Ipoh is the capital of the state of Perak in Malaysia and it is the fourth largest city in the country and serves as the gateway to Cameron Highlands. The tin mining boom of the 19th Century is responsible for the great development of this city; it was the second administrative centre of Malaya during the era of British colonial rule after Kuala Lumpur. Despite the declining economy of Ipoh after independence, the colonial importance of the city still shines greatly via its grand old buildings like the town hall and the railway station that complement the shop house rows.
Today, Ipoh is best known for the excellent restaurants, famous local dishes and hawkers who make the city shine all year round. In the 1980’s the streets of Ipoh were renamed and you might find it a little confusing as most locals still use the former road names used during the colonial era. Getting in to Ipoh is mostly done via Sultan Azlan Airport and daily flights operated from the airport to various destinations. Trains are also common in Ipoh and most people prefer using them for connecting to other cities like Kuala Lumpur.
There are many things to see in Ipoh and you can rest assured that your holiday vacation will be an awesome one. Historic buildings in Ipoh attract thousands of tourists every year. The Birch Memorial Clocktower for example is a dedication to the city’s first ever British Resident Minister in Perak. The Ipoh Railway station is one of the 3 big stations built by the British and it is one of the city’s most iconic structures. The Ipoh Law courts and Town hall are two buildings just opposite the Ipoh Railway station and are both built in the neoclassical style.
Muzium Darul Ridzuan is reputed as the most interesting historical museum in Parek and it is a place that you will really want to visit. The Padang Ipoh is an immaculate law just near the S.P Seenivasagam. Surrounding it are some mock- Tudor style historic buildings, including the Ipoh Club, HSBC Building, FMS Bar as well as St. Michael’s Institution, which is quite a magnificent building. Kong Heng Square is home to many boutique hotels, cafes, hawker stalls, a barbershop, an art gallery, a sundry store and an antique store. The Ipoh Heritage Trail is something that you want to miss as well.
Ipoh is also a place where you can enjoy many interesting things to do particularly white water rafting, caving, exploring Tambun and its beauty, jungle trekking or even play a golf game at one of the several golf courses found around the city. By Malaysian standards, Ipoh is quite an inexpensive shopping destination. This is a place where you will find many interesting specialties like the famous Ipoh Fragrant Biscuits and some handmade wares like pottery. Eating in Ipoh is something that you will really be thrilled with as food here is quite cheap and sublime and local specialties like bean sprouts and chicken will really make your visit a memorable one.