Top 10 Things to Do in Ipoh, Malaysia

Perak’s capital Ipoh features British colonial architecture, magical temples etched into limestone caves and is Lonely Planet’s ‘lesser-known food capital of Malaysia’. Culture Trip explores the best things to do in Ipoh, including a self-guided historical walking tour, speciality museums and an eccentric Scotsman’s half-finished colonial mansion.

Perak’s tin mining boom in the late 19th century transformed Ipoh. Wealthy British residents and Chinese miners commissioned grand houses and offices. The Ipoh Heritage Walk showcases the best of this extravagant architecture. Covering some 6.5 kilometres (4 miles), the walk passes through old Ipoh to various colonial buildings, restored Chinese shophouses and the controversial Birch Memorial Clock Tower. Information boards near each monument provide historical context and fascinating facts. Get a map and recommendations from the tourist information centre at Ipoh Railway Station.

Ipoh combines majestic structures with colourful Buddhist cave temples. British buildings sit next to long rows of restored shophouses, each with a different design on their second-floor façade. Ipoh bursts with eclectic styles of architecture. Colonial and traditional juxtapose the contemporary of the modern city centre. Culture Trip recommends Han Chin Pet Soo (Hakka Miners’ Club), the tripod-like MBI Clock Tower and Perak Tong Cave Temple.

Limestone cliffs surround Ipoh. Mystical Buddhist temples penetrate some, transforming the cave systems into incense-filled prayer halls. From the outside, you’ll see the characteristic red colours and Chinese calligraphy next to peaceful gardens. Step inside and find bronze statues and religious images on shelves carved into the limestone. Murals decorate the walls as rickety metal staircases rise to viewing platforms overlooking Ipoh. Visiting the cave temples consistently features among the top things to do in Ipoh for all travellers. Culture Trip recommends Perak Tong Cave Temple, Sam Poh Tong Temple and Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple.

Pro tip: Allocate a full morning or afternoon to visit the cave temples, as they’re in different parts of the city. Either agree on a fixed price with a taxi or use GrabCar from one temple to the next.

Ipoh’s speciality museums range from covering Perak’s history and the tin mining boom to one dedicated entirely to tea (Ho Yan Hor Museum). Others include Malaysia’s largest geological museum and the Miniature Wonders Art Gallery which presents tiny figurines that have been painstakingly crafted and arranged into scenes from ancient China. Low entrance fees combined with only a handful of visitors make visiting the museums one of our favourite things to do in Ipoh. The city has plenty of must-visit museums.

Mention street art in Malaysia and almost everyone (Malaysians included) think of George Town in Penang. Few outsiders know about Ipoh’s famous Mural Art’s Lane (near Jalan Masjid) and Panglima Street which rivals the best of Penang’s street art. Cartoony images depict scenes from Perak’s lifestyle (think family life and childhood games) and promote multiculturalism.

Pro tip: Street art covers walls in all parts of Ipoh. Plan a route before setting off with your camera. If you’re unsure where to go, ask at Ipoh Railway Station’s tourist information office.

Unlike Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh is a somewhat secret foodie destination in Malaysia. Food courts and Kopitiams (Malaysian-style coffee shops) line the city serving mouth-watering meals for a few ringgits. Culture Trip recommends tasting gai si hor fun (shredded chicken noodles) with an Ipoh white coffee. Or check out the unusually named Nasi Ganja for Indian food and hawker-style dining at Central Point Food Court. Tasting the best of Ipoh is always among the top things to do in Ipoh for foodies.