with lotus paste!

3. Kaya Puffs

Kaya puffs are a local favorite all over Malaysia.

The flaky triangular pastries containing kaya (sweet coconut jam made with eggs and pandan leaves) are baked to perfection at these locations!.

3.1. Sin Eng Heong

On weekends and public holidays, you must ready yourself for the long queues!

People come for their homemade kaya puffs which is their signature pastry!

Sin Eng Heong Biscuit Shop In Ipoh New Town
Sin Eng Heong Biscuit Shop In Ipoh New Town

3.2. QunKee Biscuits or 权记饼家 or Khuen Kee

You’ll have the opportunity to sample a good egg tart as well as kaya puff here!

QunKee Biscuits (权记饼家) at Ipoh
QunKee Biscuits (权记饼家) at Ipoh – Photo by Travelswithsun

Note: The kaya puffs here are drier and flakier than the ones at Sin Eng Heong.

4. Ipoh Peanut Candy

Ipoh peanut candy is slightly salted. Many souvenir shops in Ipoh now stock these highly addictive treats!

Sin Weng Fai Peanut Candy Shop In Ipoh
Sin Weng Fai Peanut Candy Shop In Ipoh – Photo by Travelswithsun

Hipster Ipoh Cafe

Cafe culture is just as prevalent in Ipoh as it is in Penang or Kuala Lumpur.

In fact, close to Kong Heng Square is an entire street with excellent Western cafes in a row:

Heritage Building In Ipoh Old Town
Heritage Building In Ipoh Old Town – Photo by Travelswithsun

1. Patisserie BoutiQue

Charming French-themed cafe that sells Western, Local and Italian food as well as French pastries.

Try their Dutch baby pancakes!

Patisserie BoutiQue - Another popular Ipoh cafe in Ipoh Old Town that has been around since 2014 - see the full Ipoh Cafe list on www.travelswithsun.com
Patisserie BoutiQue – Another popular Ipoh cafe that has been around since 2014 – Photo by Travelswithsun

Recommended dishes:

  • Coffee
  • Tiramisu
  • Dutch baby pancake
  • Duck alfredo
  • Matcha cake
  • Lychee cheesecake
  • Salted egg croissant
  • Sea salt chocolate lava cake

2. Aud’s by JJ Cafe

The interior may come off as shabby chic which doesn’t appeal to everyone:

But they have some really creative beverages and tasty food here!

Unique menu items at Aud's cafe - a popular Ipoh cafe at Ipoh Old Town - see the full Ipoh cafe list on www.travelswithsun.com
Unique menu items at Aud’s cafe – a popular Ipoh cafe – Photo by Travelswithsun

Recommended dishes: 

  • Pesto pork burger
  • Brownie with ice cream
  • Avocado smoothie – they have a few types
  • Avocado coffee
  • Ice cube coffee
  • Eggs Benedict
  • Pulled pork sandwich
  • etc

Other worthy hipster Ipoh cafes scattered across Ipoh.

Best Things To Do In Ipoh

Food is not the only Ipoh attraction!

Ipoh is surrounded by gorgeous limestone hills and you probably won’t fail to notice them (unless it’s a particularly hazy day):

View Of Ipoh From The Summit Of Perak Cave Temple
View Of Ipoh From The Summit Of Perak Cave Temple – Photo by Travelswithsun

This unique geographical feature is the backdrop for many cave temples and recreational parks!

And even a couple of five-star resorts!

1. Perak Cave Temple (霹雳洞)

Perak Cave Temple is an impressive Buddhist temple set against some limestone hills.

Perak Cave Temple - One Of The Must See Cave Temples In Ipoh
Perak Cave Temple – One Of The Must See Cave Temples In Ipoh – Photo by Travelswithsun

The cavernous main hall is cool to walk in with a large Buddha statue that you will not fail to notice!

If you’re fit enough:

You can take on the staircase that takes you to the top of the hill for a rewarding view of the surroundings!

