IPOH RC-Fab 5 Destinations
01. Kuala Lumpur
You'll most likely fly into Kuala Lumpur, so this one's a
no-brainer. But unlike other big Asian cities where travelers arrive and head
out of town as soon as possible, Kuala Lumpur is a worthwhile destination of
its own.
The mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian
influence means that you'll have no shortage of culinary exploits in Malaysia's capital
city. Interesting sights such as the Petronas Towers, the Perdana Lake
Gardens, and Menara KL Tower provide plenty of enjoyable distractions before
you head out to explore Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur Transportations
Walking in Kuala Lumpur
While sometimes crowded sidewalks and traffic can present
obstacles, all the tourist sights around Kuala Lumpur are perfectly walkable.
For days when energy is lacking or the
weather is not cooperating, the three expensive rail systems will move you
around for cheap.
Although sometimes the walk/don't walk
indicators do not function, the Police in Kuala Lumpur has been known to crack
down on jaywalking, sometimes giving an on-the-spot fine to tourists!
Trains in Kuala Lumpur
With bustling KL Sentral Station -- the largest train station in Southeast Asia -- serving as the hub, three ambitious rail systems tie the city together. The RapidKL LRT and KTM Komuter train service over 100 stations, while the KL Monorail connects 11 more stations dotted around the city center.
Although seemingly complex at first glance, the trains are actually a well priced and fairly efficient alternative to plying through Kuala Lumpur's infamous traffic.
Taxis in Kuala Lumpur
Taxis should be a last resort for getting around Kuala Lumpur, both because of the cost and the need to inch through traffic-clogged streets.
If you must use a taxi, insist that the driver uses the meter; they are technically required by law to use it but often try to name a price instead. The red-and-white taxis are the cheapest, while the blue taxis are more expensive.
Taxi
drivers who loiter around bus and train terminals to stalk tourists are
typically the ones that want to haggle rather than use the meter.
Even once the meter is turned on, don't be
surprised if they do a few circles to run up your fare!
Buses in Kuala Lumpur
Buses in Kuala Lumpur are an extremely cheap option for getting around the city, however, they are frequently crowded and make frequent stops in heavy traffic.
Many long-haul buses from Kuala Lumpur to destinations such as Penang and the Perhentian Islands depart from the newly renovated Puduraya bus terminal -- now called Pudu Sentral -- near Kuala Lumpur Chinatown.
Star Local Food In Kuala Lumpur
1. Ah Weng Koh Hainan Tea
What better way to start your day than with a cup of Hainan tea, kaya toast and soft boiled eggs! Ah Weng Koh has been serving this quintessential Malaysian breakfast for decades and I know that for a fact since I have been coming here since I was a young girl.
The tea is smooth with a robust flavour that is strong yet not overpowering. You can choose to have a bun or traditional Hainanese bread that is either steamed or toasted and then slathered with butter and kaya. Rounding up this breakfast trio are the soft boiled eggs that come served in a steel pot that allows you to determine their level of doneness. I recommend 6 minutes for a nice runny texture.
For the uninitiated, you’ll need to get used to the gruffy demeanor of the workers here as they buzz around at high speed and yell at people in their way. They have little tolerance for customers who amble around blindly but that’s all part and parcel of the experience. Location: Imbi Market (Pasar Baru Bukit Bintang), Jalan Melati, Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: Daily 6.30 AM — 4 PM (Closed
on Monday)
2. Village Park Nasi Lemak
If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying breakfast you really can’t go wrong with nasi lemak, and you can’t go wrong with Village Park. They serve the best Fried Chicken Nasi Lemak in town in my opinion despite the results of the recent Food Network Foodwars.
The “nasi lemak” (rice infused with coconut
milk) is light and fluffy and the sambal is flavourful and slightly sweet, but
the star on the plate is without a doubt, the chicken. The chicken is marinated
with a host of spices and then deep fried to perfection with a crispy skin and
moist, juicy flesh.
This place also offers other add-ons like the
sambal sotong (spicy squid) and rendang chicken or beef. If you’re not a nasi
lemak fan, there are other noodle and rice options available as well. Be
prepared to wait as there is always a queue (breakfast or lunch) but their
staff are highly efficient so rest assured you will get a seat as soon as it is
available.
