Information
City: IpohCountry: Malaysia
Continent: Asia
Ipoh, Malaysia, Asia
Overview
Here’s a detailed guide to Ipoh, the vibrant capital of Perak, Malaysia, where limestone hills rise behind rows of old shophouses: 1.Ipoh, nicknamed the Bougainvillea City, sits in the heart of the Kinta Valley, its streets framed by towering limestone hills that glow pale gold in the late afternoon sun.The town’s known for its colonial-era buildings, shadowy cave temples, and the rich scent of spices drifting from its kitchens.Ipoh, once alive with the clang of tin mines in the British colonial days, has blossomed into a vibrant city where old shophouses stand beside sleek cafés and galleries.Around 750,000 people live in the metro area, about 200 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur, where you’ll hear Malay, English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tamil, and Chinese dialects like Hokkien and Hakka, and you’ll pay for your coffee in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).Ipoh’s roots trace back to the tin rush of the late 1800s and early 1900s, when the clang of picks and shovels drew British colonists and waves of Chinese immigrants.Riches from the tin mines transformed Ipoh into a bustling city, its streets alive with the clang of rickshaw bells.The industry may have slumped in the mid-20th century, but Ipoh bounced back, drawing visitors with its old shophouses, aromatic coffee, and vibrant food scene.Three.The Ipoh Railway Station, often called the “Taj Mahal of Ipoh,” is a grand colonial-era gem from 1917 with sweeping arches and a gleaming white façade, while the Birch Memorial Clock Tower, built in 1909, stands tall in honor of J. W. W. Birch, Perak’s first British Resident.You’ll find vivid murals of historic figures, the restored Han Chin Pet Soo Museum that once served Hakka miners, and the lively Concubine Lane with its bright shops and coffee aromas; explore the breathtaking Perak Cave Temple with its painted walls and hilltop view, the peaceful Kek Lok Tong gardens framed by stalactites, and Gunung Lang Park’s quarry lake boat rides, then unwind at Tambun Hot Springs near the Lost World of Tambun; stroll the Ipoh Heritage Walk past colonial landmarks, dive into modern fun at the Lost World’s water rides and zip-lines, admire Ernest Zacharevic’s street art in the Art of Oldtown, wander the nostalgic Qing Xin Ling Village, and taste Ipoh’s celebrated mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indian dishes.Sip Ipoh’s famous white coffee, rich and smooth from freshly roasted beans and sweetened with condensed milk; try Nga Choi Kai, tender poached chicken with crisp bean sprouts and a drizzle of soy sauce; slurp silky Hor Fun noodles in a light chicken-and-prawn broth; savor Tau Fu Fah, soft tofu pudding bathed in warm sugar syrup; taste Yim Guk Kai, herbal salted chicken baked until aromatic and melt-in-your-mouth; or dive into a steaming bowl of Ipoh Curry Mee, spicy with coconut milk, chicken, prawns, and tofu.Luxury stays include The Haven All Suite Resort, WEIL Hotel, and the Ipoh Marriott Hotel.For mid-range comfort, try M Boutique Hotel or soak in the steam at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat.On a budget?Container Hotel Ipoh and Bedrock Hotel keep things simple without skimping on charm.In the 19th century, Ipoh boomed thanks to its rich tin deposits, earning the nickname “City of Millionaires.” Decades later, parts of the 1999 film *Anna and the King* were shot among its streets.The nearby limestone hills hide caves where centuries-old Buddhist temples glow in the dim light of oil lamps, and the city proudly claims the birthplace of its creamy, aromatic White Coffee-a treat no visitor should skip.
Landmarks in ipoh
