In a continuation of Cebu Pacific Air’s media familiarization trip to Kuala Lumpur, Marky Ramone Go on assignment for Pinoy Adventurista make a rundown of must see places and things to do in the city of Ipoh, Malaysia.
Still winding from our prodigious experience learning more about Kuala Lumpur’s handicraft culture and hidden food gems – the kind of interesting things I overlooked during my previous trips to the Malaysian capital – and in the midst of our Cebu Pacific media trip, we set out by bus to the nearby city of Ipoh.
Ipoh Town Hall
Places to See and Things to do in Ipoh, Malaysia this 2022
Located a couple of hours from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh is fast becoming a popular stop for travelers because of its charming old-town vibe and wondrous set of nature that mishmash beautifully with the local culture and cuisine.
As the capital city of the state of Perak and Malaysia’s third largest by population, Ipoh is often referred to as the gateway to the highlands of Cameron. After it suffered from the collapse of the tin mining industry in the 1970s, the city has gone into a renaissance period and crafted a new identity totally removed the mineral depleting commerce Ipoh was known before.
Eye popping architectural details can be seen in the streets of Ipoh
Today, enveloped by rugged limestone karsts, the city looks to lure travelers thirsty for a cup of great coffee, a plate of delicious cuisine, avenues of historical walks and an amazing set of great outdoors - all of which, exists in this fascinating city.
With only 12 hours to spare, we managed to experience a few of what makes Ipoh a wonderful place to sightsee. So, if you are looking for an ideal side-trip destination outside Kuala Lumpur for a day, here are some places to see and things to do in Ipoh.
Eat and Shop at Jalan Yau Tet Shin
You know the feeling when you arrive in a new city and head straight to a local restaurant and becoming puzzled at what food to order first? Well, in the lines of restaurants located at the hawker street of Jalan Yau Tet Shin, you don’t have to worry about that.
Family-run restaurants like this have been here in Ipoh for decades
Because all restaurants here served the city’s signature dish: the Tauge Ayam Kue Tiau, you just sit and wait for your chow. This mouthwatering dish is composed of steamed chicken topped with sliced onion leeks that comes with a side dish set of bean sprouts, flat noodle soup, rice and char siew (pork barbecue).
After trying this then you can order other items on the menu composed of other local dishes. You can either randomly choose where to eat but according to our tour guide, the joint where we had lunch at, the Restoran Onn Kee is probably the most popular and well-recommended place to eat in Ipoh.
Tauge Ayam Kue Tiau is best shared among family or friends
The whole strip also comprises of shops that sells another item Ipoh is known for: Old Town White Coffee. Get ready with your Ringgits as it is almost a sure bet you won’t come out of the store without packs of Old Town White Coffee in different flavors (original white coffee, durian white coffee, hazelnut, mocha and more).
For some dimsum, don’t forget to visit Jalan Leong Sin Nam known as the ‘Dim Sum Street’, where you can find rows of restaurants serving some of the most delicious dimsum in Asia.
Check out Ipoh’s Amazing Architecture
From where I was seated inside our bus, I could already see the many heritage buildings of Ipoh as we rolled into the city. We stopped by the Ipoh Town Hall in the afternoon and from there we went our separate ways for a quick architecture fix.
The 1917 Ipoh Railway Station
The first one that caught my eye was the aforementioned Ipoh Town Hall, which blossoms in an all-white Edwardian Baroque architecture. Highlighted by intricate columns and large veranda arches, the mere sight of it evokes a feeling of olden vibes dating back to colonial years.
Across it, situates another can’t miss building, the Ipoh Railway Station – which is another Edward Baroque structure and was built in 1917.
We could have gone on for a longer photo-walk but the sky decided to dump its rainwater on the city so we went back to our bus. Our guide told us that more Neo-Classical buildings can be seen at Padang Ipoh or Ipoh Field, so you might want to check that out.
TRAVEL TIP: If you're looking for an Ipoh Private Day Tour from Kuala Lumpur, you may book a tour via Klook.com.
Have a Fun-Filled Afternoon at Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS)
Switching from local food and neo-classical architecture to a family oriented destination is possible in Ipoh. Thanks to the "first animation theme park in Asia", the Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS), you and your friends or family can spend a great afternoon here. Spread over a 21-hectare property, MAPS dishes a state-of-the-art interactive attractions and 15 other thrilling rides catering to all ages.
The MAPS theme park is divided by six zones
We tried one ride - almost similar to horror trains we have in town carnivals in the Philippines, but it comes with a more kid friendly theme. Inside you get to shoot slimy looking characters with a laser gun and compete with your friends with who shots the most creatures, based on the built-in scoreboard attached to your mini train coach.
It also includes many rides for adults such as this
Due to lack of time we were ushered into only one more attractions, which turned out to be an interactive Smurf village. The 8-year old in me would definitely enjoy it, so please check this out if you are traveling with kids in Ipoh.
Colorful structures housing various interactive kiddie themes are found inside
Fret not adults, because outside these kiddie themed attractions are a number of thrilling rides located in the trick or thrill zone.
