Ipoh, Perak, is charming. With a rich mining history dating back to the late 19th century, the town is rich with cultural landmarks, historic architecture, and an abundance of natural beauty. Not forgetting its colourful culinary scene featuring local delicacies that will make passionate foodies travel some distance just to savour the delicious flavours. Hence, it comes to no surprise that Ipoh is a favourite town among Malaysians to visit and return to.
This curated list might help you find the hidden gems and iconic landmarks that make Ipoh so unique, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller. So, grab your camera and get ready to make unforgettable memories in this town. Let’s dive in!
What to do?
Have a leisure outing at Kek Look Tong Temple
Ipoh is well-known for its cave temples such as the Kek Look Tong. Located at the base of Gunung Rapat, this sacred space invites worshippers from all walks of life to connect with their faith and seek inner peace. It has a huge cavern that houses various Buddha images. Walk till the end of the cave and you’ll see an opening that leads to a serene park. Visitors can enjoy a a variety of activities here, including a reflexology walk, cycling (MYR6 for two persons), and paddle boating around the limestone hill (MYR12 for two persons).
A scenic boat ride at Mirror Lake 2
Escape into nature with a quiet boat ride at Tasik Cermin 2, a hidden gem in Ipoh sitting near the original Tasik Cermin. But unlike its predecessor, the number of visitors are kept minimal for each session to ensure the experience remain intimate and serene. The boat ride glides with a slow and unhurried pace through a small tunnel until it opens up to a wondrous yet peaceful spectacle of towering limestone hills over a still lake, and the occasional bird chirping in the distance. Each boat ride lasts around 20 minutes.
Rates: MYR25 per adult and MYR18 per child
Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Contact: +6 012 268 4116 / Facebook
Admire the architecture of Muhammadiah Mosque
Also known as the Chinese Muslim Mosque, in Taman Tasek Jaya, Muhammadiah Mosque is an example of the fascinating fusion between the Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. The main highlights are the intricate roofs imported from Longyan, China, adorned with glazed tiles and ornamental ridges.
You can also see the colour red being used in the mosque since it is synonymous with Chinese culture. Floral motifs and geometrical patterns adorn the main prayer hall, while windows are built wide to allow natural light to fill the interiors. The mosque is open for all to visit every day, and there’re robes available for visitors if necessary.
Craft hunting at Kong Heng Square Artisan Market
Set within a small square near the popular Sekeping Kong Heng by Dreamscape boutique hotel, this artisanal market is where craft lovers flock to when in Ipoh. It boasts a variety of stalls selling handcrafted goods, including bags, jewellery, and pottery.
The area also basks in natural light, thus create an inviting atmosphere for comfortable shopping experience. So, take your time to admire the beauty and quality of each item; who knows, you may end up with some special pieces to bring home. The market opens from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. everyday.
Soak up the energy at Concubine Lane
Wander through this famous lane and get ready to encounter a variety of sights, sounds, and smells. The ambiance is lively, with vendors calling out to passersby, pop music blasting in the background, and the aromatic smell of coffee from the cafes lining up the street. This is also a great place for travellers to try delicious street snacks such as the raindrop cake, tanghulu (candied fruit), jelly balls and rainbow cheese toast.
Take a picture at the Birch Memorial Clock Tower
The clock tower was built by EW Birch in 1909 to honour his father, JWW Birch, who was the first British Resident of Perak. Over 100 years later, the clock still ticks using the manual winding approach. Much of the original structure remains and has been restored. You may want to take a moment to identify the 49 prolific figures adorning its walls, said to represent the various stages of human civilisation such as Alexander the Great, Buddha, Confucius, and Galileo Galilei.
But don’t stop there. The Victorian-style architecture of the tower combined with the natural surrounding landscape make a perfect canvas for capturing a picture. For more stunning results, try waiting for the golden hour as the warm glow from the sky would enhance the overall ambiance.
