Ipoh, Malaysia: 5 Days of Adventure and Delights

Discover the hidden gem of Malaysia in vibrant Ipoh - an enriching cultural experience in the heart of Perak.

14 October 2023

Ipoh, Malaysia is a charming city that offers a delightful mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. With its stunning colonial architecture, the city takes you back in time, particularly at the iconic Ipoh Railway Station and the Birch Memorial Clock Tower. Indulge in mouthwatering Ipoh specialties like white coffee, salted chicken, and bean sprouts chicken rice, while exploring captivating cave temples, such as Sam Poh Tong and Perak Cave Temple, that showcase the city's religious heritage.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the Artistic Hideaways

  • Check into The Happy 8 Retreat, a funky hotel featuring whimsical decor that looks like it was curated by Salvador Dali himself.
  • Visit the fascinating Han Chin Pet Soo museum, known as the "Tiger Cave Temple" for its illicit past as a secretive gambling den.
  • Immerse yourself in local street art at Mural Art's Lane, where vibrant, Instagram-worthy murals adorn the walls.
  • Savor a fusion of Malaysian and Western cuisine at Burps & Giggles, a lively cafe set in a colonial building with vintage vibes.
  • End the day with a stroll along the enchanting Concubine Lane, lined with quaint shops selling everything from souvenirs to traditional snacks.
Day 2

Nature and Heritage Extravaganza

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Thean Chun, a legendary Ipoh coffee shop that serves mouthwatering local delights.
  • Embark on a scenic hike in Kinta Nature Park, where lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and resident monkeys await.
  • Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the iconic Kellie's Castle, an unfinished mansion with a haunting history.
  • Dive into Ipoh's heritage at the Old Town, wandering through charming streets filled with historic buildings and captivating stories.
  • Indulge in a feast fit for royalty at Pusing Public Seafood Restaurant, renowned for its mouthwatering seafood dishes.
Day 3

Foodie Frenzy

  • Begin the day with a fragrant cup of white coffee at Nam Heong, a local institution that has been brewing since 1938.
  • Devour a scrumptious assortment of dim sum at Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum, where every bite is an explosion of flavors.
  • Tantalize your taste buds with Ipoh's most famous delicacy, the Ipoh Bean Sprout Chicken, at Lou Wong Tauge Ayam Kuetiau.
  • Satiate your sweet tooth at Funny Mountain Soya Bean, where you can savor the silkiest tofu pudding in town.
  • End the day with a fiery kick at Restoran Wong Koh Kee, where their spicy claypot curry fish head will make your taste buds dance in delight.
Day 4

Cultural Immersion amidst Limestone Marvels

  • Rise early to witness the golden hues of sunrise at Sam Poh Tong, a majestic cave temple nestled within limestone hills.
  • Visit Kek Lok Tong, a hidden gem cave temple adorned with magnificent stalactites and offering a tranquil Zen garden.
  • Explore the mystical Gua Tempurung, Malaysia's largest limestone cave, on an adventurous spelunking expedition.
  • Experience the captivating sound of prayer chants at Ipoh's oldest mosque, the Ubudiah Mosque.
  • Dine at Indulgence Restaurant & Living, a beautifully restored colonial mansion offering delectable European cuisine fused with local ingredients.
Day 5

Adventurous Escapades and Farewell

  • Kick-start the day with a thrilling white water rafting adventure through the exhilarating rapids of Kampar River.
  • Immerse yourself in a treasure hunt experience at Lost World of Tambun, an exciting theme park nestled amidst limestone mountains.
  • Rejuvenate with a pampering hot spring bath at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, surrounded by lush tropical rainforests.
  • Relish a farewell dinner at Plan B, where the menu features an array of international favorites and the ambiance exudes urban chic.
  • Bid Ipoh a fond farewell, cherishing the memories of its vibrant art, delectable food, and extraordinary limestone wonders.

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.

More travel plans

Ipoh on a Budget: Unforgettable Adventures Await!

Experience the enchanting city of Ipoh, Malaysia on a limited budget without compromising on unforgettable adventures. Explore the famous Ipoh Old Town and indulge in the mouthwatering street food, such as Ipoh White Coffee and chicken rice. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing limestone cave temples and take a dip in the breathtaking natural hot springs, all while staying in budget-friendly accommodations and utilizing affordable public transportation options.

Ipoh, Malaysia: 3 Days of Family Fun!

A trip to Ipoh, Malaysia offers a family-friendly experience with its rich history and charming attractions. Explore the famous cave temples like Sam Poh Tong, where kids can marvel at the impressive statues and vibrant colors. Don't miss a visit to the Lost World of Tambun, a water park and amusement park that promises a thrilling day with its slides, hot springs, and petting zoo.

Quirky Adventures: 4 Days of Family Fun in Ipoh, Malaysia

Ipoh, Malaysia offers a perfect family-friendly trip filled with culture, history, and natural attractions. Discover the enchanting limestone cave temples, vibrant art murals, and indulge in the delicious local cuisine, including the famous Ipoh white coffee. Explore the Lost World of Tambun, a thrilling water park, zoo, and adventure land, making it an ideal destination for kids of all ages.

Ipoh Unleashed: A 4-Day Adventure Through Malaysia

Ipoh, Malaysia offers a magical blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for tourists. Visitors can explore the city's charming colonial-era architecture, such as the iconic Ipoh Railway Station, or immerse themselves in the vibrant street art scene found in the old town area. Additionally, nature enthusiasts can venture to the nearby limestone cave temples or discover the breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding Cameron Highlands.