Ipoh (the capital city of Perak) has many visitors during the public holidays. Mainly for cheap and delicious food but there are also plenty of things to do in Ipoh at night and in the daytime!
Because of the heat that is present for most of the day, we advise that you take exploring at a slower pace when it comes to Ipoh!
Read on and find out which Ipoh attraction you need to include in your itinerary:
Table of Contents:
- Go back in time (Ipoh tin mining history)
- Try Ipoh famous food
- Visit a limestone cave temple
- Admire British Colonial Architecture
- Ipoh Street Art
- Concubine Lane Ipoh
- Kong Heng Square
- Escape The Heat At A Gallery
- Enjoy some greenery (Ipoh parks)
- Mirror Lake (Tasik Cermin)
- Spend a day at Sunway Lost World Of Tambun
- Explore Tambun area
- Have a cup of Ipoh White Coffee
- Cycle around Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village
- Learn more about Malaysia at the Geological Museum
- Shop for a souvenir at Pasar Karat Memory Lane (Sunday Market)
- Go for an evening stroll at Kinta Riverfront Walk
- Check out Little India
- Browse through Book Xcess
- Take a break at an Ipoh Cafe
- Stay at one of many chic Ipoh Boutique Hotels
- Pamper yourself at a real 5-star resort
- Check out one of Ipoh’s shopping malls
- Hike up Bukit Kledang
- Make time to see other religious structures
- Explore every corner of Kellie’s Castle
- Take a ferry to Pangkor Island
- Escape the city and check out Gopeng
27 Best Things To Do In Ipoh 2023
1. Go Back In Time (Ipoh Tin Mining History)
Learn more about Ipoh’s rich (pun intended) tin mining history at these places:
1.1. Han Chin Pet Soo Museum
This museum is an eye-opener to be sure!
Multilingual guides for the daily tours are volunteers from local NGO called “Ipoh World”.
You MUST make a booking online via Ipoh World’s website prior to visiting Han Chin Pet Soo.
- Address: 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30100 Ipoh, Perak
- Cost: Donation of at least RM10 per person (solely to maintain the building)
- Recommended duration: 30 minutes to an hour
- Opening hours: 9.30am to 3.30pm daily (Closed on Mondays)
- Contact: +605-241 4541
- Remarks: Pop next door to Ho Yan Hor museum if you have time!
1.2. TT5 Tin Dredge
Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5 is now open after major repair works as the dredge is slowly sinking.
Please pay a visit to this precious Ipoh heritage as proceeds go to the maintenance and salvation of the dredge!
See what the other attractions are at TT5 Tin Dredge!
- Address: 9th KM, Jalan Tanjung Tualang, 31000 Batu Gajah, Negeri Perak
- Recommended duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Opening hours: 9am – 5:15pm
- TT5 Guided Tours: 9.30am | 10.30am | 11.30am | 12.30pm | 1.30pm | 2.30pm | 3.30pm | 4.30pm
- Contact: +6014-904 3255
- Remarks:
- Visitor center has basic toilet facilities
- Cafe in the grounds
- Regular tours available (only in Malay)
1.3. Durbar
Durbar is a bar and restaurant housed in a historic building once known as FMS (Federated Malay States) with 100+ years’ worth of history tied to it.
It was the main watering hole during the tin mining days of Ipoh.
And thanks to Lee Yee Tsong (who did the restoration):
Now, it is a must-go for locals and foreigners alike! By the way, the food is excellent!
- Address: 2 Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
- Cuisine: Hainanese and Western
- Opening Hours: Daily 11 am – 10 pm, closed on Wednesdays
- Contact: +6017-7977115
- Remarks:
- Halal
- Make a booking before you come!
- Parking is not easy.
- Walking distance to Ipoh Padang
1.4. Ho Yan Hor Museum
A small but lovely museum (with air-con!) paying tribute to a famous tea brand in Ipoh. This place is next to the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum.
