Ipoh Oh Ipoh, the forgotten gem to many foreign tourists as well as locals. This is the town that once upon a time one of the most prosperous region in the entire Malaya thanks to the discovery of the tin ores which leads to rapid mining industry. . At present, Ipoh is a quiet and comfortable place for living. This city, some would beg to differ it is actually more like a town, has lost most of its glory. Tourism was never big in this town and most people just pass by here for one simple reason- its authentic and delicious food! While Ipoh is known as a food heaven to many, I disagree that this is pretty much the limits for Ipoh to attract tourists.
Say hello to Ipoh, say hello to good life.
Ipoh is famous for its Cantonese-speaking environment and of course the Cantonese food as well. People always say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and in Ipoh, they provide excellent breakfast just to get you a fresh start for the day. The Ipoh White Coffee has gained good reputation locally and also internationally. This coffee has got so famous till it is even sold worldwide and apparently, it got especially popular among the Asian community abroad. While I admit this coffee is not for everyone, particularly the Westerners who are normally exposed to different types of coffee. It is hard to judge if it is very tasty for all but life is all about doing something new. Try it for once, twice if you like it and third time to make sure- this is the way forward!
Delicious dumplings at the “Big Tree” perfected with an iced Milo on a hot day!
“Oppa Ipoh Laksa Style” at the Big Tree. The picture is self-explanatory, deliciousness to the highest level.
The famous ‘bean sprouts’ which is known as tauge in the local language in Ipoh.
And of course it comes with a plate of local noodle to perfect it.
While “Lou Wong bean sprout chickens” is famously known not only within the country, but also to many tourists from the Chinese-speaking world, there are some other hidden treasures in this historical town. “Kheng Lim Salt Roasted Chicken” is definitely something iconic in Ipoh. Salty yet healthy, cooked with lots of traditional herbs, Salt Roasted Chicken will totally invite your ‘ten fingers opened’ as the Chinese say when you see this beautiful dish in front of you. The price is also very affordable and it is sold in boxes instead of plates. And trust me, you would not regret trying it!
Other food paradises include the “Big Tree, Tai Shu Geok “as commonly known,大树脚忠记炸料粉 in case for your information (please note that these places are hardly stated clearly in other languages except in Chinese language so it is important to hunt the place by showing your guide in its original language). This place is famous for its local dish laksa and the varieties of Chinese dumplings (just like the Spanish tapas).
From various architectures in Ipoh, British heritage in the city is everywhere to be seen. The Ipoh train station itself is a testament of the richness of the city back in the old days in the British colonial period. Fortunately enough, it is still well-preserved even if it went through the Japanese invasion in the Second World War. Beautifully British design with a bit of Malay and Islamic touch in the building facing adjacently to the Ipoh High Court which is built by Moorish architecture design. These two buildings are one of the best proof of how important Ipoh was during the colonial period.
The entrance area of the famous “Sam Poh Tong” in Ipoh.
Religious Buddhists burning the curly joss stick to get blessings in “Sam Poh Tong” area.
The place where they sell the best white coffee in Ipoh.
Kellie Castle which contrary to popular beliefs is not in Ipoh, but its close proximity to Ipoh also means when you are in Ipoh, you should not miss paying a visit there to witness another piece of beautiful English architecture that the British left for Malaysia.
The Gunung Lang Recreational Park, to start, is an absolute beauty. It is never a disappointing experience to get to this gem that is away from the Ipoh City Centre for some family-time, for dating, for purely relaxing purposes and I bet it is even one of the best places in the whole country to enjoy the picturesque scenery .
Ipoh which is unofficially known as the “Hill City” is surrounded by hills and Sam Poh Tong is one of them that provides a very interesting Chinese and Buddhism experience that one is guaranteed a pleasant day strolling around the area, walking through caves by caves when having a sugarcane drink under the hot sun and experiencing the culture there. This place also has many burial plates for deceased Buddhists in Ipoh and especially during the All Souls’ Day (a day in Chinese culture to pay their ancestors a visit in the burial place, “Qing Ming” in Chinese) in April, this place is jam packed by a lot of worshippers. You might want to avoid going there during this period or if you love crowds, have the ability.
It is also worth mentioned that Ipoh one of the two locations that Oscar-winning director Ang Lee decided to film his movie “Lust, Caution”. The movie is based on author Zhang Ailing or Eileen Chang’s novel, which tells the story of a group of patriotic Chinese students who plan to kill an intelligence chief of the Japanese-backed Chinese government during the Second World War. . Shooting was done in Jalan Bandar Timah, Jalan Panglima and Jalan Tun Sambanthan in the old town. Why filmed in Ipoh? Precisely because of the Anglo-Chinese architectures that can be easily spotted in Ipoh, some of which are even more well-preserved than the ones in Shanghai and other Chinese cities.
Great food? Ipoh. Rich history and culture? Ipoh. An affordable travelling experience? Ipoh. Ipoh has got everything you can ever ask for to have an amazingly good time in. Think travelling, think Ipoh!
Very clean Ipoh Street.
/// Written by Chee Yik Wai, Malaysia
