Singapore (SIN) – Ipoh (IPH)/Cameron Highland

Ipoh developed into one of Malaysia’s main cities due to an early 19th-century tin mining boom. During the British colonial era, it was Malaya’s second administrative center after Kuala Lumpur (the Straits Settlements of Singapore, Penang and Malacca were administered separately).

A post-independence economic decline let the city escape the towers of concrete that represent 1970s ideas of progress and its colonial importance still shines in the grand old buildings, such as the railway station and the town hall, which complement the rows of shophouses.

These days Ipoh is perhaps best known for its excellent restaurants, hawkers, and famous local dishes.

Streets were renamed in the 1980s. This can still be confusing as many locals still refer to the former colonial road names.

As of 2009, Batu Pahat is the 20th largest urban area in Malaysia in terms of population. In 2006, Batu Pahat surpassed Muar to become the second largest urban area in Johor and by 2012, Batu Pahat is the 16th largest urban area in Malaysia in terms of population.Batu Pahat has developed rapidly over the past few years, its growth encouraged by people from neighbouring townships who come to visit the local shopping centres. Nowadays, Batu Pahat enjoy the name of “Northern Johor Shopping Paradise” due to the rapid development of those shopping malls and hypermarkets.

To Do

• Ipoh Heritage Trail – Travel through the historic heart of Ipoh old town and find out its cultural heritage on a one day Historic Tour of Ipoh with knowledgeable guides who share his insight about this former tin mining settlement and discover Ipoh secrets. If you’re interested in the backstory of Ipoh old town, consider taking the guided heritage walk.

• White Water Rafting Get up close and personal with nature, experience an exotic and mystifying rainforest where the fastest butterflies swarm by the riverbank while you enjoy swimming in the river or jump from trees or just glide down the river on a raft.

• Caving. Gua Tempurung is the largest limestone cave in Peninsular Malaysia. Located close to the North-South Highway’s Gopeng Exit, it provides the opportunity to explore in detail the insides of a limestone cave. You can choose to experience a short tour of the cave or adventure into the far end of the cave by walking off the walkways and in the cave river.

• Explore Tambun, once a small town north of the city, with city growth it is now a close suburb to the city center. Tambun has been traditionally known for its juicy pomelo fruit and the Tambun Hot Springs,(now accessible through The Lost World of Tambun Hot Springs and Spa or at The Banjaran Resort). Also in Tambun, is Ipoh’s only water theme park, The Lost World of Tambun. It provides great rides and entertainment for families and also organizes tours into the nearby limestone caves for those interested in eco-tourism. It recently opened a Petting Zoo that allows children the opportunity to feed and pet a variety of animals. A taxi from the city center will cost you RM 15 one way.

• Jungle Trekking – Trek one of the many trails up the Menglembu-Kledang Hills (these are the hills you can see to the west of Ipoh with the radio-tv masts on the top) to enjoy the awe-inspiring view of the limestone outcrops that surround Ipoh. If unsure of how to get to these trails, just ask the many locals who trek there daily in the early mornings and evenings. If you have a GPS, hikes can either start from 101° 1.813’E / 4° 34.577’N or 101° 1.638’E / 4° 34.312’N where the paved road to the summit begins. The road and some trails are open and hot (take a hat and water) but much of Trail 4.9 is through shady forest and takes about 1 hour from the car park to its highest point (about halfway to the summit). You can then return to your car via the road and turn left down a few hundred steps at the Meteorology Station to get back to 1.813’E / 4° 34.577’N. For a much more strenuous hike, there is a trail (signed to RTM) off to the right about 30 minutes along 4.9 at approximately 101° 1’24.84″E / 4°35’2.11″N. This less used trail immediately crosses a small stream and then climbs through the forest to the summit. This is a steep, strenuous climb (not suited for very young children) that takes 2 to 2.5 hours for an elevation gain of about 600m over ~3.5km. Along the road and trails, there are interesting plants (Bamboo orchids and insect trapping pitcher plants (Nepenthes sp)) and wildlife that includes long-tailed macaques, pig-tailed macaques, leaf monkeys and the siamang – the last being a large species of gibbon that is often heard calling in the morning but seldom seen.

