Ipoh State Mosque
Ipoh State Mosque opened in 1968. The white-washed two-storied mosque with a modern style of Islamic architecture has 44 domes and a 38 metre tall minaret. Tiny mosaic tiles decorate this must-visit attraction glistens under the sun. Inside Ipoh’s largest mosque, there’s a library, conference centre and open space that often doubles-up as a wedding venue.
Birch Memorial Clock Tower
As with much of Malaysia, one of the most influential colonial legacies remains as a clock tower. Ipoh’s Birch Memorial Clock Tower in front of Ipoh State Mosque officially opened in 1909. This structure acts as a memorial to James Birch, the first British resident of Perak, who was murdered by local Malay chiefs in 1875. Ironically, the street directly to the north is named after James Birch’s killer, Dato Maharajalela, viewed as a local hero. Visiting the historic landmark should be combined with exploring the other colonial legacies in the old town.
Mural Art’s Lane
Ipoh-born art teacher Eric Lai felt inspired by Ernest Zacharevic’s street art in Penang and decided to brighten up some of the city’s backstreets. Colourful murals decorate the walls of Panglima Street, depicting cultural and traditional parts of local life. Mural Art’s Lane features Malaysians of all races and backgrounds, scenes from family life and favourite childhood games as well as Indian and Chinese dances.
Perak Cave Temple
Perak Cave Temple ranks among the must-visit attractions in Ipoh. As visitors enter the limestone caves, a golden Buddha meets them as the temple’s focal point. Various murals, Chinese calligraphy and statues decorate the interior. But the real treat awaits those who climb about 400 steps to the 360-degree viewing platform overlooking the city.
Sam Poh Tong Temple
Sam Poh Tong Temple, located approximately 5 kilometres southeast of Ipoh’s old town, is one of Malaysia’s largest cave temples. Traditional Chinese elements cover the exterior and entrance to the exotic caverns inside. Bronze statues fill the interior against the fog of burning incense interspersed between the stalactites and stalagmites.
Gua Tambun Cave Paintings
The Gua Tambun Cave Paintings consist of an estimated 600 images of humans, animals and shapes believed to be Malaysia’s most extensive collection of Neolithic art. After a British soldier accidentally stumbled upon the reddish-orange drawings in 1959, it took a few more decades for Ipoh City Council to declare them as a National Heritage in 1986. The images, believed to be between 2000 and 5000 years old, decorate the face of the limestone cliff. Sadly, the lower part has been vandalised.
Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple
Located approximately 15 minutes from the city centre, Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple is another one of the more photogenic must-visit attractions in Ipoh. Similar to the other cave temples, the cavernous space has bronze Buddha statues and religious art decorating the walls. The spacious interior also provides a refreshing retreat from the hot air. Outside, a path leads between a pond and gardens.
DR Seenivasagam Recreational Park
Located to the north of both the old and new town, DR Seenivasagam Recreational Park sits next to the River Kinta. Formerly named Coronation Park to honour Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation in 1953, the park has provided locals with an urban retreat for decades. A lake, Japanese Garden and a giant thicket of bamboo are highlights.
Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniyar Temple
This Hindu temple sits near DR Seenivasagam Park next to a steep limestone cliff. Outside of prayer times, the area becomes quiet and deserted, offering a serene spot for quiet reflection and to soak up the views. While there isn’t much that distinguishes this temple, the highlight is the setting against the cliffs. Some might not see these temples as must-visit attractions in Ipoh, but anyone with a passion for photography will appreciate the view.
Dataran Ipoh
Located in the Greentown neighbourhood, Dataran Ipoh is an often overlooked attraction in the capital city. On the northern side of the manicured lawn, the weird tripod-like MBI Clock Tower sits elegantly with a dome similar to an onion at its top. Surrounded by elegant buildings and a giant flag, the square itself is one of the more photogenic must-visit attractions in Ipoh. After dark, the square gets bathed in light, making it look even more stunning.