Explore what to do in the charming city of Ipoh with this 3-day itinerary with essential tourist spots, hidden gems, and local food recommendations.
Ipoh, the quaint city located in the Perak state of Malaysia, is the new rising star for foodies, history enthusiasts, and nature seekers. Renowned for its colonial buildings, culinary delights, and limestone hills, Ipoh is the ideal destination for a short getaway. Here’s a super practical 3D2N Ipoh itinerary guide packed full of the best things to do in Ipoh, with a blend of known tourist spots & good local food, and hidden gems as well.
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Getting around Ipoh
👣 Walking around
Ipoh’s old town is quite walkable, with many attractions, heritage buildings, cafes, and street art easily accessible on foot. Exploring on foot is a great way to soak in the local atmosphere.
🚌 Taking the public bus
Buses in Ipoh are also a convenient and viable option for getting around Ipoh. The main bus station, Medan Kidd Bus Station, is simply a 7-minute walk from the Ipoh Railway Station. The public bus provider in Ipoh, myBas, covers the main places in town – enough to get you to most tourist attractions.
🚖 Taxis or Ride-hailing
Taxis are readily available throughout Ipoh. Ride-hailing services like Grab are widely used and can be a more convenient and sometimes cheaper alternative to traditional taxis.
🚴 Rent a bicycle
Cycling can be an enjoyable way to travel around Ipoh, especially in the old town area. Some guesthouses and hostels offer bicycle rentals. Ipoh also has its own bicycle rental service within the city, Cycledios. It’s a pay-per-use city bike you can operate through an app. Easily accessible and returnable at designated spots throughout the city.
🚗 Ipoh car rentals
In Ipoh, renting a car or motorcycle specifically to get around the city is rare as people usually travel via the methods above or by their own cars if they driving from nearby locations. However, if that’s what you prefer, there are several car rental companies in Ipoh to choose from.
- Address: 40A Gerbang Rapat 1 Gerbang, Jalan Maju Rapat, Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
- Multiple pick-up locations available
- Prices from: MYR 128 per day (~S$38.60)
- Address: Jalan Lapangan Terbang, Taman Maju Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
- Pick up available at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport
- Prices from: MYR 158 per day (~S$47.70)
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Best things to do in Ipoh (3D2N itinerary):
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Old Town
Dim Sum Feast
Image Credits: Trusted Malaysia
First thing’s first, FOOD. Start your adventure with an essential Ipoh experience, dim sum! Try renowned establishments like Foh San Dim Sum or Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum, offering bite-sized delights such as siu mai, har gow, and steamed buns. Pair your meal with a pot of Chinese tea for a quintessential experience.
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Dive into Ipoh’s Colonial Charm
Image Credits: Heritage Buildings of Malaysia
In Ipoh Old Town, the historical heart of the city. Take a leisurely walk to admire the colonial-era buildings, such as the Ipoh Railway Station, affectionately known as the “Taj Mahal of Ipoh.” Its white façade and manicured gardens make it a great spot for photos. Another architectural gem is the Birch Memorial Clock Tower, a symbol of the city’s rich colonial past.
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Savor Ipoh Hor Fun
Image Credits: Daniel Food Diary
No visit to Ipoh is complete without tasting the city’s signature dish, Ipoh hor fun. Head to the legendary Thean Chun Coffee Shop, where the silky rice noodles are served in a flavorful chicken and prawn broth. Pair it with their famous caramel egg custard for a sweet treat.
Restoran Thean Chun 天津
Address: 73, Jalan Bandar Timah, 31650 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8AM to 4.30PM daily (closed on Thursdays)
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Continue at Old Town – Art and Heritage Trails
Image Credits: Travel Scribes
Continue in Ipoh Old Town to explore Ipoh’s Mural Art Trail, where vibrant street art depicts the city’s culture and history. The works of artist Ernest Zacharevic are particularly notable, adding a modern flair to the city’s traditional roots.
Make your way to the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum, offering a glimpse into the lives of early Chinese settlers and their tin-mining heritage.
