Things To Do In Ipoh, Malaysia: Places Of Interest And Activities

Ipoh sits in the heart of Perak, serving as both its capital city and one of its most popular tourist destinations. With a combination of historical charm, natural beauty and a vast array of culinary choices, Ipoh has great places of Interest that you need to experience at least once.

Visit Ipoh, and you’ll find yourself frequenting many of its more popular destinations pretty often. The true beauty of the city however lies in how far you’re willing to dig for new experiences. Ipoh is home to many different hidden gems brimming with visual spectacle you can’t find anywhere else!

Places To Visit In Ipoh: Attractions & Activities

Like many places in Malaysia, the city of Ipoh was once a contributor to Malaysia’s tin-mining industry. Not only that, but back in the late 19^th and early 20^th century, Ipoh was a major hub for the resource. As a result of this, you can find many well-preserved colonial-era buildings all over the city. It’s this history that gives Ipoh its unique flavour among Malaysian cities and states.

Outside of its architectural and historical significance, Ipoh still has plenty to offer. Its famous limestone hills and caves showcase the city’s natural beauty, making for great photo ops. Ipoh is also no slouch when it comes to food, with a strong hawker culture.

Best Things to Do In Ipoh

Places of Interest in Ipoh

A lot of Ipoh is made up of small, special experiences that sit in tiny corners of the city. Many of these places can be easy to miss if you don’t pay attention or already know what you’re looking for. Here, we’ve compiled a list of these places of interest, including information on what they all have to offer.

1. Ipoh Old Town

While Ipoh is a historic city, this doesn’t truly hit you until you pay a visit to Ipoh Old Town. Similar to Penang’s George Town, Ipoh Old Town carries a laid back vibe, but with the look of a rustic colonial locale. Ipoh Old Town’s charm is simply undeniable, as every corner of the area hides something new to gaze at.

The popular Concubine Lane is also part of Ipoh Old Town, though it’s only one of many fascinating attractions in the area. Street art litters the vicinity, with beautiful display awaiting you at every new alleyway. If you’re feeling hungry, then feel free to frequent one of the many quaint little eateries and boutique cafes around town.

If you’re the type of person who enjoys photography, then you’re in luck! Ipoh Old Town has several art installations that are simply stunning, and make for excellent photographs. Search for the Art of Oldtown, a collection of 7 murals scattered about the town that capture snapshots of local culture. If you love history, visit one of the many museums around town.

Having a trip to Ipoh without paying a visit to Ipoh Old Town is essentially not a trip to Ipoh at all. It’s the epicenter of the city’s culture, and where you want to go to get a true taste of what Ipoh is all about. Take your time, take in the sights, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an old school town preserved through modern times.

2. The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan

Sitting smack in the town of Teluk Intan is the fascinating Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan. Reminiscent of the legendary Leaning Tower of Pisa, Teluk Intan’s equivalent also tilts to the left. A structural marvel, the tower has become a symbol of Teluk Intan, becoming integral to the town’s identity.

The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan was originally constructed in 1885 by a Chinese builder. It was designed as a clock tower and water tank to provide a source of water for the town’s residents. The tower is made of bricks and wood, and its octagonal shape gives it a distinctive appearance. It also features a massive bell, which was cast in 1897 and weighs approximately 1,200 kilograms.

Like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, many tourists come to admire the tower’s lean and take photographs in front of it. The town of Teluk Intan have put in the work to make it a pleasant visit, with the tower sitting in a small, relaxing park. Food vendors and souvenir sellers sell their wares around the vicinity.

3. Kinta Riverfront Walk

Kinta Riverfront Walk is a scenic location sitting near the center of Ipoh. The promenade offers picturesque views of the Kinta River, which meanders through the city. The scenic surroundings include lush greenery, trees, and often, vibrant flowers, creating a tranquil and refreshing environment.