The Last Pavilion During The Summit Climb At Perak Cave Temple
The Last Pavilion During The Summit Climb At Perak Cave Temple – Photo by Travelswithsun

2. Sam Poh Tong

Sam Poh Tong will entrance you with its beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

Grand Archway At The Main Entrance To Sam Poh Tong In Ipoh
Grand Archway At The Main Entrance To Sam Poh Tong In Ipoh – Photo by Travelswithsun

Admire the garden, exquisite temple architecture and feed some fruit to the tortoises kept at the back of Ipoh’s oldest Buddhist temple!

3. Kek Lok Tong

Like Sam Poh Tong and other cave temples in Ipoh:

Kek Lok Tong makes use of the natural limestone formations in its architecture.

View Of The Zen Gardens At The Back Entrance Of Kek Lok Tong
View Of The Zen Gardens At The Back Entrance Of Kek Lok Tong – Photo by Travelswithsun

For a breath of greenery, head outside to the vast garden at the back of the temple.

Best to go in the morning when it’s cooler!

4. The Haven

It’s hard to imagine that there’s a luxurious 5-star resort right in Ipoh! 20 minutes away from Ipoh city center.

You will certainly not regret a night’s stay here.

The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences in Ipoh lit up at night - for more Ipoh hotels, check out www.travelswithsun.com
The Haven Resort Hotel & Residences in Ipoh lit up at night

5. Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat

Another 5 star hotel in Ipoh:

Banjaran Hot Springs Resort has its own on-site massage and spa center coupled with some hot pools in a beautiful setting:

Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat near Ipoh Tambun – photo credits to sidmenon (Instagram)

Here’s where you can enjoy Ipoh fine dining with scenery too!

6. Sunway’s Lost World of Tambun

A smaller but equally fun version of Sunway Lagoon in Kuala Lumpur:

Entrance to Sunway Lost World of Tambun in Ipoh
Entrance to Sunway Lost World of Tambun

Lost World of Tambun packs a lot into their theme park!

  • Miniature Zoo
  • Night park
  • Hot springs
  • Water slides and a large wave pool
  • Fun fair rides
  • etc

In Tambun, you can also find a certain citrus fruit:

7. Tambun Pomelo

Called pomelo, this local fruit grows exceptionally well here because of the limestone hills!

The best place to buy them is closer to the actual plantations – Tambun and Ampang.

If you want to learn more about how they are grown as well as their many uses:

You can take a tour at a plantation:

Tambun Pomelo GoChin Agro Farm:

Address: 158258A, Jalan Ampang Tambun, 31400, Ipoh, Perak

Tambun Pomelos in Ipoh are juicy and sweet
Tambun Pomelos in Ipoh are juicy and sweet.

And not to forget Ipoh’s rich tin mining history! And by rich, we mean literally.

8. Heritage Museums And Galleries

Back in the 90s, Ipoh grew by leaps and bounds owing to the its huge tin deposits.

Until today, you can still see relics of that past in museums and galleries around Ipoh Old Town:

8.1. Han Chin Pet Soo

Tours are free with an expected donation of RM10 per person goes towards maintaining the building.

The interesting tours are run by a non-profit volunteer group called Ipoh World.

You cannot go in without first booking a tour online with Ipoh World.

Inside Han Chin Pet Soo Hakka Miners Club Ipoh World Museum -
Inside Han Chin Pet Soo Hakka Miners Club Ipoh World Museum – Photo by Travelswithsun

Next to Han Chin Pet Soo is another museum that’s worth a look:

8.2. Ho Yan Hor Museum

Get a free tour to learn more about the man behind Ho Yan Hor – a well-known herbal drink that is famous in Ipoh.

Ho Yah Hor And Han Chin Pet Soo Museum Close To Concubine Lane
Ho Yah Hor And Han Chin Pet Soo Museum Close To Concubine Lane – Photo by Travelswithsun

Tastings are available too.

Street murals pay homage to Ipoh’s history as well:

9. Ipoh Street Murals

If you just walk around Ipoh Old Town, you’re bound to bump into street art sooner or later.

Get a detailed map of all the murals from the Ipoh Tourists Information Center in Ipoh.