Walk along Concubine Lane, a narrow alley brimming with boutique shops, artisanal products, and quirky cafés. This iconic lane offers plenty of Instagram-worthy spots and unique souvenirs to take home. It’s a similar vibe to its Malacca counterpart, Jonker Street.
👉 Han Chin Pet Soo Museum
Address: 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30100 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Admission: Donation basis
Opening Hours: 3 time slots of multiple vacancies available. Please check online for your preferred date
| Session 1 | 11 AM |
| Session 2 | 2 PM |
| Session 3 | 3:30 PM |
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Ipoh Night Market
Image Credits: Johor Now
Wrap up your first day at one of Ipoh’s night markets opposite AEON Kinta City, a bustling hub of food stalls and trinkets. Enjoy local favourites like satay, grilled seafood, and desserts like apam balik (crispy pancakes).
Address: Lot 158408, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Utara, 30350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: From 6:30 PM
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Day 2:
Chang Jiang White Coffee Ipoh
Image Credits: Felicia-grace
Ipoh is synonymous with white coffee, and Chang Jiang White Coffee is a local institution. Stop by their cosy café to savour freshly brewed white coffee and a side of kaya toast. The aromatic and creamy blend is perfect for recharging after your morning escapade.
Address: 7, Jalan Windsor, 30250 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
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Cave Exploration at Gua Tempurung
Image Credits: Tourism Perak
Head for an outdoor adventure to the nearby Gua Tempurung, one of Malaysia’s largest limestone caves. Gopeng’s Tempurung Cave stretches about 3 km in length. This spectacular natural attraction is known for its series of wide chambers, some reaching impressive heights and adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and intricate cave tunnel networks. Visitors can explore various sections on different guided tours, which highlight different portions and features of this vast underground system.
True thrill-seekers can embark on a 4-hour long journey that involves wading through underground rivers, clambering over rocks, and crawling through narrow openings—a test of endurance in a geological wonder. Or if you just prefer to stand back and observe the beauty, light walking tours are available too.
The size and complexity of Gua Tempurung make it a fascinating destination for both casual tourists and more adventurous spelunkers. Join a guided tour to marvel at stunning rock formations, underground rivers, and cathedral-like chambers.
Address: Pusat Pelancongan Gua Tempurung. 31600 Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia
Prices: Prices for tours vary
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Charcoal Fried Noodles at Gunung Rapat 302 (Hidden Gem)
Image Credits: Ranfred Lee on Google Review
After your cave exploration head back north towards the next attraction but stop by for some local fare first. Known for their wok hey prowess and affordable prices this is a local hidden gem! As their name suggests, their menu offers various types of fried noodles like char kuay teow, yut gwong hor (moonlight noodles), wan tan hor and hokkien mee.
Address: 302, Jalan Gunung Rapat, Kampung Baharu Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
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Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple
Image Credits: Travel with Sun
Tucked within the limestone hills of Ipoh are impressive places of worship. Among them, one of the most magnificent is the Kek Lok Tong Temple. It had first been used as a place of worship in the 1920s. During the mining boom in Ipoh, some portions of the cave had been dug out, but this practice was later halted, and it was finally opened to visitors in the 1970s.
Its most imposing assets include its statues, such as the iconic one of Confucius found at the entrance. The temple is clean, spacious and tranquil – ideal for an early afternoon visit. Considering that the entrance fee is free (donation available if you want), such a unique cave temple experience is very worth it.
Address: Pesiaran Sepakat 3, Taman Endah Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Negeri Perak
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 7 AM – 5 PM
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Ipoh Parade Shopping
Image Credits: MU Hotel
Take a break from nature and explore Ipoh Parade, a modern shopping mall that has it all, from trendy fashion to the latest electronic gadgets. It’s the ideal place to cool down, catch a movie, or treat yourself to some retail therapy. There are also plenty of dining options there. Be sure to check out the variety of local snacks available to take home!
Address: 105, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, Pusat Perdagangan Greentown, 30450 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM Daily
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Day 2 Alternative: Sunway Lost World Tambun
Image Credits: Sunway Lost World Tambun
If you’re seeking more fun and thrill over nature exploration, check out one of Ipoh’s largest attractions, the Sunway Lost World Tambun theme park. Note that this alternative plan will take up the entirety of Day 2, so plan to arrive early and prepare accordingly.
