Have you been to Ipoh? If not, you may have at least heard of Ipoh Old Town White Coffee.
Or maybe you’ve heard that it is one of the best food havens here in Malaysia.
Whatever it is, why not see it for yourself on what Ipoh has to offer? Home to beautiful and historical landmarks, majestic caves, serene parks, busy streets, eye-catching mural art and mouth-watering food; are you ready for a spectacular vacation here?
With that said, here is a shortlist of 10 best places to visit in Ipoh.
Kek Lok Tong Temple
Kek Lok Tong Temple is one of the many cave temples in Ipoh that is favoured by locals and tourists.
As the name ‘Kek Lok Tong’ is translated as ‘Cave of Ultimate Bliss (or Great Happiness)’, this destination should not be missed by anyone travelling to Ipoh for the first time.
During the 1920s, this particular cave has been used as a place of worship.
However, 40 years after, the area was engaged in iron ore mining, thus causing some parts of the cave to be excavated or cut off.
Located within the vicinity of Gunung Rapat, this temple resides in a vast cavern with impressive limestone structures.
As visitors visit this stunning temple, they will be able to witness several Buddhist figures at the central altar, along with other Chinese deities.
The area also features a jogging path circling two lakes. Visitors can also unwind at the longest reflexology footpath and the Zen Garden for a beautiful view and tranquillity.
Address: Pesiaran Sepakat 3, TMN ENDAH JAYA, 31350 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
Operation Hours: 7 am to 5:30 pm (daily)
Ipoh Mural Art Trail
When you’re visiting Ipoh, you must not miss out on the beautiful mural art at some of Ipoh’s thriving streets.
Some street art that is found here were created by a Lithuanian artist named Ernest Zacharevic.
If you’ve been to Ipoh and saw the mural art with a coffee reference; that is because Ernest was collaborating with the City Council of Ipoh and Ipoh’s coffee brand Old Town White Coffee; to paint the streets and make it more lively than before.
Don’t forget to bring along your camera to snap a few memories here.
Some famous mural art you can find here features Old Uncle with Coffee Cup, Paper Plane, Kopi-O and Hummingbird.
It would be a great walk to explore this art in Ipoh’s ‘Old Town’ and ‘New Town.’
For more information on where each mural art is located, visitors can refer to the Ipoh Tourist Information Centre on Jalan Bandar for a copy of the Ipoh Mural Art Trails.
Address: Includes Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Bandar Timah, Jalan Panglima, Jalan Bijeh Timah (detailed location of the mural art can be found at a copy of a physical map by the Ipoh Tourist Centre)
Concubine Lane
On your visit to Ipoh, you must not miss out on the laneways here at Ipoh Old Town.
One famous laneway that is a tourist favourite is Concubine Lane.
This narrow laneway is lined with a wide array of food stalls, sales outlets and mini street markets. It’s a great place to take pictures and buy all sorts of knick-knacks and souvenirs.
Visitors can also visit other laneways such as the Wife Lane and the Market Lane.
There are many interesting stories and history behind these lanes.
In 1892, a mining magnate gave these three lanes to his three wives. The first wife received a lane now known as the ‘Wife Lane’; the second wife had the ‘Concubine Lane’; while the third wife had the ‘Market Lane’.
It’s best to visit Concubine Lane in the mornings before it is jam-packed with people.
Overall, it’s a place not to be missed in Ipoh for great pictures, fascinating stalls, and walking along a street that is over 100 years old.
Address: Concubine Ln, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Ipoh Railway Station
The Ipoh Railway Station is an excellent destination for visitors who would like to witness a beautiful colonial-era building with Moorish and Victorian-style architecture.
Before it was turned into a station, it was initially meant to be a hospital before the 20th century.
Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, it is the second concrete station constructed in the town after being built and opened at the year 1935.
Also known as the Taj Mahal of Ipoh by the locals, this impressive landmark is worth your visit to stand in awe of its beautiful architecture surrounded by an inviting floral garden.
Visitors can hang out at the park surrounding the Rhythmic Water Fountain and witness the colourful fountain at night.
Travellers can also have a delightful stay at the Majestic Station Hotel within the complex.
Address: Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Han Chin Pet Soo Museum
Another fascinating destination that is worth every traveller’s visit is the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum.
This museum is Malaysia’s first Hakka tin mining museum managed by Ipoh World Sdn. Bhd. The exhibition here tells the story of the Hakka people and explains the tin mining industry.
This unique exhibition is open to all, as you can learn about the early history of the Chinese community in Ipoh; as well as the unethical activities also known as the four evils that enticed the Hakka tin miners’ lives.
