What to Do in Ipoh: 10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss
Widely known as the 4th largest city in Malaysia, Ipoh deserves way more attention. It’s a place where you’ll find some of the most amazing food in the entire country, which is why we recommend checking out its restaurants and hawker stalls.
Aside from its local delicacies, however, Ipoh also offers tons of sights and activities, and we’re here to shine the spotlight on some of them! So if you’re planning on visiting soon, here are some of the best things to do in Ipoh:
Hunt for spectacular street art murals
Address: Jalan Masjid, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
One fun activity you can try that doesn’t cost anything is street art hunting. These murals can be found on multiple walls of buildings and have sort of become Ipoh’s living testament to its “coolness.”
These beautiful artworks have been created by local artists like Ernest Zacharevic, who’s already made a name as a street artist in Penang. You can see his, along with other artist’s works, in places such as Concubine Lane and Mural Art’s Lane.
What’s great about these artworks is that they’re entirely free to admire because they’re out in public! Plus, since Ipoh doesn’t experience that many tourists every day, you’ll get a chance to take good photos of the artworks themselves.
Pro tip:
- To avoid missing a single street art, head on over to Ipoh Tourist Information Centre before your hunt. You can get a detailed map here that tells you where to find these artworks around the city.
See the reflection of Mirror Lake
Address: 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Operating hours: Opens daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entrance fee: RM4 per head
Ipoh doesn’t fall short of beautiful natural landscapes as well, and the perfect example of this is the magical Mirror Lake. Originally named Tasik Cermin, this lake features calm waters, which is why it’s able to reflect its surrounding cliffsides perfectly.
Speaking of the cliff sides, they’re worth highlighting as well! Made out of limestones and standing hundreds of feet tall, these karsts are a sight to behold, especially with the luscious greenery that surrounds them.
This secret lake started out as sort of a hidden gem, but today, it’s one of the most famous attractions in Ipoh. Because of this, officials have started charging RM4 per person to visit the caves during its opening hours (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
Pro tip:
- If you want the reflection to appear at its best state, we recommend visiting at 11:00 AM where the sunlight hits the water at just the right angle.
Take a stroll along Concubine Lane
Address: Concubine Ln30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
The Concubine Lane is one of the most iconic attractions in Ipoh. It’s a mural-filled street lined with countless unique restaurants, cafes, stores and boutique hotels, which are all worth trying and visiting during your time here.
Aside from that, this small street is beautifully designed with a mix of old-timey buildings and unique designs. Some of the design elements that we love seeing in Concubine Lane are the beautiful tiles, brick walls and of course, the aforementioned street art.
Our favourite spot to take a picture in this place, however, is the area with the hanging umbrellas. These colourful umbrellas make for a great background for your photos–plus, they’ve been an iconic sight to see on this street so make sure not to miss it!
This is also a great spot to snag some of Malaysia’s unique souvenirs to forever remember your trip to the city even when you get home. All in all, it’s a great spot to spend your afternoon if you’re feeling spontaneous because of the variety of quaint and unique establishments here.
Pro tip:
- Visit this place during the Chinese New Year if you want to see it in its liveliest state. During this national holiday, the streets will be decorated with bright red and gold Chinese lanterns.
Visit the picture-perfect Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple
Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 5-255 2772
Operating hours: Opens daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entrance fee: None, but it’s customary to leave donations
You can’t leave Ipoh without visiting its most famous temple, Sam Poh Tong. This is widely considered one of the most beautiful Chinese temples in the country, not just because of its masterful architecture but its location as well!
It sits amidst majestic limestone caves, making it look otherworldly compared to the usual temples you’ll find in the country. Aside from that, we say that it’s picture-perfect because it also has an outdoor garden, complete with a fountain to take even more amazing photos.
As for the Chinese Buddhist temple itself, it’s equally beautiful as well and is renowned as the biggest there is in the entire country. It features the traditional oriental architecture that you may have been accustomed to, with its pointy roofs and bright red paint.
Also, going to this temple is a memorable experience in itself, as you’ll get to spot some of Ipoh’s wildlife in action. Some of the animals you’ll find here include monkeys and beavers who are living their best lives in their natural habitat.
Pro tip:
- You may encounter some beggars before you can enter the cave towards the temple. Although we don’t condone helping the poor, we do want to advise you that giving alms to one beggar will cause the others to go to you as well.
Purchase local arts and crafts at Kong Heng Flea Market
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kong-Heng-Square-Artisan-Market-100063636429846/
Address: 11, Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
Kong Heng Flea Market is another place we recommend visiting if you’re looking to bring home a piece of Malaysia with you. It’s located in the idle of the city centre, so you’ll have no excuse to stop by during your trip to Ipoh!
Here, you’ll find an impressive number of stores that offer interesting products such as Malaysian arts and crafts. Aside from these traditional local products, you can also find things such as stuffed animals, clay statues, porcelain chinaware and more.
What’s great about this place is that it isn’t your typical bazaar, as it’s decorated creatively to make shopping more fun. This kind of aesthetic makes it fun to visit this place even if you’re not planning on buying anything and just want to look around the city!
Alternatively, you can go on a delicious food-hopping experience by sampling some of the eateries found here. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savoury, you’ll find something that will suit your taste in this square.
Pro tip:
- If you can’t find this flea market, be on the lookout for the Plan B Restaurant. It’s just behind this establishment so you can visit the market after you’ve got some grub to fill your stomach.
