Ipoh

Explore Ipoh

Ipoh is the capital city of the state of Perak, Malaysia. It is located by the Kinta River and is known for its British colonial architecture, limestone hills, and caves. Ipoh has gained recognition for its cuisine and as a gateway to the Cameron Highlands.

• City: Ipoh
• State: Perak
• Population: 759,952

Historical Background

Rose to prominence in the late 19th century due to the tin mining boom, becoming one of Malaysia’s wealthiest towns.

Geographic Features

Surrounded by limestone hills and caves, with the Kinta River flowing through the city.

Transportations

Nearest Airport	Sultan Azlan Shah Airport
Major Highways	North-South Expressway (E1)
Railway Connectivity	KTM ETS (Ipoh Station)
Distance from Kuala Lumpur (km)	205 km
Estimated Travel Time (by Car)	~2 hours
Postal Code	30000 – 31650

Notable Features

Known for colonial architecture, limestone caves, and vibrant food scene.

Climate

Climate Type	Avg. Temperature (°C)	Avg. Rainfall (mm)	Monsoon Season
Tropical Rainforest	25-32	2300	Oct – March (NE Monsoon)

Things to Do in Ipoh

Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, Concubine Lane

Top Attactions in Ipoh

Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, Lost World of Tambun, Concubine Lane

Notable People & Contributions

Lee Chong Wei (legendary badminton player), Lat (renowned cartoonist)

Major Ethnic Groups

Lee Chong Wei (legendary badminton player), Lat (renowned cartoonist)

Popular Shoppings Malls

AEON Kinta City, Ipoh Parade

Parks & Nature Reserves

Kledang Hill, Gunung Lang Recreational Park

Night Life Entertainment

Bricks & Barrels, Tipsy Brew O’Clock

Religious Sites

Perak Cave Temple, St. Michael’s Church

Ipoh, a heritage city in Perak, is famed for its British colonial architecture, cave temples, and white coffee. A hidden gem for food lovers and history enthusiasts.

Ipoh, the capital of Perak, Malaysia, is a charming city known for its colonial-era architecture, limestone caves, street art, and incredible food. If you’re traveling on a budget, here’s how you can explore Ipoh affordably, from transportation to must-visit attractions.

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Getting from Aman Jaya Terminal to Ipoh Town

Upon arriving at Aman Jaya Terminal, the most affordable way to get to Ipoh city center is by local bus.

• Bus Options: Take Perak Transit Bus T30 or T31.
• Fare: Around RM2 per person.
• Travel Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Destination: The bus will drop you off at Medan Kidd Bus Station, the main local bus hub in Ipoh.

Alternatively, you can take a Grab car, which costs around RM15-RM20 to the city center.

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Budget Stay: Citi Hostel Ipoh

For budget travelers, Citi Hostel Ipoh is a great accommodation option:

• Location: Centrally located near key attractions.
• Facilities: Affordable dormitory-style and private rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a shared lounge area.
• Nearby Attractions: Walking distance to Concubine Lane, Ipoh Old Town, and major street food spots.

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Exploring Ipoh on Foot

Ipoh is best explored on foot, especially in the Old Town area, where you can admire colonial buildings, street art, and bustling local markets.

1. Little India Ipoh

📍 Located along Jalan Lahat & Jalan Sultan Yussuf

• A colorful area with shops selling sarees, spices, and traditional Indian sweets.
• Visit Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Ipoh.
• Try banana leaf rice, roti canai, or vadai at local eateries.

2. Chinatown & Concubine Lane

📍 Jalan Panglima & Concubine Lane

• Known for its heritage buildings, coffee shops, and street food.
• Try Ipoh white coffee at the legendary Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong.
• Don’t miss egg tarts, kaya puffs, and dim sum.
• Visit the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum, which tells the story of Ipoh’s tin mining past.

3. Shopping & Night Markets

• Gerbang Malam (Night Market) – Opens at 7 PM, offering street snacks, clothes, and souvenirs.
• Memory Lane Flea Market (Sundays) – Perfect for vintage lovers, selling collectibles, antiques, and secondhand goods.
• Ipoh Parade Mall – If you prefer modern shopping with local and international brands.