• Explore Ulu Geroh, Be an ecotourist and experience the rainforest here (GPS 101° 15.200’E/ 4° 26.420’N). This Orang Asli kampung is about one hour’s drive into the hills east of Gopeng. The last half of the ride is along a narrow but paved road through rubber, durian and oil palm plantations to the village on the edge of the rainforest. Guides from the Orang Asli community take visitors to see the parasitic Rafflesia flower (the largest flower in the world) and the Raja Brooke’s Birdwing butterfly as well as other forest bugs, plants, etc. There’s also a small but beautiful waterfall. Apart from Rafflesia watching, jungle hiking, caving, and white water rafting can be organized. Basic accommodation is available at Ulu Geroh itself or in a rural setting at three nearby eco-resorts:

• My Gopeng Resort.
• Rumah Rehat Adeline.
• Gopeng Rainforest Resort.

To Buy

Ipoh is inexpensive by Malaysian standards. Most tourists will better appreciate the offerings of KL or Bangkok but Ipoh offers some interesting specialties including, Ipoh Fragrant Biscuits “香饼” – traditional flaky biscuits containing a sweet paste. Handmade examples are rare – Pottery – Ipoh produces pottery for export. If pots are your cup of tea, try Jalan Kuala Kangsar – and Ipoh White Coffee – coffee beans specially roasted with palm-oil margarine.

Ipoh Fragrant Biscuits aka Heong Peng (香饼)

1. Yee Hup (余合) at 7, 9, 11 Jalan Sri Ampang, Taman Ipoh Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
2. Sin Joo Heong (Tiger Brand) Confectionery Sdn Bhd (Ipoh Branch) at No 49, Jalan Medan Ipoh Bistari, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
3. Ching Han Guan Biscuit Shop (钟汉元饼铺) at 145, Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah (Hugh Low Street), 30000 Ipoh, Perak
4. Guan Heong Biscuit Shop (源香饼铺) at 160, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

Ipoh Kaya Puff

1. Sin Eng Heong (新荣香饼店) at No. 64, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri (Jalan Clare), 30300 Ipoh, Perak
2. QunKee Biscuits(权记饼家) at No 164, Lebuh 3, Kg Simee, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
3. Ming Yue Confectionery (明裕饼家) operate by Sing Eng Heong’s children at 50 Jalan Peh Kee Koh,Taman Kampar, 30250 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Ipoh Egg Tart

1. Hong Kee Confectionery (鸿记饼家) at 14, Jalan Dato Onn Jaafar, 30300 Ipoh, Perak.
2. Choy Kee Confectionary & Bakery at Kampung Simee & 218 Lebuh 3, Kampung Simee, Ipoh Perak. Opening Hours 5AM-11AM. Famous for Chinese breakfast pastries like prawn fritters, pork buns. They are best known for their custard egg tarts.

• Pasar Malam – night markets, stalls selling a variety of food, groceries, toys, clothes and household items. They move to various locations throughout the week:
  • Monday: Taman Menglembu, Taman Ipoh Jaya (near Gunung Rapat)
  • Tuesday: Ipoh Garden East
  • Wednesday: Ipoh Garden (near Perak Stadium), Bercham (Taman Pakatan
  • Thursday: Taman SPPK
  • Friday: Taman Pertama; Pekan Razaki (near Taman Ipoh Jaya)
  • Saturday: Taman Rasi
  • Sunday: Taman Cempaka (6pm-10pm only)

• Memory Lane is a flea market along Jalan Lim Bo Seng that takes places every Sunday morning. It is a good place to find imitation goods, antiques, and other interesting local souvenirs. Be ready to bargain for the best price and be conscious of the fact that some stuff sold are probably stolen goods.

• Shopping Malls. The Kinta City Shopping Centre, Ipoh Parade, and AEON Station 18 Shopping Centre are the three best malls within the city. All have a fair range of branded stores, with good bargains during sale periods that could be of interest to keen shoppers.

• For a stretch of quaint boutiques, visit Ipoh Garden South.