Shopping in Ipoh is an adventurous excursion, even compared to other popular shopping cities in Malaysia like KL, Penang and Johor Bahru. Most visitors who come to Ipoh to shop head straight for city center, where many malls, mega department stores and local boutiques can be found. Others wait for the weekend when markets, souvenir shops and antique stores are in full swing.
Memory Lane Flea Market
When Sunday morning rolls around, locals and tourists alike head to Memory Lane to browse through second-hand goods, antiques and knick-knacks. This morning market is a great place to score a bargain and pick up some unique souvenirs. For bargain hunting, Memory Lane is second to none as its street vendors have so much miscellaneous ephemera that it’d be easier to catalog what they don’t have, rather than what they do. Photography fans would do well with a site like this, as some of the vendors specialize in antique cameras. History buffs should keep their eyes peeled for historical items, like WW2 artifacts. Mingling with locals in this flea market also offers visitors a cultural experience that can’t be mimicked, so settle in, get up close to the stalls, and find something unique to bring home. When it comes to flea markets, Memory Lane has just what visitors would expect, along with so much more. Memory Lane sets up on Jalan Horley and is near several other shopping spots, including Pasar Besar Ipoh (Besar Bazaar) and Yik Foong Complex, a hotspot for IT gadgets.
Concubine Lane
Once upon a time, Concubine Lane was known for its gambling, opium dens, and prostitution. While the name remains, Concubine Lane has cleaned up its reputation since the days gone by and is now a thriving shopping area. It’s easy to get a sense of how things might have looked in the past here, as Concubine Lane has a historical charm to it, thanks to its unique architecture, which is a blend of Chinese and European influences. Today, art is also showcased in the area, and brightly painted murals offer a look into the culture of the area and make for unique photography spots.
Visitors to this narrow lane will note an abundance of restaurants and food options, which makes it a great spot for foodies to come and explore as well. When in the area, travelers should sample some local food options, like raindrop cake, which is a unique raindrop-looking treat. For shoppers, this fun area is filled to the brim with boutiques and shops, selling everything from souvenirs to toys, to fresh potted plants, and more. Travelers who want to pick up fashion items will also find an abundance of options in this area, including bags and sunglasses.
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First Garden Night Market (Pasar Malam)
First Garden Night Market is located about 15 minutes west of Ipoh city center on the banks of First Garden Night Market. The Friday-night market is the place to go for legit street food, cheap clothing and souvenirs. Locals also pick up household items as well as fresh fruits and vegetables at First Garden Night Market. When it comes to food, First Garden Night Market is the place to be, so foodies should take note. When in the area, be certain to try some local dishes, like popiah, which is what the market is known for. Popiah are tasty, deep-fried spring rolls, and make for the perfect snack while milling about the market. Another dish to try is char kueh, which is a tasty fried rice cake. With plenty more skewered meats to sample, plus other sweet treats, First Garden Night Market is a place that visitors will want to visit while hungry.
De Garden Mall
De Garden Mall isn’t just a shopping center, it’s an entertainment destination. This upscale shopping mall has everything from high-end boutiques to gourmet restaurants, all set within its modern construction. The architecture of De Garden Mall is truly a highlight and transforms this space from a simple shopping center into something spectacular. Pack along a camera or selfie stick, and snap some epic shots of the sites while dipping in to explore the boutiques, or snap a picture of the culinary delights available at this mall.
Travelers with children will be happy to note that De Garden Mall also has facilities for kids, including a play area. So, not only can the adults have fun while shopping and dining, but the kids can enjoy their time in this mall as well. For a shopping experience that’s certain to deliver all that travelers need and more, De Garden Mall is the place to be.
Ipoh Night Market
The Ipoh Night Market, also known as, Gerbang Malam Night Market, is a must-see for any traveler to the area. This market sits at the center of Old Town, and its setting alone is worth exploring, with its looming historical buildings and streets that are decorated with murals. At this night market, street vendors sell their local handicrafts and other offerings, like souvenirs, making this the perfect stop for travelers who are looking for something unique to bring back home to loved ones. Pick from handmade jewelry, stunning artwork, and clothing made from traditional batik textiles.
Food isn’t a major focus of this market, and that’s fine, because the surrounding area of Old Town is quite famous for its food and restaurant offerings, so visitors won’t have to stray far to find something tasty to eat. Generally speaking, this market is open very late, so travelers and locals alike will have plenty of time to find what they’re looking for.
Kong Heng Flea Market
Kong Heng Square once was home to Ipoh’s only shopping spots, but today the colonial-styled buildings make up an artisan market that showcases some of the city’s most talented artists and tradesmen. Not only is Kong Heng Flea Market an exceptional place for shopping in Ipoh, but it also offers tons of fun photo ops and a number of trendy cafés. to sample. Photo-savvy travelers should take some time to wander through this market, as its colonial buildings, along with the artisan crafts, and handmade products, make it a space that’s perfect for photography. The local boutiques at Kong Heng Flea Market specialize in art, so visitors who want grab some unique or traditional souvenirs will be very happy with what this area has to offer. Visitors can expect to find an assortment of handcrafted items, like books, jewelry, pillows, and plenty of other accessories. With brightly painted murals dotting the area, along with a lively crowd, and friendly locals selling their wares, this flea market is more than just a shopping area, it’s a cultural experience.
