Michelle Yeoh’s Hometown “Famous for Beautiful Women” – 9 Must-Dos When Visiting Ipoh, Malaysia

Reporter Chen Zi-Yin / Special Report & Photography

Traveling south from Penang in Malaysia to Ipoh, the capital of Perak state, this city seems inseparable from coffee, surrounded by mountains and less crowded than Penang, giving Ipoh a more tranquil vibe. For Taiwanese travelers, Ipoh is an emerging tourist destination, where karst landscapes form oddly shaped mountains and produce pure underground water rich in minerals, hence the saying “Ipoh produces beautiful women,” and it’s also the hometown of international superstar Michelle Yeoh.

What are the must-visit attractions or things to do on your first trip to Ipoh? ETtoday Eastday Travel Cloud has compiled the “8 Must-Not-Miss Spots in Ipoh” to give readers a sneak peek at the city’s charm.

1. Concubine Lane


Locals talk about a small alley called “Concubine Lane,” which was once where wealthy tin miners kept their mistresses during the tin mining boom. Legend has it that there were so many mistresses that they all ended up living here. The double-layered, weathered old walls are colonial-era British architecture. Though now quiet, it has become a favorite spot for backpackers. Taking photos in the less-than-10-meter-wide alley gives a surreal mix of past and present.

Recently, according to a report by The Star, Yao Ping-xi, grandson of local tycoon Yao Tak-seng, clarified in an interview that the lane being called “Concubine Lane” is purely a misunderstanding, as his grandfather’s wives were all legally married. Concubine Lane wasn’t exclusively for mistresses but was a row of shops given by mine owner Yao Tak-seng to his second wife, hence the name. Two other alleys were named “First Lady Lane” and “Third Lady Lane” after being given to the first and third wives, respectively. When reporters visited, most locals still believed the first origin story, adding an air of mystery to Concubine Lane.

Read More>>>>>Century-old Red-Light District? Ipoh in Malaysia Has Concubine Lane and Third Lady Lane...

2. Old Town Murals


The mural trend that exploded in Penang has also spread to Ipoh. Among them, the coffee old man mural, also painted by a Lithuanian artist, covers the walls of old buildings. The vividly depicted figures have become a “must-take” photo spot for tourists. In Ipoh, anyone can paint a mural with the homeowner’s permission, making it relatively easy to create street art here. In Old Town, murals are hidden around corners or pop up unexpectedly, offering a delightful afternoon of exploration.

3. Plan B Cultural & Creative Space


If you consider yourself a “hipster,” you must visit Plan B. This multi-concept cultural space houses various small shops and cafes, all preserving the original look of the old buildings while incorporating artistic designs. Even if you just want to look around, the shop owners are very welcoming. Of course, grabbing a relaxing cup of Ipoh white coffee at your favorite spot is one of the best experiences in Ipoh.

4. Gua Tempurung (Tempurung Cave)

▲Photo / Courtesy of Tourism Malaysia Official Website.

If you ask locals for their top recommendation, chances are high they’ll say “Gua Tempurung.” This world-famous limestone cave is named for resembling five coconut shells. Formed 8,000 years ago B.C., the 1.5-km-long cave showcases breathtaking karst formations. There are four routes inside, with the longest featuring 640 steps, so it’s strongly advised that those with low stamina avoid attempting it.

5. Kellie’s Castle


A place that makes you feel like you’re in Europe, Kellie’s Castle was built in 1915 by Scottish planter William Kellie Smith. Legend has it he intended to gift the castle to his beloved wife, designing it beautifully and even including an elevator shaft—an incredibly modern feature at the time.

Perched on a hillside and mostly empty inside, the castle features a basement and several hidden tunnels and secret rooms that lead outside the castle, adding to its mysterious and eerie atmosphere. Locals say ghost stories about Kellie’s Castle are rampant, but its unique architecture even attracts Malaysians who visit during the day for photos.

Read More>>>>>Mysterious Passages Like a Haunted House – Kellie’s Castle in Malaysia Has a Touching Love Story

6. Ipoh Railway Station


A train station that blends typical Moorish and Victorian architectural styles—not in Europe, but in Ipoh—it’s even called the “Taj Mahal of Ipoh.” Built in the 19th century, the pristine white structure underwent renovations in 2007. The second floor and above house a railway hotel. Ipoh is often a stopover for travelers heading north to Kuala Lumpur or southward, with many business travelers staying overnight.

7. Bean Sprout Chicken


When in Ipoh, bean sprouts and white coffee are both must-try delicacies. Thanks to the pure water quality, the “bean sprouts” here are especially plump, sweet, and tender. Popular since the 1950s, the local style involves blanching the sprouts, then mixing them with chicken fat, soy sauce, and pepper, served with sliced boiled chicken or braised chicken feet. This unique dining habit has become a must-eat treat for today’s tourists.

8. Tofu Pudding & Soy Milk


The mineral-rich water also makes local tofu and soy milk products exceptionally fragrant. Tour guide Xiao Liang recommends trying tofu pudding or soy milk in Ipoh, along with bean sprout chicken and white coffee. A sip of freshly made tofu pudding from a street vendor reveals a natural, soothing bean flavor—perfect for beating the heat.

9. Sip a Cup of Ipoh White Coffee


No matter where you travel in Malaysia, many people stock up on white coffee from grocery stores or supermarkets. But Ipoh is the birthplace of white coffee. The most famous is a café called “Old Town,” a favorite among tourists, but another local brand, “Chang Jiang White Coffee,” is highly recommended by residents. Either way, be sure to try an authentic cup of “Ipoh White Coffee” while you’re here.

Transportation Information:
Ipoh is 205 km from Kuala Lumpur and 165 km from Penang. Travelers can transfer to flights, trains, or buses from either city. Flights can be taken with Malaysia Airlines, with a transfer to Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh. Buses are available from both Penang and Kuala Lumpur, with the final stop at MEDAN KIDD Bus Terminal. Trains arrive at Ipoh Railway Station located in the city center.