Ipoh

Aun Kheng Lim

The red-and-white striped corner shop is the place for local speciality salt-baked chicken. Tender meat falls off the bone, just about enough to share for two or for one very hungry person. There's drive-through business like Funny Mountain down the street.

11AM-10PM·RM25-35

Birch Memorial Clocktower

Dedicated to the first British Resident Minister of Perak who was murdered by a local Malay chief. The chief's profitable trade in Orang Asli, indigenous tribal folk, was curtailed by the British abolition of slavery. By all accounts he wasn't well-liked personally and the road passing the tower's north side is now named in the killer's honour. It hosts friezes representing the progress of civilization and depicts various religious and secular worthies, but the Prophet Muhammad was painted out as a respect to local sensitivities.

Bricks and Barrels

A self-fashioned gastrobar, the place is a good place for families to dine during evenings in the quieter restaurant section before the nightbirds come in to chill around the open alfresco area. They serve pizzas, roast pork and ribs and German bratwursts among others (non-halal obviously), and the bar does draft beer, shots and cocktails.

4PM-1AM

Bukit Kledang

Trek up one of the many trails up the Menglembu-Kledang Hills (these are the hills you can see to the west of Ipoh with the radio-TV masts on the top) to enjoy the awe-inspiring view of the limestone outcrops that surround Ipoh. If unsure of how to get to these trails, just ask the many locals who trek up daily in the early mornings and late evenings. If you have a GPS, hikes can either start from 101° 1.813'E/4° 34.577'N or at 101° 1.638'E/ 4° 34.312'N where the paved road to the summit begins. Most trails are open and hot (take a hat and water) but much of Trail 4.9 is through shady forest. There are interesting plants and some wildlife (long-tailed macaques, pig-tailed macaques, leaf monkeys, and siamang) to be seen if you are lucky.

Caving at Gua Tempurung

Gua Tempurung is the largest limestone cave in Peninsular Malaysia. Located close to the North South Highway's Gopeng Exit, it provides the opportunity to explore in detail the insides of a limestone cave. You can choose to experience a short tour of the cave or adventure into the far end of the cave by walking off the walkways and in the cave river. The wet adventures have you wading in the cold underground water, squeezing through holes and sliding over smooth rocks, but require at least 8 people to start.

RM6-22

Chin Pomelo Farm

Gerai Limau Tambun Chin

There are two types of pomelo to try, sweet (pale cream flesh) or sour (pink flesh). They vary on ripeness, depending on whether they're meant to be eaten fresh or for prayers. Starfruits and guavas are also grown on the farm. Closer to town, a bunch of pomelo stalls open in front of Sam Poh Tong.

About RM15 a pomelo

Choy Kee Bakery

才記餅家

A little out of the way for most tourists, retaining their authenticity. They sell Chinese breakfast pastries like prawn fritters, pork buns. They are best known for their flaky custard egg tarts. Operates from a stall in the market from 5AM-11AM, after which, they operate from their bakery at Lebuh 3.

5AM onwards

Citrus Wine & Dine

Modern European fine-dining cuisine with Asian flair in a cosy atmospheric shophouse. Service is excellent with a selection of wines and cocktails. Offers cheaper 3-course set lunches during weekdays.

Tue-Sun 6:30AM-3PM, 6:30-11PM·RM90-120

Cowan Street Ayam Tauge & Koitiau

Less famous than Lou Wong and Onn Kee, yet far more popular among locals. Their opening hours are actually more variable than listed, but it doesn't stop hungry patrons from turning up and hoping to fill their cravings.

7PM onwards, closed Mon-Tue·RM20-30

Dai Shu Geok

Big Tree Foot

Sells a variety of noodles accompanied by a large selection of yong tau foo, vegetables stuffed with fish paste. Soup base is also variable, from the normal clear chicken soup to the lemak coconut-based curry soup. The busy stall is set up underneath the shade of a few big trees, hence the name.

8:30AM-5:30PM

Family Food Court

Woolley Food City

A food court selling a variety of local dishes as well as some localized versions of Japanese, Vietnamese, Western and Thai cuisine. The ais kacang from ABC Desserts, especially the gula melaka version, is a sinfully sweet mix of red beans, cendol (pandan-flavoured rice strands), condensed milk, syrup combined with shaved ice - perfect on hot days.

Lunch Only

Foh San Restaurant

Most well established dim sum restaurant in the city. Tourists flock here by the bus loads (literally). Even with two floors, weekends have the place filled to the brim, with strangers sitting next to strangers as long as there's an open seat. Not the place for a leisurely chat over tea unless you get there very early in the morning.

