Lose Yourself in Malaysia’s Rejuvenating City, Ipoh

Joanne

March 16, 2018

By Joanne March 16, 2018

As the sound of drilling machines and mine workers faded away, Ipoh, the capital city of Malaysia’s Perak state, began sliding into obscurity. The infrastructure slipped into disrepair and the town lost its life, overshadowed by Kuala Lumpur and Melaka . But as its old life faded away, Ipoh found new life in its scenic views and adventurous getaways.

If you are looking to escape the stressful city life on a weekend getaway from Singapore , Ipoh is the place to visit. It’s a revitalising and exciting destination where you can lose yourself and rejuvenate.

Getting to Ipoh

The fastest way to get to Ipoh is via air. However, if you are on a cheap tour package to Malaysia , you’ll probably get a coach to the higher parts of Malaysia. The coach takes longer and could be a bit bumpy, but the scenic views are breath-taking and well worth the longer ride. A flight to Ipoh will cost you as low as SGD 50 during off-peak seasons, and you will not have to spend more than two hours in the air.

Lose Yourself in the Architecture and Contemporary Street Art

Ipoh’s old town lies west of the Kinta River and is home to some of the city’s remarkable historic buildings. On the western part of the old town is the jewel in the crown of colonial extravagance. The “Taj Mahal” train station, built in the early 20th Century by the British colonial regime is a towering structure with gleaming white domes. Right next to it is the old Town Hall building, built in 1916. It is yet another gem in the spectacular architecture of Ipoh.

Most of the majestic, century-old buildings have found new life in the form of coffee shops and art cafes. If you are on a short trip from Singapore, make sure that you take a peek at the contemporary street art, and sip some of the finest coffee at the traditional coffee shops.

Lose Yourself in the Variety of Adventure

Ipoh offers more than the impressive street art and century old architecture. You can indulge in adventure and sport including white-water rafting and caving. If you are a rafting enthusiast, be sure to head out for a rafting trip on a rainy day. The effect of the rain on the current will make your trip even more thrilling. You can go caving at Gua Tempurung. It’s an excellent experience but not for the weak. The course is dotted with obstacles such as sliding down a steep sand slope higher than 3 metres, crawling through low cave ceilings and swimming across the cold water.

Lose Yourself in the Tranquillity of Nature

Ipoh is close to the home of one of the best tropical mangrove bionetwork. The Conservancy in Kuala Sepetang, Taiping is excellent for an intimate bond with nature. Make sure you get a piece of this wholesome experience even if you are on a short trip from Singapore.

What’s more, you can get to visit Malaysia’s largest park: “Lake Gardens.” The park was set up in the late 19th Century, and it will astonish you with its most striking feature, the overhanging Angsana trees.

Whether you are losing yourself in the architecture, art, adventure or nature, Ipoh is truly worth a visit.

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