Ipoh Old Town
Get immersed in the culture of Ipoh by taking a visit to Ipoh Old Town. This thriving historical area is the perfect place for history, food, and shopping, so it should be on every traveler’s attraction list. Located within Old Town are other cultural attractions, like Concubine Lane, and Ipoh World at Han Chin Pet Soo, the tin mining museum.
Surrounded by remnants of colonial architecture, Old Town is the perfect spot for visitors to photograph. Along with its architecture, travelers should pay special attention to the area’s street murals. Talented artists have decorated many of the walls in Old Town with art that depicts the rich cultural heritage of the area, and these murals double as a perfect spot for taking a photo. Food is also a focus of this area, and visitors will notice plenty of restaurants and vendors vying for attention. Keep in mind while traveling, generally, anything that people are willing to line up for is worth a look, especially with food.
Ipoh Malls
While Ipoh has earned a reputation for being a historic city, it certainly packs in a good amount of modernity, particularly in the city’s shopping malls. Ipoh contains three standout shopping malls where travelers can find the best in name-brand goods and accessories, as well as conveniences such as pharmacies, restaurants and family entertainment.
- Ipoh Parade – one of the largest upscale malls in Perak, Ipoh Parade contains an impressive number of international stores, fashion outlets, and restaurants as well as karaoke booths, a bowling alley and a cinema. Ipoh Parade is in Ipoh Old Town. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
- AEON Ipoh Station 18 – visitors will find a playground and mini garden in this state-of-the-art shopping center that contains an array of international stores, local boutiques and mainstream restaurants. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. AEON Ipoh Station 18 is near Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Station 18 (Taman Pengkalan Jaya) District.
- AEON Mall Kinta City – located in the northeast of Ipoh, AEON Mall Kinta City is more than just a shopping experience. The mall often is the locale for cultural performances and local festivities. Even when there is not entertainment scheduled, this mall delivers with outlet stores, a super modern cinema and a choice of upscale restaurants. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Cultural Experiences
Ipoh is a cultural hotspot thanks to its rich heritage and colonial history, so there’s plenty to discover in this city. Here are some of the top cultural experiences that visitors won’t want to miss out on during a visit to Ipoh:
Kellie’s Castle
Kellie’s Castle is a cultural attraction that offers a glimpse into Ipoh’s colonial past. This incomplete “castle” was constructed in 1910 by a Scottish planter named William Kellie-Smith. After Smith died in 1926, construction on the building was halted, and his family returned to Scotland, too heartbroken to consider either staying or continuing with the project. Today, the building is a popular tourist site and has even been used as a filming location for movies. Though the building remains unfinished, visitors can explore the elevated grounds, all while taking in views of the surrounding area. The rooftop of this building is also accessible to visitors, who can explore from up high.
Ipoh Heritage Trail
Step through history while taking a walk on the Ipoh Heritage Trail. This historical trail is marked with street signs or painted footprints throughout the city and guides visitors to some of Ipoh’s most famous attractions. The trail is easy to follow, and visitors can start at several spots, though the Ipoh Tourist Information Centre is a great place to begin, and it’s located just northeast of the Ipoh Railway Station.
It’s recommended that visitors wear comfortable shoes, have protection from the sun, and have plenty of water before embarking on this walk, as it will keep them outside for much of the day. The trail takes about two hours to complete, but if visitors decide to stop at some of the attractions, this will add time to the outing.
Perak Cave Temple
Enjoy a different kind of attraction by stopping at Perak Tong Cave Temple. This expansive temple is home to several dozen Buddhist statues, one of which happens to be a 40-foot-tall, golden Buddha. But what’s truly unique about this temple is its location, which is on top of a scenic hill and within a cave. Not only are visitors able to take in spectacular views of the surrounding area from this temple, but they can step inside the unique temple and marvel at the cave structure while enjoying the murals and sculptures within.
Birch Memorial Clock Tower
Birch Memorial Clock Tower is a colonial relic that was built to commemorate James W. W. Birch, the first British Resident of the state of Perak. Today, this clock tower is a somewhat controversial site, as Birch was seen as something of an unwanted presence in the area, so not everyone is happy that this site was built to commemorate him. The panels of the clock depict various stages of human civilization, and the clock tower itself is a unique stop on its own.
Sam Poh Tong Temple
Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple is another beautiful cave temple in Ipoh and the oldest main cave temple in the area. This temple was built into raw limestone and is home to quite a collection of multicultural cave paintings, along with tranquil gardens. Because of its location, the temple also offers stunning views of the surrounding area, making it well worth a visit for any traveler to Ipoh.
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