Day 1: Exploring Historical and Cultural Landmarks in Ipoh
Welcome to Ipoh, a city brimming with history and cultural heritage! Your first day in this charming city will be dedicated to exploring its rich past and stunning architecture.
Morning: Discovering Ipoh Old Town
Start your day early with a delightful breakfast at the famous Sin Yoon Loong in Ipoh Old Town. This spot is renowned for its Ipoh White Coffee and traditional pastries.
Address: 15A, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 2:30 PM
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through Ipoh Old Town. Don’t miss the Ipoh Heritage Trail, which takes you to key sites such as:
- Concubine Lane: A narrow street filled with charming shops and historical buildings.
- Ipoh Railway Station: Often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Ipoh”, this beautiful building is a blend of Moorish and Victorian architecture.
- Birch Memorial Clock Tower: An iconic landmark built in memory of J.W.W. Birch, the first British Resident of Perak.
Mid-morning: Dive into History at Han Chin Pet Soo Museum
Next, head to the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum, the first Hakka tin mining museum in Malaysia. This museum offers a fascinating insight into the life of Hakka miners in the 19th century.
Address: No. 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah (Treacher Street), 30100 Ipoh, Perak
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 03:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Lunch: Savoring Local Delicacies
For lunch, make your way to Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong. This eatery is famous for its succulent chicken and crunchy bean sprouts, a must-try when in Ipoh.
Address: 49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Afternoon: Exploring Temples and Art
After lunch, visit the stunning Perak Cave Temple. This cave temple is a surreal place filled with Buddhist statues and ancient murals.
Address: Jln. Kuala Kangsar, Kawasan Perindustrian Tasek, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Next, head back to Ipoh Old Town to explore the vibrant Ipoh Street Art. Created by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, these murals depict the daily life and cultural heritage of Ipoh.
Evening: Relaxing at a Heritage Hotel
Conclude your day with a relaxing evening at Sekeping Belakang (Belakang KongHeng By DreamScape). This boutique hotel, set within a pre-war building, offers a unique blend of rustic and modern designs.
Address: 75 Jalan Bandar Timah, Kampung Jawa, Ipoh, Malaysia, 30000
Dinner: A Delicious End to the Day
End your first day in Ipoh with dinner at Plan B, a trendy cafe offering a variety of Western and local dishes. It’s located conveniently next to Sekeping Belakang, making it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploration.
Address: No. 75, Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Day 2: Exploring Nature and Local Culture
On your second day in Ipoh, immerse yourself in the natural beauty and cultural treasures of the city. Prepare for a blend of enchanting landscapes and rich traditions.
Morning: Scenic Adventure at Gunung Lang Recreational Park
Start your day with a visit to Gunung Lang Recreational Park. This park features lush greenery, serene lakes, and limestone hills. Take a boat ride to the park’s main area and enjoy a peaceful walk amidst nature.
Address: Taman Rekreasi Gunung Lang, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, 30010 Ipoh, Perak
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Mid-morning: Visit the Sam Poh Tong Temple
Next, head to the Sam Poh Tong Temple, a breathtaking cave temple nestled within limestone hills. The temple complex includes beautiful gardens, koi ponds, and impressive stone-carved statues.
Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Lunch: Traditional Nyonya Cuisine at Nasi Ganja
For lunch, enjoy a taste of Perak’s unique Nyonya cuisine at Nasi Ganja. This eatery is famed for its rice dish served with a flavorful mix of curries and spices.
Address: 2, Jalan Yang Kalsom, Ipoh Town, 30250 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Afternoon: Heritage and Art at Yasmin Ahmad at Kong Heng Museum
Post-lunch, visit the Yasmin Ahmad at Kong Heng Museum, a museum dedicated to Yasmin Ahmad, Malaysia’s famed film director and scriptwriter. This museum offers an intimate look into her life and works.
Address: 91, Jalan Sultan Yusof 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday – Friday); 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Saturday – Monday)
Then, stroll through Concubine Lane once more to hunt for unique souvenirs and local crafts. Don’t forget to try some Ipoh Street Art again, capturing more unseen murals that tell the story of Ipoh’s vibrant past.
Dinner: Enjoy a Local Feast at Tong Sui Kai (Dessert Street)
End your day with a delightful dinner at Tong Sui Kai, also known as Dessert Street. Here, you can indulge in various local delicacies and desserts, a perfect way to wind down your second day in Ipoh.
Address: Jalan Sultan Ekram, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Day 3: Discovering Lesser-Known Gems and Relaxation
Your final day in Ipoh will be a mix of hidden gems and relaxing activities. Uncover some of the lesser-known spots and enjoy a more leisurely pace to round off your trip.
Morning: Explore the Lost World of Tambun
Begin your day with an adventure at the Lost World of Tambun. This theme park offers a range of attractions, including a water park, hot springs, and even a petting zoo. It’s a fantastic place to experience both fun and relaxation.
Address: No.1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1, Sunway City Ipoh, 31150 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Weekdays, closed on Tuesday), 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Weekends)
Mid-morning: Tranquility at Kellie’s Castle
Next, head out to visit Kellie’s Castle, an unfinished mansion with a rich history. This beautiful, yet eerie, location provides a unique glimpse into the past, and its mysterious charm is sure to captivate you.
Address: Lot 48436, Kompleks Pelancongan Kellie’s Castle, KM 5.5, Jalan Gopeng, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Lunch: Savoring Street Food at Ipoh Night Market (Pasar Malam)
For lunch, explore the Ipoh Night Market, known locally as Pasar Malam. Although primarily an evening market, some stalls open early. Sample an array of local street food and indulge in Ipoh’s culinary delights.
Address: Various Locations (Check with locals for the nearest)
Opening Hours: 6:30 PM – Late Night
Afternoon: Unearth the Beauty of Kek Look Tong Temple
Continue your exploration with a visit to the Kek Look Tong Temple. This cave temple is set in a dramatic karst landscape and features tranquil gardens, impressive statues, and serene caves.
Address: Persiaran Sepakat 3, TMN Endah Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Dinner: A Farewell Feast at Michelangelo’s Pizzeria
Savor your last dinner in Ipoh at Michelangelo’s Pizzeria. This popular eatery serves some of the best pizzas in town, ensuring a delightful end to your culinary journey in Ipoh.
Address: No. 40, Jln Medan Ipoh 1B, Medan Ipoh Bestari, 31400, Ipoh, Perak
Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Close on Monday)
By the end of these three days, you will have experienced the rich history, diverse culture, and stunning nature that Ipoh has to offer. Safe travels and happy exploring!