Address of Ipoh Tourists Information Center: Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, 31650 Ipoh, Perak

Some of which were painted by Ernest Zacharevic who also painted the wall murals in Penang’s Georgetown.

Here’s some of them:

Ipoh Street Art Mural - An Old Uncle Drinking Coffee
Ipoh Street Art Mural – An Old Uncle Drinking Coffee – Photo by Travelswithsun

And you can also find plenty of murals in this particular lane, aptly named:

Mural Art’s Lane:

Address: Jalan Masjid, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak

Mural Arts Lane In Ipoh New Town
Mural Arts Lane In Ipoh New Town – Photo by Travelswithsun

And not to mention, there is actually a surviving tin mining dredge, TT5 right outside the city!

10. TT5 Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge

Come see a surviving tin mining dredge from Ipoh’s tin mining past!

Proceeds from the informative tours (in Malay) go to repairs of the dredge which is sinking slowly every year!

TT5 Tanjung Tualang tin dredge - an Ipoh heritage close to Batu Gajah
TT5 Tanjung Tualang tin dredge – an Ipoh heritage close to Batu Gajah – Photo by Travelswithsun

See the full list of Ipoh attractions and why it’s worth your while to make a trip to Ipoh!

Read more:

If you like photography:

Instagram-worthy Spots

There are some excellent Instagram-worthy spots that make capturing those Instagram shots all too easy!

Ipoh from the top of Weil Hotel - photo credits to darrenjee (Instagram) - For the full list of Instagrammable spots in Ipoh, go to www.travelswithsun.com
Ipoh from the top of Weil Hotel – photo credits to darrenjee (Instagram)

Massage And Spa

After a long day, Treat your aching body to a relaxing massage at a massage parlor or spa in Ipoh!

  • Thai Oasis (ICC Club)
  • Ipoh Bali Hotel
  • The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
Relax at Thai Oasis (ICC Club)
Relax at Thai Oasis (ICC Club) – photo belongs to Thai Oasis

Where To Stay In Ipoh

Ipoh Homestays

If you’ve got a big travel group, it’s more affordable to book a homestay in Ipoh rather than a hotel.

  • Pause Ipoh – Beautifully renovated old single-story house:
Pause Ipoh homestay
Pause Ipoh homestay
  • Jomstay – Octagon Suite 1 (Ipoh Town) – Well-equipped cozy apartment suite all to yourself!
Apartment suite at Octagon
Apartment suite at Octagon – photo belongs to Jomstay

Ipoh Boutique Hotels

Alternatively, stay at a boutique hotel in Ipoh – a fantastic start for your Instagram feed!

  • M Boutique Hotel – good taste in decor!
Suite King in M Boutique Ipoh
Suite King in M Boutique Ipoh
  • Bedrock Hotel – Extremely comfortable family suites!
Executive Deluxe room in Bedrock Hotel Ipoh
Executive Deluxe room in Bedrock Hotel Ipoh

Read More:

Ipoh Shopping Malls

Ipoh has more than enough shopping malls to explore.

  • Ipoh Parade Mall – attached to Weil hotel
  • Aeon Kinta City – local favorite!
Ipoh Parade - one of the Ipoh Shopping Mall
Parkson Ipoh Parade Mall. (Photo credits to ipoh.parade.com.my)

Ipoh Nightlife

Ipoh does surprisingly have a nightlife albeit not as lively as in Penang or Kuala Lumpur!

A couple of night clubs come to life in the night:

And if dancing’s not your thing:

1. Atas Speakeasy

There are hidden elegant cocktail bars around Ipoh:

Interior of Atas Speakeasy bar in Ipoh
Interior of Atas Speakeasy bar in Ipoh – photo credits to theboredmartian (Instagram)

And bountiful Western-style pubs to have a beer!

2. Bricks & Barrels

At this popular gastrobar, you can come early for a hearty Western meal and cheap beer during the happy hour!

Stay on for the live band and rowdy atmosphere if you wish!

Happy folks at Bricks & Barrels
Happy folks at Bricks & Barrels (photo credits to Bricks & Barrels)

This is one of the liveliest places in Ipoh after sunset!