Learn about the history of the building and the founder Dr. Ho. And how he found success!
- Address: 1, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
- Cost: Free admission
- Recommended Duration: About an hour
- Opening hours: 10am – 4pm (Closed on Mondays)
- Contact: +605-241 2048
- Remarks:
- Tea sampling included!
- Only around 20 people are allowed into the building at any one time
- No pushy sales here!
1.5. Kinta Tin Mining (Gravel Pump) Museum
Did you know that Malaysia was once the world’s leading producer of tin back in the 1800s right till the 1980s?
And this little-known museum has indoor and outdoor exhibits of the extraction methods and equipment used in the local area.
The owner himself was a former tin miner. In fact, Kinta Valley’s tin mines contributed to >20% of the world’s tin production back in the day!
PS: This museum is about an hour’s drive out of Ipoh.
- Address: Lot 126026, Jalan Batu Karang, Taman Bandar Baru, 31900 Kampar, Negeri Perak
- Cost: RM5 Adult, RM2 Children (5-17 yo), Free Child (<5 yo)
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am–5pm
- Contact: +6012-288 8530
2. Try Ipoh Famous food
You can’t visit Ipoh without trying Ipoh food! Ipoh is famous for its local food, like Ipoh dim sum, beansprout chicken, dry curry mee, steamboat, and more!
Ipoh biscuits like kaya puffs, peanut candy, Gunung Rapat’s renowned hiong peah are worth mentioning too!
Read more: 9 Famous Salted Chicken In Ipoh That You Should Try
3. Visit A Limestone Cave Temple
Unlike other temples around Malaysia, the ones in Ipoh are often built into the side of a limestone hill to form part of the temples!
So don’t forget to include a cave temple in your Ipoh trip, they are certainly a must-see Ipoh attraction.
3.1. Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple & Zen Gardens
To start off this list, Kek Lok Tong is a Buddhist and Taoist temple built into a large cave.
Visitors will find the temperature much cooler once they walk in!
The temple has its own gardens at the back. Locals love to come here for an early morning or evening jog.
Enter the cave temple and head to the back garden where the cave opens out to a lake. This is where you’ll find the newest attraction – paddle boats and bicycles that you can rent.
Note: Boat rides are not in operation on Tuesdays
- Address: Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 8am–4:30pm
- Contact: +605-312 8112
- Recommended duration: At least an hour
3.2. Perak Cave Temple (Perak Tong Cave)
You can climb up to the top of this impressive temple for a good view of Ipoh! Careful, it’s steep and slippery.
Perak cave temple is cool inside compared to the scorching temperatures outside.
- Address: Perak Cave Temple, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Kawasan Perindustrian Tasek, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 8am–5pm
- Cost: Free entry (small donation fee may be expected before the steps to go up)
- Recommended duration: 1 hour or less
- Remarks:
- You cannot climb up past 4pm.
- Bring some drinking water
- There might also be somebody collect parking fees
- Monkeys will happily grab unattended food and bags.
3.3. Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple
Sam Poh Tong is the oldest cave temple in Ipoh. It has a charming decorative pond and garden in front of the temple!
The temple entrance features a large archway with exquisite white marble carvings of dragons and other mythical beasts.
Inside the temple is a cool tunnel that leads out to the back where the tortoise sanctuary is. You can buy some vegetables at the temple entrance to feed them.
Once you are out of the tunnel, you will see another side of the temple that is absolutely breathtaking with the limestone hills surrounding it!
- Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
- Recommended duration: Less than an hour
3.4. Kwan Yin Tong Temple
This cave temple isn’t as stately as the others in this list but:
On “Chap Goh Meh” (Chinese Valentines Day and the 15th day of Chinese New Year), this is the spot to be!
As plenty of hopeful single boys and girls looking to find a partner will come to participate in a very unique event:
Girls will throw oranges into the river with their phone numbers written on them. And boys will fish the oranges out!
