Ipoh

HISTORY

Ipoh, capital of Perak state, was developed at the turn of the 19th century in the middle of the Kinta Valley which is surrounded by limestone hills. The Kinta river runs through it, dividing Ipoh into two — Old Town (on the western bank of the Kinta River) and New Town (eastern bank). ...Continue

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SOCIAL AND CULTURAL

Following the decline in the tin mining sector in the 1980s after world tin prices collapsed, Ipoh has rebranded itself as a tourist destination and food paradise. Ipoh has long had and continues to have a Chinese-majority population in which Cantonese is the predominant dialect spoken. It is also among the country’s most populous urban areas with 711,000 city residents. ...Continue

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ECONOMY AND BUSINESS

The early history of Ipoh as a settlement was due to its mining industry. By the mid 20th century Ipoh had become one of the richest cities in the country and region. ...Continue

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KOPITIAM AND EATERIES


Dai Shu Geok Big Tree Foot

Jalan King, Off Jalan Pasir Pinji, 31650, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, 31650 Ipoh

+6 012-524 5408


Pasir Pinji Chee Cheong Fun 1456, Jalan Pasir Pinji 5, Taman Hoover, 31650 Ipoh

+6 05-255 6951


Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong

49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

+6 05-254 4199

 

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SHOPPING

No. Shopping malls/plazas Address & Contact
1. Ipoh Parade

105, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, Pusat Perdagangan Greentown, 30450 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

05-241 0885

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TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND PLACES

No. Tourist attractions and places Address & Contact
1. Kellie’s Castle

31000 Batu Gajah, Perak

05-365 3381

...Continue
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PERSONALITIES AND CELEBRITIES

HALL OF FAME

.

Dato’ Robert Teo Keng Tuan 

Chairman / Managing Partner

RSM Malaysia

 


 

Omna Sreeni-Ong

Founder/Managing Director

ENGENDER Consultancy

 

PROMINENT HOMETOWN FIGURES

Lee Chong Wei (Bagan Serai) Badminton Player
Ng Boon Bee Badminton Player
Tan Yee Khan Badminton Player
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  • HISTORY

    Ipoh, capital of Perak state,was developed at the turn of the 19th century in the middle of the Kinta Valley which is surrounded by limestone hills. The Kinta river runs through it, dividing Ipoh into two — Old Town (on the western bank of the Kinta River) and New Town (eastern bank).

    ipoh got its name from the Epu tree or Pokok Ipoh which has a poisonous sap used by the aboriginal hunters to tip their blowpipe darts. However the town is also said to have grown out of the Malay village of Paloh.

    Ipoh quickly boomed due to its location as the center of the state’s tin-mining industry where fortunes were made by the local Malay chieftains, Chinese towkays and the British East India Company. No surprise then that this town was known for its collection of millionaires.

    One such was tin miner Yau Tet Shin, a Hakka tycoon who played a big role in developing Ipoh New Town after a devastating fire, The Great Fire of Ipoh in 1892, destroyed over half the town. But it also presented the opportunity to rebuild the town in a  structured grid pattern.

    This rebuilding took place at the time of the second tin rush in the 1920s and 1930s and has provided the town today with much of its charm and clean and serene environment. The rapid growth of the town had made it by the turn of the century to be the second largest town in the country.

    In 1937, Ipoh was made the capital of Perak, replacing Taiping. Ipoh was invaded by the Japanese on 15 December 1941. In March 1942, the Japanese Civil Administration or Perak Shu Seicho was set up at the St. Michael’s Institution. After the liberation of Malaya by British forces, Ipoh remained the capital of Perak.

    The decline of the tin mining industry during the latter half of the 20th century caused the growth of Ipoh to stagnate. With the closure of the tin mines, some of its youth population was forced to look for employment elsewhere. In spite of this, Ipoh remains one of the largest cities in Malaysia in terms of population, with tourism now a main driver of the city’s economy. Ipoh gained Municipal status in 1962, and in 1988, was declared a city by the then Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah.

  • SOCIAL AND CULTURAL

    Following the decline in the tin mining sector in the 1980s after world tin prices collapsed, Ipoh has rebranded itself as a tourist destination and food paradise. Ipoh has long had and continues to have a Chinese-majority population in which Cantonese is the predominant dialect spoken. It is also among the country’s most populous urban areas with 711,000 city residents.

    According to the last census in 2010 Chinese comprise  44 % of the city population, Malays 38 % and Indians 14%.

    Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village overlooking the limestone hills

  • ECONOMY AND BUSINESS

    Jalan Greentown, Ipoh

    The early history of Ipoh as a settlement was due to its mining industry. By the mid 20th century Ipoh had become one of the richest cities in the country and region.