Or if you prefer:

3. Fei Bo Snow Beer

You can have a beer by the roadside as the locals do!

This restaurant serves Chinese meals with large portions.

Fei Bo Snow Beer Ipoh Garden East 肥波雪花啤东区
Fei Bo Snow Beer Ipoh Garden East 肥波雪花啤东区 – photo credits to sososoya (Instagram)

But their specialty are the chilled glasses with which they serve their smooth beer!

Finally, here’s how you can get your own Ipoh trip started!

How To Go To Ipoh

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.

Ipoh Railway Station - taking the ETS
Ipoh Railway Station – taking the ETS – photo credits to eekhor (Instagram)

Unless you have time to make stops:

How To Get To Ipoh From Singapore

Driving from Singapore to Ipoh will take you from the south to north of West Malaysia.

Just do yourself a favor and take a flight!

Ipoh Airport (Sultan Azlan Shah Airport)
Ipoh Airport (Sultan Azlan Shah Airport) – Photo by Travelswithsun
  1. Bus – ~9 hours’ journey
  2. Flight – Shortest duration (1 hour) and most convenient
  3. Train – No direct trains (Woodlands > Johor Bahru Sentral > Gemas > Ipoh) and >10 hours
  4. Self-drive – 6 to 9 hours journey

If it’s not a weekend or public holiday:

How To Get To Ipoh From Kuala Lumpur

Driving is the quickest way to get to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur.

KTM ETS To Ipoh

Else, taking the train will let you avoid getting stuck in a jam!

  1. Bus – Doesn’t stop close to Ipoh town.
  2. Flight – None
  3. Train – 3 hours by ETS from KL Sentral station. Most convenient way to avoid traffic!
  4. Private car – ~RM200+ for a one-way trip
  5. Self-drive – If there’s no traffic, it can take a little bit more than 2.5 hours. If there is traffic, then up to 4 hours+.

How To Get To Ipoh From Penang

Driving from Penang to Ipoh is the easiest way especially if you stay on Penang island and not the mainland.

  1. Bus – Final stop is at Ipoh AmanJaya bus terminal (20 minutes’ drive from town)
  2. Flight – None
  3. Train – ETS takes 2 hours from Butterworth Penang. Convenient if you live in Butterworth.
  4. Private car – ~RM200+ for a one-way trip
  5. Self-drive – 2 hours with no traffic. Most convenient way to get to Ipoh from Penang Island.

How To Get To Ipoh From Cameron Highlands

Windy roads are inevitable if you want to get up to Cameron Highlands.

Driving Up To Cameron Highlands
Driving Up To Cameron Highlands – Photo by Travelswithsun

If you don’t want to drive, you can take the bus or a private car service.

  1. Bus – Buses depart from Tanah Rata bus terminal to Ipoh AmanJaya bus terminal. Duration of 2 hours. Cheap fares.
  2. Flight – None
  3. Train – None
  4. Private car – Most convenient way if you have the budget for it.
  5. Self-drive – 2 hours with no traffic. Most convenient way if you have your own car!

When you finally find yourself in Ipoh:

Getting Around Ipoh

You can choose any of the following methods to explore Ipoh!

1. Hop off/ hop on bus

Only available on weekends, these buses have two routes called out-circuit & in-circuit. With Ipoh old town as the interchange stop between both circuits/routes.

Ipoh Hop On Hop Off Bus

Out-circuit stops:

  1. Ipoh Old Town (Interchange Station)
  2. Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS)/ Terminal Meru
  3. Ipoh Town Hall
  4. Ipoh Parade
  5. Lost World Of Tambun
  6. Pomelo Orchard Farm
  7. Sam Poh Tong
  8. Gopeng Town
  9. Kellie’s Castle
  10. Silveritage Medan Gopeng
  11. Panglima Kinta Mosque

In-circuit stops:

  1. Ipoh Old Town (Interchange Station)
  2. Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) / Terminal Meru
  3. Ipoh Town Hall
  4. Little India
  5. Telekom Malaysia
  6. Gerbang Malam (Night Market)
  7. Ipoh Parade
  8. Gerbang Malam Near Purple Cane
  9. Octagon Shopping Centre (Yao Tet Shin Market)
  10. Tai Wah / One Stop Accessories
  11. Panglima Kinta Mosque

More details about the bus schedule and ticket price.