- Address: Lot 21606, Batu 4 1/2, Jalan Gopeng, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
- Contact: +605-311 2451
- Recommended duration: Less than an hour
3.5. Ling Sen Tong Temple
It’s worth looking at this one if you’re on the way to Sam Poh Tong as this is the first temple you will see when you turn in anyways.
The colorful Taoist temple has many wall murals and statues of various deities, including a large one of the Goddess of Mercy.
- Address: Gunung Rapat, Ipoh 31350, Perak
4. Admire British Colonial Architecture By Taking the Ipoh Heritage Walk
If you want to do this, start at 8am or in the evening as any other time is going to be really hot!
There’s a trail map available on ipohworld.
Ipoh may not have as many British colonial buildings as Penang or Melaka but the ones we do have are lovely all the same. It’s a shame they’re not in better shape.
Anyways, you will not miss spotting these large white buildings if you take on the Ipoh Heritage Walk!
- Address: Starting point is at Ipoh Railway Station
- Recommended duration: 2 hours (leisurely pace)
4.1. Ipoh Railway Station
Also known as the “Taj Mahal of Ipoh“, this grand building is close to 100 years old and the most famous landmark in Ipoh!
There’s a lot of activity here on the weekends as Kuala Lumpur is only 3 hours away by the ETS train which makes a stop at this station!
- Address: Stesen KTM Ipoh, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
4.2. Ipoh Town Hall
Look across the road from the Ipoh Railway Station and you’ll find Ipoh Town Hall almost directly opposite!
If you think both buildings look pretty similar, it’s because they have the same architect, Arthur Benison Hubback.
Try to come here at night to see it all lit up!
4.3. St Michael’s Institution
Another century-old building, this is an all-boys school that is still in operation.
So, while you can’t enter this particular Ipoh attraction:
You can still appreciate the lovely neo-gothic architecture from the outside!
4.4. Ipoh High Court (Architecture)
Close to the Town Hall and the Railway Station, the Ipoh High Court (Or Mahkamah Tinggi Ipoh in Malay) comprises of two separate buildings.
From the entrance looking in, you will see the original high court that dates back to before World War II on the right.
While the other building on the left side is a newer addition.
5. Ipoh Street Art
For starters, look for the street murals scattered throughout Old Town.
Below are some locations you might want to check out!
Mural Art’s Lane: Jalan Masjid, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Old Town Relieves Nostalgia with Trishaw: http://bit.ly/2Zs1GpS
A Yellow Hummingbird: 37, Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Kids Riding a Paper Plane: http://bit.ly/2IPK1CW
An Old Uncle Drinking Coffee: http://bit.ly/2x3MAKm
Read more about Ipoh Street Art.
6. Concubine Lane Ipoh
It may be the most over-hyped spot in Ipoh but it does have its charm. And you don’t need much time to explore it too!
The historical street is full of colorful shops and stalls selling an assortment of cheap trinkets and street food.
Read more about Concubine Lane Ipoh.
- Address: Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Recommended duration: Less than an hour
7. Kong Heng Square
Another shopping opportunity and a popular Ipoh attraction:
Kong Heng Square is a short walk from Concubine Lane and within Plan B’s vicinity!
On weekends, there are some delightful handicraft treasures and snack stalls to be found here. At the very least, this shaded area is a good stop to catch your breath away from the heat of the sun!
8. Escape The Heat At A Gallery
Funtasy Art House is an unusual art gallery in the middle of Ipoh Old Town with more than 20 rooms of clever 3D trick artwork for wonderful photo opportunities!
Best to go with your family or friends or to pass a rainy day.
Even if you are alone, the staff are very helpful and will help you get some awesome photos to bring back home!
