Ipoh Things to Do

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The charm of Ipoh lies in its preservation of the past. St Michael Insitution (see main pics) has its roots in the days of colonialism, when the Christian Brothers and Sisters started up schools to educate the locals. The school continues to flourish today and many a good student comes from this school. The other prominent school in the area is Sam Tet School.

Located not far from the Railway station (see previous tip), you can recognise it by its large field and whitewashed buildings. A stone's throw away from St Michael's is the Ipoh National Library (see pics), with fountain cascading down its front steps. Look out also for the tree lined roads that make Ipoh perfectly leafy and perfect for a Sunday drive.

Fast fact: If you look closely at the trees, you'll see that the gardeners in this town all seem to have a streak of creativity - and have carved bushes and trees into various swirls and twirls.

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When in Ipoh town, don't miss the chance to check out the stately old buildings that you will find in and around the older part of Ipoh. A great place to start would be at the old Railway Station. Done up all in white, it harks back to the days of old when a slower pace of life was appreciated and railway travel was considered romantic in its own way (remember the Orient Express?).

There are two hotels located here within the Railway Station itself, the Majestic Hotel and the Stesen Hotel. The station itself was undergoing extensive renovations when I was there and I am not sure whether the hotels were still taking in guests. Across the road from the Railway station was a glorious white building (see pics), which I believe was either the Courthouse or some kind of local government building.

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The ex-tin mining town of Ipoh is located in the state of Perak. Now that its mining heydays are over, this laid-back easy going town is more well known for the its Ipoh Turf Club, limestone caves, pomelos and great food at value-for money prices.

Ipoh is certainly not a place that would immediately jump to people's minds as a tourist attraction. However, in recent times, with the development of the Lost World of Tambun the town is seeing a revival, and property development is taking place throughout the town.

Ipoh has a distinct new town and a charming "old town". The older part of town is around the Jalan Iskandar, Jalan Raja Dihilir (its old name is "Jalan Tambun") and the roads are well laid out, with a focal point being the main roundabout (see pics-with the waterfall). Depending on where you get off at the North South highway, you would either come to the newer part of town, or the older part of town. To get to the older part of town, take the "Simpang Pulai" exit. Old Ipoh town has many old shop houses, where clothing shops, photographic shops, bridal shops, tailor shops, cake shops, ubiquitious coffee shops and restaurants continue to do a brisk business. During my recent visit in September 2005, I noticed that the town and its parks has been well-maintained by the city council and possess a great deal of charm.

To get to the newer part of town, take "Ipoh Utara" exit. Most of the newer shopping malls are located here, including Jaya Jusco, Tesco and Giant supermarket.

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For those of you keen for an adreneline rush, why not check out the Giant Swing at Lost World of Tambun. The theme park has an all inclusive pricing, which includes all the attractions found at the park, whether they are the wet and splashy rides or the dry rides?

There are some height restrictions, but as this giant swing is smaller than the one that you find at Genting Theme park, I noticed that many children (above 110 cm approx?) were allowed to go on the ride. I have to say that it isn't really my cup of tea, I'm afraid - likewise I never did enjoy spinning around in a tea cup at Disneyland either. LOL

However, my pint-sized daughter (she is 9 years old, going on 17, and can pass off as a 6 year old on a good day), loved the ride so much, she and her school mate went no less than six times. By comparison, my older daughter, who is 11 years old, went once and declared that she didn't feel so good.

So, anyway, you choose! For those who enjoy these kinds of rides, give it a go.

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The Lost World of Tambun may be more famous for its wet and splashy rides, but it also has some nice attractions that you can enjoy without getting you wet. Admittedly this particular ride is not really interesting for adults, but young children will love this colourful merry go round.

My son (4+) and daughter (9) tried out the merry go round several times. My son was not comfortable on the horse, and became a bit nervous when it started moving up and down. However, he broke into a grateful smile when I took him off the horse and put him into one of those little trains.

D R Park is the biggest and most popular park in the city.

Around 50 acres in area, it has football fields, children's playground, Japanese garden, botanical garden, boating pool and just what a park should be ........

....lately getting very crowded as more and more people are taking advantage of the 5-day work week ......

In 1973 a huge chunk of rock fell from this hill and buried almost 50 people. They remained buried under the rock, which is behind what you see in this picture.

Go make a trip there and try to find out what happened to their souls................

Sam Poh Tong is perhaps most widely known.

Perhaps of it's longer existence >? Everybody seems to know about it. Its easy accessibility ? By the side of the main road from the south ( Kampar ) leading into Ipoh. That was before the North South Highway was built and so they had no choice BUT to notice SamPohTong and spread the news around.

Actually, Perak Cave in Kuala Kangsar Road is more attractive in terms of art and religious sophistication.