https://iwandered.web/ipoh-taiping-perak-itinerary/
The state of Perak in Malaysia, and by extension, its essential cities of Ipoh, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar, is a considerably underrated vacation spot regardless of being one among Malaysia’s gems. Whereas many flock to the close by metropolis of Penang or head right down to the capital, Kuala Lumpur, Perak is simply beginning to acquire recognition as a vacationer vacation spot in its personal proper. This nook of the peninsula is a private favourite and I really like the wealth of heritage structure, scrumptious meals, pleasant people in addition to the general number of points of interest in Ipoh and the state of Perak.
This itinerary for Ipoh, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar exhibits you how one can mix these cities on a visit that lasts from 3 to 4 days. This itinerary can be versatile within the sense that in the event you solely have 2 days to spare for a weekend journey and are solely fascinated with Ipoh, you possibly can simply trim this itinerary relying in your wants. Apart from offering the beneficial locations to go to, I additionally documented a few of my favourite locations to eat in these cities.
Day 1 – Ipoh – Previous City & New City
Your itinerary begins in Ipoh – Perak’s largest metropolis. Ipoh was as soon as one among Malaysia’s most affluent cities and the quantity of shophouses with intricate facades on the metropolis heart attest to that. Ipoh’s glory days nonetheless, got here to an finish when the tin increase collapsed within the Eighties. After a long time of stagnation, the town has regained a brand new lease of life – this time as an up-and-coming vacationer vacation spot.
Try this itinerary if you’re additionally heading to Penang
As of this writing, Ipoh’s tiny airport has direct flights to Singapore and Johor Bahru whereas it’s roughly a 2 hour drive / 2.5 hour prepare journey from KL. Whatever the vacation spot, a lot of the incoming flights to Ipoh arrive within the metropolis within the morning or by midday on the newest, except for 1 every day flight from Singapore that arrives within the afternoon. From Ipoh Airport, it’s a simple switch to anyplace within the metropolis by way of a ride-sharing app comparable to Seize. I paid about 10 Ringgit for my journey to Ipoh’s heart.
ipoh white espresso from sin yoon loong
After dropping your baggage within the resort and relying in your time of arrival, it might nonetheless be a good suggestion to catch a late breakfast at one among Ipoh’s old-fashioned cafes. Stated to be the most effective place for Ipoh’s famed white espresso, Sin Yoon Loong (every day, 6:30AM to 2:30PM) is as old-fashioned because it will get with espresso served in ceramic cups with floral motifs. Go for a kaya toast and even an egg custard (flan) to your morning meal. Alternatively, Nam Heong (every day, 6:30AM to 4:30PM) simply subsequent door is a worthwhile various.
ipoh market lane
Ipoh is thought for its avenue artwork an insta-worthy again lanes. From Sin Yoon Loong, stroll north a few blocks to succeed in Market Lane with its pink and white umbrellas strung up from above. When you come right here early sufficient within the mornings, you’ll discover the lane all to your self. In any other case, you may need to compete for photo-taking area with a variety of vacationers getting that good instagram shot.
Just a few blocks north is Ipoh’s Concubine Lane. That is the place rich retailers of yore used to deal with their mistresses again within the day. Right this moment, this slender alley is busy with memento retailers, eateries in addition to drinks/dessert stalls. Regardless of in all probability being Ipoh’s most touristy spot today, there are a variety of noteworthy eateries right here for a light-weight meal. Worthwhile locations to take a look at embrace Kong Heng (every day besides Thursdays, 7AM to 5PM) for its egg custard and Sin Lean Lee (open every day besides Tuesday, 6AM to 2PM; 6:30AM to 1PM on Mondays) which is thought for the town’s personal rendition of char kway teow which is topped with a fried egg.
plan b cafe in ipoh
Ipoh has loads of hipster cafes to select from, and probably the most distinguished one appears to be Plan B (75 Jalan Panglima, 10AM to 10PM every day) with its giant indoor area and voluminous menu. Alternatively, in the event you want the clear and minimalist look with a powerful concentrate on the espresso itself, Jalan Theatre Espresso (76, Jalan Theatre, Taman Jubilee; open every day 10AM to 6PM) is an effective choice.