- Address: 16, Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Entrance Fee: RM15 (MyKad holders), RM19 (Foreigners), RM10 (Kids, students, seniors), Free (Disabled)
- Opening hours: 9am to 6pm
- Recommended Duration: Around 2 hours
- Contact: +605-255 0007
Other galleries that you can visit in Ipoh:
- 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery
- Ipoh Upside Down World
- Time Tunnel Ipoh
9. Enjoy Some Greenery (Ipoh Parks)
Ipoh is blessed with gorgeous limestone hills. And we have a fair share of public gardens too.
9.1. Gunung Lang Recreational Park
With all the surrounding limestone hills and a small waterfall (most likely man-made), it’s very beautiful here!
The recreational park is great for joggers and families as well. The main attraction of this park is a large lake with a 5-minute boat ride to the other side.
Unfortunately, many of the facilities (like the lookout towers and mini zoo across the lake) are not in great shape.
- Address: Gunung Lang Recreational Park, Jalan Damai, 30100 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 8:30am–6pm
- Cost:
- Free if you don’t cross the lake or buy food to feed the fish.
- Boat ride is RM3/adult and RM1.50/child or senior citizen.
- Contact: +605-2083333
- Recommended duration: 1 hour
- Remarks: Beware of the monkeys.
Read more about Gunung Lang Recreational Park.
9.2. DR Seenivasagam Recreational Park
This beautiful Japanese-style park is less than 10 minutes’ drive from Ipoh Old Town and next to the Kinta river.
A couple of gazebos extend into the pond – you can walk across the bridges and raised walkways to get to them.
Or have a picnic in the shade of the huge trees there while you admire the view.
9.3. Polo Ground (Sultan Abdul Aziz Recreation Park)
Locals refer to it as the polo ground because it’s pretty close to the Perak Turf Club.
It is a spacious park with lots of trees, jungle gyms, and workout stations!
Observe or partake in what the locals love doing in their free time:
Jog, join a Tai Chi group, or let your kids play at the playground. Or fly kites here!
There are food stalls on one side of the park too.
- Address: Jalan Brash, 30350 Ipoh, Perak
- Remark: Public toilets are available
9.4. Kinta Nature Park
Have a big breakfast in Ipoh (or lunch) and drive to Batu Gajah where the Kinta Nature Park is.
You will enjoy this place if you love nature. More so if you’re an avid bird-watcher. The earlier you go, the better. Especially if you want to see more birds.
- Address: Kinta Nature Park, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak
- Cost: Free for locals (not sure about foreigners)
- Recommended duration: Allocate 15-30 minutes
- Remarks:
- Some people fish here but we’re not too sure that’s allowed
- Bring some binoculars!
10. Mirror Lake (Tasik Cermin)
Locals fondly refer to this scenic lake as Tasik Cermin. Which translates to Mirror Lake. When the conditions are right, this lake becomes a perfect reflection of the surrounding limestone karsts.
The area is currently under development to make it more tourist-friendly but visitors are still welcome.
See what to expect at Mirror Lake.
11. Spend A day At Sunway Lost World Of Tambun
It’s relaxing to soak at the hot springs (6pm onwards) during the evening and night.
But there’re also plenty of other attractions at this theme park in Ipoh during the day:
These include a wave pool with a man-made beach in front, water slides, carnival rides, and the ever-expanding mini zoo.
Many visitors will opt to enjoy the water park in the day and go for the hotsprings at night.
- Address: No. 1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1 | Perak Darul Ridzuan, Ipoh 31150, Malaysia
- Cost: RM117/adult to access all parks or RM75 for the hot springs
- Opening hours: 11am to 11pm
- Recommended duration: 3 hours to a full day
Tip: Book online for some discount. Or get their yearly membership card (for fellow Ipoh-rians!)
Remarks:
- Bring lots of sunscreen, a change of clothes and a towel!
- Choose just the waterpark or just the hotsprings or both.
- Crowded during long weekends and public holidays.
- Have to pay for floats, locker rentals, some of the rides (like kayak, swan paddle boat, zip line, abseil)
- No outside food allowed
- The onsite spa, Crystal Spa has packages starting from RM269.
