The Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple is one of the jewels in Ipoh’s crown and sprawls across a large complex that covers 12 acres of land. It has been in situ for around 100 years and is used as an important place of worship in Ipoh. Inside the stunning cave, you will find an amazing altar that is surrounded by Buddhist and Chinese deities and you will find some pretty trails that take you past two glassy lakes. There is also a Zen Garden here where you can relax and unwind and go for a wander along the reflexology footpath which has the claim to fame of being the longest of its kind in the city.
If you are travelling with a family then the Lost World of Tambun is a great pick on a visit to Ipoh. This theme park is known as one of the biggest and best attractions in the area and you will find a vast complex that has a range of interesting sections. Some of these include a tiger valley as well as a water park, and if you love animals you can also visit the Lost World Petting Zoo or the Lost World Hot Springs. In addition to all these attractions, you will also find the main theme park itself which has a range of rides for all different age groups. If you want to stay a little longer at the Lost World of Tambun then there is also a resort here.
The Birch Memorial Clock Tower is a famous black and white building in Ipoh that dates from 1909. It was built in tribute to J.W.W Birch who was one of the first inhabitants of the city who was assassinated in 1875. The tower is an ode to British symbolism and at the top you will find four figures who are meant to depict the four virtues of the British government. Underneath these, you will find a mural that has forty four famous historical figures which include Darwin, Shakespeare, and Buddha and there is a large bell here that measures six feet in size.
The Gaharu Tea Valley is located in Gopeng outside of Ipoh and makes an engaging day trip if you want to get out of the city proper. The tea valley has been in operation for some 20 years and stretches for 300 acres and includes some 200,000 Gaharu trees. At the tea valley, you can tour the plantation and take in the views which include acres of Agarwood trees. Make sure not to miss the most famous tree in the valley which is 20 years old and legend has it that if you hug the tree you will be blessed with good luck.
Memory Lane is the name of a famous flea market in Ipoh which is located on Jalan Lim Bo Seng. The market pops up every Sunday and starts in the morning and you will find a huge number of goods here including local antiques as well as souvenirs and gifts. Haggling is expected in the market so don’t be afraid to bargain and this is a wonderful stop off in you are in town at the right time and want a memento of your trip to Ipoh.
Kellie’s Castle gets its name from William Kellie Smith who was a colonialist who built the home to resemble his former house in his native Scotland. The castle lies on what used to be a rubber estate and is surrounded by lush forests. The building itself resembles a massive ancient castle and locals claim that it is haunted. It is also a place where legends abound and it is said that the castle sits atop a series of underground tunnels. You will also find a large statue of William Kellie Smith here dressed in a suit and hat as well as aristocratic furniture and intricate ceilings that were crafted in the 17th century and are adorned with plaster motifs.
Ipoh is known for its heritage and its high concentration of ancient buildings and with that in mind you can check out all the history with a walk along the Ipoh Heritage Trail. The trail takes around two or three hours and will take you past all the most famous colonial buildings in the city as well as a number of shop houses that date from the Second World War. You can either take a guided tour of the trail or there is a self-guided version available.
If you want to see a beautiful example of colonial architecture in Ipoh, then head to the Ipoh Railway Station. The building was constructed using a mix of Moorish and Victorian styles and you will find a large whitewashed exterior that is a throwback to how buildings would have looked here years ago. The railways station was built in 1935 and designed by Arthur Benison Hubback and it is affectionately known as the ‘Taj Mahal of Ipoh’ thanks to its amazing Mughal design features.
You may not be expecting a huge amount of street art in Ipoh but that is exactly what you will find in Old Town Ipoh. The murals here were commissioned by Old Town White Coffee as a way to honor the heritage of the city and the eight murals on the show were created by Ernest Zacharevic who is a famous street artist from Lithuania. There is a designated walking tour that you can follow here to check out all eight of the murals and this is one of the quirkier but most interesting ways of learning more about the history of the city.
Ipoh is famous for having invented Ipoh White Coffee which is made by roasting the beans with palm oil margarine to make them less bitter. As such this is one treat not to miss when you are in town and the most well-known place to try this signature brew is at Old Town White Coffee. The taste of the coffee is lighter than many other kinds but it is well worth trying when you are in Ipoh.
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