Eight things you can't miss in Ipoh

Though it was once a heavy mining town, Ipoh has now turned its eyes towards sustainable tourism and re-invigorating its ecosystem. A prime example of these efforts is the Gaharu Tea Valley – which is home to over 200,000 Agarwood trees that are critically endangered in the wild.

Spending the day at the Gaharu Tea Valley is sure to make you appreciate the tranquil beauty that nature can provide.

Address: 31600 Gopeng, Negeri Perak, Malaysia

Nestled within Ipoh’s limestone hills are impressive places of worship.

One of these is the Kek Lok Tong Temple. Originally used as a place of worship in the 1920s. During Ipoh’s mining boom, a few parts of the cave were excavated, but this practice was eventually stopped, and it was finally re-opened to visitors in the 1970s. Among the temple’s most impressive assets are its statues, including an iconic one of Confucius that is found at its entrance.

Address: Pesiaran Sepakat 3, Taman Endah Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia

Sam Poh Tong Temple, the oldest cave temple in the Ipoh, is another place to visit. Dedicated to the Mahayana branch of Buddhism, it is famed for the beautiful pond next to its interior, which is home to koi fish and bonsai plants.

Local legend claims that the cave was originally discovered by a travelling Chinese monk in the 1890s, who decided to make it his home until his death. The temple’s façade was built in the 1950s, and there are works of art to be seen within including statues of Buddha in various forms.

Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Ipoh’s street food scene is vibrant. As a multicultural city, one can find delectable dishes from many different ethnic groups. For those with a taste for spice, the famous ‘Nasi Ganja’ stall serves a wide mix of curry dishes that top beds of rice which soak up the unbelievable mix of flavors.

You can find chicken, squid, fish, and other dishes available and its advisable to order more than one of them for your meal.

Address: 2, Jalan Yang Kalsom, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia

While Ipoh no longer counts tin mining as its top industry, that doesn’t mean its citizens have forgotten the invaluable role that the tin boom played in their city’s rise. There are still ways to get a taste of what life was like during the mining days, including visiting the Han Chin Pet Soo museum.

The museum allows visitors to see authentic décor from the era, along with examples of how the tin miners went about their days.

Address: 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30100 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia

The city of Ipoh is home to many talented artists, many of whom have taken to the streets to showcase their talent. Many of these pieces of art, which have been painted on the exteriors of buildings, pay homage to local culture, history, and food.

Some foreigners, like Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, who is married to a Malaysian woman, have also visited Ipoh to leave their own mark on the city’s street culture.

Chinese cuisine, which often includes pork dishes, is not normally appropriate food for those who follow the Islamic faith. However, Ipoh’s Restoran New Hollywood has broken down barriers for close to four decades thanks to its halal-certified menu.

One thing is certain though, there is no absence of flavor in the dishes you eat here. Chicken hor fun, char kuay teow, wanton mee, and everything else in the menu will leave you wanting more.

Address: Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

The Lost World of Tambun, an eco-friendly theme park built by Malaysia’s Sunway Group, is home to a theme park hotel, water park, and other adventure-themed activities. It’s become one of Ipoh’s most recognizable and popular tourist destinations, thanks to the huge number of things you can do while visiting the property.

Visitors are able to learn more about Ipoh’s tin mining history, along with the local myths and legends that the ancient population believed in. It also allows access to the limestone hills that are millions of years old, and even natural hot springs.

Address: 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway, Sunway City, 31150 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia