Is Ipoh Worth Visiting? Here's 13 Attractions in Ipoh You Won't Want To Miss

Are you heading to Malaysia and want to learn about the best things to do in Ipoh? If you are, this post will tell you everything you need to know about heritage house museums, how to visit cave temples, what to see on the heritage trail, where to eat and get the best white coffee and where to find street art in Ipoh. It's the only Ipoh travel guide you need, so read on to discover why this underrated city is worth visiting.

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What to do in Ipoh, Malaysia

• See the street art in Ipoh.
• Admire Masjid Panglima Kinta Mosque.
• Uncover history at Heritage House Museums.
• Wander along the colourful laneways.
• Walk the Cantonese Heritage Trail.
• Drink traditional Ipoh white coffee.
• Immerse yourself in the Ipoh food and cafe culture.
• Shop at the Street Markets.
• Walk Along the Kinta River.
• Be amazed at the Ipoh Cave Temples.
• Visit the Scottish Kellie’s Castle.
• Explore deep inside Gua Temperung Cave.
• Have fun at the Lost World of Tambun.

When I researched Ipoh in the Malaysian state of Perak, it emerged as a front-runner to Penang for its street art and vibe, so I added it to my Malaysia itinerary. Having been to Ipoh, I can tell you it is nothing like Penang. It’s smaller and has nowhere near the volume of murals that George Town has, and at first, as a traveller who loves urban wall art, I was disappointed and underwhelmed.

However, after spending two days wandering around this ancient city, I discovered many great reasons to visit Ipoh besides its street art. It might not be as vibrant as Penang, but I was glad I had found this hidden gem during my month in Malaysia. By the time I left, I had discovered that Ipoh had a magical charm all of its own.

Read on, and I'll share 13 unique places to visit in Ipoh with you.

See the street art in Ipoh #1

If you're looking for street art in Ipoh, wander around the old town and you'll find it in laneways and on the sides of buildings. Many of the murals are by Ernest Zacharevic, the creative genius behind Penang's street art fame, and are painted in a 3d style to allow visitors to interact with the art.

The similarity they share with street art in Penang is that they feature scenes of everyday life activities. Sadly, they are starting to decay, with peeling and fading paint, much like many of Penang's masterpieces.

There is no plan to restore the street art to its former glory, so try to see it while it's still there.

Mural Art's Lane is another place where street art can be found, but having read rave reviews about it from other travellers, I have to say it was not as good as I had hoped. Yes, it brightens up an otherwise derelict back alley, but it's not as fantastic as many visitors claim it to be. Go and look for yourself, but don't expect anything as eye-catching as Zacharevic's murals in the laneways.

Stay connected with the Holafly eSIM

Mural Art's Lane runs between the main roads of Jalan Sultan Iskandar and Jalan Masjid, close to the Masjid Panglima Kinta mosque. When we visited, the area was empty, and it felt like it lacked a certain energy, which led to my original disappointment with Ipoh. I am glad my feelings towards this charming city changed by the end of my stay.

Admire Masjid Panglima Kinta Mosque #2

Walk along Mural Art Lane, and you'll find a 19th-century blue-and-white painted mosque opposite a row of historic shophouses. We didn't go inside; however, volunteers will gladly show you around if you wear the correct attire to enter the mosque, which includes covering your head, shoulders, and knees.

Uncover history at the Heritage House Museums #3

I have always loved learning about the culture and heritage of my destination, and I found a couple of excellent heritage house museums in Ipoh that walked me through the town's history.

The first museum we visited was the Kapitan Chung Thye Phin Museum, located on the corner of an otherwise unassuming street. As it was raining cats and dogs, I dragged Mr P into what I thought was a gallery/gift shop to escape the rain.

Neither of us expected to uncover such a find behind its white and brown facade; however, on entering, we were greeted by a charming lady who asked if we wanted a guided tour of the museum. As it was wet and dismal outside, we said yes, and I'm delighted we did, because it was such a great find.

Kapitan Chung Thye Phin

Kapitan Chung Thye Phin Museum (Arlene House) was once the headquarters of the last Kapitan China of Perak and Melaya. This was an important government position held by a person of standing and means.

Chung Thye Phin was a tin mining magnate, once Penang's wealthiest man, so this three-storey office suited him perfectly. It has been restored to its former glory and contains furniture, clothing, ornaments and photographs of the early 1900s.

