Discover the Timeless Charm of Old Town Ipoh

Explore the historic streets of Old Town Ipoh, where colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and delectable local cuisine create a unique and enchanting atmosphere.

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Malaysia
Ipoh
Old Town

Nestled in the heart of Perak, Malaysia, Old Town Ipoh is a delightful blend of rich heritage and vibrant culture. Known for its colonial-era architecture, this neighbourhood is a living museum that transports visitors back in time. The streets are lined with beautifully preserved pre-war buildings, each narrating tales of the past. The iconic Ipoh Railway Station, often dubbed the 'Taj Mahal of Ipoh,' is a stunning example of early 20th-century British colonial architecture. Beyond its historical allure, Old Town Ipoh is a haven for food enthusiasts. The neighbourhood is famed for its culinary delights, particularly the mouth-watering Ipoh white coffee and dim sum. Wander through the bustling streets and you'll find an array of traditional coffee shops and hawker stalls serving up local delicacies that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Art lovers will rejoice in the vibrant street art scene that adorns the walls of Old Town. The murals, created by renowned artists, add a modern twist to the historic setting and provide perfect photo opportunities. Additionally, the neighbourhood is home to several quaint shops and artisanal boutiques, offering unique souvenirs and local crafts. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the local culture, a visit to the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum is a must. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Hakka miners who once thrived in Ipoh. With its mix of history, culture, and culinary delights, Old Town Ipoh promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

Local tips in Old Town

Visit early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local coffee shop.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the best way to explore the neighbourhood is on foot.
Don't miss the street art trail; it provides a great way to discover hidden corners of Old Town.
Try the famous Ipoh white coffee at one of the traditional coffee shops for an authentic taste experience.
Check the opening hours of the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum in advance as it requires prior booking.

File:Ipoh, Malaysia March 2023 90s Classic.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Ipoh Railway Station.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Birch Memorial Clocktower.JPG - Wikimedia Commons

File:Han Chin Pet Soo 1.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

File:Old Uncle with White Coffee.jpg - Wikipedia

File:金湖文化广场 - 锡山宝鼎 - 2023-08-13.jpg - Wikipedia

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Birch Memorial Clock Tower

Discover the Birch Memorial Clock Tower in Ipoh, a historical landmark reflecting the city's rich colonial past and vibrant culture.

Ipoh Mural - Old Town Relieves Nostalgia with Trishaw

Discover Ipoh Mural in Old Town, where vibrant street art meets rich history in a stunning open-air gallery that tells the tale of a beloved city.

Ipoh World at Han Chin Pet Soo

Explore the vibrant history of Ipoh at Han Chin Pet Soo, where the legacy of tin mining and Chinese culture come alive through engaging exhibits.

22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Ipoh at 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery, featuring art, history, and unique local gifts.

Time Tunnel Ipoh

Explore the rich history and culture of Ipoh at Time Tunnel, a captivating museum showcasing the city's past through engaging exhibits.

Ipoh Cultural Corridor

Discover the Ipoh Cultural Corridor: A vibrant tapestry of art, history, and culinary delights in the heart of Malaysia's charming city.

People's Park, Old Town

Explore the beauty of People's Park, Old Town in Ipoh, a serene green oasis perfect for relaxation, family fun, and cultural exploration.

Ipoh War Memorial

Explore the Ipoh War Memorial, a solemn tribute in Malaysia that honors the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and peace.

Made In Ipoh

Explore the vibrant cultural heritage of Ipoh at Made In Ipoh, a unique historical museum showcasing local craftsmanship and history.

Old Resting Place

Explore the Old Resting Place in Ipoh, a serene historical landmark that unveils the rich heritage and tranquil beauty of Malaysia's past.

Unmissable attractions to see

Birch Memorial Clock Tower

Discover the Birch Memorial Clock Tower in Ipoh, a stunning colonial-era landmark that showcases the city's rich history and architectural beauty.

