3-Day, 2-Night Ipoh Foodie's Itinerary

Malaysia is more than just Kuala Lumpur or Penang! This beautiful Islamic country hides countless wonderful secrets, one of which is the gem of Ipoh. Known as Malaysia's dream city, Ipoh is not only famous for its iconic white coffee, creamy tofu, and vibrant murals, but also for its majestic limestone mountains, mysterious caves, and relaxing hot springs!

With this self-guided 3-day, 2-night Ipoh itinerary, you will have the chance to enjoy Halal-certified dishes - a true reflection of Malaysia's rich culinary culture.

On the first day in Ipoh, I decided to kick things off with an authentic breakfast of egg tarts and Ipoh's white coffee at Nam Heong White Coffee. It's said to be one of the pioneers of Ipoh’s white coffee, even inspiring the famous Old Town White Coffee brand! The coffee here is aromatic, perfectly balancing sweetness and bitterness, and pairs wonderfully with the egg tarts or kaya toast.

After filling up, I continued my journey to New Hollywood Canning Garden, which is known as the Halal Chinese food heaven in Ipoh. The signature dish here is the Hong Kong-style rice rolls stuffed with shrimp or chicken, which are absolutely delicious. Don't forget to try the wonton noodles, fried dough sticks, and curry noodles – they’re all bestsellers you shouldn't miss. And remember to come early, or you’ll have to wait in a long line!

You might not know this, but Ipoh is also an art city, home to unique murals created by the local artist Ernest Zacharevic. These works are scattered throughout the city, breathing life into the old buildings, making Ipoh vibrant and colorful. I managed to capture quite a few cool photos in narrow alleys and behind these buildings!

Continuing my journey to explore art and culture, I visited the Yasmin Ahmad Museum at Kong Heng. This quaint little museum was built to honor and inspire movie lovers, just like the talented director Yasmin Ahmad did. Although small in size, it is filled with poems, films, and nostalgic photographs that will surely immerse you in the emotional world of art.

Right next to the museum is Kong Heng Square, a fascinating space with stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and cute little items. If you’re feeling thirsty, don't miss trying the refreshing shaved ice ais kepal from Bits & Bobs!

You can’t visit Ipoh without trying its famous tau foo fah (tofu)! The tofu here is made with Ipoh’s natural spring water, giving it a special taste and texture. I stopped by Funny Mountain, a family-run shop with over 60 years of experience making tofu. You can even take it to go and enjoy it on the move!

To wrap up an exciting day, I had a fragrant chicken rice meal at Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken, one of Ipoh's most famous chicken rice spots. If you’re a bean sprout fan, be sure to order a big plate of sprouts to pair with your chicken rice. Or, you can opt for hor fun (rice noodles) if you prefer. You’re sure to be satisfied and full after this dinner!

The second day in Ipoh started with an unbelievably delicious dim sum breakfast! Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum is my go-to dim sum spot, offering an old-school atmosphere with vintage wooden tables, mosaic-tiled floors, and an endless stream of mouthwatering dim sum trays served by the staff.

Here, you’ll enjoy the experience of sharing cozy, bustling tables with fellow diners while savoring hot, delicious dim sum. But make sure to arrive early since the place is always packed, especially on weekends.

If you’re on the lookout for a Halal breakfast spot with a diverse menu, Restoran Mee Kari Kak Yah is a fantastic option. From curry noodles, soup noodles, rice rolls, nasi lemak to roti bakar and kuih-muih, they’ve got it all. You’ll leave with a full belly and a satisfied smile.

After recharging with a hearty dim sum breakfast, I continued my journey to Lost World Of Tambun – one of Malaysia's top amusement parks, promising a fun-filled day. Here, you can scream your heart out on roller coasters, relax in hot springs, or meet adorable pandas at the petting zoo.

Don’t forget to stay until evening, as the park transforms into an entirely different world with impressive fire shows and a mystical glowing forest. Plus, if you book your tickets through Mytour, you can enjoy up to 28% off the regular ticket price!

If theme parks aren't your thing, why not unwind at Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat? This tranquil wellness resort, nestled amidst stunning nature, spans 22.7 acres in a valley in Perak, surrounded by 400-million-year-old limestone caves.

You can soak in natural hot springs, meditate in a crystal cave, or join the daily yoga sessions at Banjaran. It sounds absolutely amazing, doesn't it?