You can see where he dined, worked and entertained. There was even a room with a dance floor where guests would enjoy the latest pop music from China before relaxing with alcohol or an opium pipe!

Noticeably, a large portrait of Queen Victoria hangs in the Kapitan's study, a nod to colonial rule in Malaysia in the 1900s.

If you visit Penang while in Malaysia, you might like to see the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the home of Chung Thye Phin's father.

22 Hale Street Gallery

The second heritage museum we visited was the 22 Hale Street Gallery. It was my favourite museum. Through exhibitions, authentic sounds, and music, it shows what life was like in Ipoh and the Perak region in the 1900s.

We learned how tin miners lived, how prostitution was the norm for wealthy Chinese businessmen and British officers stationed in Malaysia and how the adjoining building was used as a hotel for illicit meetings!

There is also a beautiful room at 22 Hale Street dedicated to how a Peranakan wedding would be organised.

The four-poster gilt wedding bed is gorgeous, with silk throws and cushions. We found out that two chickens would be put under the bed, and in the morning, depending on which chicken ran out first, the male or female would determine whether the new bride had conceived a girl or boy on her wedding night.

A small boy also had to roll on the marital bed three times to bless it. Snippets of information like this make learning about a different culture a lot of fun.

22 Hale Street is a fabulous heritage gallery and museum, and we learned so much about Ipoh from each room we walked through. Visiting these unique attractions is one of the reasons that a trip to Ipoh should feature highly on your Malaysia itinerary, and that's why I'm glad I added it to mine.

Han Chin Pet Soo

Han Chin Pet Soo is another heritage tin mining museum in Ipoh. It is located in the tastefully restored Hakka Miners' Club, Han Chin Villa, once used as a prostitution, gambling, opium smoking and triad den. The museum exhibit gives insightful information on the tin mining industry and the Hakka community.

Ho Yan Hor

The Ho Yan Hor Museum is a gallery dedicated to the life of Dr. Ho Kai Cheong, the creator of Ho Yan Hor tea, a famous household brand of Chinese herbal tea since the 1940s.
If you visit the museum, look at the side wall to see the Evolution Mural, which was painted in 2013 by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic.

Wander along the colourful laneways #4

The laneways date back to the 1800s and have descriptive names like Concubine Lane, Tin Alley, and Market Lane, giving clues as to what services could be acquired along each one.

Ipoh's laneways are now a popular tourist attraction. Here, you'll find street art alongside a few souvenir shops and general businesses, such as garages.

One laneway has colourful umbrellas and red lanterns suspended across it, adding colour to an otherwise grey back alley. Another has multicoloured streamers hanging down the centre of the street, and one has the traditional children's game of hopscotch painted onto the floor.

These narrow lanes are a significant part of the city's historical identity and a must-see on a visit.

Walk the Cantonese Heritage Trail #5

Due to its colonial buildings, Ipoh is often called the Kuala Lumpur of yesteryear. On the Cantonese Heritage Trail, you can follow a route to see the old and new towns' historic buildings. The trail has informative panels at each landmark.

If you're interested in history and architecture, this one's for you. We didn't follow the heritage trail, but we still saw important buildings, like Ipoh Railway Station and the Birch Memorial Clock Tower, just by wandering around town.

The memorial clock is a prominent landmark in the old town. It is in an elevated spot at the end of Lorong Paglima, part of Concubine Lane. Erected in 1909, the clock tower serves as a poignant reminder of J.W.W. Birch, the first British Resident in Ipoh, who was tragically assassinated in 1875.

The area around Lorong Panglima is home to banks and cafes and is undergoing a regeneration project.

Drink traditional Ipoh white coffee #6

No matter where you go in Malaysia, you'll hear about white coffee, which was established in Ipoh in the 1900s by Hainanese immigrants. They added sweetened condensed milk to the black coffee the English had brought to the city, and Ipoh white coffee was born.

Now, no visit is complete without sipping a cup of white coffee. One of the best places to try white coffee in Ipoh is Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong, which has been open since the 1940s. Nam Heong White Coffee also has a good reputation for coffee and egg tarts, a speciality here.

Another fun place to try white coffee with a spin is Kedai Kopi Ah Chow, where a splash of alcohol is added to a white coffee. After a hard day at work, tin miners back in the late 1800s may have made their coffee similarly!

