Going on an Ipoh trip and want to know all the best things to do in Ipoh, Malaysia? We have you covered! Below you will find our guide to all the best Ipoh attraction options to plan your ultimate trip.
If you are looking for somewhere to visit in Malaysia beyond Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi and Malaysia’s beach resorts, Ipoh is definitely worth considering.
Ipoh is located inland between Kuala Lumpur and Penang in the state of Perak. Once a small village with tin deposits, Ipoh grew when it became a British Centre of Administration for the Malay Peninsula. Central Ipoh still retains this colonial character and the main Ipoh place to visit is this colonial centre.
In recent years, more investment into Ipoh has lead to not only a revitalised Old Town but a regeneration of its Malaysian-Chinese cuisine and culture. It’s a real pleasure to walk around. In fact, even between my visits in 2018 and 2024, it had got noticeably nicer and picturesque – and I thought it was great the first time.
However, there is more to Ipoh than this. One of our favourite places in Malaysia, this city is full of Ipoh attractions from its cave temples and stunning surrounding scenery to looking for pretty laneways and street art. Ipoh is also known for its great food and famous white coffee so make sure you eat everything you can while you are exploring!
I wrote this guide from my personal experience on multiple trips as well as from thorough research. It’s a great city.
Below, you will find our things to do in Ipoh blog with everything you need to know about what to do in Ipoh as well as the best places to stay. There is also a handy map of the places to visit in Ipoh town and some information about visiting Ipoh with kids.
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Contents
Top 21 Things To Do In Ipoh, Malaysia [2024]
Here are the Ipoh things to do. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe.
Enjoy Colourful Street Art And Murals
Don’t miss the street art which you can find on an Ipoh tourist attraction map. Most of the Ipoh must see street art can be found in Old Town. Doing a walking tour of all the art displays is a great way to enjoy an afternoon.
Most of the best art can be found on Mural Art’s Lane, located in Old Town near the river. You’ll also find plenty of other pieces in various lanes and alleyways around the area. Always keep a look out for it! In fact, we kept the kids interested as we wandered by making it a competition who could spot the most.
Address: Throughout the Old Town of Ipoh
Check Out The Colonial Architecture
If you’re wondering where to go in Ipoh Malaysia, why not start by exploring some of the old buildings in the area? Perak was once under British rule, and many buildings from its colonial era still exist today.
For a time, some of the buildings were beginning to fall into ruin. In recent years, Ipoh has experienced a revival. Many of the old buildings have been renovated and turned into art galleries, coffee houses or boutique hotels. Others remain as they once were.
One of the best places to go in Ipoh to see historical buildings is Old Town. Be sure to check out the Sultan Idris Shah II Mosque and the Ipoh Railway Station.
Address: Throughout the Old Town of Ipoh
Snap A Photo Of The Birch Memorial Clock Tower
Birch Memorial Clock Tower is one of the top things to do in Ipoh. The tower has a rich and controversial history. Located in Old Town in front of the Ipoh State Mosque, the tower was designed to represent the British administration and commemorate the death of James Birch, a colonial hero.
Since many of Perak’s Malays were against the British colonisation, the tower remains a controversial location in the city. Two nearby streets were named after the men who were executed for the assassination of James Birch. This Ipoh famous place to visit provides a history lesson and a glimpse into the city’s turbulent past.
Address: 12 Jalan Dato Sagor, Ipoh
Visit Kong Heng Block
This area was once the commercial centre of Old Town Ipoh, and it has been revived in recent years. It’s the Ipoh best place to visit for hip eateries and interesting shops. You also won’t want to miss a visit to the Kong Heng Artisan Market which hosts many vendors selling art, handicrafts and other souvenirs.
This area is located just west of the Kinta River at the end of Concubine Lane in Old Town. While it’s an Ipoh must go place at any hour of the day, it’s particularly busy during the evening hours. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Ipoh at night, you’ve found your spot.