ipoh railway station
The previous a part of city has loads of heritage buildings and one factor you shouldn’t miss doing whereas in Ipoh is to go for a heritage stroll. You’ll be able to select to DIY or go together with a tour. The benefit of going with a tour is you don’t want to fret about hailing a Seize every time you end exploring one attraction. This tour specializing in Ipoh’s heritage websites additionally consists of stops which might be farther afield comparable to Kellie’s Citadel. There’s a detailed map with greater than 2 dozen buildings to take a look at in Ipoh metropolis heart itself however when you’ve got time to solely try a couple of, ensure that to cease by the spectacular Ipoh Railway Station in addition to the block of buildings by HSBC, OCBC, Customary Chartered, and so on. This space is simply a block or two away from Concubine Lane.
sultan iskandar bridge separating the previous city and new city of ipoh
After having your fill of Ipoh’s previous city, it’s now time to cross the Kinta River and head to the “new city.” Don’t be misled by the identify nonetheless, the brand new city is simply named as such as a result of it was constructed after the previous city however the brand new city itself dates from the early twentieth century, making it not likely new in any respect.
mural artwork’s lane
The wonderful thing about the “new city” is that most of the eating places listed below are open within the night, not like many institutions within the previous city which shut down by mid-afternoon. You’ll be able to cross the Kinta Bridge to get to the brand new city, the place you’ll discover the Mural Artwork’s Lane within the subsequent block to the south parallel to Jalan Sultan Iskandar.
numerous kuehs in seong man
If starvation strikes by this time within the afternoon, the close by Seong Man (124 Jalan Sultan Iskandar, open Thursday to Sunday 11am to 6pm) is a worthy cease for its quaint kueh (conventional rice desserts) and tea.
woong kee beancurd ipoh
One other worthwhile afternoon cease is Woong Kee Beancurd (Jalan Ali Pitchay Taman Jubilee, every day besides Wednesday, 11:30am to 6pm) particularly in the event you’d like one thing refreshing to counter the punishing warmth. Sit by the counter with a window overlooking a lorong (alley) whereas sipping on a refreshing and clean beancurd. I beloved it a lot that I went for 2 consecutive days! Ipoh could be very well-liked for its beancurd desserts and different locations to strive embrace Massive Mother (every day besides Thursday, 12PM to 6PM) for its extra atmospheric setting and presentation and Humorous Mountain Soya Beancurd (every day besides Tuesday, 10:30AM to 7:30PM) which has the smoothest beancurd among the many three hottest manufacturers.
in entrance of lou wong restaurant
For dinner, cease by Lou Wong (open every day besides Wednesday, 10:30am to 9pm) for its well-known beansprouts rooster rice. Ipoh’s water purportedly has a mineral high quality to it which supposedly makes the beansprout extra aromatic in these elements. Finish your day with some procuring within the evening market on this space. Most vacationers could be purchasing for conventional snacks to take house comparable to tau sar piah (salted bean biscuit). If you don’t thoughts queuing nonetheless, try Cowan Road Tauge Ayam and Koitiau Restaurant (Thurs to Solar, 6PM to 12AM; til 10PM on Sundays) the place I assumed the rooster was barely extra flavorful. The carbohydrate of alternative right here is the kway teow, made savory due to the aromatic rooster inventory.
Day 2 – Ipoh – Caves & Misplaced World of Tambun
dimsum in ipoh
Begin your second day by partaking in one among Ipoh’s most beloved morning rituals. Having yum cha in a dimsum restaurant is a typical weekend morning exercise right here. Whereas the dimsum in Ipoh is just not sometimes as refined as what you’ll discover in Hong Kong or Singapore, costs are very cheap and there’s additionally fairly a little bit of selection. One may nonetheless see using dimsum trolleys – a observe which has nearly disappeared in main capitals. The realm round Jalan Leong Sing Nam has a few dimsum locations, together with two which might be located throughout one another. Ming Court docket (36 Jalan Leong Sing Nam, every day besides Thursday, 6am to 2pm) and Foh San (51 Jalan Leong Sing Nam, every day besides Tuesdays, 7am to 2pm) are among the many hottest choices.
