Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Ipoh Old Town, Kong Heng Square is a beautifully restored cultural enclave that blends Malaysia’s colonial past with hip, contemporary vibes. Over the span of 3 Days and 2 Nights, this itinerary takes you through a journey of retro cafés, rustic charm, Instagrammable alleyways, artisanal boutiques, and heritage-rich experiences.
Whether you’re an art lover, café hopper, history buff, or casual explorer, Kong Heng Square offers a soulful urban escape like no other in Malaysia.
How to Get to Kong Heng Square
By Car: From Kuala Lumpur, take the North-South Expressway (PLUS) to Ipoh – approximately 2 hours. Paid parking is available near the square.
By Train: Take the ETS train from KL Sentral to Ipoh Railway Station (2.5 hours). Kong Heng Square is a 10-minute walk away.
By Bus: Board an express bus to Ipoh Amanjaya Terminal, then take Grab or a local bus into Old Town.
Where to Stay in Kong Heng Square
- Sekeping Kong Heng – A boutique, industrial-style guesthouse located within Kong Heng Square itself. Perfect for travellers wanting an artsy, immersive stay.
- M Boutique Hotel – A 5-minute drive from the square, this designer hotel offers quirky, colonial-inspired interiors.
- The Brownstone Hostel – A budget-friendly heritage stay ideal for backpackers and digital nomads.
3D2N Kong Heng Square Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Arrive in Ipoh, check in at Sekeping Kong Heng |
| Late Morning | Explore Kong Heng Square: artisan shops, indie boutiques, and murals |
| Lunch | Enjoy a fusion meal at Plan B Café, known for its urban courtyard |
| Afternoon | Visit BookXcess and Yasmin at Kong Heng mini-gallery |
| Evening | Take a photo walk through Ipoh street art trail and back alleys |
| Dinner | Try desserts and local dishes at Tong Sui Kai, Ipoh’s food street |
Highlight: Discover vintage remnants like the barbershop and the traditional sundry shop “Bits & Bobs”.
Day 2: Heritage & Hipster Harmony
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Start with classic white coffee at Nam Heong or Sin Yoon Loong |
| Late Morning | Visit Han Chin Pet Soo Museum – a deep dive into Ipoh’s tin mining past |
| Lunch | Feast on the famous Nasi Ganja at Kedai Kopi Yong Suan |
| Afternoon | Explore Tin Alley, creative workshops, exhibitions, and murals |
| Evening | Chill with desserts from Bits & Bobs in the square |
| Dinner | Enjoy modern Malaysian bites at Tiga Bar, a stylish gastropub |
Optional: Book a heritage walking tour to uncover untold stories and hidden alleyways of Ipoh Old Town.
Day 3: Slow Morning & Souvenir Hunt
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Stroll through Concubine Lane – colorful, cultural, and charming |
| Brunch | Dine at Burps & Giggles, a whimsical café filled with quirky decor |
| Late Morning | Pick up handmade souvenirs from Kong Heng Artisan Market |
| Afternoon | Walk along Kinta Riverwalk or relax with one last kopi fix |
| Check-out | Depart from Ipoh, bringing home a piece of local artistry |
Things to Do & Buy at Kong Heng Square
- Shop for handcrafted jewellery, local artwork, and vintage postcards
- Enjoy old-school snacks and ice balls from Bits & Bobs
- Visit local pop-up galleries and photography exhibits
- Explore hidden lanes for street art and murals by Ernest Zacharevic
Travel Tips
- Most shops open around 10:00 AM and close by 6:00 PM. Visit early to avoid crowds.
- Weekends are busy; weekdays are quieter and better for photos.
- Carry cash as some vendors may not accept cards.
- Bring a camera—every corner of Kong Heng Square is photo-worthy.
Conclusion
Kong Heng Square is a testament to how the old and new can coexist in artistic harmony. With just 3 days, you can experience the best of Ipoh’s restored past and its reimagined creative scene. From vintage vibes to vibrant eats, this Kong Heng Square 3D2N itinerary promises a deeply local, yet globally inspiring journey.
Whether you’re returning to Ipoh or visiting for the first time, Kong Heng Square is not just a destination—it’s a memory in the making.