    During the 1980s when tin prices collapsed, the economy of Ipoh was hit particularly hard. However the city has since recovered and gained momentum in its growth and prosperity.

    In 2017, the city opened the first Movie Animation Theme Park (MAPS), which is the first ever in South East Asia. Tourism is booming in the city, and many shops in the old town transformed into chic cafés and eateries.

    In addition to its service sector, Ipoh also hosts some big local manufacturing and multinational corporations. Kuala Lumpur Kepong (KLK) Berhad, a palm oil company, which is also among the top 15 biggest companies in Malaysia has its headquarters in Ipoh. Batu Kawan Berhad, an investment company also has its headquarters in Ipoh.

    Old Town Berhad, a food & beverage public listed company, specializing in white coffee is based in the city. Other publicly listed companies in Ipoh include Perak Transit Berhad, Tasek Cement Berhad, DKLS Industries Berhad, Wellcall Holding Berhad, Rubberex Berhad, Perak Corp, etc. Foreign multinational companies include Finisar, Voith, ITL Asia Pacific, and Sagami Manufacturers.

  • KOPITIAM AND EATERIES

    Ipoh Kopitiam

    Ipoh has exported many famous trademarked brands of food and signature dishes including Old Town White Coffee, Ipoh chicken rice with bean sprouts, Ipoh salted chicken, Ipoh sar hor fun, Hakka Mee, hor hee, nasi vanggey, heong peng.

    A popular takeaway that is almost synonymous with Ipoh is the pomelo. For out-of-town motorists driving between Penang and KL, these fruits are a must-buy at the roadside stalls along the trunk road or at the Rest & Recreation highway stops.


    Dai Shu Geok Big Tree Foot

    Jalan King, Off Jalan Pasir Pinji, 31650, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, 31650 Ipoh

    +6 012-524 5408


    Pasir Pinji Chee Cheong Fun 1456, Jalan Pasir Pinji 5, Taman Hoover, 31650 Ipoh

    +6 05-255 6951


    Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong

    49, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 05-254 4199


    Ipoh Old Town White Coffee

    No. 3, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, 31650 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 016-526 6832


    Restoran Thean Chun, Sin Yoon Loong

    73, Jalan Bandar Timah, 31650 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 05-255 3076


    Yee Fatt Dry Curry Noodles

    39, Jalan Kampar, 31650 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 05-242 1043


    Restoran Xin Quan Fang

    174, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 016-531 4193


    Restoran Moon De Moon

    148, Hala Wah Keong, Taman Mirindi, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 012-516 0485


    Yat Yat Seng Restaurant

    83, Jalan Dato Lau Pak Khuan, 31400 Ipoh, Perak +6 012-463 8553


    Ming Court Hong Kong Dim Sum

    36, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, Kampung Jawa, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 05-255 7134


    Ipoh Foh San

    51, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 05-254 0308


    Funny Mountain Soya Beancurd

    50, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 012-516 1607


    Woong Kee Bean Curd Bercham Ipoh

    291, Jalan Bercham, Taman Desa Kencana, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 012-517 7452


    Big Mom Beancurd Ipoh 靓妈豆花

    22-24, Jalan Yang Kalsom, Taman Jubilee, 30250 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 016-533 3210


    Tai Soo Ipoh Famous

    No.1 Dessert 24, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Ipoh Town, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 012-527 8881


    Concubine Lane Tau Fu Fa 鼎丰潮州豆腐花

    8, Jalan Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 016-464 5208


    Woong Kee Bean Curd Bercham Ipoh

    82, Persiaran Bercham Selatan 1, Taman Desa Kenchana, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 012-517 7452


    Cheong Kee Wan Tan Mee 文冬祥记云吞面

    542, Jalan Sekolah, Buntong, 30100 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 05-255 0789


    Restoran YIN

    B-G-3 Menara Majestic | Tahwil Azar, Ipoh 30300, Malaysia

    +60 12-507 0751


    Deen CT Corner Cendol

    20, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 016-535 0351


    Cendol Abang Kacak

    8, Jalan Yang Kalsom, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 018-665 4487


    Dai Shu Geok “Big Tree Foot”

    Jalan King, Off Jalan Pasir Pinji, 31650, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia, 31650 Ipoh

    +6 012-524 5408


    Restoran Eatime 三轮车叻沙

    60, Jalan Taman Shatin, Taman Shatin, 31650 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 016-568 1299


    Laksa Leaf Cafe

    43, 41, Jalan Canning Estate, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 05-549 2818