2. Self drive

This has the most flexibility but if you are coming during a public holiday, getting parking in old town can be a nightmare!

3. Car rental

It is possible to rent a car from the airport these days.

Car rental companies are on the rise in Ipoh!

Which makes the prices more competitive!

4. Taxi or Grab

Taxis are readily available at the airport, some hotels and shopping malls.

If you have the Grab App, getting a Grab car in Ipoh is pretty affordable and easy now!

5. Walk

This is only okay if you are starting your exploration from Ipoh Railway Station!

Otherwise you will suffer the heat!

6. 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 us a message on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger!

Ipoh trip just about over?

Road Trips From Ipoh

There are so many places to explore outside of Ipoh!

It would be a shame not to include at least one on your way out of Ipoh:

Detour to the forgotten Scottish castle, Kellie’s Castle before you make your way up to Cameron highlands!

1. Kellie’s Castle

30 minutes out of Ipoh city is a gorgeous mansion that once belonged to a Scottish planter:

The unique architecture is reason enough to visit but besides this:

You will learn the story behind the incomplete construction!

Kellie’s Castle – an abandoned building now a tourist spot in Ipoh, Perak – Photo by Travelswithsun

Also not far from Ipoh is Gopeng:

Where you can try something a little more fast-paced – like white water rafting or caving!

2. Gua Tempurung

Approximately 40 minutes’ drive away from Ipoh:

Is the entrance to a magnificent cave system that is accessible to the public for an affordable entrance fee.

Lit Walkways And Stairs Make Gua Tempurung Accessible To Visitors
Lit Walkways And Stairs Make Gua Tempurung Accessible To Visitors – Photo by Travelswithsun

Gua Tempurung is a great jumping off point if you’ve never been caving before!

There are 4 different tours of various difficulty and duration that you can choose.

Impressive Stalactite In Gua Tempurung
Impressive Stalactite In Gua Tempurung – Photo by Travelswithsun

The longer tours will involve wading in the underground river in the dark inside the cave!

Truly an exciting and unique experience!

A popular extension to any Ipoh trip itinerary:

3. Cameron Highlands

It takes roughly 2 hours to drive from Ipoh to Cameron Highlands!

You will have little excuse to stay indoors as Cameron Highlands has plenty to offer for nature lovers:

Hiking, BOH tea plantations, farms, gardens, the mossy forest, etc.

You can also try having a typical steamboat Asian-style while in cooler temperatures!

Cameron Valley Tea Plantation In Cameron Highlands
Cameron Valley Tea Plantation In Cameron Highlands – Photo by Travelswithsun

Or you can explore the enchanting town of Taiping:

With its natural wonders like the mangroves and Bukit Larut!

4. Taiping

Perak’s former capital is roughly an hour’s drive away from Ipoh and not short of its own attractions!

Visit the Perak Museum, mangroves, a traditional charcoal factory in Kuala Sepetang, see fireflies and of course, the beautiful Taiping Lake Gardens!

Perak Museum at Taiping
Perak Museum at Taiping – Photo credits to wikipedia.org

You can spend half the day at Bukit Larut, otherwise known as Maxwell hill.

The highlight is the cooler temperature while being surrounded by nature!

Bukit Larut or Maxwell hill of Taiping - a town close to Ipoh - see the full list of Ipoh road trips on www.travelswithsun.com
Bukit Larut (a.k.a Maxwell hill). – Photo by Travelswithsun

Conclusion

You seriously get the best of both worlds in Ipoh with a good balance of urban and natural attractions!

Beautiful Ipoh
Beautiful Ipoh – Photo credits to munyan0405 (Instagram)

Come for the food and stay for the natural beauty, laid back atmosphere and rich history!

It will certainly be a mistake to exclude time to travel to Ipoh from your Malaysia trip plans!

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