Much like Singapore and Penang, Ipoh was another British stronghold during the pre-war years. Today, elements of this colonial era still shine in the grand old buildings. Ipoh is a great destination for a short break, where you can cram in the colourful old town with its traditional shophouses and colonial architecture, alongside ancient temples, street art, and its famous local food.
Historic Old Town
A bustling British mining town in the 1930s, Ipoh’s Old Town area is still the heart of the city where old meets new. A 2-hour Heritage Trail walk takes you to some of its important monuments, from quaint pre-war houses to glorious colonial-era architecture. Along the way, nourish yourself with some of Ipoh’s famous food offerings, or step in a museum for a glimpse into the city’s past.
A number of colonial era buildings have been beautifully restored in the city, among them are Neo-Classical icons like the Railway Station – dubbed the “Taj Mahal of Ipoh” as it was decorated with moorish domes and turrets – and the elegant Town Hall right across the road. Other gems include the Straits Trading Building and the Perak Hydro Building, both featuring splendid European arches and pillars.
In front of the interesting Han Chin Pet Soo museum is Concubine Lane, a narrow street flanked by pre-war houses. The area was once notorious for housing mistresses of wealthy Chinese merchants and British officers, hence its name. Today its colourful facades have been restored, with some houses transformed into museums, shops and hotels.
Instagram Spots: Hidden throughout the lanes and walkways of Ipoh’s Old Town, watch out for eight eye-catching murals depicting local life in the city, created by Lithuanian street art star Ernest Zacharevic. See if you can find all his artworks (get a free Ipoh Tourist Map for directions). Start from Jalan Shala and work your way around this very Instagrammable part of town.
Eating Out
Cafes: Ipoh has no shortage of hipster cafes. Noteworthy ones include Burps & Giggles with its murals and grungy rustic setting, Plan B which has a decidedly upscale trendy vibe, and Cafe de Eight which is another rustic cafe known for its pork burgers. A number of newer cafes are sprouting up throughout the Old Town, taking over many of the old shophouses that line the streets.
Traditional Treats: Start your day with a quintessential Ipoh coffee, made with coffee beans roasted with margarine. Most locals agree that Nam Heong – the original home of the famous “Ipoh White Coffee” – is one of the best, alongside Nam Chau and Sin Yoong Loong.
Ipoh is known for a lot of food, from curry noodles to chicken hor fun and tauge ayam, a classic Ipoh dish of steamed chicken sprinkled with fresh bean sprouts and soy sauce, served with noodle soup or rice. Those with a sweet tooth may appreciate Ipoh egg tarts from Choy Kee Confectionery, or head to ‘dessert street’ at Jalan Sultan Ekram – a must-visit for foodies for all types of local food.
Don’t forget to buy a box of Ipoh’s famous biscuits for your pals back home – Ipoh Fragrant Biscuits (“Heong Peng”) are popular everywhere, including 189 Heong Peng, Guan Heong Biscuit Shop, and Ching Han Guan which is also famous for its meat floss biscuits baked with lotus paste and salted egg yolk.
Accommodation
If you’re into boutique hotels, check out The Happy 8 Retreat that’s chock full of rustic handmade decor, or the uber trendy M Boutique Hotel that evokes a chic New York SoHo vibe, or the industrial space of Sekeping Kong Heng with it minimalist decor.
Getting There
There are 10 direct flights per week from Singapore to Ipoh on Tigerair, with a flight time of 1 hour 25 minutes. Use promo code IPH20 to enjoy 20% off, giving you all-in return fares from S$96. Promo code is valid from now till 14 December 2016. For bookings, visit www.tigerair.com.
