Ipoh Old Town, Malaysia: An Unexplored Gem or George Town's Rival?

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Explore the enigmatic charm of Ipoh Old Town, Malaysia, and draw comparisons with the ever-popular George Town. Let us guide your journey of discovery.

As avid travelers, we at trip.com have traversed Malaysia extensively over the years. From brief stopovers in Kuala Lumpur to extensive tours across the country, our explorations have introduced us to the rich cultural diversity and scenic beauty of Malaysia. Yet, the intriguing allure of Ipoh Old Town caught us by surprise during a recent trip.

When Ipoh Old Town appeared on our radar, our initial research painted a picture akin to George Town in Penang, one of our preferred Southeast Asian cities. Like George Town, Ipoh also boasts an old town which piqued our interest. As George Town’s Old Town earned the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, the comparison ignited our curiosity. Could Ipoh Old Town indeed rival George Town’s acclaimed beauty, rich history, and tourist appeal? Our journey to Ipoh began in earnest.

Where is Ipoh Old Town Located?

Ipoh, the capital of the state of Perak, nestles approximately 200 KM north of Kuala Lumpur and 130 KM south of Penang, Malaysia. Its strategic location between these two popular destinations, and its proximity to the celebrated Cameron Highlands to the east, positions it as an excellent pit stop for travelers.

The Kinta River bifurcates Ipoh, with the Old Town situated on the west and the New Town on the east, making navigation a breeze.

Exploring Ipoh Old Town

Ipoh Old Town, Malaysia

The Street Art is one of the more endearing parts of Old Town Ipoh~

Ipoh, Malaysia's third-largest city, sprawls from an aerial perspective, but maintains an intimate, relaxed atmosphere at ground level. The city seems to slumber, with its pedestrian-friendly streets largely deserted, until one enters the vibrant heart of Ipoh Old Town.

Wandering through Ipoh Old Town, one cannot help but draw parallels to George Town. The streets bristle with ancient Chinese shophouses, crumbling walls bear witness to the ingenuity of street artists, and numerous modern coffee shops beckon patrons with the promise of a cup of iconic Ipoh white coffee.

Although quieter than its counterpart, Ipoh Old Town captures the same relaxed, creative, and trendy vibe that defines George Town, set against a backdrop of engaging heritage architecture. The only noticeable contrast is the relative calm after dark, as many businesses in Ipoh Old Town close for the night.

Activities to Engage in Ipoh Old Town

Ipoh Old Town, Malaysia Activities to Engage in Ipoh Old Town

Home of the original Old Town White Coffee~

Ipoh Old Town teems with activities that cater to a broad range of interests. From heritage tours to coffee-tasting, street art explorations to culinary adventures, there's something for everyone.

  • Ipoh Heritage Trail: Journey back in time as you explore heritage buildings that narrate the transformation of Ipoh from a small Malay village to its present urban avatar.
  • Ipoh Street Art: Like its Penang counterpart, Ipoh Old Town showcases a range of street art. Don’t forget to explore Mural Art Lane in the New Town.
  • Little India: Experience a slice of India with colourful sari shops, aromatic spices, melodious Indian music, and tempting Indian cuisine.
  • Ipoh White Coffee: Savour the famous Ipoh White Coffee, a world-renowned delight, at a hipster coffee shop or traditional Kopi shop.
  • Desert Street: Sample a variety of local dishes at this food hub located a stone's throw away in the New Town.
  • Kong Heng Square: Soak in the ambiance of this vibrant square adorned with vine-covered ruins, stylish boutique shops, and colourful market stalls.
  • Concubine Lane: Explore this lantern-decorated alley dotted with cafes, restaurants, and hostels. Weekends bring an additional vibrancy with the setting up of market stalls.

Accommodations Near Ipoh Old Town

Ipoh Old Town, Malaysia Accommodations Near Ipoh Old Town

The Classy M Boutique Hotel~

Whether you seek budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodations, Ipoh offers a plethora of excellent options near the Old Town. Our top recommendations include the French Hotel, M Boutique Hotel, and Weil Hotel, which offer a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and hospitality.

How to Reach Ipoh Old Town

Reaching Ipoh Old Town is a breeze, whether you are traveling from Kuala Lumpur, George Town, or Cameron Highlands. Modern, clean, and comfortable ETS Train services from Kuala Lumpur and bus services from George Town and Cameron Highlands provide convenient connections to Ipoh Old Town.

Is Ipoh Old Town the New George Town?

After our extensive exploration, we can confidently attest that Ipoh Old Town offers many of the attractions that make George Town a crowd favourite. From creative street art and heritage architecture to trendy coffee shops and excellent food, it offers a vibrant, relaxed atmosphere that keeps visitors returning for more.

In our view, Ipoh Old Town definitely has the potential to emerge as the new George Town. With a few more years of development, it could rival George Town's energetic yet tranquil vibe. Until then, the offbeat charm of Ipoh Old Town, devoid of the usual tourist crowd, makes it an unmissable destination on your Malaysian itinerary.

Ipoh Old Town

  • What is Ipoh Old Town famous for?

    Ipoh Old Town is known for its old world charm, rich history, and cultural attractions, including ancient Chinese shophouses, street art, and trendy coffee shops.
  • How does Ipoh Old Town compare to George Town?

    Ipoh Old Town offers many attractions similar to George Town such as street art, heritage architecture, trendy coffee shops, and excellent food. While it is currently quieter and less crowded than George Town, it has the potential to rival George Town's energetic yet tranquil vibe with further development.
  • What activities can I do in Ipoh Old Town?

    Activities in Ipoh Old Town include heritage tours, coffee tasting, street art explorations, culinary adventures, and shopping at local markets.
  • What are the accommodation options near Ipoh Old Town?

    Ipoh offers a variety of accommodation options near the Old Town, ranging from budget to luxury, including the French Hotel, M Boutique Hotel, and Weil Hotel.
  • How do I get to Ipoh Old Town?

    Ipoh Old Town is conveniently reachable via modern, clean, and comfortable ETS Train services from Kuala Lumpur and bus services from George Town and Cameron Highlands.
  • Is Ipoh Old Town a good destination for a Malaysian itinerary?

    Yes, Ipoh Old Town's unique charm, coupled with its historical and cultural attractions, make it an unmissable destination on a Malaysian itinerary.
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Ipoh Old Town