The riverfront walk is designed for pedestrians and cyclists. It provides a safe and well-maintained path for leisurely walks and bike rides. Along the promenade, you’ll find well-kept gardens, seating areas, and benches where you can sit down, relax, and take in the views. Occasionally, you may spot people engaging in activities on the river, such as kayaking or fishing.

Nearby, you can find dining establishments and cafes where you can enjoy local and international cuisine. It’s a great opportunity to savor the local flavors and relax with a meal or a cup of coffee by the river. It’s a good place to go if you want to experience tranquil side of Ipoh.

4. Birch Memorial Clock Tower

A significant part of Ipoh’s history and heritage, the Birch Memorial Clock Tower yet another landmark you won’t want to miss. Built in 1909, the tower was named in memory of James W.W. Birch, the first British Resident of Perak, who was assassinated in 1875. It’s a prominent location in the heart of Ipoh Old Town, standing out in the town center.

The clock tower is located in a small square with well-manicured gardens and benches, providing a peaceful place for visitors to relax and take photographs. It is also surrounded by other historic buildings, making it a part of Ipoh’s heritage district.

Over the years, the tower has undergone several restoration efforts to ensure its preservation and structural integrity. As a result, the century old clock tower continues to keep the time accurately and even chimes. It’s not only an architectural gem but also a symbol of Ipoh’s rich history and the colonial legacy in Malaysia.

5. Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge

The Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge isn’t just a historic tin-mining dredge. It is literally one of the last remaining tin dredges in the world, and thus serves as a significant historical and cultural attraction. It’s a relic leftover from Malaysia’s tin-mining heyday, where the country was one of largest tin producers in the world.

The dredge is a colossal machine, measuring approximately 4,500 tons in weight and 4,000 feet in length. It operated by floating on the water and scooping up tin-bearing soil from the riverbed, separating the valuable tin ore from the waste material.

The Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge was in operation until 1982 when the tin-mining industry in the region began to decline. It was eventually abandoned, and the site fell into disrepair. In 2012 however, it was designated as a National Heritage site, and restoration projects were carried out to preserve its historical value.

Today, it serves as a tourist attraction and a museum. Visitors can walk inside the dredge, exploring its interior and learning more about the tin-mining industry. The location of the dredge itself is also picturesque, sitting in the middle of tranquil lakes and wetlands.

Popular Marketplaces in Ipoh

Ipoh doesn’t lack in popular tourist destinations, especially when it comes to shopping. The city is bursting with small nooks and crannies, featuring marketplaces that carry lots of knick-knacks and oddities. We’ve listed some of the more popular and interesting ones below!

1. Vendors Market at Concubine Lane

Easily Ipoh’s most popular tourist destination, Vendors Market at Concubine Lane offers a variety of goods. Here, you can find hawkers selling snacks of all sorts, a mixture of traditional offerings and trendy foods. Innovation is key to the success of hawker stalls, so it’s not uncommon to see vendors offering bizarre new options.

Once you’re done grabbing yourself a meal, you can peruse the many vendors around. Items for sale range from clothes and souvenirs, all the way to more unique items like handicrafts and antiques. Old shop-houses flank the lane, made up of boutiques, cafes and more souvenir stores.

The buildings along Concubine Lane showcase the architectural styles of the colonial period, with narrow two-story shop-houses featuring Chinese and European design elements. Over the years, these buildings have been preserved and restored, giving the lane a nostalgic and charming ambiance.

2. Ipoh Central Market (Pasar Besar Ipoh)

Ipoh Central Market, also known as Pasar Besar Ipoh, is one of the largest and most prominent markets in the city of Ipoh, located in the heart of the city. This marketplace is a hub of activity and commerce and offers a wide range of goods and products for both locals and tourists.

You can find a wide range of goods here, though the biggest draw is the fresh produce. Vendors here offer a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and spices. This is a great place to experience the vibrant colors and flavors of Malaysian cuisine and to purchase ingredients for cooking.