Location: 5, Jalan SS21/37, Damansara Utama,
47400 Petaling Jaya, SelangorPhone: 03 7710 7860Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday 7 AM — 8
PM | Sunday 7 AM — 6 PM
Interesting Places In Kuala Lumpur
1. Petronas Twin Tower
When the Petronas Twin Towers were completed in 1998 they were declared the tallest buildings in the world, surpassing the 442-metre-tall Willis Tower in Chicago, U.S.A. At the base of the Petronas Twin Towers is Suria KLCC, an upmarket shopping mall that is very popular with tourists. Tower One is fully occupied by the Malaysian state oil company Petronas, and its subsidiaries and associate companies. Tower Two is mostly taken up by multinational companies such as Accenture, Al-Jazeera, Barclays Capital, Bloomberg, Boeing, IBM, McKinsey & Co., Microsoft, Reuters and more.
Fun for Everyone
Stretching out to
the side of the Petronas Twin Towers is the spacious and beautifully landscaped
KLCC Park which features a jogging track, walking paths, a water fountain and a
wading pool for children.
Besides the mall
and park, the Petronas Twin Towers has a host of other attractions including
the Petronas Art Gallery and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Plus the
Petrosains Science Centre is here set inside Suria KLCC: it is an interactive
science discovery centre showcasing exhibits related to the petroleum industry,
from petroleum’s origin in the age of the dinosaurs to its latest oil-based
products.
Classical Tour de
force
Another one of
the Petronas Twin Towers' most notable features is the Dewan Filharmonik
Petronas concert hall, Southeast Asia’s leading venue for classical music.
Located in between the two towers, the architectural design of the facility,
which has earned praise as one of the world’s best concert halls, is based upon
the time-honoured design of 19th century European concert halls. The concert
hall has played host to some of the world’s most respected musical talents and
is home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.
A View From Above
Set on Level 86
is Petronas Twin Towers' observation deck, where visitors can get a closeup
view of the tower's spire as well as digital displays and exhibit of the
tower's history.
The double-decked
Skybridge at the Petronas Twin Towers is one of its major draws as it offers
amazing views of the city. Apart from allowing tenants of the towers to move
from one building to the other without having to go to ground level, the
Skybridge also functions as an emergency exit route.
Do note a pass is
required to enter the bridge, so make sure to get there early as queues can be
long.
Opening Hours:
09:00 – 19:00 (closed for Friday prayers 13:00 – 14:30) Location: Near Concorde
Hotel Monorail stop, in between Jalan Ampang and Jalan Raja Chulan
2. Petaling Street
Back in the olden
days when Malaysia was still known as ‘Tanah Melayu’ or Malaya, the Chinese had
come to this country to work at the tin mines. However, during the Selangor
Civil War, the tin mines were temporarily abandoned. The Chinese returned after
the war, only to find the mines flooded. Yap Ah Loy, an influential Chinese
figure back then, had opened a tapioca mill on Petaling Street in his bid to
persuade the Chinese to stay on. To this day, Petaling Street is sometimes
called ‘Chee Cheong Kai’, meaning ‘Starch Factory Street’ in Cantonese,
referring to its history as the centre for the production of tapioca flour back
then.
Since then,
Petaling Street has been given a facelift. Gone are the patchy roads, broken
pavements and colourful umbrellas attached to wooden pushcarts lining the
street on both sides. A green awning covers the length of the street, acting as
a roof to shield vendors and shoppers from the heat and the rain. An
Oriental-style archway with the words ‘Jalan Petaling/Petaling Street’ spelled
out in gold letters greets visitors at its main entrance.
Shopper’s Haven
& Foodie’s Galore
Petaling Street
is chock-full of shops and stalls selling goods and food. A signboard warning
against the sale of imitation goods provides an interesting – even ironic –
contrast as the whole street is practically littered with fake branded items.
Handbags, watches, trainers, clothing – you name it, they’ve got it. Louis
Vuitton sits side-by-side with Rolex, and you can sometimes get the latest
cinematic releases at less than RM 10 each. For shoppers on a tight budget or
those looking for cheap and cheerful ‘branded’ goods, Petaling Street will be
their first stop as it offers not just variety but also value for money as the
prices can be further whittled down through hard bargaining.
Petaling Street
is also filled with opportunities to sample a delightful array of local
cuisine. Chinese and seafood restaurants can be found at every corner, and
stalls selling all kinds of snacks are stretched along the street, resulting in
an interesting mixture of aroma filling the air that is quite hard to resist.
The best thing about them is that most of them are open until very late at
night, with some even staying open until four to five in the morning. For a
highly-recommended list of food to try in and around Petaling Street, take a
look at our Chinatown Dining section.