12. Explore Tambun Area
Home to both 5 star hotels in Ipoh as well as a theme park, this area of Ipoh is worth the detour from Ipoh Old Town!
12.1. Tambun Cave
Prehistoric cave art can be found right in Ipoh! And these are only fading more as the years pass!
Unfortunately, the site has been left neglected with just a few dilapidated signboards to start you off.
The area is frequented more by horses from the neighboring polo club, rather than tourists.
It’s a short trek across a large field and up into the hillside via a staircase. The few thousand-year-old paintings are on the side of the cliff! The most you will ever see in Asia (according to Wikipedia).
Note: Not suitable for elders or young children.
- Address: 31400 Tambun, Perak
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am–5:30pm
12.2. Eat Tambun Pomelo (Limau Bali)
Depending on the season, you can try one of these juicy citrus fruits that Tambun is known for! There are bitter and sweet varieties.
You can also visit a plantation and learn more about how they are grown!
Tambun Pomelo GoChin Agro Farm:
- Address: 158258A, Jalan Ampang Tambun, 31400, Ipoh, Perak
- Opening hours: 9am to 6pm
- Contact: +6013-7654189
Tip: Buy them at Ampang – it’s cheaper here because the plantations are here!
13. Have A Cup Of Ipoh White Coffee
In the early morning, local favorites in Ipoh Old Town are Sin Yoon Loong and Nam Heong White Coffee if you want to sit down and slowly sip on your coffee in an authentic kopitiam atmosphere:
Read more on where you can get yourself a great cup of Ipoh White Coffee.
14. Cycle Around Qing Xin Ling Leisure And Cultural Village
Come here for some lovely scenery – limestone hills and the lake!
The old artifacts that are used to decorate the “village” give it a nostalgic and welcoming atmosphere.
Inside the park, you can use their bamboo hats, bicycles, and rickshaws for free and take as many photos as you want!
Or take a quick hike up the limestone hill! Read more about Qing Xin Ling Leisure And Cultural Village.
Tip: Go early in the morning on a weekday to enjoy the park without the crowds!
- Address: 22A, Persiaran Pinggir Rapat 5a, Taman Saikat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
- Entrance fee: RM12/pax (including parking fee)
- Opening hours: 9:30am to 5pm (closed on Sundays & public holidays)
- Recommended duration: 1-2 hours
- Contact: +605-312 4140 / +6016-559 3499
15. Learn More About Malaysia At The Geological Museum
True, it is mostly just rocks on display:
But the museum is well-maintained with clear exhibits that are fun and interactive for kids!
Measuring tools and instruments are on display as well as rock samples from all over Perak.
Learn about the latest geology projects that the government is working on!
- Address: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 30250 Ipoh, Perak
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 9am–12:30pm, 2–4:30pm; Fridays: 9am–12pm, 3–4:30pm; Closed on Saturdays & Sundays
- Recommended duration: Less than an hour
- Contact: +605-540 6000
- Remarks: Free parking in front of the museum
16. Shop For A Souvenir At Pasar Karat Memory Lane (Sunday Market)
This is a bustling morning market to hunt for some old memorabilia or practice your bargaining skills!
You will find a wide range of second-hand and new goods like clothing, shoes, accessories, etc.
There are also some food & drink stalls.
Tip: Best enjoyed as early in the day as possible!
- Address: Jalan Horley, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening hours: Sunday from 6am to 12pm
17. Go For An Evening Stroll At Kinta Riverfront Walk
Opposite Kinta Riverfront Hotel is a short stretch river that has been transformed into a small recreational area.
Colored LED trees on either side of the river and two short bridges make it a good venue for a night stroll.
There are food stalls and a variety of bikes for hire! Including tandem bikes for 3 people!