There are endless family-friendly activities to do here throughout the day. It has a water park furnished with plenty of water slides, a petting zoo, hot springs, a spa, an amusement park, and a night park complete with a hotel and other amenities. Many visitors raved about the thrill of the waterpark and commended that the park is well-maintained.
Overall, it’s an ideal location for families as it keeps the kids entertained while the adults can have their share of relaxation too! Depending on which park you want to visit, the ticket prices vary but buying online is cheaper than in person.
Address: 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1, Sunway City Ipoh, 31150 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening hours: 11 AM to 6 PM – Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri. 10 AM to 6 PM – Sat & Sun (Closed on Tues)
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Day 3:
Sam Poh Tong Temple
Image Credits: Flickr
Begin your day at the tranquil Sam Poh Tong Temple, a breathtaking cave temple nestled amidst lush greenery. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens adorned with bonsai plants and a charming turtle pond, where locals believe releasing turtles symbolises good fortune.
The temple, said to be discovered by a Chinese monk in the 1890s, is a testament to Buddhist devotion and artistry. Climb the steps to the temple’s hilltop for panoramic views of Ipoh, with limestone hills providing an Instaworthy backdrop.
If time permits, head to the nearby Perak Cave Temple, another hidden treasure. This temple boasts a series of stunning murals depicting Buddhist teachings and vibrant mythical creatures. If you’re feeling adventurous, head up the steep staircase to reach the summit for a bird’s-eye view of the city and its natural surroundings.
Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8 AM to 2 PM daily
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Alternative: Hike Gua Tambun to see Cave Paintings (Hidden Gem)
Image Credits: Tourism Perak
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, go on a hike to Gua Tambun, a fascinating site home to ancient cave paintings that is estimated to be between 2,000 and 12,000 years old. Tucked away in a limestone hill, these reddish-orange rock art illustrations depict animals, humans, and abstract symbols, offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the region.
The trail to the cave is moderately easy, winding through lush greenery, making it an enjoyable trek for nature and history enthusiasts alike. Since Gua Tambun is less frequented by tourists, it retains an untouched charm—perfect for those looking to explore one of Ipoh’s hidden gems.
Address:Laluan Tambun Perdana 2, Taman Tambun, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8 AM to 5:30 PM daily
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Nasi Ganja
Image Credits: Tally Press
Make your way to Yong Suan Restaurant for lunch, home to the famous Nasi Ganja aka Nasi Kandar. The crowd outside Yong Suan Restaurant is a testament to its popularity, so be prepared to queue. This iconic dish, affectionately nicknamed for its addictive flavours, is a harmonious mix of fragrant rice, crispy fried chicken, rich curries, sambal, and hard-boiled egg that will be well worth the wait!
Address: 2, Jalan Yang Kalsom, Ipoh Town, 30250 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily (Closed on Sunday)
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Gunung Lang Recreational Park
Image Credits: Petit Guru
Gunung Lang Recreational Park is a picturesque sanctuary surrounded by limestone hills and a tranquil lake. You can find well-maintained gardens, walking trails, and a mini zoo in the park’s main area, perfect for taking your little ones there for activities. Walk along the wooden boardwalks, snap some photos, enjoy a boat ride on the picturesque lake surrounded by limestone hills or simply sit by the lake to soak in the calm atmosphere.
Address: Jalan Damai, 30100 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 6 PM, Mon to Sun. 8:30 AM to 11 AM, 3 PM to 6 PM on Fri
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Ready to explore Ipoh?
Image Credits: Remote Lands
Ipoh’s blend of rich heritage, local cuisines, and interesting geological structures makes it an ideal destination for a short getaway. From exploring colonial landmarks and cave temples to indulging in local delicacies like Ipoh hor fun, dim sum, and white coffee, this itinerary covers the city’s best experiences. So, pack your bags and head down to one of Malaysia’s most vibrant cities for your year-end holidays! Don’t forget to make use of your YouTrip Card to lock in those wholesale exchange rates and skip those pesky bank fees.
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