Malaysia: Top Things to Do and See in Ipoh

Ipoh, the capital city of Perak, lies just some 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur. Its location, together with easy access via highway and train (just a 2.5 hours ride from KL Sentral), makes it an easy day trip from Kuala Lumpur. Locals and many of those who have been there however would probably insist that one day is not enough, and that it won't do Ipoh any justice. And they probably are right. For this instalment of “Top Things to Do and See in…” with a local perspective, Ramble and Wander has invited Jeff Chuah of Jeff's Travels, a Malaysian travel blogger who's born and bred in Ipoh, to share his list of things to do and see when visiting his hometown.

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I grew up in this sleepy city called Ipoh. While sleepy is not usually used to describe a city – think vibrant, energetic, and lively, et cetera – this very quality is what makes Ipoh so endearing to many visitors, drawing them back again and again. Ipoh offers peace and tranquility in an urban environment, a perfect ingredient for those looking to escape the hectic city lifestyle. Of course, the abundance of good food helps too. After all, the quickest way to a man's (and woman's) heart is through his (or her) stomach.


Ipoh Old Town

Photo © jefftravel88.blogspot.com

The moment you step into Ipoh Old Town, you would feel like you are being transported back to a forgotten era. It looks like the district is yet to catch up with time as nothing seems to have changed over the years. Many of the old shop houses are still doing the same business, most of them being the traditional kopitiams and grocery shops. Remnants of the colonial time can be seen through the Edwardian architectures of Ipoh Railway Station and City Hall. The best way to experience Ipoh Old Town is to join the crowd for breakfast or lunch before setting off to explore the area. Watch how the crowd slowly disperses as the day goes by and how the streets transform into atmospheric backdrop for photo shoots.

Address: Ipoh Railway Train Station (A good starting point for the old town), 30000 Ipoh, Perak | Map

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White Coffee

Photo © jefftravel88.blogspot.com

Every coffee enthusiast should visit Ipoh for this is the birth place of the famous white coffee. If you think that the many 3-in-1 concoctions are a godsend, wait until you have a taste of a freshly brewed one. A visit to the city is never complete without a cup of this frothy, aromatic white coffee, which is best served hot. Every self-respecting kopitiam offers this signature drink but for the best brew, head over to Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong, in business for decades.

Address: Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong, 15A Jalan Bandar Bijih Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak | Map

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Taman D.R. Seenivasagam (D.R. Seenivasagam Park) 

Photo © jefftravel88.blogspot.com

For some good old family time, Taman D.R. Seenivasagam is the place to be. This recreational park, locally known as D.R. Park, is crowded with families especially during late afternoons and weekend mornings. It seems like there is something for everyone in this park. Children would be running around in the playground or cycling about while their parents jog nearby. There are football fields with teams training around and a skate park for teenagers who are into it. There are elderly practising tai chi too. After the workouts, just lay down a blanket or two and have a picnic together. A wholesome family fun.

Address: D.R. Seenivisagam Park, Jalan Raja Musa Aziz, 30300 Ipoh, Perak | Map

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Old Andersonian Club and Cafeteria

Photo © jefftravel88.blogspot.com

If a picnic in the park is not really your thing, then walk across to Old Andersonian Club and Caféteria for some delicious Indian meals. There are few spots best for banana leaf rice and Old Andersonian Club and Caféteria is one of them. Operating for a good many years near SMK Anderson (Anderson Secondary School), their rendition of this Indian cuisine is more North Indian inspired rather than the spicier South Indian versions. Their curry is less spicy and more creamy, suitable for those with weaker stomach. Do try their curry chicken, fried calamari, sambal tofu and fried fish, just to name a few. After the hearty meal, down it with a glass of soothing mango lassi and all is well.

Address: Old Andersonian Club and Caféteria, 932 Jalan Hospital, 30450 Ipoh, Perak | Map

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Pasar Karat Memory Lane

Photo © jefftravel88.blogspot.com

Looking for some unconventional souvenirs to bring home? Pasar Karat Memory Lane might just do the trick for you. This Sunday special is popular among locals scouting for some bargains and antiques to add to their collections. Stretching along Jalan Horley, you can find absolutely anything here in this flea market. From secondhand electronic goods to shirts of questionable origins, from stamps to minted money and old coins. If you search hard enough for something, chances are you will find it. The whole road will be off limit to vehicles from early morning to about 2 p.m. Come early to avoid the merciless sun.

Address: Pasar Karat Memory Lane, Jalan Horley, 30300 Ipoh, Perak | Map

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New Hollywood Restaurant

Photo © jefftravel88.blogspot.com

From afar, Restaurant New Hollywood is just like any other typical Chinese coffee shop. In some ways, it is a spot on observation. Here in New Hollywood, you can definitely find all the Chinese hawker foods like char koay teow, chee cheong fun, wan tan mee, and so on. However what truly sets this kopitiam apart is its patrons. Besides the expected Chinese crowds, this kopitiam is packed with Malay and Indian customers too, something you do not see often in a Chinese eatery. You might come for the authentic Chinese food but you definitely end up having a taste of muhibbah.

Address: New Hollywood Restaurant, 38 Jalan Lee Kwee Foh, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Perak | Map

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Bukit Kledang (Kledang Hill)

Photo © jefftravel88.blogspot.com

The day starts early in Bukit Kledang. This is especially so during the weekends. The sun has yet to rise and there are already a steady stream of people beginning their hike to the peak. This popular hill, about 800m in height, serves as a training ground for locals set for a much grander hiking expeditions such as Annapurna Circuit in Nepal or Gunung Kinabalu in Sabah. However not all who come here are training for expeditions as you will find aunties and makciks (elderly ladies as they are affectionately known and addressed) trekking as well.

Bukit Kledang also boasts some of the beautiful aerial views of Ipoh. There are a few well-marked jungle trails as well as a paved road that will lead to the peak. Hence, you can drive your car all the way up to the peak if you just want to take some scenic shots. Four-wheel drives are advisable.

Address: Bukit Kledang, Laluan Kledang 1, Menglembu, Perak | Map

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Have you been to Ipoh? What do you like most about the city? What are your top things to do and see there?

If you are going there, do check out these hotels in Ipoh.

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Jeff Chuah is a Malaysian travel blogger from Ipoh, Perak. He left his office job in 2013 and started travelling around like nobody's business. He however is going back to work soon but that doesn't mean he's going to stop travelling. In fact, he's starting his new job by heading off to Poland first for a few months! He writes about his travels at Jeff's Travels. He can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2014, Ramble and Wander would be inviting fellow Malaysian travel blogger friends to share their knowledge and insider info, through a guest post, about places and things they would personally bring their guests to see, do and try in their local area. This is the fifth of such guest post. For other blog entries on Malaysia, click here. For other travel blog series on "Top Things to Do and See in...", click here.