Did you know Ipoh is great for a family holiday with kids? Here are 8 things to know
- Vivian Teo
- Apr 20
- 13 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Ipoh is a fantastic destination for a family holiday, offering fun activities for both kids and adults. If you're planning a trip, here are 8 key things to keep in mind.
Finally got to summing up our Ipoh trip from our last holiday! When I was researching for our trip last year, I was pleasantly surprised by what Ipoh in Malaysia has to offer. Ipoh is often overshadowed by Penang, which is usually seen as larger and more vibrant. Since visiting both places, my family enjoyed both but I found myself enjoying Ipoh even more. There's something quietly charming about Ipoh, with its quaint atmosphere, delightful spots to explore, and lack of excessive commercialisation or crowds.
Just to add I'm no expert on Ipoh, as we don't frequent it and my research was less extensive compared to planning our trip to Osaka, Japan, but I wanted to share some tips and reviews that might be helpful with shedding light on what Ipoh has to offer.
So, here are 8 things to know if you're planning a trip to Ipoh with kids:
1) What activities are suitable for families with children in Ipoh?
Traveling with kids often means shaping the holiday around their interests, so I usually plan ahead by researching attractions to ensure they're something my girls would enjoy. Below is a list of places we visited in Ipoh. For a few of them, I’ve already written detailed blog posts. Others, which I felt didn’t require as much elaboration, were shared on Instagram. To sum up:
i) Lost World of Tambun
We had an incredible time at this expansive theme park, which features a water park, thrilling amusement rides, a zoo, and relaxing hot springs. I’m so glad we allocated a day and a half for the experience—it was much needed and well worth it given the many attractions to explore at the theme park that's great for the whole family. Staying at the Lost World Hotel, conveniently located right across from the park, made our visit even smoother and more enjoyable (more on hotels below)! Details of Lost World of Tambun in this blog post:
ii) Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat
With majestic limestone hills, geothermal hot springs and natural caves, Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat is a one-of-a-kind spa experience. Do note that it only accommodates guests 12 years and older, so this is one for those with older kids - and I'm sure both kids and adults will appreciate this interesting experience! Details in this blog post:
iii) BookXcess
Nestled near Concubine Lane in a repurposed former bank, this bookstore offers a unique and Instagram-worthy experience with its vintage vaults and safe boxes. Spanning three floors, their books range from picture books to middle grade books to young adult and adult fiction to non-fiction for all ages. As BookXcess specialises in remaindered books, the books are cheaper than traditional bookstores. With its inviting, cozy ambiance, we happily spent hours browsing and left with a delightful stack of books 😊 More deets and pics here:
iv) Ipoh Upside Down World
Ipoh Upside Down World is a quirky attraction featuring upside-down settings that allow you to capture creative photos as if you're in an inverted world. Tickets are priced at RM26 for adults, RM16 for children (12 years and below) and seniors, with free entry for those under 100cm tall. Be sure to ask the staff for help with posing and taking group photos to kickstart your visit. After that, let your imagination run wild and snap more pictures using your own creative flair! More pics here:
v) 30 Nights of Strays Cafe
This isn’t just any dog café—it’s one with a heart. The café rescues stray dogs and puts them up for adoption, making your visit meaningful as well as fun. The dogs are incredibly friendly with some there for boarding. Unlike most pet cafés, there’s no requirement to order a meal or drink per person, but every penny you spend goes towards keeping the café running and supporting their mission to help strays. If you have kids who adore dogs, this is a must-visit spot in Ipoh—and all for a good cause! There’s also a dedicated cat area, which we didn’t have time to explore but am sure it would be worth checking out if you like cats! More pics and deets in my Instagram post:
vi) Platform Coffee
Platform Coffee, a Harry Potter-themed café in Ipoh, Malaysia, is a really pretty and Instagrammable spot. While the food and beverage have received mixed reviews and slightly on the pricier side, we thoroughly enjoyed the Butter Cream Soda Float (RM11.90) and their brownie. If you’re in Ipoh and whether you're a Harry Potter fan or not, this magical café is definitely worth a visit! More pics here:
vii) Perak Cave Temple
The Perak Cave Temple, set within a cavern, is a majestic sight. Visitors can also ascend to the top of the hill where the temple grounds are located. However, be prepared for a climb—450 steps in total—which may not be suitable for everyone. Some of the steps are quite narrow and steep, and can become slippery after rain so elderly visitors and young children might want to skip the climb and tour the cavern temple grounds instead. More pics and deets here:
viii) Han Chin Pet Soo
Han Chin Pet Soo stands as Malaysia's first Hakka tin mining museum. Originally established in 1893 as the Hakka Tin Miners Club, the building—reminiscent of Singapore’s shophouses—was rebuilt in 1929 and opened to the public just a decade ago. The hour-long guided tour was engaging, offering a glimpse into historic Ipoh through authentic artifacts and detailed replicas of tin mining and town square scenes. Admission to the museum and the tour is free, though donations are encouraged to support its upkeep. As this is a highly popular attraction, be sure to book at least a day in advance! More pics and deets here:
ix) Concubine Lane, murals and alleys
Concubine Lane is one of the most famous streets in Ipoh Old Town. Originally established in 1892, it was said to be a haven for wealthy miners and their mistresses. Today, the lane - while short - has shops offering souvenirs and street food, and it can get quite crowded on weekends with visitors.