Address: Jalan Panglima, Ipoh, Perak 30000
Explore Little India
Little India is another spot to include on your list of must visit places in Ipoh. You’ll find it on the southwest end of Old Town. It’s the cultural and commercial centre for the ethnic Indian community in the area, and it offers some great eating opportunities as well as Indian fashion shopping.
With its proximity to the rest of Old Town, you’ll be able to easily fit it into your itinerary. I highly recommend you stop by Sri Ananda Bahwan for some of the best Indian food of your life 🙂
Address: 12, Jalan Lahat, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
Walk Through The Old Town Laneways
The Ipoh Old Town Laneways are narrow alleyways filled with small shops and food stands. They’re located in the same area as most of the street art, so you can explore both elements of Ipoh at the same time.
Concubine Lane is one such laneway. No list of Ipoh Malaysia things to do would be complete without a mention. It’s a great Ipoh attraction at night or during the day.
Address: Throughout the Old Town of Ipoh
Learn More At Ipoh World/Han Chin Pet Soo
Along with learning about tin mining at Lost World of Tambun (coming up), you can also educate yourself at Han Chin Pet Soo, Malaysia’s first museum dedicated to tin mining and its history. This Ipoh Perak attraction is highly rated on TripAdvisor.
Inside Han Chin Pet Soo, you’ll find photographs, collectibles, artifacts and other items. There are also murals documenting the experiences of mine workers.
If you’re seeking things to do in Ipoh town, this museum is a great option. You can easily walk here from other areas of Old Town. However, you need to book your tickets prior to arrival. You can book online here or in person.
This attraction is free, however the museum requests a donation of RM 10 for adults and RM 5 for children and students.
Address: No. 3 Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30100 Ipoh
Take Some Crazy Photos At Funtasy House Trick Art
Funtasy House Trick Art combines an art gallery with a funhouse to create a unique experience.
All the works featured at Funtasy House create optical illusions to thrill, confuse, or fascinate visitors. Many pieces are designed for guest interaction and make for excellent photo opportunities.
It’s a fun place to bring the family.
Address: No. 16, Jalan Market, 30000 Ipoh
Walk The Ipoh Heritage Trail
Be sure to include the Heritage Trail on your Ipoh to do list. It’s a self-guided walking tour that will show you many of the best places to visit near Ipoh Old Town and the business district. You can find it here.
The tour will take you by 27 points of interest, including the Town Hall Building, the Birch Memorial and the Ipoh Railway Station. You can complete the tour all at once or at the pace of your choosing. It’s a great way to familiarise yourself with the area after first arriving in town.
Address: Throughout the Old Town of Ipoh
Shop For Souvenirs At Gerbang Malam Night Market
This is an Ipoh night attraction you won’t want to miss! There’s plenty of delicious local food to be found in the area, along with stalls for clothing, accessories, and other goods. You can even get a relaxing foot massage while you take a break from shopping!
Be sure to add this location to your list of what to do in Ipoh at night. There isn’t much going on here during the daytime hours. It really comes alive after the sun goes down.
There’s a playground located in the centre of the market, so if you’re trying to figure out what to see in Ipoh Malaysia with the kids, this spot is a great choice.
I also highly recommend an “ABC Special” – an ice kacang dessert – in the hawker centre area. So good!
Address: Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar, 30300 Ipoh
Have A Fun Day At Sunway’s Lost World Of Tambun
Any Ipoh attraction blog that doesn’t mention Sunway’s Lost World of Tambun is incomplete! This theme park is an Ipoh must visit location, especially for travellers with kids to entertain. It features six different themed areas including a water park, a petting zoo, wildlife viewing areas and more.
While Lost World of Tambun doesn’t offer huge roller coasters or other such thrill rides, it does include a small number of rides for children. If you’re seeking a rush, you’ll want to head for Adventure Park, the section designed for thrills. Here, you’ll find a zip line, ropes course, kayaks and other heart-pounding activities. These activities do cost extra though.
There’s also Tin Valley, an area of the park where you can pan for tin and learn about the history of the area. Getting in the water and panning for tin can be a lot of fun! Although last time I visited, you did not seem able to do this anymore.
