Ipoh Old and New: Your 2025 Guide to Malaysia’s Renaissance City

 

Once overshadowed by Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Ipoh has quietly reinvented itself. Today, it is one of Malaysia’s most exciting “renaissance cities”: a place where grand colonial facades, colourful street art, hip cafés and leafy limestone hills come together in a relaxed, walkable destination.

Whether you are planning a short city break, a stop between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, or a longer Malaysia holiday from Pakistan, this updated 2025 guide will help you explore both Ipoh Old Town and New Town - and show how Malik Express Travel & Tours can make your trip effortless.

Why Visit Ipoh in 2025?

Ipoh is the capital of Perak state and Malaysia’s fourth-largest city, but it still feels pleasantly compact. It grew rich on tin-mining in the Kinta Valley, leaving behind elegant shop houses, banks and civic buildings that now form the backbone of the Ipoh Heritage Trail.

In recent years, careful restoration and a wave of creative entrepreneurs have transformed Ipoh into a destination known for:

• Heritage Architecture - Edwardian train stations, old banks and classic shop houses along the Kinta River.
• Street art and Laneways - murals by well-known artists brightening once-faded walls in Old Town.
• Cafés and Food Culture - from the famous Ipoh white coffee to bean-sprout chicken and noodles that attract food lovers from across Malaysia.
• Nature Escapes- Limestone Cliffs, Cave Temples and Lakes such as Kek Lok Tong, Perak Cave Temple and Tasik Cermin (Mirror Lake).

Old Town: Heritage, Street Art and Coffee Culture

Ipoh Old Town sits west of the Kinta River and is where most visitors begin. Here, weathered shop houses and colonial-era buildings are being reborn as boutique hotels, galleries and cafés.

1. Walk the Ipoh Heritage Trail

The Ipoh Heritage Trail is a self-guided route that links many of the city’s most important colonial buildings, starting around the iconic Ipoh Railway Station. From there, you pass the stately City Hall, Birch Memorial Clock Tower and several historic banks and shop houses.

Tip: Pick up a heritage trail map at the local tourism office, or bookmark a digital version on your phone for easy reference.

2. Explore Concubine Lane and Its Sister Lanes

Once associated with merchants and their families, Concubine Lane and the nearby narrow streets have been transformed into lively pedestrian lanes with cafés, souvenir stalls and photo spots. On weekends and holidays, they are especially vibrant and busy.

What to look for:

• Restored shop houses with colourful shutters and hanging lanterns
• Local snacks, desserts and drinks sold from small stalls
• Murals and quirky, Instagram-friendly corners

3. Discover Ipoh’s Street Art

Inspired by the mural boom in Penang, Ipoh commissioned street art that celebrates local stories: miners, coffee sellers and daily life. Several pieces were created by internationally recognised artist Ernest Zacharevic and are scattered around Old Town.

Tip: Use a street-art map or simply wander -the fun is in spotting murals hidden in side streets and alleyways.

4. Sip Authentic Ipoh White Coffee

No Ipoh trip is complete without tasting its famous white coffee. The beans are traditionally roasted with palm oil margarine, giving a smooth, caramelised flavour that is then served with condensed milk.

Look for classic kopitiams (coffee shops) in Old Town, some of which date back decades and have retained their old-world charm.

New Town: Modern Cafés, Shopping and Local Life

Across the river, Ipoh New Town offers a more contemporary side of the city.

• Modern Cafés and dessert shops serving fusion dishes and trendy drinks
• Local Markets and Shopping Streets where residents buy daily goods
• Night Markets that pop up on certain days with clothes, gadgets and street food

While Old Town is where you will spend most of your sightseeing time, New Town gives you a sense of how Ipoh lives and grows today, making the city feel truly “old and new” at once.

Cave Temples, Lakes and Nature Around Ipoh

One of Ipoh’s biggest strengths is how easy it is to mix city exploring with nature.

1. Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple

Set within a limestone hill, Kek Lok Tong features a dramatic cave chamber with statues, altars and openings that frame views of lush gardens and small lakes behind the temple. Visitors often highlight its peaceful atmosphere.

2. Perak Cave Temple and Sam Poh Tong

These cave temples combine Buddhist statues, colourful murals and steep staircases that lead to viewpoints over the city and surrounding hills. They make excellent half-day trips from the city centre.

3. Tasik Cermin (Mirror Lake)

Located just outside Ipoh, this lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs that reflect on the still water, creating a mirror-like effect - a favourite photo spot.

4. Lost World of Tambun

Families and groups often add a day at Lost World of Tambun, a theme park and hot spring resort with water slides, petting zoo and evening hot-spring pools.

