12+ best places to visit & best things to do in Ipoh, Malaysia

What are the “must-do” things to do when traveling to Ipoh, Malaysia? Let Klook tell you about the famous tourist destinations in Ipoh for your upcoming trip to Malaysia through this article with 12+ must-see, 12+ best places to visit & best things to do in Ipoh below!

Are you looking for a tourist destination in Malaysia that is rich in history and culture but not too noisy and crowded? Ipoh, a city located about 200km west of the capital Kuala Lumpur, is the ideal destination for you.

Private City Transfer between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur

Built in the 19th century and developed strongly during the mining period, Ipoh has a unique architecture that blends European culture, along with the majestic natural scenery of the Kinta Valley mountain range. Traveling to Ipoh is an ideal opportunity for you to immerse yourself in culture, and at the same time, it is also an attractive destination for nature lovers and those who want to experience adventurous activities. If you still don’t know this city, let’s take a look at the attractive destinations here with Klook!

Trekking in Bukit Batu Putih In Ipoh (#best things to do in Ipoh)

Bukit Batu Putih is a white rock mountain located on an ancient quartzite mountain range that stands out against the lush green landscape of the coastal rainforest. To conquer the mountain, you can choose two ways: the forest trail or the sea waterway.

The forest trail is shorter, easier to walk, only takes about 40 minutes, suitable for those who want a gentle experience. However, if you want to challenge yourself, the sea path is the right choice. This path will take you through the jungle, along the pristine coastline, and finally climb to the top of the mountain by steep trails.

Jungle Trekking Experience in Ipoh

No matter which path you choose, you will admire the wild beauty of the jungle nature, and the breathtaking view from the Strait of Malacca stretching all the way to Sumatra. To have a safe and complete trekking trip, you should check the weather before setting off, bring all the necessary equipment such as climbing shoes, drinking water, and snacks.

Sunway Lost World of Tambun Water Park in Ipoh

Located at the foot of an ancient limestone mountain, this theme park offers a unique experience, combining pristine nature with exciting entertainment activities. Sunway Lost World of Tambun is divided into 8 areas with different themes, including: hot spring area, zoo, amusement park, and even an area simulating the life of ancient miners.

You can enjoy challenging water slides, relax in natural hot springs, explore the world of wild animals, or participate in exciting thrilling games. To get to Sunway Lost World of Tambun, you can choose to travel by private car or public bus. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur or Penang, it will only take you about 2 hours by car.

Sunway Lost World Of Tambun WaterPark Ticket in Ipoh

Kampar River in Gopeng Ipoh

The Kampar River originates from the Bukit Barisan Mountains, flows through Riau Province and empties into the Strait of Malacca. It is famous for its high tides, creating large, powerful waves, known locally as “Bono”.

Bono occurs when the high tide from the sea meets the upstream flow of the Kampar River, creating waves 4 to 6 meters high, moving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. You can try the adventure sport of white water rafting on the river, at places such as Teluk Meranti, Tanjung Sebayang, Tanjung Pungai, and Pulau Muda. In addition, you can also explore the wild beauty of the river, admire the majestic natural scenery of the Sumatran mountains, and learn about the unique culture of the local people.

To get to Gopeng, you can travel by car from Kuala Lumpur, taking about 3 hours. If you want to save time, you can join a day tour. After experiencing kayaking, you can visit Ipoh, an ancient city with impressive architecture and rich cuisine.

Tempurung Cave In Ipoh

Tempurung Cave, a natural wonder in Gopeng, is an ideal destination for those who love exploration and adventure. With an impressive length of up to 4.5 km, this cave is ranked among the longest caves in Peninsular Malaysia.

Tempurung Cave Exploration in Ipoh

Tempurung Cave is formed from limestone, dating back up to 400 million years. It owns caves and underground river systems, creating a spectacular scene. The cave is divided into 5 areas, each with its own unique features. You can join tours in Ipoh with different levels, from dry tours to wet tours, to explore mysterious caves, admire majestic stalactites and stalagmites.

