Ipoh
Ipoh is a laid-back city known for its old town, local food, and surrounding limestone hills. It has a slower pace compared to larger cities, with cafés, murals, and heritage buildings spread across t...
Top Activities in Ipoh
Check out our handpicked selection of top-rated experiences and activities.
Quick Facts
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Languages
Malay, English
Best Time to Visit
March, April, May, June, July, Aug, Sep
Timezone
UTC
About
Ipoh is a city known for its relaxed charm, colonial-era architecture, and, of course, great food. It’s quieter than Malaysia’s bigger cities, but that’s exactly why many people enjoy it. The old town has beautiful old buildings, street art, and cafés tucked into restored shophouses, making it a pleasant place to wander. One of Ipoh’s unique highlights is its cave temples, large limestone caves turned into places of worship, with impressive interiors and peaceful surroundings. The areas around Ipoh are also full of limestone hills and greenery, giving the city a very distinctive landscape. Ipoh is also famous among food lovers. From chicken rice to silky smooth tau fu fah and its iconic white coffee, many travelers come here just to eat and explore the markets and cafés.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ipoh has a calm, old-town feel that’s very different from Malaysia’s bigger cities. The mix of heritage buildings, limestone hills, and good food makes it a surprisingly enjoyable place for a short trip.
Ipoh Old Town is the most convenient area because you can walk to cafés, murals, museums, and markets. Some visitors choose hotels near Tambun for the hot springs and resort-style stays.
The old town area is quite walkable. For cave temples and places farther out, most people use Grab or hire a driver for a few hours. Public transport is limited for sightseeing.
Ipoh is known for dishes like bean sprout chicken rice, salted chicken, white coffee, and tau fu fah. Countless small shops and hawker stalls are serving these classics, and trying a few different places is part of the fun.
Yes, families often enjoy the cave temples, the Lost World of Tambun, and the easy walking routes around old town. It’s a slow-paced city, which works well for kids.
Most cafés and larger restaurants accept cards, but smaller eateries, markets, and temple donation areas usually prefer cash.