South East Asian Trips

Ipoh City is the home to many a miner who has made a fortune during the heydays of tin. Once a small kampung with dilapidated buildings, Ipoh, a town that tin built, did not pass with the demise of the tin industry. Instead, it has grown with the country's economy. Poised to become the focal point of industry, business, investment, education, and social activities, Ipoh reflects the overall progress and development that Perak is experiencing.

Bearing a close resemblance to its Kuala Lumpur counterpart, the Ipoh Railway Station is an impressive landmark, which combines Gothic and Moorish architecture with modern embellishments. Hence its nickname, the Taj Mahal of Ipoh. Its compound comprises of the famous "Ipoh Tree", a poisonous tree whose sap is used by the natives in the olden days to make fatal darts for their blow pipes. Surrounded by a beautiful floral garden, it also serves as a charming welcome to visitors arriving by rail.

Opposite the railway station is a neocolonial style building. Adjacent to that is the Ipoh Clock Tower, which was erected in 1917 as a memorial to J.W.W. Birch, the first British Resident of the state who was assassinated by a group of Malay chieftains in Pasir Salak in 1875. Ironically, there is another memorial built on the very spot where Birch was assassinated, but this one is dedicated to the Malay warriors who murdered him.

Apart from Penang, Ipoh is the other name that is constantly at the tip of the tongue when the subject matter concerned is food. The early Chinese immigrants who poured into the state brought with them the cooking styles of their provinces, most of whom were from the southern provinces. These cooking styles blended well with the local air and a new breed of food came about, such as the Ipoh "Hor Fun" or flat rice noodles. The writer is also of the opinion that Ipoh has the best fish balls in the country.

Once growing extremely rich with tin trading Ipoh is currently one of the top three largest cities in Malaysia. Located in the Kinta Valley south of Penang the blurred Sungei Kinta divides the town precisely in half. Many a hotel in Ipoh Malaysia is found to the east of the Sungei Kinta River and the old town is on the other side between Jalan Sultan Iskander and Jalan Sultan Idris Shah. Once having dated colonial road names many have been traded in exchange for names of a more Islamic nature though many of the signs don't reflect this yet!

Ipoh accommodation can be found for an assortment of budgets. The Heritage Ipoh Hotel is found at Jalan Raja DiHilir. This hotel at Ipoh Malaysia is in the heart of the city and close to many attractions. Room amenities at this Ipoh accommodation include TV with in-room films, mini bar, air conditioning, refrigerator and safe deposit for peace of mind during your Ipoh Malaysia vacation.

Chinese and colonial architecture can be seen in many aged buildings with the most arresting being the Hong Kong Bank replete with stark white stucco and found north of the Jalan Dato' Maharaja Lela and the Birch Memorial Clocktower. Head right from the Hong Kong Bank onto Jalan Sultan Yusuf and you'll find yourself on the periphery of Chinatown. Many lightly colored shops from the nineteenth century can be explored for some good shopping during your Ipoh Malaysia vacation. Leave your Ipoh hotel and visit the Perak Museum, with free admission, and discover an affluent, bygone tin miner's estate complete with photos exhibiting the tin boom history.

Ipoh accommodation can also be found at the Impiana Casuarina Ipoh Hotel. At ths Ipoh hotel visitors can take advantage of the pool on hot days. Relaxing, dining, and excellent entertainment can also be enjoyed. 200 well-appointed rooms face superior views of lush, tropical greenery and limestone hills. Massage services and a steam room are available at this hotel at Ipoh Malaysia. Simple yet clean rooms include air conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, in-room movies, mini bar and tea and coffee. This hotel at Ipoh Malaysia is also close to the center of the city making transportation to major sights easy. Rates start at $56.00 but check before booking your Ipoh Malaysia vacation.

The Excelsior Hotel is another favored hotel at Ipoh Malaysia. 181 rooms offer comfortable Ipoh accommodation and great service featuring excellent Malaysian hospitality. Situated in the heart of the entertainment district there are many things to do in this dining Mecca. Modern services and facilities make your Ipoh Malaysia vacation truly pleasant and comfortable. A sheltered car park, health center, business center, concierge services and 24-hour security are there for guests' peace of mind. Rooms at this Ipoh hotel include lovely furnishings, telephones, air conditioning, mini bar, in-room movies and TV. A sauna, whirlpool, lounge, restaurant and fitness room are also located on site. Rates are between $43.00 and $77.00.

When visiting Ipoh you'll notice that it isn't a hectic tourist spot making it ideal for a relaxing retreat. Surrounded by jungle and limestone cliffs the Lost World of Tambun is a water park full of adventure and cool, flowing water. Old town Ipoh is a contrast to the distinctly newer part and lends to great excursions while exploring the city. Old town Ipoh is laden with stately buildings, unique stores, restaurants, coffee shops and roads are well designed and easy to navigate. The preservation of Ipoh is where most of the charm of this city lies. Soak up the history while sightseeing or just relax, try fantastic Malaysian cuisine and unwind from hectic lifestyles.