Things to Do in Ipoh: Best Places to Eat, Explore & Stay
We only stayed 2D1N in Ipoh, as we were heading to Penang next — and honestly, we didn’t expect much. We thought it’d just be a stopover city with not a whole lot to do.
But we were so wrong.
Some of our best meals in Malaysia were here — the kind that made us go, “Wait, should we come back just to eat this again?” Ipoh might fly under the radar compared to places like Penang or KL, but it has its own quiet charm and a food scene that seriously impressed us.
This is a small but mighty guide — a quick roundup of what we ate, where we stayed, and a few spots worth checking out if you’re passing through. We’ll definitely be back — and this list will only grow from here.
How to Use This Guide
You’ll find a quick but helpful round-up of:
Where to Eat – From nostalgic tze char to elevated dim sum
Where to Shop - Small but charming local picks (great for souvenirs too)
Where to Stay – A wellness hotel that’s a little out of the way, but worth it
Travel Logistics – Getting around, data plans, currency tips and more
Use this guide as a starting point, especially if you’re passing through Ipoh or planning a short weekend trip. We’ll definitely be adding more on our next visit — but for now, this one’s short, sweet, and food-focused.
Where to Eat: Our Favourite Restaurants in Ipoh
We only spent a short time in Ipoh but we’re already dreaming of coming back — just to eat. The food scene here is honestly next-level: affordable, flavourful, and full of character. Here are the spots we still talk about.
Sin Hup Kee Restaurant
📍 17,19, 21, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Hands down one of the best tze char-style restaurants we’ve ever eaten at — and that’s saying something. We loved it so much we even talked about flying back to Ipoh just for this meal. The menu is extensive, the dishes are wok hei perfection, and the vibe is old-school and unfussy in the best way.
📝 Tip: Come early or make a booking — it gets packed.
Ming Moon Dim Sum Restaurant
📍 16-18 Jalan Raja Ekram, 30450 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
If you’re looking for dim sum that’s a step up from your usual — but still incredibly affordable — Ming Moon is the spot. Everything was freshly made and beautifully plated, and the service was efficient. We loved how clean and bright the space was too, which made for a relaxed start to the day.
📝 Tip: Great for both dim sum newbies and seasoned fans.
Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong
📍 49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Ipoh is famous for its tauge ayam (bean-sprout chicken), and Lou Wong is probably the most famous place to try it — so naturally, it was our first stop after landing.
The chicken was tender, the bean sprouts were fresh and crunchy, and everything was doused in a light soy-based sauce. It was good… but not mind-blowing. To be honest, it felt a little touristy and didn’t quite live up to the hype compared to other meals we had on this trip.
If it’s your first time in Ipoh, it’s still worth a visit for the experience — but if you’re short on time, there are other spots we’d prioritise.
Kin Loong Valley Chang Jiang White Coffee
📍 Eko Perlancongan, 1, Jln Perniagaan Sengat, Pusat Perniagaan Sengat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Sometimes you just want coffee with a VIEW. Kin Loong Valley is tucked away near limestone hills and caves, a short ride from town — so it feels like a mini escape.
Here the specialty is the white coffee — smooth, aromatic, with the kind of nostalgia you want on a relaxed afternoon. The setting is calm, open‑air, and very un‑rushed.
Where to Shop
Sin Weng Fai Peanut Candy Shop
📍 69 & 69A, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
This one’s great for gifts and snacks! Sin Weng Fai is famous for its traditional peanut candy — the kind that’s crispy, sweet, and just the right amount of nutty. It’s a well-loved local snack, and watching them make it in-store adds to the charm.
It’s also conveniently located just a few steps from Lou Wong, so you can pop in right after lunch.
📝 Tip: They pack the candy fresh for you — ideal for gifts or bringing a taste of Ipoh home.
Kong Heng Artisan Market
📍 11, Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
A creative hub tucked behind the famous Plan B café in the old town. You’ll find art prints, crafts, handmade jewellery, and little design boutiques run by local makers. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s still worth a wander — the area has a cool, laid-back vibe that blends history with creativity.
📝 Tip: Combine this with a coffee stop at one of the cafés nearby for a slow afternoon.
Where We Stay in Ipoh
Sojourn Spa Hotel Greentown Ipoh
📍 145, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, Pusat Perdagangan Greentown, 30450 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
We stayed at Sojourn Spa Hotel, which bills itself as a wellness hotel — and the massage here was surprisingly good! They also offer facials and spa treatments, so it’s a nice option if you’re in the mood for a bit of self-care.
The hotel is located a little outside the main tourist zone, but if you’re driving or don’t mind taking a Grab, it’s a comfortable and clean option with good amenities.
Tip: Great if you're planning a relaxed trip and want to wind down after food adventures.
Travel Tips: How to Get to Ipoh From Singapore
There are a few different ways to get from Singapore to Ipoh — depending on your budget, time, and comfort level:
By Plane (Fastest)
We took a direct Scoot flight from Singapore to Ipoh — super convenient and quick. The flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, and you'll land at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, which is just 10–15 minutes away from Ipoh town by car or Grab.
If you're short on time or just want a fuss-free way in, flying is the easiest option.
By Bus (Budget-friendly)
Buses from Singapore to Ipoh are available from various operators (e.g. KKKL, Konsortium, Sri Maju), and depart from places like Golden Mile Complex or Boon Lay.
Duration: 7–8 hours (depending on traffic and immigration)
Cost: Around SGD $25–$40 per person, one-way
Drop-off point: Most buses stop at Terminal Amanjaya, which is about 20–30 minutes from Ipoh city centre (you’ll need a Grab/taxi from there)
Best if you’re on a budget or want an overnight journey — but be prepared for a long ride.
By Train (via KL)
There’s no direct train from Singapore to Ipoh, but you can break the journey into two legs:
Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (via KTM ETS or shuttle + train)
Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh via ETS (Electric Train Service) – around 2 hours 30 minutes
This option is scenic and comfortable, but takes longer due to the change in KL. It’s best if you want to combine KL and Ipoh in the same trip.
Staying Connected: eSIM for Data
I always opt for an eSIM when I travel—it's super easy to set up and activates as soon as you land.
I used Airalo and had no issues with coverage in Malaysia.
Plans are affordable and easy to top up if needed.
Use my referral code DAPHNI0645 for USD3 off your first purchase (I’ll get USD3 credits when you use my code so it’s a win win!)
Currency & Spending: YouTrip Multi-Currency Wallet
We paid for most things using our YouTrip cards, which saved us money on foreign exchange fees.
You can withdraw up to SGD400/month from overseas ATMs with no extra fees.
After that, a 2% withdrawal fee applies.
Some ATMs may charge an additional local fee (usually minimal).
