If a sleepy compact town lined with colonial-era buildings and remnants from the tin mining era amidst some gorgeous looking cave temples mixed as the second food capital of Malaysia is your kind of jam, Ipoh is the place to be.

Often forgotten by those rushing to go to Penang or Cameron Highlands, Ipoh is a mini-version of Georgetown, Penang.

There’s equally great street food and art coupled with adventurous activities like whitewater rafting or exploring a 400-year-old cave that was once a communist hideout — Gua Tempurung.

It was after New Year’s when I took the ETS train from Kuala Lumpur to arrive in Ipoh which took approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. You can easily secure your seats from 12go.Asia or the local KTMB website.

If you only have two nights to spare, that’s a nice enough break to hangout in Ipoh and break away from the usual city sights in KL.

I have written about some of the best places that I saw in Ipoh and yes that involved a lot of great food — it’s cheap, so good and flavourful that you often wonder why has Ipoh not been marketed enough globally?

The beansprouts, white coffee, kopitiam (local coffee shop) spots and Dim Sum are places where you should not miss out on! Here’s a complete Ipoh itinerary that you can spend in 2 to 3 days.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations.

How easy it is to travel?

We stayed 5 minutes away from the main town and it was so easy to get Grab taxi everywhere for just a few bucks!

You don’t need to stay in the Old Town if you much prefer some peace and quiet.

Where to stay in Ipoh?

Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat: The most luxurious option!
Ipoh Bali Hotel: One of the best places to stay with great breakfast but often booked out!
Sojourn Guesthouse: I stayed in this and it was affordable and known more as a wellness hotel with spa and massage plus really peaceful!
Weil Hotel: Great hotel with a rooftop pool view!
Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay: The best and convenient hotel to stay in Old Town!

Amazing Tours worth checking out in Ipoh

here are some of the best tours worth checking out

[Recommended] Take a private day trip to Cameron Highlands. With a private guide, you get to visit the top attractions of the region including the Kuala Terla Tea Plantation, a lavender farm, a farmers market, and the Iskandar Waterfall! (Also read: My Offbeat Cameron Highlands Itinerary + Interesting Things To Do)

[For Relaxation] Not interested in staying at Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat but still want to use their hot springs after a long day? This day trip pass allows you to do that. You get access to their dipping pools, hot springs, and meditation caves.

[If You’re Adventurous] The most popular caves in Malaysia called Gua Tempurung when you visit the state of Perak. You get to visit a 400 million-year-old cave and check out its incredible rock formation!
[If you have more time + adventurous] White water rafting is a must if you’re near Ipoh. You get lunch sorted for you as you navigate Class 3-4 rapids in Kampar river!
[Nature Hike + Culture] Trek to see the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia in bloom. You get to trek through picturesque landscapes to Ulu Geroh, passing by the fascinating Orang Asli settlement along a 3-hour trek.

The Best Ipoh Itinerary for 2-3 Days

Day 1: Exploring Ipoh’s Old Town

Once you take a train and arrive at the Ipoh Railway station, you’ll almost feel like you have stepped into an old countryside town that still has remnants of the past.

The quaint streets and heritage buildings are all tied to this once-thriving tin mining town facing the Kinta river.

The best part of the day should be left for wandering and observing the street art with its colonial-era buildings adorned with intricate facades and charming details. The blend of Chinese, British, and Malay influences in the architecture reflects the diverse cultural tapestry that defines Ipoh's identity.

Depending on what time you arrive, here are some of the things you should do on your first day.

Dong Tai Kopitiam Medan Ipoh

The antique painting of Dong Tai Kopitiam has every bit of quirkiness and nostalgia woven into the interiors of the shop. The local white coffee, noodles like asam laksa and kaya bread toast is perfect for a long languid lunch.

There were no lines when we went and it was easy enough to Grab a ride back for a few bucks. Ofcourse you could also find Kopitiams in the main town but I don’t think it carries the same charm as this one!

Market Lane or Concubine Lane

The best way to see Ipoh is to wander around and you could start with Concubine Lane which is honestly very gimmicky and touristy but do check out BookXcess and their maze-like staircase at Kong Heng Square. This was a former historical bank turned cozy bookstore that was once the busiest bank in the 1980's.

I find the other nearby lanes like Market Lane far more interesting and quiet with the red and white umbrellas as well as interesting street art.

For some respite from the heat, try out this western cafe called Girlie’s cafe but if you want more local flavours, another option is Lim Ko Pi for some local ice cendol or home brewed ice coffee.

At Girlie’s cafe, we had the pastries and chocolate cake which was amazing and their coffee and drinks seems to be pretty popular among tourists and Ipohites!

Dinner at 1919 Restaurant Ipoh

Staying away from the main touristy stretch is what you should do, and this spot was such a good find!