With that said, visitors who are curious with the history and stories of these Hakka tin miners should give this place a try.
However, visitors must make a reservation to visit this museum via the website. Travellers can head to Han Chin Pet Soo Museum’s automated booking system to reserve a ticket.
Address: 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30100 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
Operation Hours: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (open daily except for Mondays)
Lost World of Tambun
If you’re looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure surrounded by beautiful nature, well you’re in luck because Ipoh’s Lost World of Tambun is one of Malaysia’s super fun theme parks!
It is surrounded by lush tropical jungle, natural hot springs, 400 million-year-old limestone hills and 88 attractions from 10 different parks!
Located at the centre of Ipoh and only 20 minutes drive away from the Ipoh Railway Station, this is a great place to be for a fun-filled day with family and friends.
Don’t miss out on their parks which consist of the water park, amusement park, tin valley, tiger valley, petting zoo, adventure park and other attractions!
Find out more on the ticket pricing and book your ticket right here!
Address: No.1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1, Sunway City Ipoh, 31150 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Operation Hours: 11 am to 11 pm (Weekdays except for Tuesdays), 10 am to 11 pm (Weekends)
Gua Tempurung
Gua Tempurung is one of the longest caves in Peninsular Malaysia. It is also one of the largest limestone caves here.
It is 3km long and is developed as a show cave with electric lightings and walkways. There is also a river passage that runs 1.6km through the hill.
Visitors can also find three very large chambers here along with some fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.
The main attraction here is the various tours into the caves.
There are many tours that visitors can choose from such as the Golden Flowstone tour, Top of the World tour, Top of the World and Short River Adventure tour and the Grand Tour.
If you’re interested in witnessing these breath-taking views of the cave, you can find out more information about the tours available right here.
Address: Pusat Pelancongan Gua Tempurung,, 31600 Gopeng, Negeri Perak
Operation Hours: 9 am to 4 pm
Birch Memorial Clock Tower
Your trip to Ipoh won’t be complete without visiting some of its historical landmarks.
With that said, visitors to Ipoh can give this Birch Memorial Clock Tower a visit.
The clock tower was constructed in 1909 in memory of James W.W. Birch, the first British president of Perak.
It is a beautiful white and black structure with four whitewashed figures representing the four virtues of the British government.
The tower also features large murals of forty-four iconic figures such as Shakespeare, Darwin, Buddha and so on.
It is a great place for visitors to talk a walk after breakfast and lunch or even take a few pictures along the way.
Address: 31650 Ipoh, Perak
Dr Seenivasagam Recreational Park
If you’re looking for some tranquillity and peace from the crowded city, you can visit the Dr Seenivasagam Recreational Park at the heart of Ipoh.
It was opened in the early 1950s and named initially as Coronation Park before it was renamed to Dr Seenivasagam, after a prominent local politician.
One of the highlights of this park is the Japanese Zen Garden complete with an artificial carp pond. It’s perfect for visitors who wants some quiet time alone.
This park also consists of a bike park, children’s playground, a couple of football pitches and beautiful shelters for picnics.
Visitors can also experience the serenity of the lake that is surrounding the garden with a small island reached by a Japanese-style red coloured bridge.
Address: Jalan Keliling Dalam, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
Ipoh’s Food Paradise
Image credit: @namheongipoh Ig Image credit: @vampcher Ig
We may have saved the best for last. Let me repeat this: You cannot leave Ipoh without trying their local delicacies here!
It will be a shame if you have not tried the iconic Ipoh White Coffee or the famous Ipoh Chicken Rice.
The famous Ipoh White Coffee originated from a small coffee shop called Nam Heong. You must visit this place and enjoy a cup of fragrant coffee, along with some snacks such as egg tarts and buns.
Besides that, the famous Ipoh Chicken Rice and Shredded Chicken Noodles are to die for. Some well-known places that have these delicacies are Lou Wong, Ong Kee and Cowan Street.
Not to mention, Ipoh Hor Fun is also a must-try in Thean Chun Coffee Shop! You can also find some of the best dim-sums at Jalan Leong Sin Nam and Foh San Restaurant.
We cannot stress this enough. If you’re planning to visit Ipoh, you must have a taste of their food. You won’t regret it!
Address: Almost everywhere! For well-known places with iconic food, check out Jalan Bijeh Timah, Jalan Sultan Yusuf and Cowen Street.
Now that is a long list.
However, that’s not all of it! There are so many more exciting places to explore in Ipoh.
We hope this list of best places to visit will help ease your planning and give you a fantastic time there.
For more travel articles, visit LokaTaste.
