A Weekend Getaway in Ipoh - Here's What You Must Do

Colourful alleyways, scrumptious treats, AND stunning natural landmarks - it’s no wonder Ipoh is now considered one of the best cities to visit in Malaysia, if not the world! If you’re looking for fun-filled short weekend getaway, check out what our 2D1N itinerary has in store for you: 

 

Day 1: Explore Old Town Ipoh And Enjoy A Laidback Boat Ride! 

 

Lunch at Thean Chun 

 

 Photo by @tummytalk via Instagram 

 

The drive from KL to Ipoh takes around 3 hours, so upon your arrival, it should be just in time for lunch! Make your way to Restoran Thean Chun, famous for its Kai Si Hor Fun - an Ipoh delicacy that primarily consists of shredded chicken pieces, prawns and Hor Fun (flat rice noodles) in a fragrant broth. What makes Thean Chun’s Kai Si Hor Fun stand out is the fact that its broth is sweeter compared to other places - so give it a try! 

 

 Photo by @threedays_photography via Instagram 

 

Apart from Kai Si Hor Fun, Thean Chun also serves an excellent caramel pudding! Order a platter of these sweet delights while waiting for your Kai Si Hor Fun to be served.  

 

Walk around Ipoh old town and concubine lane! 

 

 Photo by @nungx via Instagram

 

After a hearty meal, spend some time exploring the old town on foot (work off that food coma!). Admire colonial gems such as the Ipoh railway station and the Birch Memorial Clock tower! 

 

 

 Photo by @cussundre via Instagram

 

Another must-see in the old town is the Concubine Lane, or better known as “Yee Lai Hong” by the Cantonese-speaking locals. With colourful murals and lanterns lining the rooftops, it’s no wonder Concubine lane has become a favorite with both locals and tourists alike! During weekends and holidays, the lane comes to life with many pop-up stores lining the vibrant lane. Shophouses along the lane have been restored to their former glory and now house cafes, souvenir shops and eateries!  

 

Enjoy a foamy mug of Butterbeer at Platform 9 & 1/2. 

 

 

 Photo by @stasiajames via Instagram 

 

This newly-opened establishment has been making its rounds on Instagram lately, thanks to the hordes of Potterheads flocking to the store! Check out the imposing storefront made to resemble the ones in Diagon Alley (from the movies). You’ll be provided with a set of Hogwarts robes and props to make your photo look even more believable - Cap off your photo-taking session with a mug of Butterbeer for a rewarding experience! 

 

Enjoy a serene boat ride at Gunung Lang Recreational Park

 

 Photo by Tourism Perak 

 

A short 20-minute car ride from Ipoh will take you to the entrance of Gunung Lang Recreational Park. The entire recreational spot is developed around a scenic backdrop of the limestone hills of Gunung Lang and Gunung Bilike with the man-made cascading waterfall atop a limestone hill as the main attraction. 

 

 Photo by Tourism Perak 

 

To fully enjoy the experience, we highly recommend taking a boat ride across the lake. Imposing limestone formations tower above your head while the two sides of the lake are flanked with pleasing green shrubbery. It’s a sight not to be missed!  

 

Dinner at Ong Kee Bean Sprout Chicken Rice 

 

 Photo by @eatwithxq via Instagram 

 

There’s something magical in the waters of Perak, because trust us when we say that the beansprouts of Ipoh are HUGE. The best way to enjoy these big, juicy beansprouts is to have them with chicken rice! Ong Kee Bean Sprout Chicken Rice is well known amongst locals and tourists alike for its tasty chicken rice, accompanied with tender and succulent chicken pieces. Top it off with a platter of bean sprouts and you have the perfect meal. 

Can still eat? Head over for desserts at Tong Sui Kai! 

 

 Photo by @nissagobp via Instagram 

 

If you are still feeling peckish, look no further than this dessert cum hawker street along Jalan Sultan Ekram known as Tong Sui Kai (糖水街). There’s nothing like ending the day with a refreshing bowl of icy mixed fruit ABC! 

Day 2: A Cave Temple And MORE Food. 

 

Start your day at Sin Yoon Loong White Coffee 

 

 Photo by @kayleewck via Instagram

 

If you need your cup of joe to start the day, then there’s no better place to go than Sin Yoon Loong White Coffee - the shop that apparently introduced Ipoh White Coffee to the masses. “Dan Chi” (Half-boiled eggs on toast), Kaya & Butter Toast and a cup of white coffee make a great ensemble for a hearty, traditional breakfast before you go off exploring! 

 

Get Zen at Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple 

 

 Photo by @raymondlimcw via Instagram 

 

Ipoh is home to a number of cave temples, but the most picture-perfect one belongs to Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, thanks to its spacious and airy feel and attractive lake garden. The award winning landscape garden features a jogging path circling two lakes and one of the longest reflexology footpaths in Ipoh. You can even buy food to feed the koi fish in the pond from the temple! 

 

Don’t leave Ipoh without a hearty plate of ‘Nasi Ganja’!

 

 Photo by @aini.nasir via Instagram 

 

Don’t be startled by the name - this is what locals call the Nasi Kandar at Yong Suan coffee, due to how addictive it is! It’s no wonder that this coffee shop is filled with patrons queueing up for a plate. Order a signature plate of Nasi Kandar which comes with fried chicken, salted egg, okra and sliced cucumbers topped with their special chutney and robust curries! Tip: Make sure you request for “kuah campur banjir” if you like rice flooded with curry sauce - trust us, it’s worth it! 

 

Last snack before you go? Sweet endings with Woong Kee’s Tau Foo Fah

 

 

Photo by @guan_chua via Instagram

 

Extremely soft and unbelievably light - Woong Kee’s Tau Foo Fah is beloved by locals and relatively unknown to tourists. The Tau Foo Fah here comes in different variations and has larger serving portions compared to other Tau Foo Fah stalls in Ipoh. Try the Peanut Sesame Tau Foo Fah with brown sugar - silky, velvety smooth bean curd topped with brown sugar, chopped peanuts and sesame seeds, that is just sweet enough and not at all cloying to the palate! 

 

This itinerary is perfect for any weekend road trip! Don’t have a car? Rent one with Mayflower Car Rental with a nationwide fleet of over 2800 vehicles - you’ll definitely find a car that serves your needs on your trip!