IPOH HOTELS

ABOUT IPOH

Ipoh is the capital of Perak state in Malaysia. It is a city rich in history and culture. Ipoh is nestle between lush mountains and known for it’s colonial architecture.

The city dates back to 1857 when it was a small village along the banks of Kinta River. The discovery of significant tin deposits in the 1880 transformed Ipoh into a bustling mining town.

The rich tin resources attracted a large influx of miners and entrepreneurs leading to rapid economic growth. On June 1, 1892 a devastating fire destroyed over half of Ipoh town.

Ipoh was occupied by the Imperial Japanese forces on December 15, 1941 during World War II.

ATTRACTIONS IN IPOH

• Colonial era buildings along Jalan Bandar.
• The Ipoh Railway Station, often referred to as the Taj Mahal of Ipoh, showcases Moorish architecture and serves as a testament to the city’s past significance as a rail hub.
• The historic Town Hall and the Old Post Office.
• Perak Cave Temple: a cave complex that houses beautiful murals and a serene environment for meditation.
• The Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple offers an enchanting landscape with gardens that blend harmoniously with the limestone formations.
• Ipoh’s famous white coffee. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of local dishes such as Nasi Ganja and Ipoh’s signature chicken rice. These popular dishes can be found in the food courts or hawker stalls.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IPOH

The best time to visit Ipoh is typically from April to October. These months bring dry weather and bright sunny days for excellent outdoor activities. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and bottled water when outdoors during these months. Daily temperatures range from 24°C to 33°C. The monsoon season falls between November and March.

The city of Ipoh is vibrant with annual cultural festivities during the following months:

• Chinese New Year (February) : A lively celebration with lion dances, fireworks and family gatherings.
• Ipoh Art Festival (AUGUST) : showcases local artists and their work.
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri (at end of Ramadan month) : open houses with traditional Malay food and gathering of friends and relatives at the open houses.
• Malaysia Day (Sept 16) : a nation wide holiday to celebrate the country’s unity.
• Perak International Marathon (Sept) : A sports event with participants from around the world.

IPOH DOS AND DON’TS

Dos –

• Dress Modestly: Cover your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites like mosques or temples
• Remove Shoes: Take off your shoes before entering homes and certain religious places. 
• Use Your Right Hand: Use your right hand (or both hands) when giving or receiving items, and when eating with your hands. 
• Be Polite and Respectful: Speak softly and calmly, and be mindful of social hierarchies
• Show Appreciation for Food: Accept offered drinks and food, and compliment the hospitality
• Learn Basic Malay Phrases: Even a few words can be appreciated by locals

Don’ts –

• Public Displays of Affection: Avoid excessive kissing, hugging, or touching in public, especially in conservative areas
• Pointing with Index Finger: Point with your thumb instead, or use your whole hand
• Touching Heads: Avoid touching anyone’s head, especially children’s, as it’s considered disrespectfu
• Raising Your Voice: Speak calmly and avoid shouting, as it can be seen as aggressive
• Disrespecting Elders: Show deference to elders and those in positions of authority
• Publicly Criticizing the Royal Family: Avoid criticizing the royal family, according to Malaysia Visa
• Ignoring Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and etiquette, especially in homes and religious places.