Putting the fresh produce aside, traditional food stalls are also all over Ipoh Central Market. Other sections of the market are dedicated to textiles and clothing, which extends into to accessories and more modern apparel. Finally, while it’s not a main focus, you can also find more ornate items like pottery, jewelry and handicrafts here.

3. Gerbang Malam Night Market (Pasar Malam Gerbang Malam)

Malaysia is incredibly fond of their night markets, and Ipoh is no exception to this. The Gerbang Malam Night Market is one of the most impressive night markets in the entire country. Situated along Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, it only operates in the evening continuing late into the night.

Like with many night markets, the Gerbang Malam Night Market carries a wide variety of different goods. What goes on sale in a night market is heavily dependant on the vendors available on any given day. While many of the products here are typical market items, you can also find oddities like toys, electronics, and other products you can’t find anywhere else.

Interesting Caves in Ipoh

Here’s a surprising one, caves in Ipoh! While you may not think it, Ipoh actually has a wealth of caves that are incredibly beautiful. Most of these are places of worship for local religious communities, with temples built deep within their confines. They’re all open to visitors all throughout the year, so pay a visit if you’re interested!

1. Perak Cave Temple (Perak Tong)

Perak Cave Temple is one of the more well-known caves in Ipoh. It’s not too far from Ipoh’s city center, which makes it pretty convenient to include in trips to Ipoh Old Town. To reach the temple’s entrance, visitors need to climb a steep flight of approximately 450 steps.

The interior of the cave is adorned with statues, murals, and intricate carvings. Visitors are greeted by a massive reclining Buddha statue upon entering the cave, which is one of the highlights of the temple. The temple has Hindu origins, and was converted into a Buddhist temple over time.

It’s advisable to wear appropriate clothing when visiting the temple, covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Visitors will also need to climb 450 steps to reach the temple’s entrance, so be sure to come prepared for a challenging hike!

2. Sam Poh Tong Temple

Another popular cave in Ipoh, the Sam Poh Tong Temple cave is one of the oldest and largest cave temples in the country. Sitting just 5 kilometers outside of the city center, it’s a fairly quick drive to get there. Once there, you’ll find yourself greeted by impressive natural limestone structures and caverns, making for a cool and serene atmosphere.

Head a little deeper into the cave and you’ll find the temple’s courtyard, with well-maintained gardens for guests to visit. Seasonal flowers adorn the gardens of Sam Poh Tong Temple, along with statues of Buddhist deities. The greatest attraction however is the large statue of a meditating Buddha that stands out from the rest.

Once again, if you’re going to visit the Sam Poh Tong Temple, we recommend wearing appropriate clothing. Be ready for occasional steep staircases and walkways, and you’ll find yourself rewarded with impressive cave interiors and a peaceful place to relax.

3. Gua Tempurung

Gua Tempurung is a natural miracle that’s also one of the most magnificent structures in all of Malaysia. At about 4.5KM long, Gua Tempurung is one of the longest caves in the entirety of Peninsular Malaysia. Walking through the cave is a marvel, as its natural stalagmites and stalactites stay imposing throughout the journey.

Unlike the other caves on this list, Gua Tempurung has no temple inside of it. Instead, venture deep into Gua Tempurung and you’ll find yourself rewarded with a look at a natural underground stream and waterfall. It’s one of the most impressive natural rock formations in the world, and well worth a visit.

Nature Retreats in Ipoh

Ipoh’s natural beauty shines through when you visit some of its more remote locales. It’s a blend of wondrous architecture meeting natural growths, and the result is some of the most relaxing nature you’ll find in Malaysia. Explore these places if you’re looking for one of a kind looks at nature.

1. Gunung Lang Recreational Park

The most accessible recreational area in Ipoh, Gunung Lang Recreational Park sits at the base of Gunung Lang. If you’re looking to spend a day relaxing and enjoying nature, then this is what you’re looking for. It has all the common offerings a recreational park typically offers, and a bit more on top of that.