Bargaining Tips
Bargaining is the
way to go when shopping in Petaling Street, unless you don’t mind being ripped
off. Prices are generally quoted 15 to 35% higher than what they are truly
worth – even higher sometimes for tourists. So before you head down to Petaling
Street, make sure your bargaining skills are well-honed.
But first things first – before going on your
haggling venture, pay attention to what you’re wearing. If you look like you
have the money, some vendors will not hesitate to charge you double or even
triple the price. So leave your Armani shirt and gold wristwatch behind, and
dress as simply as you could. Wear no visible labels or anything that is a dead
giveaway to your financial
When you find an
item you like, take your time to inspect it. Keep a neutral expression and
don’t let your interest show too much, even if you’re dead keen on it. Even if
there’s a price tag on the item clearly stating what it’s worth, still make it
a point to ask: “How much?” The bidding process will thus begin. Start with
offering just one quarter of the asking price – don’t feel bad about this as
you can always raise your offer bit by bit.
Keep going back
and forth with your counter-offer until you reach a price that you’re
comfortable with. If the vendor refuse to budge any lower, thank him, tell him
that you will think about it and walk away to survey other shops. Two things
will happen: 1) the vendor calls you back and states his final (and much lower)
offer or asks you how much you’re willing to pay for the item, or 2) you will
find a much better offer elsewhere. The mistake that most foreigners make is
that they’re too afraid, too embarrassed or feel too guilty to ask for a much
lower price, that they immediately accept the first counter-offer that the
vendor makes. Remember, most of the items sold here initially bear a higher
marked price, so don’t be afraid to bid lower, and feel free to shop around –
it is the culture here.
02. Penang
Malaysians are
proud of their big island on the west coast -- and they should be! The colonial
city of Georgetown was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has plenty to
offer in the way of museums, a fort, historic homes, and most importantly,
famous food.
Penang is
considered one of the best places in Southeast Asia to sample incredible street
food of all types. The waterfront esplanade known as Gurney Drive in Penang is
lined with great places to sample local Malay, Chinese, and Indian treats.
Food In Penang
Penang is the
place to sample all those Chinese, Indian, and Malay foods that you've been
wondering about. Noodles can be bought on the street for less than US $1;
delicious Indian Muslim food is served on banana leaves while Bollywood music
fills the air in Little India.
Things To Do In Penang
Penang's
sprawling settlement of Georgetown is dotted with small-yet-pleasant
attractions. Two full days could be spent simply visiting the historic houses,
Fort Cornwallis, the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion, and various clan shrines.
You'll even find
the island's first cat cafe along with some eclectic street art and plenty of
walking tours through Georgetown.
Other Places To Visit In Penang
While most people
spend their time wandering the historic and colonial sites in Georgetown,
escaping the city for some fresh, island air is a great way to spend a day or
two.
Shopping In Penang
Although
certainly nothing like the sprawling mall complexes found in Kuala Lumpur,
Georgetown is home to a handful of shopping malls. The mom-and-pop shops in
Little India and Chinatown provide plenty of opportunities to find unique
souvenirs at half the price.
Penang National Park
Home to nesting
sea turtles and pristine beaches, Penang National Park is small enough to
explore in one exhausting day or two slow-paced days.
Two main trails
give access to undeveloped, fine-white-sand beaches as well as a turtle
sanctuary. A canopy walkway allows lucky hikers a glimpse of life above the
jungle canopy.
Transportation In Penang
Most of
Georgetown is easily walkable, but if the heat becomes too much, you can always
jump on one of the free buses circulating through town. Trishaws offer a bit of
cultural fun, but they don't provide much escape from the heat or exhaust in
the city.
Some travelers
opt to rent motorbikes in Penang and go explore the island. Penang has stricter
enforcement than in other parts of Southeast Asia -- wear a helmet to avoid
getting a fine!
03. Malacca
Spelled locally
as 'Melaka', Malaysia's Peranakan city is a worthwhile stop for cultural,
historical, and colonial sites. UNESCO even declared Malacca a World Heritage
Site in 2008.
Visitors are
rarely disappointed by the old town in Malacca. If nothing else, the relaxed
vibe is pleasant enough to keep people around for a few days. Many shops and
museums close in Malacca on Tuesdays -- plan your visit accordingly!
If Malaysia is a
melting pot, then Melaka or Malacca is its cultural crucible - where six
hundred years of warfare and ethnic intermarriage have formed the core of what
has evolved into the modern nation.
Haunted by the
ghosts of battles past, Melaka is well worth a visit, even for visitors who
normally bypass cultural destinations, if only to sample the several unique
local cuisines and to glimpse the layers of history beneath the city's outer
shell.