We also tried it at Old Town White Coffee, a Malaysian chain similar to Costa or Starbucks. However, it wasn't great, so we recommend trying an independent coffee house instead of one of the big chains.

Immerse yourself in the Ipoh food and cafe culture #7

Ipoh is known in Malaysia for its great food, so specialities like egg tarts and dim sum, curries and international dishes can be enjoyed in lovely little cafes all over town.

We found two places to eat in Ipoh that I would happily recommend:

Aud's Cafe

Aud's is an unassuming cafe opposite the Kapitan Chung Thye Phin Heritage House Museum. We walked past it before realising it was open for business. Once inside, we were offered a friendly welcome and seated by the window.

We weren't sure what to expect from the menu, so we were pleased to see familiar dishes alongside traditional Malay dishes. One item that sprang out to me was the ice cube coffee, an Aud speciality that came with instructions. I had to pour the warm milk and sugar syrup to my liking, and the more the espresso cubes melted, the stronger my coffee would be. It was the perfect way to enjoy coffee in Ipoh on a hot and humid day.

We also chose delicious sandwiches and followed them with artisan Mr Aisu ice cream made in the Cameron Highlands.

Aud's is a great little place; had we been here longer than two days, we would have definitely returned.

Aud's can be found at 97, Jalan Sultan Yusuff, 30000

Plan B

Plan B is a large cafe with an industrial vibe and a popular local meeting place for students and digital nomads. It has an extensive menu featuring Western and Malay dishes, but we were pretty unadventurous, so we ordered burgers. But you know, when you just want something familiar to eat? Well, this was one of those times.

We also had coffee and cake, which I can confirm were good. They also serve alcohol if you fancy something more potent than coffee!

Ordering is done via an app, so scan the QR code and download it as soon as you arrive. We found it a bit fiddly to use but got there in the end. Plan B is one of Ipoh's most popular dining spots, so give it a try.

Plan B can be found at 75, Jalan Panglima, 30000

Shop at traditional street markets #8

If you want to grab a bargain, visit one of the markets in Ipoh. Kong Heng Square hosts a market that sells handmade items like clothes, jewellery, and trinkets. It is close to the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum.

Gerbang Malam is a night market that operates from 8 pm every evening, selling food and various bric-a-brac items.

Tong Sui Kai Dessert Street is one of the most popular places to indulge in something sweet after sunset. The street has dozens of food stalls selling a variety of desserts and snacks. Most visitors come here to indulge in Ipoh's famous mixed fruit ABC.

Walk along the Kinta River #9

I will mention Ipoh River Front because, like Mural Art's Lane, travel writers recommend it as a place not to be missed, and therefore, I should include it in this article. However, I want to contradict that recommendation by saying it wouldn't be at the top of my Ipoh itinerary.

A few unsavoury-looking characters were lying around the grounds of the People's Park and by the steps leading to the river, which made me feel uncomfortable (and I was with Mr P). I know people are down on their luck in every corner of the world (and I come from London, so I am used to seeing homeless people); however, it wasn't a place I felt like spending much time in.

That said, you may have a completely different experience at the riverfront, so if you are at a loose end, check it out for yourself. I only visited it during the day, but I've heard that it's one of the places to visit in Ipoh at night when it's illuminated. I will leave that for you to find out!

Be amazed at the Ipoh cave temples #10

The next attraction in Ipoh on my list is also one of the most incredible. The unique cave temples, hewn into the limestone rocks, are one of the best reasons to visit Ipoh.

They are all located a drive from the central city and are spread out across the area. We used GRAB to get from one temple to another, which was relatively easy. Just make sure you have small-value notes to pay your driver, as they may not accept cards and often don't have change for large notes.

Sam Poh Tong Temple is the most famous of the Ipoh cave temples due to its age and beauty. The temple grounds are stunning, featuring water features, pagodas, koi carp, and macaque monkeys that roam around. You will see Buddhas and temple paraphernalia inside the cave before walking through it to find a magical red-roofed pagoda in a small garden area.

You must see three other cave temples in Ipoh: Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, Perak Cave Temple, and Nam Thean Tong Cave Temple. They are truly stunning.

Visit the Scottish Kellie's Castle #11

When we heard there was a Scottish Castle in the heart of the Perak countryside, we just had to see it to believe it, so off we went. On our transfer to the Cameron Highlands with MyDayTrip.com, we stopped at Kellie's Castle and Gua Tempurung Cave rather than take time away from exploring Ipoh town.