    Fruits Talk Pomelo Tambun Kedai Limau 水果密语打扪柚子

    36, Jalan Tambun Baru, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 016-532 3965


    Tambun Pomelo GoChin Agro Farm 打扪高晶柚子园

    158258A, Jalan Ampang Tambun, 31400, Ipoh, Perak Tambun, 31400 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 05-549 7309


    Tambun Pomelo Orchard 打扪柚子园

    Lot. 48252A, Jalan Ampang, Kampung Tambun, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 016-524 3734


    Ayam Garam Aun Kheng Lim (Main Branch)

    24, Jalan Theatre, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 05-254 2998


    Canning Garden Chee Cheong Fun

    27, Lorong Cecil Rae, Taman Canning, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    +6 016-524 7623


    Kedai Makan Nam Heong

    2, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 016- 520 0222 / +6 012- 370 9253


    Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong

    15A- Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 05-241 4601


    Kedai Kopi Sun Yuan Foong

    17 Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 016-590 0545 / +6 019-550 4888


    Yee Fatt Tea Shop

    39 Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 012-520 3281


    Yong Suan Coffee Shop

    2 Jalan Yang Kalsom, 30250 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 05-254 4314


    The Paris Restaurant

    164-166 Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 017-579 3148


    Kar Pin Eating Shop

    52, Jalan Bendera, 31650 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 05-254 5904 / +6 012-370 9253


    Restoran Xin Quan Fang

    174, Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 016-556 9191


    New Weng Fatt Cafe & Restorant

    1, Lebuh Raya, Taman Ipoh, Ipoh Garden South, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 012-501 6166


    Kedai Kopi Keng Nam

    No. 127, Jalan Raja Ekram, 30300 Ipoh, Perak

    +6 05-255 7328

  • SHOPPING

    There is a vibrant commercial district in the old town with many historical ‘shop-houses’ centred around Leech Street, Jalan Bandar Timah). The old town also features wall art murals drawn by street artists which relate to the town’s heritage and culture.

    The new town, to the east of the Kinta River, developed by Yau Tet Shin around 1908 houses Ipoh City Hall building, other public buildings and numerous shops, shopping malls, and hotels.

     

    No. Shopping malls/plazas Address & Contact
    1. Ipoh Parade 105, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, Pusat Perdagangan Greentown, 30450 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    05-241 0885

    2. AEON Mall Kinta City 2, Jalan Teh Lean Swee, Taman Ipoh Selatan, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    1-300-80-2366

    3. Pengkalan Emas Mall Jalan Pasir Puteh, Kampung Pengkalan Pegoh, 31650 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    011-3958 4044

    4. Megoplex Megoplex, Jalan Gopeng, Medan Gopeng, 31350 Ipoh

    012-524 7174

    5. AEON Mall Station 18 Aeon Shopping Mall, No.2, Susunan Stesen 18, Station 18, 31650 Ipoh, Perak

    1-300-80-2366

    6. Angsana Mall Ipoh 24, Jalan Raja Ashman Shah, Kampung Kastam Greentown, 30450 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    016-447 9280

    7. D’Chateau Mall 20, Jalan Chung Thye Phin, Taman Chateau, 30250 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    016-338 8206

    8. IT Mall Ipoh 17, Tawas Idaman 2, Anjung Tawas Sinaran, 30010 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    012-538 3111

    9. Ipoh Garden Square 39, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Taman Ipoh Selatan, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    05-242 2811

    10. Aeon Station 18 Aeon Shopping Mall, No.2, Susunan Stesen 18, Station 18, 31650 Ipoh, Perak

    1-300-80-2366

  • TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND PLACES

    Kellie’s Castle, famous historic building

    The place that usually pops up at the top of any visit Ipoh list is Kellie’s Castle. It is along a road named after the current ruler of Perak, Jalan Raja Nazrin Shah (It is a road named after the current Ruler of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah. Now a popular, though reputed to be haunted, tourist attraction, it was the setting for the 1999 film, Anna and the King, and the 2001 film, Skyline Cruisers).

    The ‘castle’ takes its name from an English rubber planter William Kellie Smith. The intricately designed mansion was built in 1915 but never completed.

    Another famous mansion is the Han Chin Pet Soo dwelling which has been turned into a free museum. Gua Tempurung is the largest limestone cave in the country and is popular with spelunkers. Its stalactite and stalagmite chambers can be accessed through lit walkways on guided tours.

    Ipoh is renowned for its temple caves constructed in the limestone outcrops, the most notable of which is Sam Poh Tong dating back to 1890. The highlight of this temple complex – expanded in 1950 – are its three Buddha statues and tortoise pond.