The 1919 Restaurant and Gallery is a mix of Malaysian, Nyonya and Thai cuisine with Chinese flavours set in a wonderful gallery.

We had the pandan chicken, pineapple fried rice and sweet potato leaves and it was affordable considering the setting that you’re in. It’s also a great spot for large groups without it being too crowded and touristy.

Day 2

Visit Gunung Lang National Park

There’s not a lot to do here in Gunung Lang National Park but the boat ride for Rm3.00 to the other side of the park and interesting rock formations with a nice garden walk was the perfect morning to start with.

It can get pretty hot but I found nice spots to take it all in. There’s a nearby petting zoo (which I do not recommend visiting). The animals are in a terrible condition and it just doesn’t feel ethical to visit this place.

Cave-Hopping Around Ipoh

The most popular caves in the city to visit are Sam Poh Tong, Kek Look Tong and Perak Cave Temple.

There’s an eco-cultural village next to Kek Look Tong temple called Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village. This little cultural village has limestone caves, a large fishing pond and various props that takes you back to the 60s and 70s.

Old Houses, antique furniture and various scenarios from what was life like as a barber to drinking kopitiam in the local cafes.

Another temple that was worth visiting was Perak Cave Temple — the cave has a 40 foot high golden Buddha and beautiful murals set within the limestonve caverns.

There’s also a 15 to 25 minute climb to the peak of the cave overlooking the entire city of Ipoh. This is a great way to burn all that you have eaten!

Visiting the Ho Yan Hor Museum, Ipoh’s herbalist

Visiting the Ho Yan Hor Museum was something we wanted to do as it was rated as one of the best museum tours worth visiting in Asia.

The museum is in a shophouse which was the home of the founder Mr Ho Yan Hor whose herbal tea brand is household name in Singapore and Malaysia.

This was an insightful peek into how life was like in Ipoh and his journey from China to Malaysia and his return journey to Malaya to soecialise in traditional chinese herbs.

You can book your slot online over here and it is free plus provides free herbal tea tastings!

Dinner at Baba Nyonya Alley

A new spot that was recently opened by a couple from Melaka and Ipoh called Baba Nyonya Alley. The ambience was rustic and perfect plus it had both local and western food with delicate flavours and amazing sambal.

There’s a warm welcoming vibe and the nyonya achar plus fish sambal with various herbs and spices from kaffir lime leaves to mint leaves and ulam leaves is the perfect introduction to Malaysian cuisine.

Have an ice chocolate or coconut to wash it all down!

Dessert at Cest Si Bon or Drinks at Kiki Lalat

We were craving for something sweet to end the night and there was this lovely dessert spot at Cest Si Bon serving up delicious waffles with gelato ice-cream.

Another spot for great local drinks at this old-school space called Kiki Lalat. This Ipoh-run bar has drinks that are not too expensive and a lot of local-infused cocktails and brew choices for everyone!

Day 3

Caving/Rafting or Hoga Gaharu Tea Valley

If you’re in Ipoh for the third day, this is a great day to do the whitewater rafting and caving at Gua Tempurung or simply chill at the Banjaran Hot Springs.

You could also get to Hoga Gaharu Tea Valley in Gopeng by arranging a private driver and transport to take you there (Note: it’s difficult to get a grab car back!). It’s an educational tour and offers you a chance to take a look at the agarwood trees.

You will need to drive through a narrow village road to reach this valley in Gopeng, Perak.

Hiking at Bukit Kledang Hill

If you’re up for hiking, the Bukit Kledang Hill is a great morning hike to see the entire view of Ipoh — there are many trails to choose from.

The scenic view with the fog and clouds rolling is a great reward for a 3km walk. At 808 meters, the hill has multiple routes and stunning views to take it all in.

You won’t get lost as there are always retirees hiking this trail every morning and every evening.

Lunch at Vintage Cafe No100

A warm and homely vibe with amazing local home-made food amidst old nostalgic items from 30 years ago, this is what Vintage Cafe No100 is all about.

The recipes were passed down from the owners’ parents and I had one of the best mee goreng and pasembur (Malaysian salad with peanut sauce) over here.

The antiques were something worth nothing about and it was nice to enjoy an ice cold lime juice and seek cover from the oppressive heat. The owner has tons of vinyl records and jukeboxes — it’s like a museum with great affordable food!

Walking through Mural Art’s Lane

Almost no tourists can be spotted here as it is a 10 minute walk away from the main stretch but right behind Vintage No100 cafe is Mural Art’s Lane. This is a great spot to take in the real charm of Ipoh.

The murals have character, stories, caricatures mixed with plants and trees which are great to just pause for a bit and soak in the Old Town vibes.

Like this story? Share with me some of your experiences in Ipoh in the comments below.

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Malaysia

Culture + Food Ipoh Itinerary in 2-3 Days + Nature!