Melaka's Past
Present-day
Melaka reflects its tumultuous history - a multi-racial population of Malays,
Indians, and Chinese call this historic city home. Most notably, Peranakan and
Portuguese communities still thrive in Melaka, a reminder of the state's long
experience with trading and colonization.
Melaka's Heritage Site
A scenic walk
through the oldest parts of the city starts at the flower-filled gardens and
patios of the villas in the Portuguese quarter, and then continues past the
buffalo-horn roofs of the ostentatious trophy houses in the Chinese quarter. It
concludes with a meander round the beautiful civic architecture of historic Dutch
Square, dominated by the fine masonry of the Stadhuys. Asia’s oldest Dutch
building, this sturdy yet finely-wrought structure started life as the
Governor’s Residence and is now the Melaka Historical Museum.
The Christ
Church, across the square, echoes the splendour of the Stadhuys and has a
particularly interesting roof structure – when you look up from the inside you
can see that not a single screw or nail was used in the enormous timber
structure, a seemingly impossible feat which is surely a testament to the Dutch
carpenters’ devotion and piety.
The Dutch rulers
of Melaka consecrated the church before the pulpit was finished, leading the
then pastor to find a novel way of ensuring that the back rows of his
congregation were paying attention. He had the carpenters attach ropes and
pullies to a chair and then, when it was time for his sermon, he would order
his sextons to winch him up into the air.
The arrangement
was perfectly practical, except that the pastor found it difficult to terrorise
his congregation sufficiently witless, with his tales of hell and damnation,
while suspended in such a bizarre contraption.
A few years
before the British left they painted all the buildings on Dutch Square a most
unsympathetic salmon pink, for the sake of conservation if not aesthetics. In
an only partially successful attempt to remedy the ghastly result, the colour
was later deepened to its current rust-red tone.
A Famosa and Porta de Santiago
Porta de Santiago
is the sole surviving gateway into A Famosa (the Famous One), a huge fortress
built in 1511 out of dismantled mosques and tombs, commissioned by the
Portuguese using slave labor.
The Portuguese
lack of architectural scruples was matched by that of the British, who blew
most of the fortress to bits during the Napoleonic wars. It was only the
intervention of Sir Stamford Raffles, then a young Penang civil servant on sick
leave in Melaka, which saved the Porta de Santiago from destruction.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple
The Cheng Hoon
Teng Temple (or "Temple of Clear Clouds") at Jalan Tokong, Malacca,
is the most venerable and maybe the grandest Chinese temple in Malaysia.
Founded some time
in the 17th century, the building was somewhat incongruously used by the
Dutch-nominated leaders of the Chinese community as their court of justice,
with people sometimes sent to their deaths for trivial crimes, as was the
practice at that time.
After the recent
renovation of the exquisite gold calligraphy (in the cao-shu, or grass, style)
on the columns outside the main hall, they form a glittering invitation
beckoning the visitor inwards to the slightly garish but impressively fashioned
central altar, which is dedicated, maybe appropriately in such a war-torn
place, to the Goddess of Mercy.
Poh San Teng Temple and Perigi Rajah Well
The Poh San Teng
temple was built in 1795 near the vast Bukit China graveyard, so that the
Chinese community’s prayers for their dead would not be blown away by strong
winds or sent back to earth by rainfall.
Inside the temple
is the oldest well in the country, the fabled and deadly Perigi Rajah well.
After Malacca was conquered by the Portuguese, Malacca’s Sultan fled to Johore.
From here he dispatched undercover agents to poison the well, killing 200
Portuguese reinforcements who had only a few days before stepped off a boat
from home.
The Portuguese
didn’t learn from this disaster and were again killed off in numbers by
well-poisonings in 1606 and 1628 carried out by, respectively, the Dutch and
Acehnese. The Dutch were more prudent and, after they took over, erected a
fortified wall around the well.
St Paul's Church
St. Paul's Church
was built in 1520 by a Portuguese trader named Duarte Coelho, who survived a
violent storm by promising God that he would build Him a chapel and give up the
traditional seaman’s vices, brothels and booze if he survived the ordeal.
After the Dutch
took over, they renamed the chapel St Paul’s Church and worshipped there for
over a century, until they had finished building Christ Church at the bottom of
the hill, after which they abandoned St Paul’s. After stints as a lighthouse
and as a gunpowder store-room St Paul’s fell into decay and has never, sadly,
been restored.