Wondering what to do at night in Ipoh? At Lost World of Tambun, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. In addition to enjoying the theme park during the day, this is also somewhere to consider if you are looking for places to visit in Ipoh at night.
Hot Springs Night Park requires an additional ticket, but it’s worth the extra price. Not only will you gain access to the relaxing hot springs and lush surrounding gardens, but you’ll also be able to enter the Luminous Forest, a musical experience complete with glowing jungles and a history lesson. This unique experience makes Lost World of Tambun one of the top places to go in Ipoh at night.
You can buy discounted tickets for this attraction by clicking here or read our full review here. I do have mixed feelings about this attraction so the full review is a good read if you are not sure if this theme park is for you.
Address: 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway, Sunway City, 31150 Ipoh
Eat
When determining places of interest to visit in Ipoh, much of your list should be made up of restaurants and other food-based attractions. After all, Ipoh is known for its food! In fact, it is right up there with Penang for me for places where I absolutely love eating in the world.
Malaysia’s white coffee originates from Ipoh. If you’re wondering where to go, a coffee house is a great start. The city is also known for its delicious noodles and sweet treats. If you’re going to try any of these popular dishes or drinks, it makes sense to do it while in Ipoh.
Ipoh Noodles
The city is known for its rice noodles, which are typically flat and prepared using local spring water. Kai see hor fun is a chicken, prawn and noodle soup served with spring onions.
Some versions come with a dark gravy and others include an egg. Try a variety of noodle dishes during your stay, and you may come away with a new favourite!
White Coffee
There’s a reason Lonely Planet named Ipoh one of the top coffee towns on Earth. Ipoh white coffee is world famous and available at many Ipoh Malaysia attractions. The beans are roasted with palm oil and served with condensed milk, resulting in a sweet and creamy beverage.
Ice balls/Ais Kepal
An ice ball is simply a large ball of hard-packed ice bits covered with a tasty and flavorful syrup. They’re a staple food in Ipoh, especially during hot weather.
If you’re trying to determine where to visit in Ipoh that would serve ice balls, head for one of the Old Town Laneways. Specifically, look for a place called Bits & Bobs which serves the chilled deserts.
Shop At Memory Lane
Also called Pasar Karat, this flea market is a fun place to be on Sunday mornings. Only operating at this time, you can find many bargains and a lively local atmosphere.
Address: 56, Jalan Horley, Ipoh
Discover Perak Cave Temple
In the limestone hills near Ipoh, there are amazing Buddhist cave temples. These are basically exactly what they sound like – caves with temples 🙂 They are built into the hills and are serene, picturesque and well worth a visit.
With a half day and Grab (like Uber) on your phone, you can easily explore a few of them. We found it very easy to get Grabs to transport us, and we paid RM6-11 to get between the temples and the Old Town.
Remember that these are spiritual places which means you should dress in appropriate clothing. In this case, that’s shoulders and knees covered. You will (sadly) see many people not doing this, but I highly recommend you respect these temples and cover up.
In this what to do in Ipoh blog, we have our top four choices for your half day exploration starting with the Perak Cave Temple. It’s in a different direction to the other three from Ipoh so it makes sense to explore this and then the other three in a row.
This cave temple is one of my favourites. It’s in a big cave in a lovely spot. There are interesting rock formations and a big Buddha in front of you when you enter. It’s great for anyone looking to get a bit of exercise. The temple itself is located on the ground level, but there’s a staircase you can climb to get to the top of the hill. It’s quite a nice walk especially at the beginning through the cave.
Inside the cave, you’ll find paintings that depict celestial beings, flowers, and other images of spiritual significance.
Like many of the cave temples, we watched monkeys playing around outside.
Address: Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Kawasan Perindustrian Tasek, 31400 Ipoh
Walk Through The Gardens At Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple
The Kek Lok Cave Temple is one of the most notable and my favourite along with the previous temple. Of all the things to see in Ipoh, this Buddhist temple should be a top priority. The tranquil gardens and lovely views make it a special place.