While we didn’t set out specifically to hunt for murals, we stumbled upon several stunning ones and nostalgic alleys while exploring Ipoh Old Town. The vibrant and unique murals here can easily rival those in Penang, showcasing the town’s artistic charm. For those keen on mural spotting, the internet suggests heading to spots like Market Lane, Concubine Lane, and Jalan Tun Sambanthan, where you’ll find iconic works such as the “Old Uncle Drinking Coffee” and the “Paper Plane”. And don’t miss Mural Arts Lane, a hidden gem filled with colorful depictions of Malaysian culture. More pics here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIQrtDuysVk/?img_index=1
We also did some shopping at the fashion outlets and watched movies at Ipoh Parade and Aeon Mall Kinta City. Given the favourable Singapore dollar-Malaysian ringgit exchange rate, shopping and eating in Malaysia is really quite the steal for Singaporeans!
2) Do you need a week in Ipoh?
Ipoh is often seen as a quick stop for a day or two during road trips in Malaysia. Evenings in Ipoh also has a quieter vibe compared to Penang, which would still be bustling with tourists visiting hawkers and eateries. Most shops in Old Town close by the evening, leaving a few cafes and restaurants open. But I think that's part of Ipoh's charm - quaint and not overly commercialised and crowded.
Overall, we discovered enough activities in Ipoh to keep us entertained for a full week. On reflection, a five-day trip might have been sufficient to cover most attractions, but I truly appreciated the leisurely pace of our longer stay. This allowed us to not only explore the sights but also enjoy more relaxed activities, like watching movies and shopping at the malls.
If you’re visiting Ipoh for the first time and want to experience all the attractions I’ve mentioned, five days would be an ideal duration—not too rushed but plenty of time to explore. If I were to return to Ipoh, though, there are some places I wouldn’t revisit, such as Perak Cave Temple, Upside Down World, and Han Chin Pet Soo, but only because I only need to see them once. If we return, it would be for Lost World of Tambun, the food and pastry shopping (see below)!
3) How do you find good food in Ipoh?
While I enjoy good food, I wouldn’t call myself a foodie. I’m happy to stop by a renowned eatery if it’s conveniently located, but I wouldn’t go out of my way or endure long queues just for a meal. Although Ipoh is known as a foodie haven, its culinary scene alone wouldn’t be a big enough draw for me to visit. That said, I truly appreciate that Ipoh has an abundance of delicious food readily available.
There are countless food recommendations for Ipoh online, but as I mentioned earlier, I prefer dining at places that are conveniently located near attractions or accommodations. To ensure quality, I rely heavily on Google Maps and Google Reviews. Before heading to an attraction, I’d look up nearby eateries, check their ratings, and decide accordingly. This approach helped us discover plenty of hidden gems. With so many highly-rated restaurants, cafés, and hawker stalls in Ipoh, finding good food is both easy and enjoyable.
Ipoh is famous for its hawker delights, but it also offers a fantastic variety of cafés with excellent food and charming decor. Thanks to the favourable SGD-Ringgit exchange rate, dining in cafés and restaurants is incredibly affordable. For instance, while a meal in a Singapore café might cost around S$20, a similar dish in Malaysia would be RM20. Naturally, we made the most of it and thoroughly indulged in café hopping during our stay in Ipoh.
