A small delight of a city just 125 miles (200 km) north of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh is a relatively young city that has seen a wealth of movement since its inception in the 19th century. It found prosperity through a booming mining industry brought on by British colonization, and though things have since cooled off, Ipoh has become a relatively quiet town known for its delicious cuisine and regal infrastructure. With the added benefit of being nuzzled in the depths of Malaysia’s distinctly unique terrain, Ipoh affords the opportunity to explore jungles or go cave diving, making it an ideal weekend trip from the regular hum of Southeast Asia.
1. Ipoh Padang
Once you’ve settled down in your accommodations, going to Ipoh Padang is a great spot to admire the city’s general qualities. Surrounded with some of the city’s best landmarks, visitors and locals alike assemble at this wonderfully manicured field to play sports, have a walk or just sit for a while. With historical sites a plenty, including the mammoth St Michael’s Institution, the Federated Malay States (FMS) Bar and Restaurant, the HSBC building and colonial Ipoh courthouse, not to mention the stream of modern shops and eateries, Ipoh Padang is the best way to orient yourself with Ipoh.
2. Old Town Heritage Walk
The next thing to do is take the free guided Old Town Heritage Walk, setting sail from the Ipoh railway station every Saturday at 8 am. What better way to get to know a city then a free three-hour tour? Exploring more than 30 historical sites and locations such as the Birch Memorial, which commemorates the first British resident in town, the tour also acquaints you with Ipoh’s modern landmarks, such as the Town Hall, High Court, and St John’s Church. In order to get this tour be sure to call in advance.
3. Fantastic FOOD!
Although Penang is hands-down Malaysia’s (if not all of Southeast Asia’s) first and foremost destination for food tourism, Ipoh isn’t so bad either. Just a few hours from the food capital, Ipoh wields an impressive selection of delectable cuisine you’ll definitely want to try. Ipoh Sar Hor Fun is a local dish consisting of chicken, prawns, and noodles that you can find in many restaurants and also at very cost-effective hawkers. Ipoh is also known for its curries, satay, and superior tasting white coffee, which uses coffee beans roasted in palm-oil margarine combined with condensed milk.
4. Gua Tempurung
A no-brainer destination for all Ipoh goers, the more than 1.2 mile (2 km) long cave in Perak, known as Gua Tempurung, is a spelunker’s dream. Lain beneath a limestone hill, this glorious cave, brightly lit and complete with walkways, contains a complicated network of rock formations. The breathtaking beauty of gargantuan stalactites, rock and stalagmite formations are estimated to be 10,000 years old. Walking through it is simply other-worldly. Just 15.5 miles (25 km ) from Ipoh these caves are a treat not seen enough by Ipoh passers-through. The caves are chalk-full of interesting lore and history, so be sure to do your homework and quiz your guide.
5. Sam Poh Tong (Cavern of Triple Gems)
Located just outside the city, this Chinese Temple built within a limestone cave is a Buddhist temple discovered early in the 20th century, and now draws droves of visitors for its beautifully decorated pavilion, lavish garden, and fish pond. The temple contains a plethora of religious trinkets and traditional décor, and even has a small pathway leading to a tortoise pond. The temple itself is only half of the appeal, as it is surrounded by limestone formations and mountainous terrain that can only be described as exotic.