To get to Tempurung Cave, you can take a private car or taxi from Ipoh, which is about 25 km away. You should also book wet tours in advance, and bring sneakers, a flashlight, drinking water and a towel.

Banjaran Hot Springs

Banjaran Hot Springs, a peaceful oasis located in Ipoh, promises to bring you a relaxing and rejuvenating resort experience. It is surrounded by a poetic natural landscape with ancient limestone caves, majestic waterfalls and lush tropical forests.

Banjaran Hot Springs is famous for its natural hot springs, extracted from underground, bringing great health benefits. You can relax in the outdoor hot spring pools, soak in the hot cave, or experience the refreshing feeling of cold stone baths. In addition, the resort also offers spa services, yoga, and high-class cuisine, helping you restore energy and renew your mental health.

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat Day Pass in Ipoh

To get to Banjaran Hot Springs, you can travel by private car or taxi from Ipoh city center, about 15 minutes away.

Gaharu Tea Valley – Ipoh, Malaysia

Less than a 30-minute drive from Ipoh, HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley is a 300-acre tea garden that brings you back to the green nature. Here, you can experience green tourism by planting your own tea, and enjoy hot, aromatic cups of tea.

In addition, you can also join a van tour to explore the highlights of the valley, such as the “Nursery Garden”, “Love Garden” with hundreds of years old trees, or “Tree Hugging Park” with unique painted trees. Not only that, you can also admire the poetic artificial waterfall, along with murals and elephant statues simulating the tin mining industry of Gopeng.

After strolling around the valley, you can stop by a cafe with a great view to relax, or go to a souvenir shop to buy specialty Gaharu tea products. If you want to combine sightseeing, you can visit Gua Tempurung, a famous cave nearby.

Taiping City near Ipoh – Malaysia

Taiping is an ideal destination for those who love nature, history and culture. It is famous for Taiping Lake Garden, a large park with 10 artificial lakes, home to giant purple maple trees and a beautiful place to watch the sunrise and sunset. In addition, you can also explore Mount Larut, the oldest and smallest mountain resort in Malaysia. It has fresh, cool air and great trails for those who love climbing.

Taiping is also home to historical heritage such as the Perak Museum, one of Malaysia’s oldest museums, with over 8,000 cultural, natural and historical artifacts. To get to Taiping, you can fly to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and then travel by bus or taxi.

Gopeng Town in Ipoh

Gopeng Town used to be the bustling tin mining center of the Kinta Valley, preserving the mark of the golden age with ancient houses and shady green streets.

You can stroll along the old streets, admire the indigenous architecture of the commercial houses built in the 19th century, visit the Gopeng Museum to learn about the history of tin mining and local culture. There is also the Gopeng Heritage House, which has been accurately restored, recreating the life of a middle-class family in the early 20th century.

You should spend at least one day to fully explore the beauty of this ancient town. Besides, you can also try waking up early to enjoy the brilliant sunrise, immerse yourself in the slow pace of life of the locals and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

Tanjung Malim Town – Ipoh, Malaysia

Tanjong Malim is a beautiful small town located between Perak and Selangor. This place is not only a cultural intersection between the two states but also has many interesting things waiting for you to discover.

Tanjong Malim used to be a trading center, purchasing agricultural products for the people in the surrounding areas. Today, the town has taken on a new look with the presence of Proton Industrial Park and UPSI University. You can easily get to Tanjong Malim by the North-South Expressway E1 or Federal Road 1.

You can visit the National Education Museum, located in the Suluh Budiman building, a national heritage, to learn about Malaysia’s educational history. In addition, Tanjong Malim is also home to impressive historical stories, from the tin mining period, World War II to the war on terror. These historical relics will help you better understand the formation and development of Tanjong Malim. And don’t forget to enjoy local dishes and shop for traditional handicrafts!