Best Time to Visit Ipoh

• Dry, Comfortable Months: Generally, the period from June to August and December to February brings slightly lower rainfall and more pleasant exploring conditions, though temperatures are warm year-round.
• Weekdays vs Weekends: Weekdays are quieter; weekends and Malaysian public holidays are livelier but more crowded, especially in Old Town and at popular cafés.
   

How to Get to Ipoh From Kuala Lumpur

Ipoh lies roughly 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur and is easy to reach:

• By Train: Electric trains (ETS) run regularly between KL Sentral and Ipoh, taking around 2.5-3 hours.
• By Bus: Comfortable long-distance buses connect KL to Ipoh’s Amanjaya bus terminal.

From Penang

• By Train: Take the ETS line from Butterworth to Ipoh.
• By Road: It is about a two-hour drive from Penang, making Ipoh a good stop between Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

 

From Pakistan (via Malik Express)

Travellers from Pakistan usually:

1. Fly to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) on a full-service or budget airline.
2. Connect to Ipoh by domestic flight, train or bus arranged through Malik Express Travel & Tours as part of a Malaysia package.

Where to Stay in Ipoh

You’ll find a range of stays from heritage guesthouses to modern hotels:

• Old Town: Boutique hotels in restored shop houses, ideal for heritage lovers and photographers.
• New Town / City centre: Larger hotels and malls, suited for families or business travellers.
• Outskirts: Resort-style accommodations near hot springs or limestone hills for a relaxing escape.

Tip: If you plan to follow an early-morning heritage walk or join day tours, staying in or near Old Town keeps most attractions within walking distance.

 

Food in Ipoh: What to Try

Ipoh’s reputation as a food city is growing fast. Some local flavours to look out for:

• Bean Sprout Chicken (Nga Choy Gai): Poached chicken served with crunchy bean sprouts and soy-based sauce.
• Hor Fun and Curry Noodles: Slippery rice noodles served in rich broth or spicy curry.
• White Coffee and Toast: Perfect breakfast in a traditional kopitiam.
• Street Desserts and Snacks: Ice balls, tau fu fah (soy pudding), pastries and local kuih.

 

Practical Travel Tips for Ipoh

Plan 2-3 days minimum

This gives you time for Old Town, New Town, at least one cave temple and a relaxed food crawl.

• Walk, But Use Ride-Hailing When Needed
  Old Town is walkable, but cave temples and parks are spread out. Use taxis or ride-hailing apps for convenience.
• Dress for Heat and Sudden Showers
  Light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a compact umbrella or rain jacket are ideal.
• Carry Cash and Card
  Many cafés and shops accept cards, but small markets and stalls may be cash-only.
• Visit Popular Lanes Early Or Late
  Concubine Lane and major cafés are busiest midday. Early morning or late afternoon provides softer light and fewer crowds.
• Combine Ipoh With Nearby Destinations
  Many travellers pair Ipoh with Cameron Highlands, Penang or Kuala Lumpur as part of a longer Malaysian itinerary.

How Malik Express Travel & Tours Can Help

Planning a Malaysia trip from Pakistan can be time-consuming, especially if you want to include several cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Cameron Highlands and Penang. Malik Express Travel & Tours can handle the details so you simply enjoy the journey.

Our Support Includes:

• Tailor-made Malaysia Itineraries
  Custom routes that include Ipoh’s Old and New Town, cave temples, nature spots and nearby destinations such as Cameron Highlands or Penang.
• Flight and Hotel Arrangements
  Return flights from major Pakistani cities, domestic connections, and hotel bookings in suitable neighbourhoods based on your budget and interests.
• Transfers and Sightseeing tours
  Private or shared transfers between cities, guided heritage walks, Ipoh food tours and visits to cave temples and lakes.
• Visa and Documentation Guidance
  Assistance with understanding tourist visa requirements and ensuring your documents are in order before departure.
• Support for Families and Groups
  Family-friendly itineraries, group discounts, and flexibility with pacing so everyone can enjoy Ipoh at a comfortable speed.

Final Thoughts: Experience Ipoh’s Old and New Sides

Ipoh is no longer just a stopover on the way to somewhere else. Its blend of old-world charm, creative energy, delicious food and surrounding nature makes it a rewarding destination in its own right.

By following this 2025 guide and partnering with Malik Express Travel & Tours, you can experience Malaysia’s renaissance city in comfort, from lantern-lit alleys and heritage buildings to tranquil cave temples and lakes just beyond the city.

When you are ready, Malik Express can help you turn this Ipoh dream trip into a complete Malaysia holiday, perfectly tailored to you.