This cave temple is quite big and you get to walk through the cave to a lovely area with big gardens. The cave itself had interesting formations, and I found it the most interesting to look at.
The gardens on the other side are beautiful. This is a spot where it would be great to meditate or just walk around and enjoy the peaceful energy.
Address: Pesiaran Sepakat 3, Taman Endah Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
Tour The Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple
Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple is one of the city’s oldest cave temples. It features a beautifully landscaped ornamental garden as well as a columbarium designed to hold the ashes of the departed.
What I liked about this cave temple is that the cave went on further than I expected to open up a big lovely area with the view you can see above. There was also a turtle pond with many turtles. The ornamental garden is also beautiful.
Otherwise, this temple looked a little aged and wasn’t as spectacular as some of the others to me.
Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh
Explore Ling Sen Tong Temple
The Ling Sen Tong Temple is just a short walk from Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple and you can visit an additional temple in the middle.
This is a Taoist temple which is super colourful. It features many statues of deities and animals and is worth a look when you visit Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple.
Address: Tambun Cave, Laluan Tambun Perdana 2, Taman Tambun, 31400 Ipoh
Learn At The Geological Museum
This museum is a well presented, free museum about minerals, gemstones and fossils as well as how these are formed and the area in Ipoh.
It’s very good, albeit on the small side and is worth including on your itinerary if this subject matter interests you. Everything is well labelled and signed in both English and Malaysia. There are several large educational murals and an area dedicated to Ipoh’s mining history.
For families, there’s a moving Tyrannosaurus Rex which I found cool, but my 7 year old was a little scared. There’s also a big snakes and ladder board with a big dice that you can stand on as you move up ladders and down snakes. It’s fun.
You can find the Ipoh Geological Museum east of the Old Town. It’s actually directly between Perak Cave Temple and the other cave temples so it’s easy to visit on your way through. Note that it’s shut from 12-2pm.
Address: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 31400 Ipoh
Visit Gaharu Tea Valley
Gaharu Tea Valley is a nice place to visit in Ipoh, especially for those who love the outdoors. This expansive agarwood plantation, which features more than 200,000 trees, has only been open to the public for a few years.
Agarwood is believed to have medicinal properties. It’s also cherished for its intense fragrance. The demand has led to it becoming a diminishing resource, but the plantation is working hard to ensure the trees don’t become extinct. You can support their cause by picking up a few items at the plantation’s retail shop which sells Gaharu teas, cookies, fragrances and more.
You’ll find the plantation just outside of Gopeng, Perak, which is south of Ipoh.
Address: Lot 9840, Mukim SG Teja 31600 Gopeng
Explore Kellie’s Castle
This legendary castle should be included in any list of Ipoh top attractions. It’s an extravagant structure that was meant to have a large tower, a rooftop entertainment area and even an elevator. When its owner and creator, William Kellie Smith, passed away during construction, the project was halted and left unfinished.
Since then, the castle has been turned into a tourist attraction. You can explore the interior and take in some lovely views of the surrounding area from the roof.
Legend has it that the castle is haunted. Some visitors have claimed to see ghostly figures in the windows or other areas around the property, making this an Ipoh must do for anyone interested in spooky lore. For everyone else, the castle is still an Ipoh nice place to visit.
The castle is located near the town of Batu Gajah and can be reached by travelling south from Ipoh.
Address: Jalan Gopeng, Batu Gajah 31000 Batu Gajah
Day Trip To Cameron Highlands
If you’re looking for a day trip from Ipoh, consider visiting the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands is located around 2 hours from Ipoh and is perfect for a day trip.
The Cameron Highlands is Malaysia’s main region for tea cultivation. The high elevation results in cooler weather, making this a great place to get out for some hiking. Here, you can spend hours exploring the beautiful landscape which features green rolling hills and plenty of tea plantations.
Attractions in the highlands include Mossy Forest, a lush forested area that’s known for its misty cloud formations and mossy trees, and a local weekend night market where you can purchase a variety of meats, produce and snacks. You’ll also find plenty of hiking trails in the area, some with lookout points that feature amazing views.