Activities like picnics, boating and birdwatching are all available here, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy their time indulging in random hobbies. The park is rich in lush vegetation, with many tropical flora all over the area. There’s also a children’s playground, so kids can stay entertained during the trip. Simplicity is key here, allowing visitors to take a breath and simply enjoy nature.

If you’re planning on going, make sure to go during the day. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, especially if you plan to explore around the park.

2. Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village

Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village is one of the most unique tourist destinations in Ipoh. It’s often described as a “village” or cultural park that offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional Chinese countryside lifestyle and customs. It’s a reminder of a bygone era, representing the simplicity and charm of rural life.

The village is set in a picturesque natural environment, with ponds, gardens, and scenic spots. The village features traditional Chinese-style buildings, including wooden houses, courtyards, and temples. These structures are beautifully preserved and decorated with vintage furniture, artifacts, and cultural items. It’s one of the most fascinating locations in Ipoh by far.

3. Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Perhaps a bit of a departure from the other listings here, the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is nonetheless, a fantastic experience. Like the name implies, the specialty here is hot springs, with the retreat’s geothermal hot spring pools sitting out in the open. There’s also a steam cave, crystal cave, ice dipping pool and more!

The retreat is comfortably nestled within a valley, surrounded by limestone caves and greenery that brings a rejuvenating atmosphere. You can opt to stay at the retreat, or you can also go for a day pass to use all the facilities at the retreat. It’s an overall great experience, especially if you’re looking to unwind.

Theme Parks in Ipoh

Surprise, surprise, Ipoh has theme parks too! While the city isn’t exactly known for theme parks (with one big exception), They are available and they’re actually surprisingly enjoyable experiences. We’ve compiled the list below, so if you like theme parks, consider visiting these.

1. The Lost World of Tambun

The Lost World of Tambun is situated in the lush greenery of Tambun, a suburb of Ipoh, Perak, approximately 15 kilometers from the city center. It’s easily accessible by car or public transportation. This expansive entertainment complex offers a wide range of attractions, including water rides, amusement park rides, a petting zoo, hot springs, and more.

One of the unique features of The Lost World of Tambun is its Tiger Valley, where visitors can observe tigers in a natural setting. The park is committed to tiger conservation efforts and provides educational opportunities about these magnificent creatures.

The Lost World of Tambun is easily one of the most iconic attractions in all of Ipoh. Many tourists come to Ipoh just to go to this theme park, especially with all the attractions it offers. If you want to go here however, definitely keep an eye open for discounts and promotions online!

2. TiniTin Town

Unlike The Lost World of Tambun, TiniTin Town is a lot more simple, as it’s just a big indoor playground. But, that’s selling it a bit short as TiniTin Town is actually surprisingly enjoyable! The staff do an excellent job keeping the spacious park clean and suitable for kids, and the cafe within the park is high quality.

It’s a relatively affordable option, especially for families with children. That said, it’s also mainly just for children, as there’s little appeal for adults.

Things to Eat in Ipoh

Ipoh is famous for its hawker culture and unique food, most of which are local spins on familiar concepts. These delicious dishes are difficult to find outside of the city, despite their popularity. Don’t miss out on these while you’re visiting Ipoh!

1. Ipoh White Coffee

White coffee is an Ipoh staple, and a must have if you ever visit the city. With a high-quality blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans roasted in palm oil margarine, Ipoh white coffee has a rich, creamy flavour. You can practically find this quintessential Ipoh beverage all over the city, though locals recommend Nam Heong White Coffee.

2. Taugeh Chicken Rice

Also called Nga Choi Kai Fan, taugeh chicken rice is a popular spin on the classic chicken rice. Local Ipoh beansprouts, which are bigger and tastier than in other places, are boiled and served alongside the classic chicken rice. Restaurants that serve this classic include the popular Lou Wong, though there’s also Ipoh Hainan Chicken Rice for a halal option.