Below is a list of cafés and eateries we visited—not as specific recommendations, but to give you an idea of the wonderful variety you can stumble upon in Ipoh.
a) Muzi Matcha Cafe at 333, Jalan Tambun (5-min drive from Lost World of Tambun)
Muzi Matcha Cafe is a gorgeous Japanese cafe with desserts to die for 🤤Their strawberry daifuku (RM3.80), fuwafuwa chocolate mousse (RM15) and matcha strawberry tiramisu (RM16) were amazing! Main course selection is a little limited but we still enjoyed our matcha salmon rice (RM27) and salmon ochazuke (RM30). The cafe is about a 5-min car ride from Lost World of Tambun, definitely worth a detour to when visiting the theme park. More pics in my Instagram page:
b) Flufff at 55A&57A, Jalan Market
Flufff Café in Ipoh is a delightful spot specialising in fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes. Located in Ipoh Old Town, it’s just a short walk from Concubine Lane and our hotel, Sarong Paloh. Their signature soufflé pancakes are made fresh daily using high-quality ingredients, resulting in pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth treats. The main course selection is not wide and mainly limited to pasta but we enjoyed their chicken ham carbonara. Do note that soufflé pancakes are made to order, so there might be a wait, especially during busy weekends.
The ambiance at Flufff Café is warm and inviting too, with minimalist décor, high ceilings, and plenty of natural light. Flufff Café is open daily from 12pm to 10:30pm, except on Mondays when it’s closed. More pics here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIQrJXnSo7s/?img_index=1
c) Mad Ramen Bar at 3 Jalan Panglima in Ipoh Old Town
The stylish Mad Ramen Bar specialises in Japanese-inspired soul food, including ramen, yakitori skewers, and a variety of appetizers. Their ramen broth is rich and robust broths, and their gyozas were so good we ordered a second helping. We also had the skewers, like the bacon-wrapped enoki mushrooms which are perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. The restaurant is open daily from 4pm to 12am.
d) Zhen Hi Hao Dim Sum Restaurant at 28 & 30, Jalan Veerasamy near Ipoh Parade
While searching for a place to eat near Ipoh Parade, we came across this well-reviewed dim sum spot on Google. Personally, I find that mall eateries in Malaysia often don’t measure up to those outside (just my opinion!), so we were glad to discover this gem nearby. The dim sum were really good and their portions were impressively large. The friendly lady boss also went out of her way to recommend other great dining spots in Ipoh. The restaurant is open daily from 7am to 2:30pm, making it a convenient choice for breakfast or an early lunch.
e) Nam Chau Kopitiam at 54 Jalan Bandar Timah in Ipoh Old Town
This is one of the places that showed up when we were looking for a breakfast place near our hotel. It serves up traditional fare like noodles, toasts and steamed bread. The tea and coffee were really good as well.
f) Gabrielle Mille Crepe at 30, Jalan Market in Ipoh Old Town
Gabrielle specialises in mille crepe cakes and we had dropped by this place for dessert after dinner. Their crepe cake starts from RM16 per slice and the one we tried, a rich and chocolatey flavor, was absolutely delicious—though I can’t recall its exact name. Do note that some of the crepe cakes were already sold out by the time we arrived, so it’s worth going earlier for the best selection.
g) 晨 M Breakfast Cafe at 7 Lorong Bijih Timah
Here's another gem we discovered when looking for a well reviewed breakfast place near our hotel. The cafe serves up yummy and healthy breakfast selections like the spinach focaccia, truffle toast and eggs in purgatory (eggs with tomato) we ordered and mostly priced around RM9-18. And look at the very pretty latte art on my rose cafe latte!
Their indoor and outdoor dining space is a charming blend of rustic and modern aesthetics giving it a very inviting and relaxed vibe. Highly recommend popping by this well reviewed cafe for breakfast if you're in Ipoh 🤗More pics in my Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIQrp7-Sqnw/?img_index=1
By now, you might be wondering about the iconic Ipoh Tauge Ayam or Nga Choi Kai (beansprout chicken). Yes, we did try the famous chicken rice, but sadly, the experience wasn’t as memorable as we’d hoped. For convenience, we chose one of the restaurants in Taman Jubilee, where there are several beansprout chicken restaurant options. We opted for Onn Kee, as we’d previously enjoyed fantastic chicken rice at their outlet in Penang, but this time, the flavours didn’t quite hit the mark. I suspect it might have been because I mistakenly ordered kampung chicken, which tends to be tougher than regular chicken.
The friendly lady boss at the dim sum restaurant we visited mentioned that the tauge ayam spots in Taman Jubilee are more for tourists. She recommended a place at Perak Stadium that locals frequent, which, after some Googling, I believe is Yoon Kee Bean Sprouts Chicken. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to try it, but if you’re looking for a more authentic local experience, this might be worth checking out!
4) How easy is it to get around in Ipoh?