Dutch Graveyard
In a case of
six-feet-under gate-crashing, in 1818 the British started to bury their dead in
the Dutch Graveyard, which now contains far more British than Dutch tombs. It
has no particular aesthetical appeal and is interesting only as a witness to
the very young average age at which the occupants succumbed to the town’s many
wars, crimes, diseases and epidemics.
04. Langkawi
Located off the
northwest corner of Malaysia, Pulau Langkawi is the top island destination in
Malaysia for both foreign tourists and Malaysians. With both an airport and
ferries connecting it to the mainland, as well as a large tourist
infrastructure, Langkawi could be called Malaysia's version of Phuket, the
busiest island in Thailand.
Langkawi has
loads of tourist attractions such as Malaysia's largest indoor aquarium and
natural features such as the crowded-but-beautiful Pregnant Maiden Lake, a
beautiful formation that is purported to help make women more fertile.
With an area of around 184 square miles, Pulau Langkawi is the largest of the 99 Langkawi islands situated in the Andaman Sea just off the northwest coast of Malaysia.
Know Before You Go
1. Money
There are a few ATMs available on Langkawi,
however, like any popular island, they can run out of cash. The most reliable
ATMs are found in the airport and Pantai Cenang. Stock up on Malaysian ringgit
before leaving the mainland or use the ATM at the airport upon arrival. If the
ATM network isn't working, you can exchange currency in many shops. Read more
about how to exchange money and see the current exchange rates for Malaysia.
2. Shopping
The cheapest duty-free shopping can be found in
Kuah rather than at tourist beaches. Even with no tax, Langkawi is still a
tourist island -- many items for purchase can be found cheaper in Kuala Lumpur.
Visitors must stay a minimum of 48 hours on Langkawi to legally avoid paying
tax on purchased goods. Learn more about shopping in Asia to get better deals.
3. Drinking
Because Langkawi enjoys a duty-free status,
alcohol is significantly cheaper on the island. Airport prices are the worst;
wait to purchase spirits from smaller shops. Even
with discounted drinks, Langkawi isn't really rowdy -- consider
going to the Perhentian Islands if you want
to party. If flying from Langkawi to Singapore, remember that you'll have to
pay a steep duty on any alcohol or tobacco taken into Singapore.
4. Water
As with the rest of Malaysia, you should stick to
drinking bottled water while visiting Langkawi.
5. Electricity
240 volts / 50 Hz with the square-pronged,
British-Standard power outlets (BS-1363). The electricity on Langkawi is mostly
stable, however, power sags and surges do sometimes occur when work is being
done.
6. Mosquitoes
Lots of green space and mangrove forests cause
mosquitoes to be a real nuisance on Langkawi. Dengue Fever is also a risk from
daytime bites. See some tips for how to avoid mosquito bites.
What To Avoid
Despite being a UNESCO World Geopark, many resorts
and tourist activities aren't as eco-friendly as they should be. Avoid
encouraging damaging practices by not supporting agencies that feed the eagles
as part of their boat tours.
Other companies encourage unnatural behavior to
delight tourists and hopefully collect their money. Stay away from any activity
that insists on feeding birds, monkeys, or marine life.
You can avoid further damage to the reef and
delicate ecosystem by not feeding fish or turtles.
Avoid purchasing souvenirs made from insects,
wildlife, shells, or marine life. Read more about responsible travel.
Beaches On Langkawi
Pantai Cenang, or Central Beach, on the southwest
side of the island, is by far the most popular and where many visitors end up.
Resorts, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions line the short beach.
You'll find the most options for water sports and other activities along Pantai
Cenang.
Just to the south, resort-lined Pantai Tengah is
an expensive-yet-quieter alternative to busy Central Beach.
Pleasant and less developed beaches can be found
around Langkawi; many can be enjoyed on day trips. Pantai Pasir Hitam is a
mixed black-sand beach, and Tanjung Rhu is a picturesque stretch that includes
mangroves and rocky beaches.
Getting Around Langkawi
Public transport isn't much of an option on
Langkawi. When you're ready to leave your beach to explore other parts of the
island, you'll have to take a taxi or hire a driver.
Alternatively, you can rent a car or motorbike to
see the island.
Renting a motorbike is a popular and
cost-effective way to see other parts of Langkawi. Before you do, read about
renting motorbikes in Southeast Asia to help stay safe and avoid scams. As with
the rest of Malaysia, drive on the left.
Tip: Tickets for fixed-rate taxis can be purchased
inside the airport upon arrival. Avoid driver scams by sticking to the
'official' taxis waiting at the stand in front of the airport.