Ipoh War Memorial

Explore the Ipoh War Memorial, a serene historical landmark honoring the sacrifices of soldiers in Ipoh, Malaysia, amidst lush gardens and rich history.

Lorong Seni @ Lorong Panglima, Ipoh

Explore Lorong Seni in Ipoh for a captivating experience of street art and local culture, reflecting the vibrant spirit of Malaysia.

Essential places to dine

Plan B Restaurant | Ipoh

Experience the vibrant flavors of Asian Fusion at Plan B Restaurant in Ipoh - where culinary creativity meets comfort.

Restaurant Sri Aryaa Bhavan Ipoh

Discover authentic South Indian cuisine at Sri Aryaa Bhavan in Ipoh Old Town - a delightful experience awaits every food lover.

Little Elephant

Discover authentic Thai cuisine at Little Elephant in Ipoh, where every dish tells a story of flavor and tradition.

OldTown White Coffee (Greentown Outlet)

Experience authentic Malaysian cuisine and the famous white coffee at OldTown White Coffee in Greentown Avenue.

Atapas

Discover Atapas in Ipoh: Where Fine Dining Meets Exquisite Western Cuisine in an Elegant Ambiance.

OLD TOWN CAPATI

Savor authentic Indian flavors at Old Town Capati, Ipoh's favorite destination for delicious South Indian cuisine.

Memories Ipoh by Morel Restaurant

Experience delightful Western cuisine in the heart of Ipoh's historic Old Town at Memories Ipoh by Morel Restaurant.

Old Town Kitchen Cafe

Discover authentic Malaysian cuisine at Old Town Kitchen Cafe in Ipoh - where tradition meets modern dining.

Old Street Curry Mee House

Discover the authentic taste of Indian cuisine at Old Street Curry Mee House – where every bowl of curry mee tells a delicious story.

Oldtown Beerhole Bistro and Cafe

Experience delightful dining at Oldtown Beerhole Bistro and Cafe in Ipoh—where cozy ambiance meets exquisite flavors.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Store @ Jalan Dato Onn Jaafar

Experience local flavors and a wide selection of goods at The Store @ Jalan Dato Onn Jaafar, your go-to supermarket in Ipoh.

STG Ipoh Oldtown

Experience the art of tea at STG Ipoh Oldtown, where tradition meets modernity in a charming boutique setting.

Vintage Ipoh Gallery

Explore the rich heritage of Malaysia with a visit to Vintage Ipoh Gallery, where timeless antiques tell captivating stories.

KOOKEEIPOHOLDTOWN

Discover the flavors of Ipoh at Koo Kee Old Town - a confectionery gem blending tradition and taste in every bite.

What To Wear 2 @ Ipoh Old Town

Experience the essence of Malaysian fashion at What To Wear 2 in Ipoh Old Town, a boutique offering unique styles and cultural flair.

IPOH VINTAGE STORE

Explore unique fashion at Ipoh Vintage Store, where vintage charm meets modern style in the heart of Malaysia.

What To Wear 1 @ Ipoh Old Town

Discover fashion that embodies the spirit of Ipoh at What To Wear 1, a must-visit clothing store in the heart of Old Town.

What To Wear 3 @ Ipoh Old Town

Explore the stylish offerings at What To Wear 3, a boutique in Ipoh Old Town, where fashion meets local culture and unique designs await.

shop

Explore the vibrant clothing store in Ipoh, a fashion hub offering trendy styles and unique finds for every shopper's taste.

Po Ly Goldsmith & Jeweller Ipoh at Old Town

Explore exquisite craftsmanship at Po Ly Goldsmith & Jeweller in Ipoh's historic Old Town, where tradition meets elegance in every piece.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Euro House

Discover the vibrant Euro House in Taman Jubilee, Ipoh – a perfect blend of delicious Western cuisine and lively nightlife.

Bricks & Barrels Ipoh

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Ipoh at Bricks & Barrels, the ultimate pub with a beer garden, dance club atmosphere, and delicious Western cuisine.

