Ipoh in Perak, Malaysia, is just 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur. Having witnessed the great tin rush, Japanese invasion, and British liberation, Ipoh’s fortunes have risen and fallen over time. Today, it thrives as a popular tourist destination, blending ancient caves, British colonial architecture, and modernity. With many places to visit, Ipoh is a must-include in any Malaysia itinerary.
While the city’s name comes from a tree whose poisonous sap was used on hunters’ blowpipes, modern Ipoh is safe, and famous for its street food, white coffee, and top tourist attractions.
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How to reach Ipoh
By air: Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh offers international flight connections to Singapore.
By train: Located on Malayan Railway’s West Coast Line, Ipoh is well-connected to the rest of Malaysia.
By road: Situated between Kuala Lumpur and George Town, Ipoh is easily accessible via the North-South Expressway.
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Best time to visit Ipoh
January is not only a cool, dry month but has fewer local crowds so you can enjoy Ipoh at your pace. May to September is dry, while the temperature varies monthly. For those who don’t mind the heat and prefer the buzz of bazaars and festivals, June is the high season. If eating fresh durian fruit is on the agenda, then plan a visit in July. October and November usually see heavy rain and some amount of flooding, so they are best avoided if you want to see all the places to visit in Ipoh.
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Places to visit in Ipoh
Ipoh offers a variety of attractions, from vibrant public parks and soothing hot springs to scenic riverfront walks. Here are some of the most exciting places to visit in Ipoh.
Cave temples
There are almost 30 majestic caves in limestone cliffs in Ipoh, which were built by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and are some of the most spiritual places to visit in Ipoh. The Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple is the oldest and most important one. Ensconced in a huge cavern is an impressive statue of the reclining Buddha. At the rear, you can spot tortoises that live there.
Another top site to visit is the Perak Tong Cave Temple, with a 40-foot sitting Buddha, surrounded by natural formations, religious artefacts and murals, and a great view. Kek Lok Tong has a secret garden and lily pond that are perfect for contemplation. The vibrant Ling Sen Tong is perfect for exploring Buddhism through mythological paintings and Chinese zodiac signs, while also offering great photo opportunities. Don’t miss tossing a coin into a wishing well at one of these temples.
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Ipoh Railway Station
Beautiful colonial architecture, seamless connectivity to the rest of Malaysia, and the fabulous Majestic Hotel nestled within the premises make the Ipoh Railway station a must-visit site. Do watch the sunset and witness the water show here.
Concubine Lane
With a name that ignites the imagination, this traditional and lively street features food hawkers, cool souvenir shops, and plenty of photo opportunities. Don’t miss Second Concubine Lane and Wife Lane nearby.
Birch Memorial Clock
Over 100 years old, this square clock tower was built in honour of James W Birch, the first British Resident of Perak. Do visit the four gorgeous clocks, one on each side.
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Murals
Walk around the Old Town and Mural Art’s Lane to spot some cool street art. The Trishaw 3D mural at Ipoh Mural is a must-visit spot.
Kellie’s Castle
This abandoned forest mansion, blending various architectural styles, has a spooky backstory. Scotsman Kellie Smith, who made his fortune in rubber, built it for his wife. However, he died before its completion, and she never made the journey from Scotland. His ghost is said to haunt the corridors. Don’t miss the second floor, which is said to be his favourite haunt!
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Bukit Kledang
To reach the highest point in Ipoh, hike 800 metres to the top of the peak. The steep path is worth the effort; you will enjoy stunning sunset views.
Sunday Market
From dawn until lunchtime, this weekly vintage market at Jalan Horley is full of fascinating finds. Be sure to look for nostalgic items from your childhood — it’s called the Memory Lane flea market for a reason!
Kong Heng Square Market
This is a relatively new spot that is well worth visiting. Go shopping for local artisanal handicrafts and jewellery here.
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Coffee shops
With Ipoh’s buttery, caramelly White Coffee gaining fame (beyond just social media!), try a cup while you’re here. Make sure to stop by Sin Yoon Long Kopitiam, where the original recipe from 1937, created by brothers Wong Poh Chew and Wong Poh Ting, brews the perfect cup with margarine-roasted coffee beans and condensed milk.
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Museums
Ipoh has several excellent museums. At Ipoh World, you can learn all about the city’s history and heritage, especially tin mining and the Chinese immigrant community. At the Darul Ridzuan Museum, you’ll understand more about the larger picture of the Perak states. If you’re interested in rocks, minerals, and fossils, the Geological Museum gives you
You need an appointment to enter the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum, which once housed the Hakka Miners’ Club since 1893. Once exclusive to members and VIPs, it is now the ideal spot to learn about tin mining, the industry that shaped Ipoh.