Getting To Langkawi
Langkawi is situated extremely close to Thailand
and can be reached either by slow ferry, fast boat, or flight. Because the
island is such a popular destination, you'll have no trouble booking a
combination ticket (bus and boat) to Langkawi from all points in Peninsular
Malaysia. See what you need to know about flying to Langkawi.
1. By Plane
The small-but-busy Langkawi International Airport
(airport code: LGK) is located on the northwest side of the island in Padang
Matsirat. AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Tiger Air, Silk Air, and Firefly all
operate budget flights to Langkawi. International routes include flights from
Singapore as well as Hat Yai and Phuket in Thailand.
Tip:
When you're ready to fly out of Langkawi, wait until the last moment to cross
through security; choices are sparse on the other side. Most shops and food
options are located at the entrance to the airport
2. By Boat
Many slow ferries head out to Langkawi daily from
Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, Penang, as well as Koh Lipe and Satun in Thailand
(ferries from Koh Lipe are seasonal). Ferries from the mainland -- the cheapest
option for getting to Langkawi -- take around an hour and a half to reach the
island. Kuah -- located in the southeast corner of the island -- is the busiest
town and usual arrival point
3. By Fast Boat
If you choose to hire one of the small private
speedboats to Langkawi, waterproof your valuables and be prepared to possibly
get wet on a bumpy, chaotic ride!
When To Go
If you choose to hire one of the small private
speedboats to Langkawi, waterproof your valuables and be prepared to possibly
get wet on a bumpy, chaotic ride!
The peak season and driest months on Langkawi are
December, January, and February. The summer months bring a steep increase in
rainfall during the monsoon season.
Jellyfish -- some dangerous -- can be a serious
threat to swimmers between the months of May and October.
Chinese New Year (in January or February) draws
large crowds to Langkawi; prices for accommodation will triple during the
holiday. Read more about what to expect when traveling Asia in January / Asia
in February.
05. Ipoh
Ipoh is the capital city of the state of Perak and
is one of the biggest cities in Malaysia with over 750.000 inhabitants. 70% of
Ipoh's population is of Chinese origin. The city is located at a distance of
approximately 200 kilometers to the north of Kuala Lumpur. From the North-South
Expressway you can reach Ipoh within 2 hours by car. From Ipoh you can reach
the island of Penang in 1,5 hours (150km). The city used to be the center of
the tin industry (in the world); but those days are long gone. Nowadays the
city still recovers from the important role it used to play; but it has much to
offer to tourists. Ipoh is surrounded by beautiful limestone outcrops with
wonderful cave temples; some of Malaysia's biggest attractions are only a
couple of hours away by car. Today's Ipoh is well known for its excellent
restaurants, hawkers, and famous local dishes. Because of this you will find
famous 'Ipoh cuisine' hawkers at many places throughout Malaysia.
Attractions In And Around Ipoh
Ipoh has many nice attractions and sights in and around the city. One popular attraction is the Gunung Lang recreation park; where many locals spend their time to relax as it is just few kilometers away from the city center. The Lost World of Tambun Park is also a very popular attraction among locals and tourists. The city also houses beautiful architecture, such as the Railway Station, Town Hall and High Court. Other attractions are: Kinta River, Mariamman kovil temple, Ipoh Heritage Walk, Kellie's Castle, Perak Cave with its numerous beautiful Buddha statues, Sam Poh Tong temple and the Kek Lok Tong temple. There are also numerous night markets at different locations throughout Ipoh; besides browsing for nice buys you can also buy snacks and food at the markets.
Nearby Ipoh there are many amazing attractions. One of the most popular attractions in Malaysia is the Cameron Highlands. Here you can enjoy the cool climate. The area is especially popular among nature lovers and hikers. Another great attraction is Pangkor Island; this beautiful island lies to the southwest of Ipoh (1 hour drive from the city). Also gaining popularity is the Royal Belum Nature Park. Belum Nature Park offers a host of activities like fishing, kayaking, jungle walking, bird watching and camping. Best way to get to Belum is by rental car . A taxi is also an option; but an expensive one (over RM150 one-way).
Shopping Malls In Ipoh
For a city with over 750.000 residents you would
expect numerous huge shopping malls. However; this is not the case in Ipoh.