- Address: Jalan Lim Bo Seng, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
18. Check Out Little India
Everything from clothing, trinkets, halal meat, fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices is sold here.
You can get your eyebrows threaded at the Indian beauty parlors here. Other services might be waxing or a massage.
Of course, you can find great Indian food here. A good vegetarian option is Krishna Bhawan Restaurant.
- Address: 12, Jalan Lahat, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Remarks:
- It’s not easy to find parking!
- Come here during Diwali (Deepavali)!
- Most of the shops close early in the day.
19. Browse Through Book Xcess
Now the home of the Yasmin Ahmad Museum, this chic bookstore (Book Xcess Kong Heng) offers cool respite in the unrelenting heat of the afternoons:
Books are displayed on cinder block shelves and you can head downstairs to the basement to access the book vault!
The neon lights and industrial interior inside make for an exceptional Instagram background!
They have recently expanded to include 2 more storeys.
- Address: 91, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
- Opening hours: 10am to 8pm
20. Take A Break At An Ipoh Cafe
There are so many to choose from! But we’ve done the work for you in this list of best Ipoh cafes!
21. Stay At One Of Many Chic Ipoh Boutique Hotels
There is no shortage of places to stay in Ipoh – luxury resorts, Ipoh homestays, and boutique hotels!
Here is a list of worthy Ipoh boutique hotels!
22. Pamper Yourself At A Real 5-star Resort
Ever been to a 5-star resort before? There is only nature and tranquillity here at this world-famous 5-star resort!
22.1. The Haven Resort
Rates for the modern rooms and suites at this resort are not too exorbitant!
Bask in the beautiful landscape that surrounds the hotel! Go for a jog around the lake, take a swim at the pool surrounded by the lake, or dip into the Jacuzzi!
- Price range: Around RM400-700 a night for 2 people.
- Check Best Price Now On:
22.2. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
Embark on a romantic getaway at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat!
With your own private villa (and a private pool), scenic garden or lake views, butler services, hot pools, and spa massages at your disposal!
The on-site restaurant is something extra special too! Jeff’s Cellar offers a fine dining experience right in a limestone cave!
There is another great restaurant (The Pomelo) on the property too. Serving tantalizing dishes with organic produce.
- Price range: From RM1,350 a night for 2 people.
- Check Best Price Now On:
23. Check Out One Of Ipoh’s Shopping Malls
We actually have a list of Ipoh’s most popular shopping haunts here.
While not as large as the shopping malls in Penang or Kuala Lumpur, these are good if you need something in pinch or just want to escape the heat (or rain) for a while!
24. Hike Up Bukit Kledang
Ipoh’s most popular hiking trail at Menglembu:
Many start the 3.5-hour hike up to the summit (800m) before dawn to admire the sunrise!
There are a total of 4 trails of varying difficulty and duration:
- RTM (~4 hours) – to the summit via a tar road
- 4-2 (1 hour) – jungle trail
- 4-3 (1.5 hours) – jungle trail
- 4-9 (2 hours) – jungle trail
Note:
- The shorter ones are jungle trails that connect back to the main road at different points!
- If you reach the top when it’s still dark, you’ll have a fantastic view of Ipoh city at night too!
- For safety, don’t go alone!
- Address: Jalan Kledang, 31450 Ipoh, Perak
25. Make Time To See Other Religious Structures
If you want to see the following buildings, it helps if you have your own car because most of these are not in the city center (except for the first and second one)!
25.1. Ipoh State Mosque (Sultan Idris Shah II Mosque)
It is an easy walk to this mosque from the city center.
The exterior of the mosque features a number of gold domes and a square minaret.
And lovely Islamic lattices!
25.2. Panglima Kinta Mosque
There’s nothing quite like blue mosques like Masjid Panglima Kinta. This mosque was built in the early 1900s.
There are guided tours that will explain more about the construction of the mosque.
You can include this gem in your Ipoh heritage walk!