Explore Ipoh Old Town by Foot
One finds another layer of charisma added to old houses when converted to cafes and shops. At Ipoh’s old town, you will find rows of these lovable convert structures lining up the famous three Concubine Lanes.
Visual art feast at Concubine Lane
History have it that way back in the late 19th century, a local businessman, Yao Tet Shin built three houses to his legal wife and two mistresses.
Basic logic suggests Yao not to have his three lovers living on the same street, so the houses of three ladies were erected on different streets - all of which became known today as the Wife Lane (Lorong Hale), the Concubine Lane (Lorong Panglima) and the Second Concubine Lane (Market Lane).
Shop till you thirst for Old Town White Coffee
Because of time constraints we were only able to walk through the Concubine Lane (Lorong Panglima) and the surrounding streets. But doing so, gave us a glimpse of how it is like to chill at the Old Town by just hanging out at one of the lovely cafes situated along the strip.
Or hang out at one of the many quaint cafes
After going for a walk indulging in the mesmerizing architecture of the Old Town, I joined the others in a random café and had a cup of Old Town White coffee while I pass the time people watching.
The Concubine Lane is said to be the busiest with more shops, restaurants, cafes and even a boutique hotel.
3D mural art by Zacharevic
The Second Concubine Lane is a more relaxed street covered with umbrellas but is highlighted by a colorful set of 3D mural art created by Ernest Zacharevic (Yes, the same artist who did the street art in Penang and is referred to as Malaysia's version of Banksy).
Other places to explore:
Because we only went to Ipoh for a day, we missed out on these places to which our guide told us “you must experience next time”. You bet I will. This is the reason why I am planning to return to Ipoh and spend more days on my next visit there.
Go Inside the Kok Lok Tong Cave Temple
This 100 year old temple housed inside the Kek Lok Tong Cave is an intergral place of worship of believers of the Buddhist faith. Surrounded by a garden, visitors raved about the Zen vibe of this place.
Visit Kellie’s Castle
Because not all colonizers leave a bad impression in the history of Malaysia, some like Scottish William Kellie Smith, left behind a castle he originally built to resemble his former home in Scotland. Today, the castle stands as a beautiful structure in the middle of a lush rubber plantation and forest.
Some say it’s haunted, well one way to find out
Coffee lovers, check these places: Yee Hoi Coffee Bean and Nam Heong
In a city filled with coffee shops serving the best brewed coffee in the country, elevate your drinking experience by having a cup of your favorite drink at these two popular cafes in Ipoh.
Spend a Zen Afternoon at Gunung Lang Recreational Park
Enveloped by a sweeping landscape of bushy trees and edgy limestone peaks, this 30 hectare park encircles a still lake and patches of Zen gardens. There is also a campsite inside the park for those wanting to stay longer.
Go Spelunking at Gua Tempurung
Explore the underworld of Ipoh by snaking your way inside the mammoth 4.5 kilometer long Gua Tempurung cave.
Explore the other temple caves of Sam Poh Tong and Perak Tong
Don't skip the most popular temple cave in Ipoh, the Perak Tong Cave Temple - which was built in 1926 and has a Buddha Statue inside standing 40 feet.
Another one is the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple. It is flanked by a tranquil pond and a garden with many pagodas and lit by ancient stone lanterns.
These are just some of the many historical, cultural and natural attractions Ipoh has to offer to travelers. As you explore your way through every street and area of the city, it won’t come as no surprise if you can discover more gems in this underrated city so near to Kuala Lumpur.
Hotels in Ipoh, Malaysia?
[ CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF TOP-RATED HOTELS IN IPOH ]
How to go to Kuala Lumpur from Manila?
Cebu Pacific Air flies from Manila to Kuala Lumpur daily. Offering a lowest base fares starting at Php 2,088, it is the cheapest option to fly to Malaysia’s capital city. Enjoy "low fare, great value" with Cebu Pacific's creative pricing strategies as it manages to offer the lowest year-round fares for all its flights.
Direct flights from Manila to Kuala Lumpur takes 4 hours. Enjoy a more comfortable flight by pre-ordering your meals, and save up to PHP50!
Visit www.cebupacificair.com to book your flight to Kuala Lumpur! #MakeFirstMomentsHappen!
TRAVEL TIP: For your transportation needs from Kuala Lumpur, you may book a Private City Transfers for Ipoh and Surrounding Cities via Klook.com.
Sample Day Tour Itinerary to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur
- 07:00 am – breakfast at the hotel
- 08:00 am – depart hotel
- 10:00 am – arrival in Ipoh
- 10:15 am – Shop for Old Town White Coffe at Jalan Yau Tet Shin
- 11:00 am – lunch at Restoran Onn Kee
- 12:00 pm – depart to MAPS
- 12:30 – 3:00 pm – enjoy the rides and other interactive games at MAPS
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – photo walk around Ipoh Town Hall
- 5:30 – 7:00 pm – enjoy the vibe at Concubine Lane by having coffee and shopping
- 7:30 pm - dinner
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