This city in northwestern Malaysia was founded by Chinese tin miners and continues to be populated primarily by ethnic Chinese to this day. Situated 110 mi/180 km northeast of Kuala Lumpur, it is mainly a stop-off for tourists traveling north to south, but the city does have some interesting features and has been discovered by a wave of young tourists.
Apart from just wandering the streets lined with old Chinese shops, the main attractions are the two Buddhist cave temples, Sam Poh Tong and Perak Tong. The better of the two is Sam Poh Tong, which has a turtle pond, garden and vegetarian restaurant. Go during a prayer service to hear ethereal chants and drum playing. Also of interest is the spectacular limestone or karst scenery in the region. The train station is also a fine old heritage building, and the weekend markets on Concubine Lane are well worth exploring.
About 15 mi/24 km south of Ipoh at Gopeng is Gua Tempurung, one of the longest caves in Peninsular Malaysia. The impressive chambers of the 2-mi-/3-km-long cave can be explored with local guides. Perak (Ipoh is located in this state) is also one of the best places to find the giant rafflesia flower in bloom. Starting at the village of Ulu Geroh, about 7 mi/12 km from Ipoh, nature lovers can take a 90-minute trek into the jungle with an indigenous Orang Asli guide to see the plants (should they be in bloom) and hundreds of Rajah Brooke butterflies.
Adventure tourists should head to the Kampar River at Gopeng where white-water rafting trips are available.
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