Click here to see all our full Cameron Highlands travel guide.
Best Places To Visit In Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia Map
Best Place To Stay In Ipoh
It’s not just visiting the top things to do in Ipoh Perak which will make or break your trip, but also having the right accommodation. There are plenty of options in Ipoh.
We have made it easier to book your perfect choice by listing three options based on budget. You can also find our full list of the top 12 places to stay in Ipoh here.
BEST – The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat Review
If you have a healthy budget to spend during your stay in Ipoh, consider booking a room at this highly rated resort. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat is located near Sunway City and offers everything you could possibly need for a luxurious and rejuvenating stay in Ipoh.
The hotel grounds are simply magical. You’ll find thermal steam caves, hiking trails, crystal caverns, meditation spots and plenty of green jungle in the surrounding area. The resort offers a gym, spa, pool and restaurants.
You’ll be able to choose between lake, water or garden villas for your stay. All rooms feature king beds, coffee makers and private geothermal hot tubs.
Click here for the latest prices.
MID-RANGE – Mu Hotel Review
This mid-range hotel is just a short taxi ride or a longer walk from the Old Town. It’s clean, very comfortable, quiet and modern. It’s a very solid 3-star choice.
Mu Hotel has a range of room types with standard doubles, twins and extras like courtyard rooms. There’s also a great two bedroom deluxe unit for families which we found perfect.
All rooms have free wifi, tea and coffee making facilities, mini-fridge, air-conditioning, smart TV and toiletries. The hotel has a gym, restaurant and a rooftop bar.
Click here for the latest prices.
BUDGET – Beds In Garden Hostel Review
Beds in Garden Hostel offers both private and shared rooms for budget travellers. It’s located in the core of Ipoh, putting you within walking distance of Kong Heng Block, the Old Laneways and other attractions.
You can book either a private room or a bed within a dormitory. There are both co-ed and female dorm rooms. Beds within the dormitories come with their own privacy curtain, and there is free WiFi in the rooms.
The hostel grounds feature a community kitchen and living area, a garden terrace and a restaurant and bar. One important thing to note is that this is an adult hostel. It’s not suitable for parents travelling with kids.
From the clean bathrooms to the well-kept gardens, it’s clear that the owners have put a lot of work into the place. If you’re a budget backpacker travelling solo or with a group of other adults, this might be the perfect place for you.
Click here for the latest prices.
Click here to see all our recommendations for the best hotel in Ipoh.
How To Get To Ipoh
It’s easy to get to Ipoh by bus, train or car. If you have your own car, great! You are good to go.
If you need to take a bus, click here for the latest timetables and bus prices.
If you prefer trains, click here for the latest information.
You can also hire a car to get you there by clicking here.
The easiest way to get to Ipoh is to take a private taxi from anywhere in peninsula Malaysia. We can book a taxi for you with a safe and trustworthy local operator.
Click here for more details and prices.
It’s also possible to fly to Ipoh, but with barely any flights, it usually makes more sense to travel here overland from Kuala Lumpur or Penang.
You can read our full guides to travelling to Ipoh from:
Ipoh With Kids
Ipoh is a great place to visit with kids. Many of the tourist attractions in Ipoh, Malaysia are great things to do in Ipoh with kids too.
Our kids loved walking around trying to spot the street art first and visiting the cave temples. The trick art is also fun although definitely the best Ipoh attraction for kids is Sunway Lost World of Tambun. It is perfect for family fun!
Of course, trying out the local ice balls/ais kepal is the ultimate way to reward your kids for a great day of sightseeing.
Final Words
As you can see, this area of Malaysia has a lot to offer. Whether you’re a travelling family or a solo adventurer, you won’t have any trouble figuring out what to do in Ipoh Perak. Come for a few days, or stay a few weeks. Either way, you’ll be sure to have a great time.
If you need help planning your Ipoh itinerary click here or if you’re travelling to or from KL to Ipoh – find out exactly how to get there here. Find our full Ipoh travel guide here and the best places to stay in Ipoh here.
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!