Kellie’s Castle – Ipoh, Malaysia

Kellie’s Castle was built by William Kellie Smith, a Scottish engineer, with the desire to create a magnificent castle for his family. However, cruel fate has left this project forever unfinished, becoming a mysterious and attractive historical heritage for tourists.

Kellie’s Castle is a unique combination of many architectural styles, from Roman, Moorish to Indian, creating an impressive harmonious beauty. This place also contains many secrets, such as mysterious passages, tunnels, and spiritual stories. You can explore the hidden corners of the castle, learn about history, and listen to thrilling stories about William Kellie Smith and his family.

To get to Kellie’s Castle, you can rent a motorbike or taxi from Ipoh city. It is recommended to visit the castle early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Bring drinking water and sunscreen, because this area is quite sunny.

Old Town Ipoh Padang

Located on the west side of the Kinta River, Ipoh Old Town is likened to a miniature version of Georgetown in Penang, but has its own unique character with peace and friendliness. This is an attractive destination in Malaysia, where you can explore the beauty of British colonial architecture, enjoy the famous taste of Ipoh white coffee.

To fully explore the beauty of Ipoh Old Town, you can walk, rent a bicycle or use a motorbike taxi service. Here, visit Kong Heng Square, Concubine Lane, Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Ipoh Padang, St. Michael’s Institution, Ipoh Train Station, Little India, Durbar (FMS) to fully experience the ancient beauty of the old town.

In particular, Ipoh Old Town is famous for its traditional coffee shops serving the signature white coffee. You can enjoy Nam Heong White Coffee, Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong, Yinzo Kopi, Kedai Kopi Ah Chow, Lim Ko Pi. Don’t forget to stroll around this beautiful town with attractive local eateries to learn about the culture and enjoy the local cuisine of Ipoh!

Perak Tong Cave Temple Ipoh

Besides nature, Ipoh is also famous as a unique cultural tourist destination for you to explore. Perak Tong Cave Temple in Ipoh is an interesting destination that combines majestic natural beauty and Buddhist culture. This place is considered a “fairyland” in the heart of the city, attracting tourists with its unique architecture, majestic Buddha statues and peaceful space.

You can join cave exploration tours, admire the giant golden Buddha statue, vivid murals about Chinese and Buddhist legends, and lovely small temples hidden inside the cave. In addition, you also have the opportunity to participate in activities such as meditation, learning calligraphy, traditional painting, enjoying tea ceremony, or learning about the unique ecosystem inside the cave.

To get to Perak Tong Cave Temple, you can use Grab service or taxi from Ipoh city center. You should visit in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. After sightseeing, don’t forget to enjoy local dishes such as Ipoh white coffee, kaya bread, soya bean sprout chicken or Ipoh fried noodles.

The tin mining city, Ipoh is an attractive destination, promising to bring you many memorable travel experiences. This ancient city with the scent of coffee will give you the opportunity to enjoy beautiful nature and challenge yourself with many discovery experiences.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Ipoh you can refer to

• Private City Transfers for Ipoh and Surrounding Cities
• Private City Transfer between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur
• Ipoh Private Day Tour from Kuala Lumpur
• The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat Day Pass in Ipoh
• White Water Rafting with Caving Experience in Gopeng
• Lost World of Tambun Ticket in Ipoh with Round Trip Shared Transfer from Kuala Lumpur
• Ipoh Private Heritage Day Tour
• The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat Day Pass in Ipoh
• Tempurung Cave Exploration in Ipoh
• Sunway Lost World Of Tambun WaterPark Ticket in Ipoh
• Gopeng and Kampar Private Day Tour from Ipoh
• Kuala Kangsar Private Tour from Ipoh
• Taiping and Orang Utan Island Day Tour from Ipoh
• KL TravelPass (Metro Card) in Kuala Lumpur
• [SALE] 4G Prepaid SIM Card (MY Airports Pick Up) for Malaysia
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for Malaysia
• KLIA Ekspres Airport Train Tickets (QR Code Direct Entry)

Are you looking for more Malaysia travel guide and top things to do in Malaysia: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more Ipoh guide here.