If you only plan to stay in Ipoh for one or two days, you won't have time to visit Kellie's Castle without missing out on some other Ipoh attractions, which I wouldn't advise. That said, the history behind the castle and the owner, William Kellie Smith, is fascinating.

Explore deep inside Gua Temperung Cave #12

Our second stop on our way to the Cameron Highlands from Ipoh was one of the largest caves in Malaysia. Gua Tempurung spans some 4.5 km, covering an underground river and five giant chambers. There are several routes through the cave; we opted for the shortest one, which takes 20 minutes each way.

Once inside, the cave was impressive, with huge caverns and illuminated walkways; it was also very humid. I'm used to cold caves in the UK, so I found it interesting that this one was so warm.

If you love adventure, you can also go water caving, also known as 'spelunking,' as we discovered it was called. In this activity, you swim and wade through caverns. It's not for the faint-hearted!

Have fun at the Lost World of Tambun #13

If you have children with you or love the fun of a theme park, a visit to the Lost World Tambun is a must. It is located 15 km outside the city, in a jungle setting. It is also a water and animal park with various rides and activities, including rock climbing and zip lining.

There are also hot springs where you can chill out. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, you can book your Lost World of Tambun Admission Ticket here.

Useful Information About Ipoh

Ipoh history

Malaysia is divided into regions, much like states in the United States and counties in the United Kingdom. Ipoh is the capital of Perak in the northern Malaysian Peninsula. The Ipoh population is around 900,000, which is about a third of Penang's population and a tenth of Kuala Lumpur's population.

Tin had been discovered in Perak in the early 1800s, and mining had brought prosperity to the region. You can read a fascinating extract by Dr Ho Tak Ming, a senior research fellow at Perak Academy, entitled Lifted Then Left Behind By Tin. 

Present-day Ipoh relies on tourism and its reputation as a culinary destination in Malaysia to attract travellers to its ancient city.

Why is Ipoh worth visiting?

Ipoh is worth visiting because it has a rich history to uncover, from its colonial rule and tin mining to its present-day status as a foodie hotspot and international tourism destination.

Whichever way you visit Ipoh, whether independently for a few days or as part of a history and food day tour from Kuala Lumpur, I would encourage you to experience the city's magic.

How long should you stay in Ipoh?

We stayed in Ipoh for two days and saw everything we wanted in town. If you're going to include a trip to Kellie's Castle and Gua Tempurung, I would say stay in Ipoh for three days. Alternatively, you can visit these two attractions on the way to or from the Cameron Highlands or Kuala Lumpur.

How do you get around Ipoh?

Walking is the best way to see the main sites in the old town. For attractions further away, like the iconic cave temples or Kellie's Castle, you'll need to use a Grab(taxi) to get there. Download the Grab App and use it just like the Uber App. Prices are laughably cheap - think £4 for a 30-minute journey - and you can choose your driver based on his ratings.

Remember that many Malaysians wear masks as a norm, so it's a good idea to have one with you. We were denied a taxi ride because we didn't have masks to wear in the cab (2023). Also, remember to carry some small change to pay your driver if he doesn't have a card machine.

How long will it take to get to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur?

Driving to Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur will take 2 hours and 30 minutes.

How long will it take to get to Ipoh from the Cameron Highlands?

Driving to Ipoh from the Cameron Highlands will take just under 2 hours.

Where to stay in Ipoh

We stayed at the Weil Hotel, a short cab ride or dusty walk from the main attractions in the old town. It's a modern hotel, and the rooms are comfortable and well-equipped.

This upmarket hotel is attached to a vast shopping mall, which was convenient but not what I expected to find in such an unassuming city. The hotel features a rooftop pool with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

If you want something more authentic, I would book a budget room at Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay. It is close to the heritage museums and cafes mentioned in this travel guide.

Ipoh map of attractions to see

My final thoughts on visiting Ipoh

By the end of my stay, I had grown to love Ipoh. For such a small city, it's packed with history, and learning about a new culture through excellent museums and landmarks is something I love to do, so I was right at home here.

For food lovers, this is the perfect place to try a wide range of Malaysian dishes. From heritage and modern restaurants to backstreet cafes and out-of-the-way coffee shops, Ipoh is a foodies paradise.

So come for the food, come for the street art, come for the history and come for the friendly people - but most of all, just come; it's a destination in Malaysia well worth visiting.

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