Ipoh is Malaysia’s third most populous city and one of the most popular destinations for a short, simple and fun weekend getaway today. Also known as the gateway to Cameron Highlands, this city is slowly climbing the ladders of travel bucket lists from travellers all over the world.

Ipoh has faced a massive transformation over the past few years—in the past, many of us would never have thought of visiting Ipoh for a holiday trip or even a short getaway from the rush of our fast-paced lifestyles. However, Ipoh’s rapid transition has managed to land the city on Lonely Planet’s list of Top 10 Asian Destinations To Visit in 2016.

If you are looking to stop by Ipoh for just a day, here are some suggestions on where you can eat and have fun at.

Photo Credit: mizznsm88

BREAKFAST AT RESTORAN NEW HOLLYWOOD

To kick-start your day, head over to Restoran New Hollywood for delectable halal Chinese food. Known to be one of the best breakfast spots in Ipoh for locals and tourists alike, you can expect Malaysian street food that is nothing short of scrumptious.

The most popular items in this eatery would be the Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun and the Roti Goyang. For the uninitiated, the latter is essentially poached eggs atop toasts. Yes, it may sound simple, but nothing beats such a traditional, old-school breakfast!

Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Tue to Sun: 7am – 4pm
Closed on Mondays

Photo Credit: Traveloka

VISIT THE KEK LOK TONG CAVE TEMPLE

A temple inside a cave?! The Kek Lok Tong complex is home to a central altar featuring a number of Buddhist figures as well as various deities of the Chinese pantheon.

Get your daily dose of nature’s beauty by visiting this temple situated in the south of Ipoh. Venture deeper into the cave and you’d be greeted by a picturesque garden view that will surely wow you with its charm.

Kek Look Tong, Gunung Rapat, Ipoh, Perak
Daily: 7am – 6pm

Photo Credit: j2kfm

GRAB A CUPPA IPOH WHITE COFFEE

Caffeine lovers, you are in for a treat. Many of us would be familiar with the 3-in-1 sachets of Ipoh White Coffee that we can easily get our hands on at supermarkets, but when in Ipoh, it is time to ditch those and head straight for the real deal.

This iconic drink is why Ipoh managed to be listed as one of the top three coffee towns by Lonely Planet. It is almost a crime to leave Ipoh without having a cup (or two) of this oh-so-addictive beverage!

LUNCH AT MING COURT HONG KONG TIM SUM

Ipoh’s populous is mostly made up of Chinese, and the community is predominantly of Cantonese origin. Thus, it is not surprising that Dim Sum is popular amongst the locals here.

When in Ipoh, head to the legendary Ming Court Hong Kong Tim Sum for lunch before they close at 2pm. This is where you can indulge in a feast comprising of authentic, plump dim sum in the likes of the usual siew mai, har gao and deep fried beancurd.

36, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Mon to Wed, Fri to Sun: 6am – 2pm
Closed on Thursdays

Photo Credit: tikitouringkiwi

BROWSE THE PLENTEOUS STREET ART

Artist Ernest Zacharevicis—a multidiscipline contemporary and public artist—is extremely well-known for his art pieces in Penang, but you’d be pleased to hear that he has also graced the walls of Ipoh with his stunning art pieces.

You can find seven of his art pieces along the Ipoh Mural Art Trail. We reckon that these backdrops are perfect for OOTD shots so do not be shy to get some shots here to jazz up your Instagram feed!

Market Lane, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Photo Credit: Pâtisserie BoutiQue

HEAD TO PÂTISSERIE BOUTIQUE FOR SWEET TREATS

Ipoh may not be the most popular city in Malaysia for tourists from all over the world to visit, but you’d be surprised to hear that this humble city is a go-to for those residing in Kuala Lumpur to visit for café hopping.

You know what that means—Ipoh has plenty of gorgeous cafés for youngsters and tourists to sit back and relax in over a slice of cake and a cup of tea. Pâtisserie BoutiQue is one of the many cafés in Ipoh that will bewitch you with the charms of their sweet treats.

103, Jalan Sultan Yusof, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Mon, Tue, Thu to Sun: 11am – 6pm
Closed on Wednesdays

Photo Credit: Adventure Appetite

DINNER AT IPOH’S FAMOUS CHICKEN RICE STALL

Amongst Ipoh’s best-known local delicacies would be Chicken Rice, so you have to be sure to have at least a plate of this treat during your short time in Ipoh! Constantly dubbed as ‘The Best Chicken Rice in Ipoh’ is Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken Rice.

This humble eatery whips up Hainanese chicken rice that is said to be so delicious, it is enough to be a reason for a return trip to Ipoh. Here you can expect smooth, poached chicken seasoned with soy sauce as well as crunchy beansprouts as the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Tel : +60 5-254 4199