Healy Mac's Irish Bar

Discover Healy Mac's Irish Bar in Ipoh, where authentic Irish culture meets local charm with great food, drinks, and entertainment.

Rooftop Restaurant and Bar

Discover the Rooftop Restaurant and Bar in Ipoh: where stunning views meet an exquisite menu in a vibrant gastropub atmosphere.

Tiga

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Ipoh at Tiga, a stylish cocktail bar offering unique drinks and a cozy speakeasy ambiance.

Viking Village Bar of Music | Pub | Bar | Bistro | Ipoh

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Viking Village Bar of Music in Ipoh, where delicious food and live music come together for an unforgettable night.

Atas Speakeasy

Experience innovative cocktails and a cozy atmosphere at Atas Speakeasy, the must-visit cocktail bar in Ipoh's Taman Jubilee.

St. Patrick Irish Bar | Ipoh

Experience the Irish spirit at St. Patrick Irish Bar in Ipoh, offering exceptional drinks and a lively atmosphere for a memorable night out.

Sinhalese Bar

Discover the charm of Sinhalese Bar in Ipoh, where unique cocktails and a cozy atmosphere await every traveler.

MINERS ARMS Ipoh Oldtown

Discover Miners Arms in Ipoh Oldtown for a vibrant pub experience filled with cocktails, wines, and unforgettable ambiance.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide to Old Town

Discover Old Town with Evendo, a 100% free app-based local travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Local Phrases

- HelloSelamat pagi
  [suh-lah-maht pah-gee]
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-lah-maht teeng-gahl]
- YesYa
  [yah]
- NoTidak
  [tee-dahk]
- Please/You're welcomeSila
  [see-lah]
- Thank youTerima kasih
  [teh-ree-mah kah-see]
- Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
- How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ah-pah kah-bahr]
- Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awak?
  [bah-eek. dahn ah-wahk]
- Do you speak English?Boleh cakap Bahasa Inggeris?
  [boh-leh chah-kahp bah-hah-sah eeng-geh-rees]
- I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBoleh saya lihat menu?
  [boh-leh sah-yah lee-haht meh-noo]
- I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yihng]
- Cheers!Sihat!
  [see-haht]
- I would like to pay, pleaseBoleh saya bayar?
  [boh-leh sah-yah bah-yahr]
- Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng]
- Go away!Pergi jauh-jauh!
  [pehr-gee jah-oo jah-oo]
- Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pahng-geel poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tohr]
- I'm lostSaya sesat
  [sah-yah suh-saht]
- I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]
- I'd like to buy...Saya nak beli...
  [sah-yah nahk beh-lee]
- I'm just lookingSaya cuma tengok-tengok
  [sah-yah choo-mah tehn-gohk-tehn-gohk]
- How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [beh-rah-pah hahr-gahn-yah]
- That's too expensiveTerlalu mahal
  [tehr-lah-loo mah-hahl]
- Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [boh-leh koor-ahn-gahn hahr-gah]
- What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [poo-kool beh-rah-pah suh-kah-rahn]
- It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [poo-kool sah-too]
- Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [suh-tehn-gah (suh-poo-loo)]
- MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
- AfternoonPetang
  [peh-tahng]
- EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
- YesterdaySemalam
  [suh-mah-lahm]
- TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
- TomorrowEsok
  [eh-sohk]
- 1Satu
  [sah-too]
- 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
- 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
- 4Empat
  [uhm-paht]
- 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
- 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
- 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
- 8Lapan
  [lah-pahn]
- 9Sembilan
  [suhm-bee-lahn]
- 10Sepuluh
  [suh-poo-loo]
- Where's a/the...?Di mana...?
  [dee mah-nah]
- What's the address?Berapa alamatnya?
  [beh-rah-pah ah-lah-maht-nyah]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [boh-leh toon-jook-kahn sah-yah (dee peh-tah)]
- When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bee-lah bahs suh-teh-roos-nyah]
- A ticket (to ....)Sebuah tiket (ke ....)
  [suh-boo-ah tee-keht (keh ....)]