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Lost World of Tambun

Nestled amidst lush tropical jungles and limestone hills, the Lost World of Tambun is a comprehensive theme park offering:

• Water Park: Features various water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a hot spring spa.
• Amusement Park: Offers rides suitable for all ages, including roller coasters and carousels.
• Tiger Valley: Home to majestic tigers, providing visitors with up-close encounters.
• Tin Valley: Showcases the history of tin mining in Ipoh, offering hands-on “dulang washing” experiences.
• Petting Zoo: Allows interaction with various animals, including raccoons, hamsters, and rabbits.
• Adventure Park: Provides outdoor activities such as rock climbing and zip-lining.
• Hot Springs & Spa: Natural mineral hot springs available for relaxation, with extended hours into the night.

The park operates from 11 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 6 pm on weekends and public holidays. The Night Park and hot springs are open daily from 6 pm to 11 pm.

Ipoh World at Han Chin Pet Soo

This museum, located in Malaysia’s first Hakka tin mining club, offers insights into Ipoh’s rich tin mining history and Hakka culture. Visitors can explore:

• Historical Exhibits: Artifacts and displays detailing the tin mining era and the lives of Hakka miners.
• Guided Tours: Provide in-depth narratives about the socio-cultural aspects of the Hakka community and the tin mining industry.

Prior booking is recommended for tours.

Caverns & Caves

Ipoh is renowned for its stunning limestone caves, many of which house temples:

• Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple: A revered temple featuring intricate Buddha statues and a picturesque garden adorned with stone lanterns and pagodas.
• Perak Tong Cave Temple: Known for its impressive murals and a towering Buddha statue, this temple also offers panoramic views of Ipoh from its hilltop pavilion.

Exploring these caves provides a blend of natural beauty and spiritual ambiance.

Nature and Wildlife Tours

For nature enthusiasts, Ipoh offers several options:

• Kledang Saiong Forest Eco Park: Ideal for hiking and bird-watching, this park showcases diverse flora and fauna.
• Gua Tempurung: One of Peninsular Malaysia’s largest limestone caves, offering guided tours that traverse underground streams and impressive rock formations.
• Recreational Parks: Parks like Dr. Seenivasagam Park provide serene environments with lush greenery, Japanese Zen gardens, and recreational facilities.

These activities allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural landscapes surrounding Ipoh.

When planning your visit, it’s advisable to check the operating hours and any booking requirements for these attractions to ensure a seamless experience.Local Bus Routes from Medan Kidd Bus Station

From Medan Kidd, you can take local Perak Transit buses to different attractions:

• T30 & T31 – To Aman Jaya Terminal.
• T32 – To Ipoh Parade, Greentown, and Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun.
• T35 – To Perak Cave Temple and Bercham.
• T37 – To Gunung Lang Recreational Park.

How to Use Local Buses:

• Fare: RM1 – RM2, depending on distance.
• Payment: Pay in cash (small change preferred) or use a Touch ‘n Go card.
• Frequency: Buses arrive every 30-45 minutes, but schedules can vary.

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Ipoh is a wonderful destination for budget travelers, offering affordable transportation, great food, and plenty of walkable attractions. Whether you’re exploring Little India, Chinatown, or the night markets, there’s always something exciting to see and do.

By using public transport and staying in a budget-friendly hostel, you can fully experience the charm of Ipoh without spending too much. Enjoy your trip!

Explore Cities of Malaysia

FAQs

FAQ 1: What is the population in Ipoh?

~750,000

FAQ 2: What are the main attractions in Ipoh?

Kek Lok Tong, Lost World of Tambun

FAQ 3: What is the main industry in Ipoh?

Tourism, Manufacturing

FAQ 4: What is the best time to visit in Ipoh?

May–September

FAQ 5: What is the local specialty food in Ipoh?

Ipoh White Coffee is popular.