If there’s one thing we love about travel it’s getting a recommendation to visit a place we’d never even heard of from someone in a hostel or guesthouse. Ipoh in Malaysia was just such a place.
Sitting in a shared dorm in Phuket, Thailand we got chatting to one of our roommates who informed us that if we were headed to Malaysia then we most definitely had to check out his hometown of Ipoh, and he was not wrong.
With a similar small-town vibe to Georgetown, street food, street art and some beautiful temples we’re really glad we took his advice.
Table of Contents:
From Penang To Ipoh:
Direct from Penang to Ipoh – 28 MYR (€6):
Take the local Rapid bus to the Terminal Sungai Nibong which is about 30 minutes south of Georgetown centre, The No. 401 runs from Georgetown straight to the terminal.
Buses numbered 301, 303 and 304 all go from the jetty, which isn’t too far from the Georgetown centre, also to the terminal.
Buses from Penang to Ipoh leave at 7.30 am, 9.30 am, 1 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, 8 pm, 8.30 pm and the journey takes roughly 3 hours.
Alternative route:
Take the local bus No. 101, 301, 303 or 304 to the Jetty. Try to travel on the bus outside peak hours to avail of the cheaper rates.
From the jetty jump on the ferry to Butterworth. The ferry itself is free as you only have to pay to get onto Penang Island but not off. There is usually one every 15 minutes.
The walkway from the ferry terminal brings you straight into the bus terminal making this journey a breeze!
Head towards the ticket counter, but before approaching, use the machines in front to check the times, and prices as there are different companies with different prices.
You can book using your credit card in the machine or just head to the appropriate counter and pay with cash.
We caught the 3.45 pm bus paying 16 MYR (€3.50) each. The journey takes 3 hours and ends at AmanJaya Bus Terminal, around 10 km from Ipoh centre.
At Amana Jaya Bus Terminal, stay where the bus drops you, from here you should be able to take the small local ‘My Bas’ bus. They run regularly and cost 1.20 MYR (€0.25)
Accommodation In Ipoh:
Vloft Hostel is the perfect little place to hang your hat while you’re Ipoh bound.
Cheap, comfy beds (although they’re a little exposed if you’re someone who values privacy), free tea and coffee, and snacks.
The Wi-Fi was pretty good and the guys that work there are super friendly and helpful. It’s not too far from the centre, street food stalls and the buses to the surrounding attractions.
We would definitely have no qualms in telling you to base yourself here for your Ipoh odyssey.
Things To Do In Ipoh:
Visit Concubine Lane:
Concubine Lane is a small collection of 100-year-old streets in Ipoh’s old town. After a fire in the late 1800’s a rich mining tycoon rebuilt the streets of Ipoh and gave a lane to each of his wives.
The most famous of which is Market Lane, where you’ll find some interactive street art. The Concubine Lane area is full of quirky trinkets and snack stalls.
Lots of free food samples on offer to try, so for that alone it’s worth a visit. It is easy to loop around the streets without missing any of them.
Old Town:
Visit all the nearby Heritage sites such as the clock tower and the old train station. Leave Concubine lanes and swap the narrow dim alleys for white glaring buildings that date back to the days of British rule in Malaysia.
If you’re hungry there are food stalls next to the clock tower and No.25 serves delicious vegetarian food.
Street Art:
Why not double up a nice stroll around the city with a little street art spotting? Okay, it’s not as famous as the street art in Penang, but it’s well worth a nosey. Check out “Uncle with Coffee” as a prime example!
Miniature Wonders Art Gallery:
As bizarre as it sounds, in between Market Lane and Concubine Lane lies a pretty impressive and detailed miniature model world depicting ancient Chinese villages all made out of dough!
You can visit the ground floor for free and if you want to see the more spectacular models pop up to the 1st floor for 5 MYR (€1.10).
Sam Poh Tong Temple:
Beautiful Chinese Buddhist temple located just outside town.
The blue bus No.66 or T34 ‘My Bas’ stops opposite the San Poh Tong temple grounds. We jumped the No.66 from ‘new town’ for 1.50MYR (€0.30)
Kek Look Tong Temple:
Limestone cave temple situated on 12 acres of gardens with statues and walking paths! Great way to kill an hour.
Again Bus 66 or T34 will take you there, We recommend visiting these at the same time as they are very close to each other and easily seen in a couple of hours.
Veggie Buffet Street:
On Cockman Street (a.k.a Jalan Dato Onn Jafaar) next to the UTC Central Market. You will find several veggie restaurants.
They are paid by weight, a large portion of rice and 3-4 choices will cost less than 5 MYR (€1.10). Bear in mind they close at 5 pm so maybe best to go for lunch.
Should you feel unsatisfied and require further information, please feel free to comment or send us a message, Until then…
Happy Travels TUG x
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