Capture beautiful photos at the Ipoh Railway Station
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Kong-Heng-Square-Artisan-Market-100063636429846/
Address: Stesen KTM, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-2267 1200
If you’re a fan of old-timey architecture, then visiting Ipoh Railway Station should be part of your itinerary! Featuring a colonial-style design, seeing this station in person will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
This kind of design makes it a great subject for breathtaking photos. You can either use it as the main subject of your pictures or use it as a background to take Instagram-worthy photos–either way, you’ll be taking great shots.
You can also visit and admire the nearby Birch Memorial Clock Tower, which is also a beautiful attraction in its own right. It features a clean and simple black-and-white colour scheme and stands more than one storey.
It’s also worth noting that this attraction is a fully-functioning railway station so expect to see a bunch of people during your visit. Also, being operational today is an impressive feat, considering that it’s been around for over a hundred years now.
Pro tip:
- If you’re planning to take a trip to Penang, you can ride a train from Ipoh Railway Station to Butterworth. From there, you can hop on a ferry heading to Penang.
Follow the Heritage Trail
Website: http://ipohheritage.mbi.gov.my
Address: Room 1A, (Third Floor, Labrooy House, Jalan Dato Sagor, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
One of the best things to do in Ipoh to make sure that you don’t miss its best offerings is to follow the Heritage Trail. This can be found on the Ipoh tourist mop and in it is a detailed trail that will take you to different tourist attractions in the city, over 30 of them!
The trail spans approximately 4 miles, which will take you about 2 hours to complete depending on how long you want to spend time at each attraction. This may sound like a lot of work, but trust us, you won’t feel the fatigue and the time passing by because of the beautiful sights.
It will keep you locked onto the different points of interest across the city, and it does a great job at it. This can be attributed to the overall layout of the trail, as it takes you from man-made structures to natural landscapes in a nice slow and steady flow.
Also, you don’t have to finish the trail in one go! You can stop by any of the restaurants you’ll come across along the way to replenish your energy and treat yourself to some amazing grub at the same time.
Pro tip:
- Don’t be limited to the attractions stated on the Heritage Trail as there are other establishments worth checking out along the way! Instead, follow the trail loosely and create your own journey for an extra memorable and personal adventure.
Go on thrilling rides at the Lost World of Tambun
Website: https://sunwaylostworldoftambun.com
Address: 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1, Sunway City Ipoh, 31150 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 5-542 8888
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday, Sunday, public and school holidays: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Tuesday (Except public and school holidays): Closed
Entrance fee: RM120 to RM127
If you’re looking for something exciting to do around Ipoh, then you should bring your family or friend group to the Lost World of Tambun! This mega theme park features endless fun opportunities thanks to its wide selection of rides.
For the adrenaline junkies out there, you can spend your time here riding one of the park’s many thrilling rides. Just be sure that you can take the twists, turns and extreme speeds that you’ll go through!
If you have kids with you or you aren’t that much of a fan of fast-paced rollercoasters, don’t worry! The Lost World of Tambun also features tamer rides that they people of all ages can enjoy.
Aside from the theme park itself, this attraction also features a hot spring and a petting zoo! This way, people who want to experience a more relaxing time at the park can also enjoy their time here, making it a perfect destination for family-friendly activities.
Pro tip:
- If you’re planning to experience every attraction that The Lost World of Tambun offers, we recommend going for the dry activities first. This way, you won’t have to worry about wet clothes while queueing in line for rollercoasters.
Plus, saving the hot springs for last is a great way to end the day as it helps you relax after a whole day of adrenaline-filled rides.
Spend a relaxing day at Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
Website: https://www.sunwayhotels.com/the-banjaran
Address: 1, Persiaran Lagoon, Sunway 3, 31150 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 5-210 7777
Operating hours: Open 24/7
Entrance fee: RM350+ per person (day pass)
One thing we love about Ipoh is that aside from fun things to do, it also offers relaxing activities to alleviate stress. For instance, if you want to experience utmost relaxation, we recommend visiting Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat.
Here, you’ll get to pamper yourselves through the establishment’s facilities including the hot springs, ice bath, steam cave and more! Plus, the best part is that you’ll be surrounded by tranquil natural landscapes that mostly consist of lush greeneries and limestone caves.
Once you’re done with all the facilities provided in this retreat spot, you’ll feel like a brand new person thanks to your rejuvenated body!
Pro tip:
- Regularly check out their website here to see different offers on their packages and rooms! This way, you can save money, as you get pampered.
Ride bikes around Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village
Address: 22A, Persiaran Pinggir Rapat 5a, Taman Saikat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 5-312 4140
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Entrance fee: RM12 (children under 7 years of age can enter for free)
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, then you should take your loved ones to Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village! This hidden gem is the perfect example of a hidden gem, as it’s tucked away from the busy streets of the city.
Here, you’ll be treated to beautiful panoramic views of various natural landscapes such as limestone cliffs. Aside from that, it also features a beautiful serene pond that perfectly reflects the aforementioned cliffs.
It’s also a small village, which means that you won’t have busy roads filled with cars. Instead, you’ll have to ride rickshaws or bicycles, both of which are amazing experiences in their own right.
If you want to explore the village at your own pace, however, we recommend renting a bike, as rickshaws will be controlled by someone else. Using your bicycle, you can cruise through the village and see the different sights that it offers including the art installations scattered around.
Pro tip:
- If you want to fully enjoy the village and everything it offers, we recommend spending at least 2 hours exploring it.