6AM-1PM, closed Tue·RM25-35

Funny Mountain Soybean and Traditional Tau Fu Fah

A little stall that serves creamy soy milk and tau fu fah (silky soybean curd in sugar syrup). They will serve you curbside, so you don't even have to get out of your car. They usually run out by about 2PM.

10:30AM onwards·About RM1.20 for either product

Gerbang Malam

A popular night market among locals. Sells mainly shoes and clothes. Great imitations of backpacks, glasses and watches can be found as well...

Gunung Lang

A general recreational park with a man-made waterfall and a long waterfront boardwalk. The serene 80-foot-deep lake, like many others in the region, hides the deep scars tin mining made on the landscape. There's a mini zoo and playground for the kids and campsites for overnight stays. A boat ride is required to get across the lake to the park.

RM3

Han Chin Pet Soo

Ipoh World

A painstakingly restored Hakka Miners' Club that documents the activities of tin miners far away from home with cash to spend. Opium smoking, gambling and prostitution were some favourite vices and are shown in all their glory through the use of carefully curated antique items. The history of tin mining in Perak is also exhibited with old mining equipment and photographs of the big towkays (bosses).

Appointment only, closed Mon·Free but donations welcome

Hong Kee Confectionery

鸿记饼家

Family business famous for their Cantonese-style egg tarts. Come early as possible to avoid disappointments.

7AM-2PM, closed on Fridays·RM1.6/piece

Indulgence Restaurant and Living

Serves European inspired meals all day. Opened by nationally renowned chef Julie Song, what was once a quaint cafe has now expanded to a laidback Western dining experience few can rival. They source and put together quality ingredients to make unique dishes that aren't found on menus elsewhere.

RM50 and upwards

Ipoh Railway Station

One of the three grand British-built stations on the former Malayan network. ETS trains connect this station, fondly dubbed "Taj Mahal of Ipoh", to KL's colonial beauty, Kuala Lumpur Railway Station (one stop before KL Sentral). The fountains on Ipoh Station square are active between 8PM and midnight. The cenotaph on Ipoh Station Square commemorates the deaths of different wars.

Ipoh Town Hall and Law Courts

The two buildings opposite the Railway Station, in neoclassical style.

Kafe Best Hillview

山景美食中心

Popular spot for dinner with a dozen of stalls serving local food. Can be difficult to find a seat and is a bit of a windy spot. Prices run a bit high for street food

dinner only·RM2-10 (June 2017)

Kek Lok Tong

Cavern of Ultimate Bliss

Calm Chinese cave temple with good views on the other side of the same limestone hill as Sam Poh Tong. Being newer and a little richer than the other cave temples, the place feels much airier and cleaner. Monkeys can be found here. Accessible through Gunung Rapat housing area. Taxi from Ipoh town should cost RM10.

Kellie's Castle

The deserted mansion of an eccentric Scottish planter, located in Batu Gajah, is half an hour's drive from Ipoh city centre. Its main appeal lies in the belief that it is haunted and that secret passages leading to hidden chambers exist. A taxi will cost you around RM50-60 and they will usually wait for an hour (which is long enough to look around).

RM5 for adults, RM3 for kids 3-12

Kinta Riverfront Walk

Come here at night, as trees are beautifully lighted up, making it a romantic riverside walk. There's a small hut with an interesting exhibit depicting the rise and fall of Ipoh's tin mining industry. It's also possible to hire bicycles for a more vigorous workout.

Little India

Various Indian related outlets, including clothing and food. And you can also find Indian restaurants and cafes here. Every year the Deepavali Carnival is held by locals here.

Medan Aneka Selera/Gourmet Square

Tung Koo Thing

Variety is the name of the game here. A giant food court with hawkers selling just about every local fare imaginable as well as local renditions of Japanese, Thai and Western fare. One of the attractions is a stall selling exotic Chinese seafood.

Dinners only

Memory Lane

Pasar Karat

A flea market along Jalan Lim Bo Seng that takes places every Sunday morning. It is a good place to find imitation goods, antiques and other interesting local souvenirs. Be ready to bargain for the best price and be conscious of the fact that some stuff being sold here is probably stolen goods.

Michelangelo'S Pizzeria

Opened by an American, this place serves authentic American style pizzas in a lively rock-and-roll environment. Their wood-fired pizzas are crispy and toppings are very generous.

RM30-50

Miners' Arms Bistro

Mock Tudor pub complete with wonky stained wooden beams and correctly placed apostrophe. The convivial clientele is entirely ethnic Chinese but the inevitable karaoke is kept at a civilized volume.

Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum

Many locals will argue that the dim sum here is superior to the more well known Foh San though their servings portions are also smaller. Their tong sui (sweet dessert drinks) are just as popular.

6AM-noon·RM25-35