There are of course some nice malls, but not as much as you would think. De
Garden Complex is one of the most popular malls in Ipoh; it has many
international brands and other popular shops and restaurants. Other popular
malls in Ipoh are Kinta City Shopping Centre and Ipoh Parade; both offer enough
shops, restaurants, amusement centers and cinemas for a fun day out. We know
people that travel from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur for some serious shopping; and we
often hear people from Ipoh complain that their city has a major shortage of
good shopping malls.
How To Get To Ipoh
1. By Bus
The cheapest way to reach Ipoh is by coach. There
are quite some bus operators that have daily busses driving between Ipoh and
many other locations within Peninsular Malaysia. From the main bus terminal
Puduraya in Kuala Lumpur many busses a day leave towards Ipoh. The trip from
Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh by bus will take about 2,5 hours. Busses arrive in Ipoh at
the Medan Gopeng Ipoh Bus Station. Larger bus companies like Transnational,
Plusliner, Konsortium and Sri Maju provide the most frequent, reliable and
relatively safe services. Tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh only cost a couple
of ringgits.
2. By Train
You can easily travel by train between Kuala
Lumpur and Ipoh as there are daily trains that depart from KL Sentral. The
train takes about 3 hours to reach Ipoh. From Ipoh the train continues to
Butterworth (nearby Penang Island) en from there continues all the way to
Bangkok in Thailand. Alternatively the slightly more expensive ETS trains
provide eight return trips for the Kuala Lumpur-Ipoh route daily. The ETS
reduces travel time between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur to about two hours from three
hours previously.
3. By Car Rental
Another way to get to Ipoh is by rental car . It
is easy to rent a car in Malaysia. Numerous car rental companies have special
pick up or drop off locations throughout the country; some might have such
location in Ipoh. Hawk Malaysia does not
have a drop off point at Ipoh, but they do have two in Penang. You can easily
pick up the car at an Hawk office in Kuala Lumpur (KLIA or city center) and
then drive with it to Penang via Ipoh. From Kuala Lumpur it is only a 2 hour
drive to Ipoh. Many tourists combine their trip to Penang/Ipoh with a visit to
Cameron Highlands or a visit the Pangkor Island; both relatively nearby Ipoh.
4. By Air
Flying is not an option when you need to travel
from Kuala Lumpur (or other places within Malaysia) to Ipoh. When you travel to
Ipoh it is best to first travel by air to either Kuala Lumpur or Penang
(International Airport) and take a taxi or bus from there (in case of KL you
can also take the train). From Singapore it is easy to reach Ipoh by air as
there are daily flights from Changi Airport Budget Terminal to Ipoh's Sultan
Azlan Shah Airport.
Popular Restaurant In Ipoh
While you chill out and enjoy the laid-back pace
of charming Ipoh, here’s things you absolutely have to eat during your stay and
we tell you exactly where to get them!
1. Nga Choy Kai @ Lou Wong
If there's one thing that you have to eat in Ipoh,
it's got to be their nga choy kai (bean sprout chicken). Silky steamed chicken
and the crunchiest bean sprouts you can only find this side of Malaysia, this
is one happy meal perfect for any time of the day.
Lou Wong is one of the more popular choices for
nga choy kai (RM22 for two pax), almost always full of people looking for their
bean sprout chicken fix. Their steamed chicken was cooked to tender perfection
with a savoury mix of sesame oil, soy sauce, and chicken juice. Paired with
fresh and juicy bean sprouts tossed in a similar salty gravy, it was absolutely
addictive!
2. Ais Kepal @ Bits & Bobs
Essentially a flavoured ball of ice, the ais kepal
is a nostalgic childhood snack that's seeing a hipster revival in Kong Heng
Square.
You'll find it at Bits and Bobs, a small pop-up
stall that truly lives up to its name. Childhood candies line the counter while
the shelves are littered with antiques which are also sold. The ais kepal (RM3)
comes in several flavours. Take your pick from Nishibomb (sarsi and asam),
Jineebee (rosella and lychee), Ningnong (gula melaka and lychee), and Busybee
(sarsi, rosella, and lychee). The trick is to suck on the ice while rotating
the ball until you get to the asam or lychee centre, depending on which flavour
you go with. There's also the added nostalgic value of sitting on tiny canteen
benches outside that really takes you back to your school days.
3. Curry Noodles @ Xin Quan
Characterised by a rich and thick curry gravy,
Ipoh's curry noodles (both soup and dry) are not to be missed.
If it's the wet curry noodles you're looking for,
the place to go is Xin Quan Fang. It can be quite the wait but the aromatic
bowl of curry noodles (RM4.30) that you get makes it worth your while. The
curry soup was rich and packed a whole lot of heat and flavour. With slices of
pork that added a hint of sweetness and fresh bean sprouts that brought
crunchiness, it was absolutely to-die for.
