Ipoh, Malaysia: A 3-Day Journey Through Delightful Charms

Discover the charm of Ipoh: where history, culture, and culinary delights blend together.

14 October 2023

Ipoh, Malaysia, offers a delightful blend of historical charm and natural beauty for tourists. Embark on a journey through the city's colonial past by visiting its magnificent architecture, such as the iconic Ipoh Railway Station and the elegant Birch Memorial Clock Tower. Explore the picturesque limestone hills of the surrounding area, home to stunning caves like Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong, and savor Ipoh's famous culinary scene with its delectable local dishes like bean sprouts chicken and Ipoh white coffee.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Quirky Charms of Ipoh

  • Start your day with a dose of nostalgia at the Yasmin at Kong Heng Museum, a quirky museum that showcases the life of the legendary filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad.
  • Savor the heavenly aroma of Ipoh white coffee at Sin Yoon Loong, a coffee shop that has been brewing liquid gold since 1937.
  • Take a stroll down Concubine Lane, an enchanting alleyway filled with quaint shops, street art, and whispers of scandalous tales from the past.
  • Dive into the vibrant flavors of local street food at Ipoh Old Town Food Court, where every stall is vying for your taste buds' attention.
  • Unleash your inner artist at the Han Chin Pet Soo, a mysterious museum hidden within an old Hakka tin mining club, where you'll learn about Ipoh's dark secrets.
Day 2

Temple Hopping and Cave Adventures

  • Begin your day with a visit to the majestic Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, nestled amidst limestone hills, and admire the stunning stalactite formations inside.
  • Embrace your inner tranquility at the Sam Poh Tong Temple, where lush gardens, sacred statues, and beautiful peacocks coexist in perfect harmony.
  • Go on a cave expedition at Gua Tempurung, one of the longest caves in Peninsula Malaysia offering thrilling activities like spelunking and river rafting.
  • Embark on a spiritual journey at Perak Tong Temple, where a gigantic golden Buddha statue awaits your reverence at the top of 450 steps.
  • Treat your taste buds to a delightful fusion of flavors at Plan B, a trendy restaurant housed in a charming colonial building.
Day 3

Nature Escapades and Delicious Delights

  • Escape the city buzz and venture into the breathtaking nature of Kinta Nature Park, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
  • Wander through the enchanting Lost World of Tambun, a sprawling theme park that houses thrilling rides, hot springs, and even a petting zoo.
  • Feast on the legendary salted chicken at Aun Kheng Lim, where succulent chicken is marinated in a secret blend of herbs and spices.
  • Indulge in a refreshing bowl of cendol, a traditional Malaysian dessert, at Funny Mountain Soya Bean & Tau Fu Fah, a must-visit local favorite.
  • End your day with a hearty dinner at Restoran Wong Koh Kee, where you can savor mouthwatering Ipoh-style hor fun and bean sprout chicken.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Ipoh, Malaysia by plane is to fly into Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IPH) in Ipoh. There are direct flights available from major airports in Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Penang International Airport (PEN). From Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach your desired destination in Ipoh.

Car

To travel to Ipoh, Malaysia by car, you can take the North-South Expressway (E1) if you are coming from Kuala Lumpur or Penang. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh by car usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. It is advisable to use a GPS or navigation system to ensure a smooth journey.

Train

Currently, there is no direct train service to Ipoh, Malaysia. However, you can take a train to Kuala Lumpur Sentral station in Kuala Lumpur, and from there, transfer to an express bus or another train to reach Ipoh. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh by train takes approximately 2 hours.

Boat

There is no direct boat service to Ipoh, Malaysia as it is an inland city. However, if you are coming from the nearby island of Pangkor, you can take a ferry to Lumut, which is approximately a 1-hour journey. From Lumut, you can then take a bus or taxi to reach Ipoh.

Bus

The best way to get to Ipoh, Malaysia by bus is to take a direct bus from major cities in Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, or Johor Bahru. There are several bus companies operating regular services to Ipoh, and the journey duration varies depending on the starting point. For example, the bus journey from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh takes around 3 hours.

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Ipoh, Malaysia: A 3-Day Journey Through Delightful Charms

Ipoh, Malaysia, offers a delightful blend of historical charm and natural beauty for tourists. Embark on a journey through the city's colonial past by visiting its magnificent architecture, such as the iconic Ipoh Railway Station and the elegant Birch Memorial Clock Tower. Explore the picturesque limestone hills of the surrounding area, home to stunning caves like Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong, and savor Ipoh's famous culinary scene with its delectable local dishes like bean sprouts chicken and Ipoh white coffee.