Why you should visit Ipoh? When I arrived at the small-sized Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, I had the impression that Ipoh had nothing much to offer. But dwell in this lovely town and I realised this is one of the most rewarding destinations in Malaysia.
With diversified of attractions and things to explore, you will find no lack of Ipoh Apartments to book via Traveloka.
Come Day 2, I woke up to the beautiful and scenic view of the city and mountains from the WEIL Hotel. We had our itinerary planned and wasted no time to get to where we need.
Ipoh Railway Station
Most of the attractions are located in close proximity to each other, so travelling is easy. We hopped into our rented car and made our way to one of the historial landmarks – Ipoh Railway Station. Did we mention that it is just 3.5km away from the iconic WEIL Hotel?
Ipoh’s railway station was completed in 1917 under the British colonial administration. Along with the Old Railway Station in Kuala Lumpur, it is one of the most beautiful examples of colonial architecture.
The War Memorial right in front of the Ipoh Railway Station to honour the prisoners-of-war (POWs) who died building the Thailand-Burma death railway.
This railway station was once featured in the Hollywood film, Anna and the King, starring Jodie Foster and Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fat.
If not for this visit, I would not know that this grand old building houses the railway station and the now closed Majestic Station Hotel Ipoh which had up to 100 well-appointed guestrooms!
The Ipoh Railway Station served by the new, fast, KTM Electric Train Services (ETS). All passenger train services to/from Ipoh are on the new KTM Electric Train Services (there are no KTM Komuter trains from Ipoh).
Most ETS services run on the KL Sentral Railway Station, Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh route. Click here for the ETS timetable from Ipoh to KL.
The building seemed dated and affected probably by lack of proper maintenance but it is still worth a visit when you come to Ipoh.
Birch Memorial Clock Tower
The Birch Memorial Clock Tower (Malay: Menara Jam Peringatan Birch) is a clock tower situated in Ipoh, Kinta District, Perak, Malaysia.
Unveiled in 1909, the clock tower was constructed to commenorate James W. W. Birch, the first British Resident of the state of Perak.
The clock tower has been overlooked by many tourists who prefer to flock to touristy attractions. On closer look, it is well preserved and I feel it is necessary to visit this place and understand the cultural heritage of British colonialism.
Memory Lane Flea Market
I reckoned many of you may not consider visiting a flea market, giving the excuses of sweltering weather and old and filthy goods.
I do not agree.
As we approached Jalan Horley, we just couldn’t help but thankful to have the opportunity to travel and mingle with the locals.
Open every Sunday morning, it is known as “Memory Lane” or fondly referred to as “Loken” or “Pasar Karat” (rustic market) by the locals.
Located in Jalan Horley, it is the place to go to for rare and secondhand items at reasonable prices.
While the folks are working hard for better days, the kids enjoying themselves at the back of the car.
Yes, we remembered these old school, childlike games that will not break the bank.
Cute tote bags with different themes and designs going at RM10 each.
What a place for collectors to purchase rare stamps dating as far back to Straits Settlements period. An interesting visit to Memory Lane for us. We could find many second hands and used items that we thought were well extinct. Definitely the place to visit on a Sunday morning to trigger memories of the old days.
Perak Guan Yin Tong
On our way to Kellie’s Castle, we chanced upon Perak Guan Yin Tong.
Built beside a limestone hill, this ancient Buddhist temple honors goddess of mercy Kwan Yin Tong. This would be a place for believers to visit.
And kids could entertain themselves feeding the ever hungry fishes.
Address:
Lot 3851, Sungai Pinang Besar, Pangkor, Perak
Kellie’s Castle
We drove a little further up and arrived at Kellie’s Castle.
Kellie’s Castle is a castle located in Batu Gajah, Kinta District, Perak, Malaysia. While it may look complete on the outside, the ruined mansion was unfinished on the inside.
It was built by a Scottish planter named William Kellie-Smith either a gift for his wife or a home for his son. Work on the castle started in 1915, but was unfortunately halted a few years later with Kellie’s sudden death and the castle was never completed.
Nevermind about the hot and humid weather. Kellie’s Castle is one of the most Instagram worthy spots in Ipoh.
It was an interesting experience exploring the castle’s hidden rooms. Be prepared to climb flights of narrow stairs to reach the top where you could get a panoramic view of the plantation and castle ruins.
Opening Hours : 9.00am – 6.00pm
Admission Fee :
* RM 5 (foreigner)
* RM 4 (adult)
* RM 3 (secondary school students)
* RM 2 (primary school students)
* FREE (child aged six and below)
Address:
31000 Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia
Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple
The Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple is a tourist attraction situated in the natural and picturesque area of Gunung Rapat in the south of Ipoh – the capital of Perak state in west Malaysia.
We heard so much about Ipoh being famous for its limestone hills and we could finally see it right in front of us!
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and politician of the Spring and Autumn period. It was believed that one would get smarter praying to Confucius. What do you think?
Although there is a lot of marble tiling, there are still lots of natural large statactites.
This place features golden statues of Buddhist and Chinese mythological deities.
Take a walk here to experience the calming ambience of this lovely cave.
Address:
Pesiaran Sepakat 3, Tmn Endah Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Restoran Sun Yeong Wai Roasted Duck Ipoh 新扬威烧鸭饭店
We love roasted duck and if we were ever to visit Ipoh again, we are 1000% sure to visit Restoran Sun Yeong Wai again!
Passed down from father to son and established in Ipoh for more than twenty years, Sun Yeong Wai is now a brand closely synonymous with Roasted Ducks, barbeque and roasted dishes.
Yummy!
Address:
63, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, 30300 Ipoh Perak
Sin Eng Heong Kedai Biskut
While we were dining, we wondered what was happening behind us.
Started in 1961, Sin Eng Heong is one of the oldest biscuit shop in Ipoh.
Sin Eng Heong Kedai Biskut was attracting a long long queue of customers despite the overwhelming heat. They have the best kaya puff in town, so popular that you have to be prepared to queue up to 2 hours.
We got into the queue while the family was still eating. Impatience got the better of us and we walked out after 45 mins.
Address:
64 & 66 Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Ipoh 30300, Malaysia
Gerbang Malam
Come the night, I took a walk down Gerbang Malam. While the pasar malam was smaller as compared to Memory Lane, there was a food street at the other end.
It was nice walking down the street looking at the stalls and cheap products.
Where cables were going for as cheap as RM1 each.
The salted-baked chicken is one of Ipoh’s most famous delicacies. The chicken is marinated with ginger, rice wine, and other Chinese herbs such as female ginseng and wolfberries, then it is wrapped in paper and baked with salt.
Many visitors come to Ipoh to taste none other than their kai see hor fun, consisting of super smooth flat rice noodles (kuey teow) produced in Ipoh, shredded/sliced poached chicken, chopped spring onions, boiled shrimps, and garnished with chopped red chillies.
Another version..
They produced tasty chicken and bean sprouts. A must-try dish in Ipoh!
All these for RM21!
So what to do in Ipoh? Simple travel and eat is the way to go 🙂
Address:
Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Click here for Ipoh Travelogue (Part I) – WEIL Hotel, Concubine Lane, Ipoh Booth Cart, Thean Chun Coffee Shop (天津茶室), Kong Heng Square, Burps and Giggles, Yum Cha Tea Bar and Tong Sui Kai 糖水街
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