Getting around Ipoh is a breeze with Grab, so be sure to have the app installed before your trip. However, when we visited in late 2024, topping up Grab credits with foreign credit cards was no longer an option in Malaysia. During our visit, we simply used Grab and paid the drivers in cash, which worked perfectly fine. Just ensure you have sufficient cash!
5) Should you take Grab from Ipoh's airport?
Taking Grab is a more affordable option compared to Ipoh's airport taxi service. While airport taxis have fixed rates and a convenient counter outside the arrival hall, they tend to be a lot pricier. Since Ipoh's Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is located close to the city center, Grab rides to your hotel are generally inexpensive, costing around RM10–RM20.
I also highly recommend flying from Singapore to Ipoh, with Scoot currently offering direct flights. The journey is quick—just about an hour—and the airport is conveniently close to the city center. Despite its small size, the customs process was impressively efficient upon our arrival, likely due to the limited number of airlines operating there. However, the waiting area for departures felt rather cramped, especially since another AirAsia flight was scheduled around the same time when we were departing. Aside from that, traveling to Ipoh by plane is quite a hassle-free and convenient option.
6) Any hotel recommendations for families?
We stayed three nights at the Lost World Hotel to be close to the Lost World of Tambun and Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat. I highly recommend this hotel if you're planning to visit the Lost World of Tambun for its proximity and exclusive guest perks. More details on the hotel and theme park can be found in my Lost World of Tambun post.
However, outside of these attractions, the Lost World of Tambun area is rather quiet, so for the rest of our trip, we opted to stay in the Ipoh Old Town area to be closer to and within walking distance of other attractions we plan to visit. Otherwise, commuting from the Lost World of Tambun to Ipoh Old Town takes roughly 20 minutes by car.
In Ipoh Old Town, we stayed at Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay—a boutique hotel with excellent reviews and a glowing recommendation from a friend. If you’re planning to book a family room like we did, it’s best to reserve early, as there are only two such rooms available. Their spacious family rooms comfortably accommodate four guests. I also recommend requesting rooms that don’t face the main road, as vehicle noise can get quite loud at night.
The hotel's location is fantastic, just a short stroll from Ipoh's iconic Concubine Lane and plenty of trendy cafés and old-school eateries. More pics in my Instagram post on Sarang Paloh: https://www.instagram.com/p/DGMvuBuyLFJ/?img_index=1
We booked the hotel via Agoda, though direct booking through the hotel's website is also an option. You can reserve your stay with a credit card, but note that the hotel only accepts cash for payment during check-in. Our five-day, four-night stay in the family room came to approximately RM2,300.
There's a quaint traditional cafe beside it called Lim Kopi that serves up really good breakfast and Ipoh fare, and there's 20% discount for hotel guests!
7) What to buy in Ipoh?
Shopping wasn’t our primary reason for visiting Ipoh, but we couldn’t resist picking up a few items from malls and shops at Concubine Lane when we found something worthwhile—especially with the favourable exchange rate. But we did specifically looked out for local pastries and biscuits. Friends had recommended two shops: Guan Heong and Ching Han Guan. The best thing was both shops were conveniently located right across from each other on the same street and not far from where we stayed in Ipoh Old Town!
After sampling their offerings after our trip, I found myself preferring Guan Heong’s signature pastries, such as dried meat (bak kwa) with lotus paste biscuits and meat floss with salted egg biscuits. They also have a wider variety of cookies and biscuits compared to Ching Han Guan.
However, I loved Ching Han Guan’s sleek and modern packaging—perfect for gifting—and their soft walnut candy, which is absolutely divine and a must-buy if you’re there. We ended up buying an impressive haul of cookies, as if we were preparing for Chinese New Year! Be sure to leave some luggage space for these treats!
8) Cash or credit card in Penang?
Cash and credit cards are widely accepted in Penang, making it easy to pay for most purchases. While hawker stalls typically only take cash, many restaurants, cafés, and shops do accept credit cards. That said, it’s always good to carry some cash, as we encountered a few cafés that didn’t take credit cards. On our last day, being short on cash meant we had to seek out alternatives that accepted card payments.
If you haven’t read my Osaka blog post, I highly recommend checking it out for more details on Trust Card, in my opinion, the best credit card for travelers, as it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. We relied on it during our trip to Malaysia as well. You can find more about this in my Osaka blog post.
And that wraps up our posts on Ipoh for now! My family and I are already chatting about making another trip back for a short getaway filled with eating and shopping. Who knows—maybe it’ll happen sooner than we think!
Disclaimer: We paid for everything in our trip. As always, all opinions are ours.
©Vivian Teo. All content and photos are copyrighted to Vivian Teo unless otherwise specified.
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