kai see hor enjoyable from moon de moon
Alternatively, go the place the locals go and head to Restoran Moon de Moon (Wed to Solar, 7:30AM to 1PM) for its Kai See Hor Enjoyable (Flat Noodles with Shredded Hen). Situated in a residential space within the outskirts of city, the place makes for a worthy detour. You’ll have to return right here early (assume: 8AM or earlier than on a weekend) to get a seat with out having to queue. What makes this a successful dish for my part, is the prawn flavored broth which went properly with the oh-so-soft flat noodles and moist shredded rooster.
entrance to perak cave
Your second day in Ipoh may be spent exploring the outskirts. Surrounding the town are loads of karst limestone hills that don’t look misplaced in areas comparable to Guilin or Krabi. A number of the caverns present in these hills have been became temples and the likes of Perak Cave, Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong are visited by vacationers.
For nature lovers, a few of Perak’s caves (which have NOT been became temples) may be entered and explored when you’ve got a information. Tempurung Cave in Gopeng might be the preferred within the space. A typical tour entails 3 hours of exploring the cave’s many chambers and rock formations and takes solely barely greater than half a day door-to-door.
empty streets of gopeng
When you end your cave exploration, you possibly can get pleasure from a late lunch in Gopeng itself. The city of Gopeng was fairly vital and was much more distinguished than Ipoh till the flip of the twentieth century when Gopeng fell into speedy decline. For this reason you’ll see some uncommon quirks right here comparable to discovering rows of charming shophouses that abruptly result in a lifeless finish. In style eateries right here embrace the Excessive Road Kopitiam and Heritage City Cafe Gopeng. The latter solely opens at evening.
In case you are touring with youngsters, a visit to the Misplaced World of Tambun (discounted tickets out there right here) is probably essential. This theme park is likewise situated amidst these limestone hills which makes it fairly photogenic even for these not coming with youngsters. The Misplaced World of Tambun aptly has “previous tin mining city Ipoh” as its theme – one thing extra sensible and near house – which makes for a pleasant departure from the “fantasy world” of larger and extra established theme parks within the area.
Permit for a day to complete the caves and the Misplaced World of Tambun.
Day 3 – Kuala Kangsar and Taiping
Kuala Kangsar, the royal capital of Perak, is a mere 30 to 40 minute drive from Ipoh or a comparatively fast prepare journey by one among Malaysia’s fashionable ETS trains. Accessible by personal transport or by a pre-booked tour, this small city is properly price a day journey.
ubudiah mosque in kuala kangsar
There are a handful of architectural highlights in Kuala Kangsar and first on that listing would more than likely be the stately Ubudiah Mosque. That is undoubtedly Kuala Kangsar’s most acknowledged constructing. With its bulbous dome looming even from a distance, this place of worship is notable for its striped facade and mixture of Moorish and British design options. It was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, the identical one who designed Ipoh’s and Kuala Lumpur’s railway stations.
istana kenangan in kuala kangsar
Different highlights of the city embrace Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah, a museum devoted to the present sultan of Perak in addition to Istana Iskandariah, the present royal residence of the sultan. The Istana Kenangan, which perpetually appears to be below refurbishment is a worthwhile cease even when the within is off limits. The palace is notable for having been constructed with out utilizing a single nail with its flooring raised from the bottom utilizing stilts, in conventional Malay fashion.
Kuala Kangsar may be accomplished in about 2 hours. Will probably be near midday by the point you end however I’d advocate having your lunch on the subsequent city, Taiping.
the gorgeous taiping lake gardens
The sleepy city of Taiping might be one among Malaysia’s most underrated locations. Mendacity about half-hour away from Kuala Kangsar and an hour away from Ipoh, Taiping feels even sleepier with its centuries previous buildings and arcades with barely any foot visitors. The spotlight right here is undoubtedly the Lake Gardens – a tranquil expanse situated on the fringe of city with views of Maxwell Hill within the distance. The lake gardens are finest explored later within the afternoon or early within the morning when it’s cooler. Try the decades-old rain bushes right here which have branches nearly touching the lake.