On my last day in Ipoh, I decided to start with an authentic Malaysian breakfast featuring nasi ganja (mixed rice) at Kedai Kopi Yong Suan. Nasi ganja is actually nasi kandar, a traditional Malaysian dish. This old-school coffee shop has been around for over 60 years and is always bustling with customers.

Don’t worry if you see a long line; the service here is fast and efficient. I ordered a hearty plate of nasi ganja with juicy red chicken, salted egg, vegetables, and a generous pour of rich curry sauce. It was absolutely delicious!

After filling my stomach, I headed to Gunung Lang Recreation Park – a beautiful limestone area with unique rock formations that provide a perfect backdrop for stunning photos.

The park features a clear blue lake, lookout towers offering panoramic views of the surrounding nature, a waterfall, and various amenities like a playground, camping area, and a mini zoo. You're guaranteed to have the most relaxing afternoon here!

My Ipoh adventure continues with a visit to Kellie’s Castle, a famous spot known for its beauty, mystery, and tragic history. The castle was built by a Scottish plantation owner as a gift for his beloved wife (much like the story behind the Taj Mahal!). Unfortunately, it was abandoned after his death.

The castle grounds hide many unsolved mysteries, including three secret tunnels that were discovered, as well as eerie tales of supernatural phenomena. It's a place that truly sparks curiosity and the desire for exploration!

If you're an adventure seeker, head to Tempurung Cave – one of Malaysia's largest limestone caves, located in Gopeng, about 24km south of Ipoh. It's a popular destination for cave explorers, and you can join tours of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Inside the cave, you'll encounter massive domes, narrow underground rivers, vast chambers, and strange rock formations that can only be found in this region.

Ipoh, the capital of Perak state, is a city located in the northwest of Malaysia, around 200km north of Kuala Lumpur. Known for its mix of ancient charm and modernity, Ipoh is famous for its unforgettable local cuisine and attractions such as caves, temples, and unique architectural landmarks.

Planning a refreshing getaway to Ipoh, the serene and charming city of Malaysia? As of the publication of this article, no airline offers direct flights between Vietnam and Ipoh. But don’t worry about getting there, because there are plenty of easy and convenient ways to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.

If you’re looking for a fast and comfortable journey, the ETS (Electric Train Service) is a perfect choice. The trip takes about 2.5 hours, and you’ll be cruising on modern, well-equipped trains while enjoying the stunning scenery along the way.

ETS offers two types of services, Gold and Silver, with different fares depending on the class of seat and departure time. You can book tickets online via the KTM website or purchase them directly at the station.

Taking the bus is a more economical choice compared to the train, with fares starting from 20 RM. Several bus operators run services between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, including Plusliner, Transnasional, Starmart Express, and others. You can purchase tickets online or at major bus terminals.

However, bus travel takes longer than the train, with a journey time of approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. If you're not in a rush and are looking to save some money, this option is definitely worth considering.

If you're traveling with a small group or prefer a private and comfortable journey, a taxi or Grab ride is the perfect option. You can easily book a ride via the Grab app or hail a taxi at designated pickup points.

Taxi/Grab fares tend to be higher than train and bus options, but in return, you get privacy, comfort, and the freedom to choose your travel time.

If you enjoy exploring scenic routes at your own pace and have plenty of time, driving yourself is a great option. You can rent a car in Kuala Lumpur and drive to Ipoh along your own chosen route.

However, be aware that you will need either an international driver's license or a valid Malaysian driving license to drive here. Additionally, it's important to familiarize yourself with traffic laws and the roadways before setting off.

With all these diverse travel options, getting from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh has never been easier. No matter which transport mode you choose, remember to book your tickets in advance and pack your luggage carefully for a fun and memorable trip.

Ipoh is truly a fantastic destination for those who love food, culture, and nature. With this 3-day, 2-night itinerary, I had a wonderfully memorable trip, feeling completely satisfied both mentally and gastronomically.

Before heading to Malaysia, don't forget to check out the latest articles from Mytour for additional helpful tips, such as: Tips for visiting Legoland Malaysia, 20 Malaysia Travel Tours, Malaysia Travel Tips, 9 Must-See Places in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Legoland Theme Park Experience, What to Buy in Malaysia, 6 Days 5 Nights Singapore - Malaysia Itinerary, Malaysia Immigration Procedures, 26 Famous Malaysian Dishes, 4 Days 3 Nights Kuala Lumpur Travel Itinerary... Enjoy!

What about you? Hurry up and plan your own 3-day, 2-night Ipoh trip to discover all the exciting things this place has to offer!