25.3. Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniyar Temple
Next, we have to mention this beautiful Hindu temple set against some limestone hills!
The best time to go here is during the evening when it’s not too hot!
The temple is bustling with activity during the Thaipusam festival! Inside, you can observe the wall drawings that depict the many stories of Lord Murugan.
25.4. Be Impressed At Tambun Tibetan Temple
Jiagan Jing She translates to the Enlightened Heart Tibetan Temple. In typical Taoist temple style, the temple is all bright and colorful and there are hundreds of statues scattered around!
Come here to see the largest Buddhist statue in Ipoh! The statue is almost the same height as the multi-level pagoda that is on the temple grounds.
- Address: Taman Sri Tambun, 31400 Tambun, Perak
- Remark: Busiest periods for this temple includes Wesak day!
25.5. Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple, Chemor
Somewhere hidden in the town of Chemor (30 minutes’ drive from Ipoh), is a magnificent red and gold temple!
The Jade Emperor is the main deity worshiped in this temple.
Tips:
- You will also need a hat or umbrella to visit this place! As it gets hot during the day!
- If you go early in the morning (8am), the lotus flowers in the pond might still be open!
25.6. Tua Pek Kong Temple, Sitiawan
Tua Pek Kong is a seaside temple that needs a long drive out from the city to reach. 1 hour and 40 minutes approximately!
On a clear day, the sunset is worth seeing! There is also a short mangrove boardwalk nearby that you can explore.
26. Explore Every Corner Of Kellie’s Castle
An abandoned manor in ruins, visitors can roam the building and grounds to admire the Moroccan-inspired architecture!
Read our complete travel guide to Kellie’s Castle.
- Driving time: If you’re coming from Ipoh, Kellie’s castle is only a 30 minutes’ drive (it’s ~7 minutes from Batu Gajah).
- Address: Kellie’s Castle, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak
- Opening hours: 9:30am–5:30pm
- Contact: +605-3653381
- Cost: Admission fee is RM 5 for Malaysian adults. And RM 10 for foreigners. RM2 for parking
- Recommended duration: Less than 2 hours
- Remarks:
- Do try to go on a cloudy day if you can to avoid the heat.
- There are tours available
- There is a cafe (and toilets) by the carpark if you want something to eat.
You can stop here before heading up to Cameron Highlands where the mossy forest is!
Read also: 29 Best Places To Visit In Cameron Highlands (New Guide)
27. Take A ferry To Pangkor Island
Technically not in Ipoh but if you start missing the ocean, Pangkor Island is a great place to be!
You have to drive to Lumut (1 hour 45 minutes) and take a ferry (another 45 minutes) to Pangkor Island so plan to stay at least a night if you go!
Hornbills frequent the island and you will likely catch a glimpse of at least one while you are there!
Check out the schedule and ferry frequency on this page here.
- Cost: Accommodation will set you back the most. Prices are increased during the high season.
- Recommended duration: The weekend
- Remarks:
- Go during low season
- Pasir Bogak is an exceptionally beautiful beach
- Local Pangkor transport (boats) are priced at RM200/10pax or RM250/>10pax
28. Escape The City And Check Out Gopeng
Around 40 minutes out from Ipoh city center, Gopeng has a lot to offer, especially for adventure seekers!
28.1. Gua Tempurung
Admire a limestone cave up close and inside out at Gua Tempurung.
There is a fun caving experience to be had here if you’re up for it!
There are different trails and choosing one depends on how much time you have and whether you don’t mind getting all soaked!
If you don’t mind stairs, you will not regret going to this Ipoh attraction!
- Address: Tempurung Cave, Pusat Pelancongan Gua Tempurung, 31600 Gopeng, Negeri Perak
- Cost: ~RM30 depending on the tour
- Opening hours: 9am to 4:15pm
- Recommended duration: 30 minutes to 4 hours
- Remarks:
- Bring a change of clothes and a towel for the wet tours. And a dry bag to keep your stuff (camera gear and phone).
