Ipoh is a growing city for tourists in Malaysia. With a number of stunning rock temples, and a thriving market in Concubine Lane, it’s worth considering a stop in this underrated city.
Street art in Ipoh
While itโ’s not (and shouldn’t be) top of the list for your Malaysia trip, it is a popular stop off point between various destinations and the Cameron Highlands. These are most often George Town/Penang, or Kuala Lumpur. It splits up the journey into the Highlands, which can be particularly useful for anyone who is worried they might feel travel sick on those winding mountain roads!
How to get to Ipoh
Ipoh street
Malaysia’s public transport connects Ipoh well. Many people stop in Ipoh on the way to or from the Cameron Highlands as it’s the nearest train stop. You can take a train from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh (c.2h-3h) or Butterworth (c2h), just opposite George Town, Penang. Trains in Malaysia are efficient, clean and air conditioned, and have good toilet facilities. This often makes them a better choice than a bus when available.ย
The train station in Ipoh is central, and one of the highlights of Ipoh in it’s own right. It’s a gorgeous colonial building built by the British, and services as a reminder of the British colonial presence in Malaysia.
There are also a number of bus services into Ipoh. I took the bus from George Town, as I was able to find a service directly from Penang island rather than getting the ferry across to Butterworth. There are also regular buses from Kuala Lumpur and other destinations across Malaysia. Note that the bus station is not in central Ipoh, but it’s easy and quick to get a Grab into the city. The best way to find tickets is via RedBus or 12Go.
For me, there’s only one answer to this question: the gorgeous Brownstone Hostel. This is one of the best hostels, or indeed hotels, Iโve stayed in on my travels so far. It has good dorm rooms, but if that’s not your vibe, the private rooms are also excellent. The hostel is well laid out, offering free breakfast in a kitchen area, with another relaxing area upstairs. And the plants! The hostel is beautifully green. The Brownstone is often booked up, so book ahead.
If you want something more like a traditional hotel, try the highly-rated Sojourn Spa Hotel. You could also try the Do Something Guest House, one of the few options in the touristy areas of Ipoh – but note the comments in the reviews about noise from the night market outside.
How long should I spend in Ipoh?
My recommendation is spending two nights in Ipoh. I would arrive later in the day, then spend the next full day sightseeing, and leave the following morning. There isn’t enough to do in Ipoh to require more time.
Animal themed street art, Ipoh
However, I did meet people who only stayed 1 night – they spent the afternoon they arrived sightseeing. They left at lunch the following day, having spent the morning sightseeing as well. This is a bit rushed for me, but if time is tight for your trip it’s certainly possible.
5 ways to make the most of your Ipoh stopoverโฆ!
1. Visit Ipoh’s famous rock temples
Ipoh is rightly famous for the many beautiful temples cut into the caves around the city. Take time to visit a few of these, they are all different. The best way to do this is to use Grab, as they are all a little bit outside the city. Consider hiring a driver for a set period if you want to visit a few, to avoid having to wait for a Grab once you’ve done each one.
Best temples:
Kek Look Tong Temple
Kek Look Tong
Set into limestone caves, this cave is stunning. It’s absolutely huge inside, and there is a gorgeous breeze once youโre inside! There are a number of shrines within the cave itself, and then you head outside. Behind the cave is a beautiful, tranquil lake and a green park. There are also a few tourist options if that’s your thing – duck shaped pedaoloes down a small river, and tandem bikes for hire.ย
Kek Look Tong temple gardens
Sam Poh Tong Temple
This temple is instagram famous, and offers beautiful shots of the temple perched over the water. Be aware that this is the temple which closes at lunchtime! (Don’t get caught out like I did)
Perak Cave Temple
This is possibly the most famous of the Ipoh caves, although I didn’t make it to see it. The cave has a giant golden Buddha statue. The cave is famous for the walk to the viewpoint at the top (probably why I didn’t go, as this sounds like hard work).
Top Tip: visit in the morning. One of the most famous temples, Sam Poh Tong, closes at 1pm. Visiting in the morning ensures you won’t miss it (like I did). Ipoh is also ridiculously hot – itโs easier to walk around the temple sites in the morning.
Kek Look Tong temple
2. Visit Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake is another famous Ipoh attraction. Relatively unknown until recently, it has become an instagram must-visit in the city. Found in flooded quarries amongst the limestone cliffs, it is beautifully reflective and peaceful. There are also boats available to take a short trip on the lake.
It’s near Sam Poh Tong Temple, so worth combining your visit.
3. Visit Concubine Lane, part of the heritage of Ipoh
Street Art on Concubine Lane
Concubine Lane is the most famous street in Ipoh. This teeny tiny alleyway is easily missed if you’re not paying attention (I had to double back!). The narrow space is crammed with shops and stalls, and offers an insight into Ipoh’s beating heart. Head down the lane to check out souvenir shops and coffee shops.
4. Visit the Harry Potter coffee shop
Platform 9 1/2 Coffee Shop
Once you’ve got to the end of Concubine Lane, head to the Platform 9ยฝ coffee shop. If youโ’re anything like me, you’ll feel the need for caffeine, cool and quiet after battling your way down the Lane, and Platform 9ยฝ offers this and more.
This lovely cafe has a Harry Potter theme, with a number of sets/photo ops throughout and even the opportunity to hire robes from your chosen Hogwarts House. You’ll have to buy something to enter, but once you do you can wander around enjoying the ambience.
Platform 9 1/2 Coffee Shop
5. Check out the street art in Ipoh
The other thing to enjoy in central Ipoh is street art. While not as famous as George Town, the city has a lot of art to enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk around, or head to Graffitti Lane to enjoy an entire street of art in different styles!
Bonus: Memory Lane – Sunday vintage market
If you happen to be in Ipoh on a Sunday, head to the city’s famous vintage market, just around the corner from the Brownstone on Memory Lane. This is a big event in the city, with live music at various points as you’re walking down. Different from most Asian markets, vendors sell vintage Malaysian items, including selections of machetes!
Em