History of Old Town

Ipoh's history dates back to the late 19th century when it was established as a tin mining town. The discovery of tin in the Kinta Valley in the 1850s attracted miners and traders from various regions, leading to rapid population growth and the development of Old Town as a commercial hub.
During the British colonial period, Ipoh experienced significant development, particularly in Old Town, characterized by its unique architectural styles. Buildings such as the Ipoh Railway Station (completed in 1917) and the Town Hall showcase a blend of colonial and local influences, reflecting the town's historical significance in the region.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Old Town became a thriving center for tin mining commerce. Wealthy Chinese merchants established businesses and clans, contributing to the town's cultural diversity. This period saw the emergence of iconic kopitiams (coffee shops) that are still popular today.
During World War II, Ipoh, like many parts of Malaysia, was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The occupation brought hardship to the residents of Old Town, leading to significant changes in the social structure and economy as many businesses struggled to survive.
After the war, Ipoh saw a revival in its economy, with Old Town serving as a focal point for cultural exchange and community life. The establishment of new businesses, restaurants, and cultural events helped to rejuvenate the area, preserving its historical identity while embracing modernization.
In recent years, efforts to conserve and promote the heritage of Old Town have gained momentum. The area has seen a resurgence in interest from both locals and tourists, leading to restoration projects that celebrate its rich history, cultural festivals, and the revival of traditional arts and crafts.

Old Town Essentials

Old Town Ipoh is easily accessible from various neighbourhoods in the city. If you are coming from Ipoh Railway Station, it is just a short 10-minute walk. Alternatively, local buses and taxis are available. For those staying in the more modern areas like Greentown or Ipoh Garden, expect about a 10 to 15-minute taxi ride. Grab services are also widely used throughout the city for convenience.
Old Town is compact and best explored on foot. Many attractions, street art, and food stalls are within walking distance. Bicycle rentals are available for those who prefer a quicker pace; look for local rental shops. Public buses operate in and around Ipoh, but within Old Town, walking or cycling is the most enjoyable way to soak in the atmosphere.
Old Town Ipoh is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as in any urban area, it is wise to stay vigilant, especially at night. Areas such as Jalan Dato' Onn Jaafar and the lanes behind the main tourist attractions can be quieter and should be approached with caution after dark. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid displaying valuable items.
In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police or ambulance services in Malaysia. The nearest hospital is Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, located a short drive away. It is advisable to carry a copy of your travel insurance details and any necessary medical information. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies located throughout Old Town.
Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking; the streets can be uneven. Dress modestly, especially when visiting places of worship. Religion: Do be respectful of local customs; avoid loud behavior near religious sites. Public Transport: Do be patient and courteous. Don’t eat or drink in public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile; a nod or slight bow is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local street food and drink from the famous white coffee shops. Don’t waste food; it is considered disrespectful.
To experience Old Town like a local, visit the morning markets for fresh produce and local snacks. Engage in conversations with the friendly shop owners; many enjoy sharing stories about their heritage. For an authentic meal, seek out the local hawker stalls and try dishes like chicken rice or curry mee. Don't miss the chance to explore the street art scene, which reflects the culture and history of Ipoh. Lastly, early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times to explore, avoiding the midday heat.
When visiting temples or mosques, it is essential to remove your shoes before entering. Women should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. It is polite to ask for permission before taking photographs of locals, especially in more secluded areas. Always use your right hand for giving and receiving items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
Old Town Ipoh is renowned for its culinary delights. Don't miss trying the iconic Ipoh white coffee, which differs from regular coffee due to its unique roasting process. Additionally, sample local delicacies like 'Nasi Kandar' and 'Chao Kway Teow'. Street food is abundant, and it's advisable to eat where the locals eat, as high turnover implies freshness and safety.

Discover the Timeless Charm of Old Town Ipoh

Local tips in Old Town