The Ho Yan Hor Museum takes you into the world of Dr Ho Kai Cheong, who created the famous Ho Yan Hor herbal tea in 1941 to help the people of Ipoh combat the internal heat from working in the hot mines. Head to the PWW Ipoh Art Space, Art of Oldtown Gallery, or the Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah for local art. Automotive enthusiasts will enjoy Dream Big World. Kids and fun-loving adults should check out the 3D art and crazy optical illusions at Funtasy House Trick Art or the Ipoh Upside Down Museum, where everything is topsy turvy.
Ipoh nightlife
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After-dark activities abound in Ipoh. The street food hawkers are the most popular places to visit in Ipoh at night, as eating out is very popular. End your meal with a visit to Tong Sui Kai or ‘Dessert Street’ for some sweet treats. Various night markets are open until around 1 am, so you can enjoy eating, shopping, and listening to local music.
The colonial buildings along the Ipoh Heritage Walking Trail are illuminated beautifully and worth seeing at night. If you’re looking to party, there are options too. Healy Mac’s Irish Bar or Atas Speakeasy Bar are great for a relaxed drink and a conversation. But if you’re looking for a more vibrant scene, head to Brick & Barrels and the other bars along Jalan Lau Ek Ching Street. Above Gastrobar and the Deck Gastrobar at WEIL Hotel are great rooftop bars with fabulous Ipoh city views.
Ipoh cafes and restaurants
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The café culture in Ipoh is on point. We mentioned the Ipoh white coffee earlier, which is an absolute must-have. The most iconic restaurant is Durbar at FMS, a restored colonial building with a menu featuring Hainanese and Western cuisine and drinks. Ipoh has its version of chicken rice, which is topped with bean sprouts. The top spots to eat it are the Restoran Tauge Ayam Ong Kee (Ong Kee Bean Sprouts Chicken Restaurant) and Lou Wong Chicken Rice Restaurant.
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The best place to buy the special salt-baked chicken is Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken. Char Kway Teow, which you will find at street food vendors, is a popular stir-fried noodle dish made with prawns, Chinese sausage, fish cakes, and eggs. The nasi kandar (a full meal) at Kedai Kopi Yong Suan is so good that locals have dubbed it nasi ganja! Miker Food Ipoh along the Kinta Riverfront is a fun spot serving up everything from pizzas to Malaysian dishes. Try the tofu pudding at Funny Mountain or some icy Cendol at Deen CT Corner Cendol for some local dessert.
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Shopping
The flea markets are the best places in Ipoh to shop for affordable items. For local handicrafts and handcrafted souvenirs, browse the Kong Heng Square Artisan Market. Night markets, known as ‘pasar malam’ are very popular. The Ipoh Night Market at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Utara and Gerbang Malam at Ipoh Central are well organised.
Pasar Malam Gunung Rapat is less touristy. Of the many malls here, the best are AEON MALL Ipoh Station 18, Angsana Mall (for electronics), and AEON Mall Kinta City (a good place to take kids because it has a fun space). You can also head to the futuristic Ipoh Parade for a good selection of stores and entertainment — a cinema hall, bowling alley, karaoke booths, restaurants, and more.
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(Feature image credit: Iqx Azmi/Unsplash)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
On the western side of the Kinta River, it’s best known for its British colonial buildings and excellent eateries.
Old Town is the most picturesque part of Ipoh. But there are plenty of parks and riverfront spots that make for great photo backdrops. The cave temples hold a certain charm for photographers too.
The cave temples are the best spots to experience culture in Ipoh. To understand the tin mining history and Chinese immigrant stories of the town, head to the museums.
Visit the HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley, a 300-acre tea garden, where you can plant your own tea, and sample some tea too. Sunway Lost World of Tambun is not only a good theme park (divided into eight different areas), but also filled with natural beauty.
Choose either of two trails to climb the Bukit Batu Putih Mountain. Composed of quartzite, it stands out against the lush landscape of the coastal rainforest. Go white water rafting on the Kampar River, which is famous for its high tides.
The cave temples are not only places of religious worship but also culturally significant and historically relevant. Apart from them and Ipoh’s colonial Old Town, you could explore the city’s tin mining history. In Gopeng Town, you can experience the original 19th century streets and architecture, visit the Gopeng Museum to learn about the history of tin mining and local culture, and see the exhibits at the restored Gopeng Heritage House, which recreate the life of a middle-class family from those times.
You can try all types of Malaysian cuisine, with roots in Chinese, Indian, and Perak culture, as well as western dishes too.
It is generally safe, although you need to beware of pickpockets in crowded public spaces as you would in any city.
Written By
Priya Pathiyan
A chronicler of all things culture and lifestyle. Priya\'s forte is fresh perspective on everything. ..Read More
