Sisaket (TH) to Singapore – Ep 19

Malaysia – Ipoh

On the ride Butterworth to Ipoh we did a beginner mistake and tried to go on small roads out of Butterworth. Lots of traffic, traffic lights and traffic jam even that we started early at 7 am.
Things went better after 40 km and it was some sort of fun riding then.

The city of Taiping we passed on the main highway 1 and stayed on this road until Ipoh. Way more fast and comfortable.
When arriving in Ipoh, I changed the plan, now we prefer main highways and avoid cities and traffic jam.
Main highways are free for motorbikes. Cars and trucks need to pay a toll. So why not take the advantage.

In recent years, Ipoh’s popularity as an international tourist destination has been significantly boosted by efforts to conserve its British colonial-era architecture. The city is also well known for its cuisine and natural attractions, such as its limestone hills and caves within which Buddhist temples were built. In addition, Ipoh has managed to maintain its reputation as one of the cleanest cities in Malaysia.
And, Ipoh is a perfect location to stay and explore the Cameron Highlands in a one day trip.

In Ipoh we stayed at Fong’s Ipoh Homestay. Super friendly owner, super clean room and house and safe parking. The location is 7 km outside the center city. Ordering a Grab is no problem. We payed 630 Baht (83 RM) and that’s absolutely worth it.

Here some impressions of Ipoh (yep, I like street art!!)

In my personal opinion, Ipoh is way more nice than George Town, way more clean and relaxed.
What is interesting in Ipoh is the mix of cultures. In our village we stayed in a Chinese owned house and all our neighbors in the same row are Chinese. On the opposite side of the road, all people are Muslim.
Walking around in the city, you meet Chinese, Muslim and Indian people. That mix is great and offers you a wide variety of food, shops, lifestyle and architecture.
Like you visit a Chinese temple and hear the muezzin calling for pray at the same time. I really love that. And it seems that all these different cultures live together in peace and respect.

One “must see” in Ipoh is the Tong Gua Perak temple, built in a cave.
In there it is not only cool, the temple is really worth a visit.

On top of the mountain where the temple is located, you find a viewpoint. Curious as we are, we walked up there. What was steep on stairs, exhausting and sweaty. Bring water and once you are back in the cave, enjoy the free tea and water and the cool breeze.

We stayed 3 nights in Ipoh. Time for relax and to enjoy delicious Chinese food.

Find the details of the trip in the Calimoto link.

Stay tuned and enjoy yourself!!

#dustysocks