    A go-to location during the nighttime for nature lovers is Kuala Sepetang to see the fireflies. Among Ipoh’s landmark buildings are its railway station dubbed ‘the Taj Mahal of Ipoh’ sporting a similar type of architecture to the famous KL Railway station, Ipoh town hall, court house, the mock-Tudor styled Ipoh Club, FMS Bar and other colonial era buildings.

    Some of the old Chinese shophouses have been converted into chic cafes.

    Street art with wall murals painted by Lithuanian Ernest Zacharevic (known for his work in the heritage quarter of Penang) can also be seen in Ipoh.

     

    No. Tourist attractions and places Address & Contact
    1. Kellie’s Castle 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak

    05-365 3381

    2. Perak Cave Temple Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Kawasan Perindustrian Tasek, 31400 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    011-2358 4126

    3. Sunway Lost World of Tambun 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway, Sunway City, 31150 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    05-540 8888

    4. Tempurung Cave Pusat Pelancongan Gua Tempurung,, 31600 Gopeng, Negeri Perak

    012-529 2426

    5. Sam Poh Tong Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak

    05-255 2772

    6. Movie Animation Park Studios Persiaran Meru Raya 3, Bandar Meru Raya, 30020 Ipoh, Perak

    05-501 5666

    7. Kek Lok Tong Pesiaran Sepakat 3, TMN ENDAH JAYA, 31350 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    05-312 8112

    8. Gunung Lang Recreational Park Jalan Damai, 30100 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    05-208 3333

    9. Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village 22A, Persiaran Pinggir Rapat 5a, Taman Saikat, 31350 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    05-312 4140

    10. Han Chin Pet Soo 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30100 Ipoh, Negeri Perak

    05-241 4541

  • PERSONALITIES AND CELEBRITIES

    Azlan Shah (Batu Gajah) Judiciary
    Rasammah Bhupalan Educationist
    Wu Lien Teh Pioneer Doctor and Plague Fighter
    Lee Chong Wei (Bagan Serai) Badminton Player
    Ng Boon Bee Badminton Player
    Tan Yee Khan Badminton Player
    Cheah Soon Kit Badminton Player
    Mohammad Nor Mohammad Khalid aka Lat (Gopeng) Cartoonist
    Michelle Yeoh Actress
    Eric Moo (Kampar) Singer
    Chen Lip Keong Businessman
    Mark Chang Mun Kee (Kampar) Businessman
    Jeffrey Cheah (Pusing) Businessman
    Jamal Abdillah Singer
    Ning Baizura Singer
    Francissca Peter Singer
    Sophia Liana Actress
    Chen Lip Keong (Kinta Valley) Businessman
    Mark Chang Mun Kee (Kampar,) Businessman
    Jeffrey Cheah (Pusing) Businessman
    Lee Loy Seng Businessman
    Koon Yew Yin Businessman
    Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah Politician
    D. R. Seenivasagam Politician
    Lim Keng Yaik Politician
    Lee Lam Thye Social Activist
    Yusof Ishak Politician
    Leong Sin Nam Businessman
    Foo Choo Choon Pioneer Community and Business Leader
    Leong Fee Businessman
    Diana Chan Chef
    Patrick Teoh Actor
    Yap Lin Sen Businessman
    Syed Akhbar Ali Social Activist
    Ling Liong Sik Politician
    Khoo Kay Kim (Kampar) Historian
    Mohamed Suffian Mohamed Hashim (Kuala Kangsar) Lord President
    Edmund Terence Gomes Academician
    Lim Keng Yaik (Tapah) Politician
    V.T. Sambanthan (Sungei Siput) Politician
    Rustam Sani (Tanjung Malim) Academician
    Muhammad Haji Salleh (Taiping) Academician
    Jeffrey Cheah (Pusing) Business Tycoon
    Burhanuddin al-Helmy (Kota Bharu) Politician
    Ghazali Shafie (Kuala Lipis) Politician
    Khong Kam Tat Doctor and Community Leader
    Mariam Mokhtar Activist
    D. R. Seenivasagam Politician
    N.H. Chan Judiciary
    Patrick Teoh Media Personality
    Rehman Rashid (Taiping) Journalist
    Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (Kampar) Politician
    Abdul Wahab Abdul Aziz (Sayong) Nationalist
    Abdul Aziz Ishak Nationalist Politician
    Choo Kia Peng (Taiping) Pioneer Businessman
    Choong Chin Liang Businessman and Philanthropist
    Lee Loy Seng (Menglembu) Businessman