Big eaters can order a bowl of sides consisting of
a mountain of pork and prawns if one bowl of Xin Quan Fang's curry noodles
isn't enough.
Best Places In Ipoh
1. Kellie's Castle
Sitting atop a hill which was a rubber estate
earlier, the Kellie’s Castle was built by William Kellie Smith, who wanted his
home in Malaysia to be just like his home in Scotland. Set amidst the lush
greenery, the ruins of this huge castle exudes an aura of mystery and believed
to be haunted. The castle also believed to have several hidden rooms, passages
and underground tunnels. Today the castle is a popular tourist attraction in
Ipoh. The construction was halted because of Kellie’s death. It also houses a
statue of William Kellie Smith in white suit and hat.
Highlights: Revisit the history at Kellie’s Castle
with its plaster ceilings from seventeenth century, high quality royal
furniture, Victorian gardens with beautiful roses, Hew Lorimer sculpture
exhibit, mural by Phoebe Anna Traquair and woodland walks.
Location: The Castle is located near Batu Gajah.
Timing: 09:00 am - 06:00 pm
2. Plan b
If the initial plan is not going to work, what
will be the alternative? When there is desperate time, it’s the call for
desperate measurement. This is when Plan B kicks in.
In order to go to Plan B, it is not difficult.
First of all, you need to drive to Kinta of Ipoh. Once at Kinta, look for the
main road called Jalan Sultan Iskandar, keep driving on the road and you will
see Lim Ko Pi coffee shop on your left. At the front junction, turn right to
Jalan Sultan Yusuff. Keep driving for another 3 junctions along the road and
turn right to Jalan Panglima. keep driving for about 20 meters and you will see
Plan B on your left.
In order to go to Plan B, it is not difficult.
First of all, you need to drive to Kinta of Ipoh. Once at Kinta, look for the
main road called Jalan Sultan Iskandar, keep driving on the road and you will
see Lim Ko Pi coffee shop on your left. At the front junction, turn right to
Jalan Sultan Yusuff. Keep driving for another 3 junctions along the road and
turn right to Jalan Panglima. keep driving for about 20 meters and you will see
Plan B on your left.
The book shelf which is filled with many books and
is located along the side walk. Behind this book shelf is the washroom.
Overall, the ambience here was very attractive and
the concept of this place was very unique. The parking space will be limited
when it comes to public holidays or weekends. The price of the food here is on
the high side due to its ambience and food presentation. As for the taste of
the food, the quality and consistency still have room for improvement
3. Gua Tempurung
The Gua Tempurung cave is one of the attractions
that let tourists dive into the deeper and darker mysteries of the past.
Covering a total length of about 4.5 Km, the cave is one of the longest in
Malaysian Peninsula. Here you can find three huge chambers as well as
magnificent structures of stalagmites and stalactites.
Other
attractions include the underground stream and waterfalls. Made of five large
and very ancient dooms, it is an astonishing exhibit of beautiful natural rock
formations.
Highlights: The four tours namely, Golden
Flowstone, Top of The World, Top of The World & Short River Adventure and
Grand Tour. Each of these tours has specific requirements, so make sure
that you have prepared for them well in advance.
Location:
The cave is located in Gopeng and is 24 Km from Ipoh.
Timing:
09:00 am - 04:00 pm
4. Art Of Oldtown
Ipoh is a town of history and heritage. To
celebrate this history and heritage, Oldtown White Coffee, a premiere white
coffee manufacturer in Malaysia has collaborated with the celebrated Lithuanian
street artist Ernest Zacharevic to paint eight art murals on the walls located
in the vicinity of the centre of Ipoh, most lovingly known as the Old Town. You
can cover the eight murals by taking a half hour walking tour around the
streets. OldTown White Coffee also provides an official map, where you can find
the details of all the murals.
Highlights: Enjoy the quaint beauty of Old Town
and learn more about the heritage and history of the place while taking a
walking tour to discover all the murals.
Location: The murals can be found on taking the Jalan
Dato Maharajalela, Jalan Tun Sambathan, Jalan Panglima, Jalan Bijeh Timah and
Jalan Bandar Timah roads.
Malarvili Chandrasegar
TI161003295
Khamalashini Mahindran
TI161003328
Lilaawathy Kandinathan
TI161003327
Kasturi B.Raja
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Ganahamalar Letchumanan
TI161003206
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