Explore the many charms of Ipoh

The city of Ipoh, situated on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia is the country’s third largest city. The administrative capital of the state of Perak, Ipoh, located in the rich tin- bearing valley of the Kinta River, was a hot bed of the tin mining industry during the British colonial era in Malaysia. 
However, when the industry collapsed and the mines closed in the 1970’s, Ipoh lost much of its prominence as growth in the city came to an abrupt halt and the many residents associated with industry migrated to other parts of the country. Since then, Ipoh whose cityscape features quaint Chinese shop houses and various colonial era buildings, has come to be renowned as a good locale for retirement, though it continues to be one of the most populous cities in Malaysia.

Reasons to visit Ipoh

Easily Accessible from Kuala Lumpur

Ipoh is situated at a distance of 200km to the north of Kuala Lumpur and is easily accessible via various modes of transport.

Many architectural sights of historical and cultural importance

If you are an avid sightseer, you are in luck in Ipoh, for the city is dotted with numerous ancient buildings dating back to the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, like the Ipoh Town Hall, the High Court and the Ipoh Railway Station. Other attractions of note in Ipoh include the Muzium Darul Ridzuan, a museum housed in a charming mansion, which once belonged to a tin-mining tycoon and the city’s ancient Mariamman temple.

Access city for theme parks

Ipoh provides easy access for popular, attraction-filled theme parks like the Gunung Lang Recreational Park and the Lost World of Tambun. Ipoh also provides easy access to another popular attraction, Kellie’s Castle, a deserted mansion and, the former home of an English plantation owner. The mansion is believed to be haunted and also hosts various secret chambers. This popular attraction located within close proximity to Ipoh in Batu Gajah.

Food glorious food

Ipoh is a well known ‘foodie destination’ and hosts a culinary landscape littered with delectable hawker fare. The city is famously associated with much loved delicacies like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Kai See Sar Hor Fun (rice noodles in a soupy broth), Tauge Ayam, Wantan Mee, Ipoh old town white coffee, Char Quay Teow, Chicken curry bread, Ipoh salted chicken, Egg tarts, Taro puffs and more.

Chinese and Buddhist Temples

Elaborately decorated Chinese temples have long attracted tourists in various parts of South East Asia.  It is no different in Malaysia for a significant portion of the country’s Chinese population follows Buddhism. The Chinese first arrived in Malaysia in the early 13^th century as traders; they continued to arrive in waves down the ages. These Chinese immigrants to Malaya hailed from various regions of China and as they settled in Malaysia and formed communities, they built some magnificent Chinese and Buddhist temples, which stand until today.

Some of the most spectacular Chinese and Buddhist temples in Malaysia currently include:-

Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur

The six tiered Thean Hou Temple stands in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. This elaborately adorned temple features ornate roofs and sculptured dragons. The temple which is one of the biggest Chinese temples in the country, is dedicated to Thean Hou(the heavenly goddess) though several other popular Chinese deities like Kuan Yin(the Goddess of Mercy) and Shui Wey( Goddess of  the Hokkien fishermen) also feature within the temple. The grounds of the temple feature replicas of the Chinese zodiac signs. Several souvenir shops line the exterior of the temple.

Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen temple, Selangor

This temple, which was established in Jenjarom, Kuala Langat in 1994 is set amongst 16 immaculately landscaped acres. This temple also functions as a monastery and is a center for culture and religious studies.  The main shrine at this temple is a 5.4-meter high statue of Lord Buddha sculpted in bronze. Other idols that adorn the temple include a statue of Kuan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy).

Perak Tong, Ipoh Perak

The Malaysian state of Perak is renowned for its cave temples many of which are located around the capital city of Ipoh. Perak Tong is one such famed temple, which is housed within the huge limestone cave; Gunung Tasek located six kilometers north of Ipoh town. This temple was constructed by Buddhist monks from China in 1926 and features over 40 statues of Lord Buddha, including one, which rises to a height of 12.8 meters. Traditional Chinese paintings illustrating Buddhist folk tales adorn the walls of the temple.

Sam Poh Tong Temple, Ipoh

This temple, which lies five kilometers to the south of Ipoh near Gunung Rapat, houses several statues of Lord Buddha amongst its many limestone formations like spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. It is believed that a Chinese monk discovered this cave and he then went on to use it as a locale for meditation.  The temple also features 246 steps leading to its summit.

Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang

The Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the most visited sites in Penang. Situated on the lower rungs of Penang Hill, this magnificent temple is considered to be one of the finest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. The temple is built in tiers and is adorned with a tall Pagoda adorned with ten thousand Buddha statues and a 30-meter (90 feet) tall statue of Kuan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy). The temple is an exponent of Sino-Thai-Burmese styles of architecture and features  several colorful frescoes and water bodies.

Goddess of Mercy Temple  (Kuan Yin Teng)

Early Chinese migrants to Penang built the Kuan Yin Teng temple in 1801. The temple is dedicated to two goddess; Kuan Yin (the goddess of Mercy) and Ma Chor Poh, the patron saint of seafarers. The décor of the temple is quite dramatic as it features a main hall supported by sculpted pillars adorned with dragons.

The Temple of Bright Clouds (Melaka)

Located in the heart of Melaka’s Chinatown, the Temple of Bright Clouds or the Cheng Hoong Teng temple is the oldest temple in Malaysia. The temple, which was constructed entirely of materials imported from Southern China, dates back to 1646. The temple practices the three main doctrines of Chinese religion namely Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.

Puh Toh Tze Temple, Sabah

The Puh Toh Tze temple situated at a distance of 15km from Kota Kinabalu off Tuaran Road is one of the most well known Buddhist temples in Sabah. The temple, which was built in 1980, bears a distinct Chinese-style structure and roof. The temple features ten large statues including a large statue of goddess Kuan Yin at its main entrance.