Is Silverlakes Village Outlet a must-see attraction outside of Ipoh? It certainly has the space and potential.
But what can you see and do here, and is Silverlakes Village Outlet only accessible by car?
Keep on reading if you want to know the answers to these questions!
About Silverlakes Village Outlet
Construction of Silverlakes Village Outlet began in 2017, before the pandemic.
Silverlakes Village Outlet is along the main highway just out of Batu Gajah. The massive complex consists of 2 parts – North Village and West Village.
Together, they have the capacity for more than 100 shops.
The North Village goes further out onto the lake. And this is likely where all the premium shops will be. But while the North Village is still closed:
The West Village is open to the public although many shop lots are still empty or in the progress of setting up. There are small stalls for food and snacks.
There are a lot of things to do too – especially if you have kids.
Because the West Village of Silverlakes Village Outlet is open from 12pm to 11pm every day, late evening is a popular time.
We saw a queue of cars all the way along the highway on a Sunday night, after 8pm.
Entrance Fees
Currently, there are no entrance fees to enter the West Village of Silverlakes Village Outlet. Moreover, the car park is free entry.
Boat rides on the lake cost RM10 per person.
What To Do At Silverlakes Village Outlet (West Village)
Since the North Village is not open yet, we’ll just list down the things that you can do at West Village.
See what Silverlakes Village Outlet like in day time:
1. Shop At West Village
There are no shops yet. So, shopping for now is limited to the market stalls at the front and side of West Village.
We bought some charcoal roasted chestnuts at the market corner of the West Village (it is close to the outdoor carnival) but they were not fresh.
Of the shop lots inside West Village, we can see that there will be a Guardian pharmacy in the future.
2. Take The Kids To An Outdoor Carnival
Rides for the outdoor carnival are suitable for children. There are no thrill rides for adults here.
There is a train ride, a pirate ship, a space ride, carousel, a small-scale (and very mild) roller coaster, and swing carousel.
The carnival overlooks the lake and is open in the daytime and evenings too. This area is not covered so the rides will be exposed to rain (if any).
3. Cruise On The Lake
A highlight of a visit to the West Village of Silverlakes Village Outlet is to hop on the boats that take visitors around the lake.
This is a very short ride (less than 15 minutes) that costs RM10 per person. And the boats fit less than 10 passengers at a time.
The small ticket counter for the boat rides is after the food courts. A large gate at the side of the counter leads to the boat dock.
Note: Life jackets are compulsory for the boat rides.
4. Get On The Train
The train at the outdoor carnival follows a fixed track in a loop. But there is another train inside West Village.
And this one has a slow pace too, but it doesn’t follow a fixed track.
For now, at least, the train is just for kids to enjoy. Because doesn’t go all the way into West Village.
Note: There are no mini golf carts to ferry people around West Villlage
5. Speed Away In Little Electric Toy Cars
We think this is probably the most fun activity that parents can do with their kids at the West Village. The pastel hued cars light up and you can drive them around the spacious open-air complex.
There are different sized vehicles to choose from including little tanks that can sit a parent and child.
6. Go Shutter Crazy
Besides the natural beauty of the location, there are cute mini double-decker buses to take pictures with. An adorable tiny pink house and giant characters at the carnival offer other photo opportunities.
The overall design of West Village is attractive. We think it looks nicer than the premium outlets in Johor.
And at night, the outlet is well lit too. The central courtyard is especially pretty since there are string lights above it.
7. Admire The Scenery
Big trees fringe the lake at West Village at Silverlakes Village Outlet and visitors can walk among some of them at the outdoor carnival. And just before the boat dock too.
Further into West Village is neat landscaping that blends into the natural surroundings.
8. Watch The Sunset (Or Fireworks)
In the evening, sunset at the lake is something to look forward to Silverlakes Village Outlet. You don’t necessarily have to get on the boat to appreciate it either.
At one end of the West Village is a floating bridge that connects the West Village to the North Village.
The North Village is not open yet, but they do let visitors onto this bridge for taking photos in the evening.
Note: They control the number of visitors on this bridge so each batch of visitors is only allowed to stay on the bridge for 6 minutes.
The bridge is fitted with tall lights that look like fireworks. And you can see the boats going onto the lake from here.
9. Listen To A Live Band
After 8pm, there is a live band performing at the large courtyard in the West Village of Silverlakes Village Outlet.
We are not sure that they play on weekdays.
10. Check Out Lat’s Kampung Boy House
This attraction is not in West Village of Silverlakes Village Outlet. But you can stop here just before entering the West Village of Silverlakes Village Outlet.
The house is a replica of the kampung house that is featured The Kampung Boy. Which is the famous 1979 graphic novel by Lat.
Lat’s original childhood home is no longer around. But the location of the replica is notably close to the same village he grew up in.
Lat’s Kampung Boy House will give city folk an interesting experience. Besides paying homage to the popular Malaysian comic creator and his work.
Read more about Lat House Gallery.
What To Eat
Food options consist of a food court. There will be a KFC branch opening in the West Village too. Apart from these, there are small stalls.
And beside the connecting bridge between the West and North Village is an air-conditioned café.
How To Get To Silverlakes Village Outlet
It takes 30 minutes to drive from Ipoh to Silverlakes Village Outlet.
While driving is a convenient way to reach Silverlakes Village Outlet, the West Village is just opposite the Batu Gajah KTM station.
Which mean visitors from other cities (e.g., KL and Penang) can visit Silverlakes Village Outlet without needing to drive.
After arriving at Batu Gajah KTM station, it’s just a short walk across the road and into West Village.
Perhaps in the future, there will be a shuttle service between the West Village and North Village. Otherwise, it’s a 15-minute walk from the train station to the North Village.
Attractions Nearby
Other places that you can include together with your visit to Silverlakes Village Outlet include Kellie’s Castle and Kinta Nature Bird Park.
PS: Papan Village at Pusing is another interesting spot to visit if you’re in Batu Gajah!
Conclusion
For a place as large as Silverlakes Village Outlet, we hope the management has a solid plan for attracting sponsors and luxury brands to it.
So far, a visit to the West Village is a nice and affordable way to spend a few hours with the family. Families with small children can make the most of all the available rides too.
Evenings are more pleasant than daytime visits, but this will also mean a lack of car parks and queues for rides.