- Cover your knees and elbows to prevent scrapes!
- Moderate fitness would be best if you’re doing the grand tour.
- Bring drinking water.
28.2. White Water Rafting (River Explorer)
If you’ve never been white water rafting before, this is a great start to getting your feet wet (pun intended)!
The rafting takes place at Kampar river.
- Address: Razak House, Jln Sungai Itek, 31600 Gopeng, Perak
- Cost: RM 150 per adult
- Recommended duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Remarks:
- Basic toilet facilities
- Definitely bring a change of clothes!
28.3. Ulu Geroh Rafflesia Trail
Tour companies that do white water rafting in Gopeng typically offer packages to take visitors on a rafflesia (Bunga Pakma) trek as well.
The start of the trail is in a little village (Ulu Geroh) that is 12km from Gopeng so the tour package will provide the transport there (1.5 hours).
Then a native (orang asli) guide will lead the way. The trail takes another 1.5 hours.
- Price range: ~RM 90-100 per person
- Recommended duration: Half day
Tips:
- Insect repellent, leech socks or soccer socks are required
- Trails are steep, wet, and slippery. Some wading might be involved.
28.4. Gaharu Tea Valley
For a slower pace in Gopeng:
Have a look at the unique and rare gaharu trees (also known as Agarwood) which are planted at HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley.
The tree is highly valued for its many beneficial and healing properties.
You can see them up close and from far here in this large plantation.
Tours and tea tasting are available here at the plantation too.
- Address: Mukim Teja, Kampung Sungai Itek 9840 Jalan Gopeng, Gaharu Tea Valley, Gopeng 31600, Malaysia
- Opening hours: 9:15am–6pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Cost: Tour fee is RM10 for adult and free for kid below 4 years old.
- Recommended duration: 1-2 hours
Read also: How To Go To Cameron Highlands From Singapore
How To Get To Ipoh From Singapore, Kuala Lumpur Or Penang:
1. Singapore To Ipoh
- The drive takes 7-10 hours
- Bus or train has roughly the same duration as driving
- Fly instead. It takes 1 hour.
2. Kuala Lumpur To Ipoh
- Many drive up to Ipoh ( ~2.5 hours with no heavy traffic)
- For public holidays, take the ETS train to Ipoh Railway Station (6 trips daily, 2 hours 45 minutes one-way). Book early!
- Buses to Ipoh stop at Ipoh AmanJaya (20 minutes’ drive from Ipoh Old Town)
Note: There is no direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh
3. Penang To Ipoh
- ~2 hours’ drive to Ipoh
- ETS train from Butterworth makes 6 trips daily to Ipoh Railway Station (~1 hours, 40 minutes one-way)
- Or you can take a bus to Ipoh (stops at Ipoh AmanJaya).
Note: There is no direct flight from Penang to Ipoh
Read more: 27 Best Things To Do In Penang
4. How To Get Around Ipoh Without Your Own Car:
- Hop on the city public bus – affordable but not reliable
- Taxi or Grab (not as many as in KL)
- Car rental – standard 5-seater car will cost you RM150+ per day. Finding parking and driving is a stressful
- Book a Ipoh private tour instead – includes transport and a personal guide!
The itinerary is flexible and you can choose 1 day or multiple.
Book a private tour service with RayTheTour/Travelwithsun via our WhatsApp.
Conclusion
This list of 27 things to do in Ipoh should keep you busy for more than just a weekend! See the historical sights, some greenery and eat lots of Ipoh food!
Leaving Ipoh? Here’s how you can squeeze at least another attraction in (for example, Orangutan Island: A Hidden Orangutan Sanctuary In West Malaysia or the charcoal factory in Kuala Sepetang) – see our guide on road trips from Ipoh!
Like history a bit more than the average person? You can read more about 15 Popular Historical Places In Malaysia.