3. Ipoh Hor Fun

Ipoh Hor Fun is one of the city’s signature dishes, and is frequently served at kopitiams everywhere in the city. Featuring a light prawn broth, typically served with shredded chicken and hor fun noodles, this dish is synonymous with Ipoh. Look Woi Kee serves a mean Ipoh hor fun, though if you want a halal version, check out Restoran New Hollywood.

4. Hakka Mee

Hakka mee is a simple dish, featuring noodles, soy sauce, and minced pork, served with a soup. It’s a pretty easy to find dish all around Ipoh, being a city staple. Because pork is a primary ingredient, it’s impossible to find a halal version of this dish. For non-muslims though, Paris Restaurant is famous for their authentic hakka mee, though it only opens in the morning.

5. Kopitiam Style Food

Ipoh has a heavy focus on kopitiam style dining, with small eateries being found all over Ipoh town. These kopitiams carry signature dishes like Hainanese chicken chops, wantan noodles and chee cheong fun. Restaurants like Restoran Cathay are well known for their humble but tasty offerings, and for halal food seekers, we once again refer you to Restoran New Hollywood.

6. Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah

Kedai Kopi Yong Suan features an Indian Muslim stall inside it that’s been operating for more than 60 years now! Nasi Kandar Ayam Merah, also called Nasi Ganja, is a popular establishment that’s been serving up incredible nasi kandar since forever. Definitely try their namesake dish, it’s a standout!

When is the Best Time to Visit Ipoh?

A great many of Ipoh’s attractions are outdoors, so the main thing you want to avoid is visiting during the rainy season. This tends to last between October to November, with high chances of rainfall and even occasional thunderstorms. Similarly, the dry season between June to September can be a bit too hot for many, though if you don’t mind the heat then it’s a good time to go.

Instead, consider visiting between December to February, when the weather cools down considerably. While it’s still relatively warm, the heat isn’t overbearing, and it makes walking around town more tolerable. Occasional rainfall does occur, but it’s rarely bad enough to hamper the experience.

How Many Days Do You Need In Ipoh?

Ipoh is a laid-back, easygoing city, with most of its attractions catering to specific niches. Including essential locations like Concubine Lane in Ipoh Old Town and Gerbang Malam Night Market, all that’s left is to scout out some of the more niche spots. No matter what you enjoy however, these should stay relatively easy to fit into a schedule.

We recommend taking 2 to 3 days to enjoy the sights in Ipoh. Checking out the most popular spots in the city doesn’t take long, especially considering they’re all quite close to each other. This leaves you with two more days to fill up with other, more niche locations that appeal to you specifically. Even if you take your time, you should have plenty left to see everything you want to check out.

Where to Stay in Ipoh?

When you go to Ipoh, you want to stay as close as possible to the heart of Ipoh. It makes traversing between your hotel and the attractions a lot easier. We’ve got some recommendations down below, though most hotels in Ipoh are fine as long as you check reviews before you book.

• Cititel Express Ipoh – Comfortable hotel overlooking a river.
• M Boutique Hotel – High quality affordable hotel.
• Impiana Hotel Ipoh – Relatively affordable 4-star Hotel.
• Palm Hotel Ipoh – Cheap and comfortable lodging.
• Sekeping Kong Heng – A Unique Experience!
• Banjaran Hotsprings Resort – Incredible experience for a premium.
• Sunway Lost World Hotel – A good hotel for Lost World of Tambun visitors.

How Do You Get Around in Ipoh?

Getting around Ipoh Old Town itself can be done pretty comfortably on foot. Stay in a hotel within the vicinity, and you’ll be able to experience everything without the need for a vehicle. If you have one of the farther reaching locations on your itinerary however, we recommend renting a motorcycle or car, especially if you enjoy cruising around.

Conclusion

Ipoh is a gem of a city, condensing so much history and appeal into its unassuming exterior. It’s easy to miss many of the things Ipoh has to offer, especially since the city has such a laid-back atmosphere. Pay attention and find the hidden gems available however, and you’ll discover unforgettably unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else.