As one of many main settlements in Malaya throughout colonial occasions, Taiping has a nice assortment of nineteenth century and early twentieth century buildings. The Taiping Land Workplace constructing is among the many metropolis’s best, and appears nearly too grand in the event you think about the inhabitants of Taiping at present.
perak museum taiping
Lots of the architectural highlights of Taiping may be accomplished on foot or by way of a sequence of rides on the ride-sharing app. Different highlights on the town embrace the Taiping Hokkien Affiliation and Perak Museum.
espresso store contained in the shun tak affiliation of taiping
You’ll be able to have dinner on the restaurant contained in the Shun Tak Affiliation, an previous clan affiliation, for an atmospheric eating expertise.
For espresso lovers, a cease on the Antong Espresso Mill (open every day 8:30AM to five:30PM) on the metropolis outskirts is worth it. You’ll be able to witness espresso beans being roasted the normal approach and purchase some to convey house. Relationship again from 1933, that is supposedly the oldest espresso mill in Malaysia.
One other dinner choice is Golden Nook (open every day besides Monday, 4PM to 9:30PM) for its curry mee and rooster noodles in clear soup.
Day 4 – Taiping
maxwell hill
Begin the day early and discover Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut) for some cooler climes in addition to superior views. You’ll be able to select to go up on foot. It’s a 2 hour climb this fashion. Alternatively, you can too get a seat on one of many Land Rovers that make the journey up. You’ll have to queue comparatively early to get a assured seat. You should buy tickets close to the doorway. Some of us come right here the day earlier than to purchase tickets for the next day.
On the prime, you possibly can look forward to finding a view level in addition to well-manicured gardens and a few strolling trails. There are additionally chalets which may be rented for the night, although amenities are a tad primary and you’re higher off in one of many accommodations in Taiping itself.
Try this itinerary if you’re additionally heading to Kuala Lumpur
Will probably be near / round midday by the point you end the Maxwell Hill hike, offered you handle to get a seat on the lorry. From there, you can also make your approach again to Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur or Penang to catch your flight again to your property vacation spot.
Getting To Ipoh from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru or Singapore
Ipoh has a small airport with worldwide flights to Singapore in addition to home flights from Johor Bahru. In case you are coming from Kuala Lumpur and should not have your individual automotive, you possibly can hire one right here or take the ETS trains as an alternative. Malaysia’s ETS trains are completely fashionable and clear with a number of departures a day from Kuala Lumpur. The journey lasts roughly 2.5 hours every approach.
Journey Insurance coverage
When you come from Singapore, you possibly can try Starr Travelead for its low-cost single- journey journey insurance coverage with S$10 money rebate right here.
The place to Keep in Ipoh and Taiping
Lodging choices in Ipoh and Taiping are cheap, even in the event you go together with the massive identify manufacturers. Ipoh is now dominated by boutique names whereas Taiping has 2 accommodations managed by Accor. Kuala Kangsar may be accomplished as a day journey so you’re higher off staying in higher accommodations in both Taiping or Ipoh.
rooftop swimming pool of m roof resort in ipoh
Ipoh – I’ve been to Ipoh a few occasions and stayed at totally different positioned. I can advocate M Roof Ipoh for a novel view of the town’s limestone hills from its rooftop pool. In any other case, for choices nearer to city, French Lodge is famous for its proximity to most of the metropolis’s beneficial consuming locations whereas MU Lodge is near the principle highway resulting in the previous city. You’ll be able to guide different Ipoh accommodations right here.
Taiping – It’s not the best rated resort in Taiping but when like me, you have been captivated by the Lake Gardens, you may need to keep someplace close to it. Flemington Lodge is simply throughout and a few rooms even supply nice views of the lake. In any other case, Novotel Taiping is the most effective all-around choice on the town and is adjoining to Taiping Mall. You’ll be able to guide different Taiping accommodations right here.