Cafe-hopping in Ipoh
être Patisserie
Sweet tooth foodies should never miss this pastry paradise when being in Ipoh. Expect a beautiful display of tempting treats, from flaky croissants to the delicate and decadent petit gateaux. The star of the show has to be the delicate mousse-like Mango pastry that wonderfully balances the sourness and sweetness from various tropical fruits – it’s like biting into a little slice of heaven. But, if you prefer something savoury, there is a range of delicious quiches too. être Patisserie is founded by a dessert whizz, Chef Ann Lee, who had remarkable experiences working at Michelin star restaurants in Paris and Singapore.
Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (weekdays) and 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (weekends)
Contact: Facebook
Opah Merry Café
Dining at this café is like stepping into a time machine that sparks your favourite growing-up memories. The nostalgic mood is strongly palpable, with vintage items and childhood snacks adorning the walls. The menu, moreover, boasts a delightful mix of classic favourites such as lempeng (traditional pancake), cucur (fritters), nasi lemak and assam laksa.
Opening hours: 10.00am – 8.00pm (every day except Tuesdays)
Contact: Instagram
Rahsia Café
The secret is out: one of the locals’ favourite go-to coffee spots is Rahsia Café. Occupying a small yet intimate space within a shop lot, the café provides a hideout where guests get to enjoy solitude or conversations over a cup of freshly brewed coffee. What’s more, they use roasted local beans and locally-produced tualang honey. The decoration is kept simple but meaningful, filled with indie aesthetics as if it came out straight from a Fixi novel. Don’t forget to try the special concoctions like ‘Debu’ and ‘Madu’. Light bites are also available here.
Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (every day except Wednesdays)
Contact: Instagram
Pizza Kayu Api Ipoh
The inviting aroma of freshly baked pizza permeates the air as you step into this unassuming pizzeria. But don’t let the humble façade fool you because your visit here is bound to be rewarded with a satisfying meal. Every creation is carefully crafted from scratch and cooked to perfection in the wood-fired oven, resulting in smoky flavour and crispy crust pizza that is simply irresistible. As for the menu, it features classic toppings like chicken, beef and pepperoni at affordable prices. Whether you’re dining in or taking away, Pizza Kayu Api Ipoh is a must-visit for any pizza aficionado.
Opening hours: 2:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (weekdays); 3:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Fridays); and 1:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (weekends). Closed on Tuesdays.
Contact: Facebook
Pekan Food Café
As you step inside this café housed in an old repurposed shop lot, you can’t help but feel like stumbling upon a truly hidden gem. The exposed concrete walls and steel beams give the space an unfinished ambiance that is both edgy and inviting. The dim lighting also adds to the intrigue. The menu is a fusion of western and local delights with generous portions. Make sure to try the homemade Hawaiian chicken burger – it hits all the right notes!
Opening hours: 12:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Sundays – Thursdays); 12:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. (Fridays – Saturdays)
Contact: Facebook
Kedai Kopi Yeop
Friendly smile greets guests as they fill the small tables in this cosy shop. The menu highlights delicious Malaysian comfort food like fried rice, toasts, stir-fried kway teow with generous portion of prawns, and curry mee, all made from scratch and served with a personal touch. The owner Pak Yeop often mingles with diners, stopping by each table to chat and make sure his guests are satisfied. With such warm hospitality, it is no wonder people keep coming back for more!
Opening hours: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (every day except Tuesdays)
Contact: Facebook
Warung Sungai Tapah
If you’re looking for the best place to get your breakfast fix in Ipoh, look no further than Warung Sungai Tapah. The menu here features all your morning staples, from fluffy steamed nasi lemak and Ipoh’s signature mee kicap (stir-fried noodles in soy sauce) to wantan mee (dumpling noodles) and roti goyang (toast with half-cooked eggs). The food is simple yet nourishes the soul, perfect to start the day!
Opening hours: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (every day except Tuesdays)
Contact: Facebook
Filed in: Cuti-Cuti Malaysia / Ipoh / perak
