Something magical about a day trip to Ipoh always excites me.
Traveling for just one day—escaping your routine and stepping into a city where every corner holds a new story—can be incredibly exciting!
I have taken many trips to Ipoh, often self-driving early in the morning and arriving just in time for dim sum.
Although Ipoh is frequently overlooked as a destination bursting with charm, history, and irresistible food, it is a must-visit.
Imagine waking up early, excited for a day trip to Ipoh. The air is warm, the streets are quiet, and the city is slowly coming to life.
You’re ready for a day filled with dim sum, sightseeing, plenty of Ipoh’s famous food, and food souvenir shopping.
Ipoh has always been a stopover city for travelers driving along the trunk road between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Now, with the highway making travel even easier, a day trip to Ipoh is the perfect escape, offering a blend of cultural sights and unforgettable flavors.
Visiting the cave temples is a must if it’s your first time.
With its relaxed, easygoing vibe, Ipoh invites you to explore its delicious gems, one bite at a time.
Contents
Best Things to Do in Ipoh in One Day
No day trip to Ipoh is complete without exploring the city’s highlights, especially its famous Cantonese cuisine.
Ipoh isn’t just about food (though I may be slightly biased!).
Beyond the irresistible flavors, the city has historical landmarks and many must-do experiences.
A Day Trip to Ipoh For Food Lovers with all the food to eat!
Concubine Lane
Start your day trip to Ipoh with a visit to Concubine Lane and stroll through history.
Yes, Concubine—back in the day, wealthy tycoons kept their mistresses here.
Today, this once-secretive alley has transformed into a colorful, bustling street brimming with history and local charm.
Wander past colonial-era buildings, browse through quirky boutiques, and pick up a souvenir.
Don’t miss the local tofu (bean curd)—a simple yet delicious treat that is the perfect edible reminder of your Ipoh adventure.
Kong Heng Artisan Market
After Concubine Lane, it’s time for some local shopping at the Kong Heng Artisan Market.
This vibrant space is perfect for a Sip, Shop, and Savor experience.
Pick up quirky handmade crafts and sample local snacks as you wander the stalls.
Take your time to sip on a cup of Ipoh’s famous white coffee while browsing—it’s the ideal spot to soak up the city’s laid-back charm.
Café Hopping in Ipoh
A day trip to Ipoh isn’t complete without experiencing its café culture.
Believe it or not, Ipoh has just as many cafés as Penang, scattered all around the city.
From cozy spots serving freshly brewed coffee to hipster hangouts offering decadent cakes, Ipoh’s café scene has something for everyone.
I once took a solo trip and spent the entire afternoon hopping from one café to the next!
Sipping on copious cups of creamy lattes and indulging in one too many cake slices—until I found myself in a full-blown food coma.
I have no regrets!
Read more here: 16 Best Cafes in Ipoh for Coffee, Brunch & Chill in 2025
Nga Choi Kai & Ayam Garam
By midday, you’ll need to refuel.
Ipoh is famous for Nga Choi Kai—bean sprout chicken—and no visit is complete without trying this iconic dish.
The plump, juicy bean sprouts paired with tender, poached chicken create the perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
While most visitors flock to popular spots for a Nga Choi Kai lunch, I prefer Cowan Street.
It only opens at 6 PM, but it’s worth the wait.
Read more here: Cowan Street Nga Choi Kai Review
Perak Cave Temple
Head to the peaceful Perak Cave Temple to balance out all the food.
The beautiful temple, carved out of a limestone hill, offers spiritual calm to devotees and stunning city views.
It’s the perfect spot to reflect on your day trip to Ipoh and admire the intricate details.
The temple is inside a majestic limestone hill. It isn’t just a place of worship—it’s a sanctuary of calm.
As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by intricate murals, golden Buddha statues, and a sense of serenity that instantly slows you down.
Climb up to the viewing platform, and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Ipoh.
Spend a quiet moment to reflect on your day trip to Ipoh before diving back into the city’s irresistible charm.
Ipoh Food Souvenirs
As your day trip to Ipoh winds down, don’t forget to grab a few local souvenirs to take home.
A must-buy is Ayam Garam or salt-baked chicken. Known as yim kok kai in Cantonese, this dish is famous for its intense umami flavor and fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
It’s the perfect takeaway to relive a taste of Ipoh long after your trip ends.
For something sweet, Ipoh pomelos are a great pick.
These juicy, fragrant fruits are some of the best in Malaysia—refreshing, slightly tangy, and naturally sweet.
Don’t leave without grabbing a box of Ipoh’s famous egg biscuits.
Crispy, buttery, and with just the right sweetness, these little treats are a delicious reminder of your adventure in this charming city.
Read more here: Top 10 Delicious Edible Ipoh Souvenirs
How to Get to Ipoh?
Ipoh is easily accessible by car or train. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, making it the perfect destination for a day trip to Ipoh.
If you’re coming from Penang, the drive is around 3 hours, offering scenic views.
How Many Days in Ipoh?
While a day trip to Ipoh lets you experience the city’s highlights, staying a night will allow you to soak in even more charm.
With an overnight stay, you’ll have time to explore hidden gems like Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village.
Here you can experience vintage nostalgia meets breathtaking nature, or take a peaceful boat ride at Mirror Lake, one of Ipoh’s most picturesque spots.
If you can spare the time, an Ipoh weekend getaway is the perfect way to slow down, explore at your own pace, and enjoy even more delicious food!
Where to Stay in Ipoh?
If you decide to extend your stay, Ipoh has many accommodations to suit every traveler—whether you prefer a boutique guesthouse, a heritage hotel, or a modern stay.
For convenience, stay at the MU Hotel near the city center, close to Ipoh’s main attractions, food spots, and heritage sites.
For a tranquil escape, try staying near the limestone caves and temples.
You can wake up to stunning natural scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.
What to Pack for Your Day Trip to Ipoh
For a day trip to Ipoh, pack light and comfortable clothing.
You’ll be exploring the city on foot, so be sure to bring along a good pair of walking shoes to keep your feet happy during all the sightseeing.
Sunglasses are a must to protect your eyes from the sun, and don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture the beauty of Ipoh’s charming streets, temples, and food.
Lastly, leave room in your bag for all the tasty food souvenirs you’ll want to take home, like Ipoh pomelos or egg biscuits.
How to travel to Ipoh?
Traveling to Ipoh is easy, whether by car, bus, train, or flight.
For your day trip to Ipoh the most convenient option is driving, with a smooth 2-hour journey from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway.
For a hassle-free ride, take the KTM ETS business class train from KL Sentral, which reaches Ipoh in about 2.5 hours.
You can also take the ETS from Butterworth.
Buses also operate frequently from major cities like Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
If you’re coming from further away, Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh offers limited domestic flights.
Once in Ipoh, getting around is best done by car, ride-hailing apps, or exploring on foot in the city center.
Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit Ipoh?
While travel insurance might not be at the top of my mind for a short day trip to Ipoh, it’s always a brilliant idea to have it.
You might not think you need travel insurance, but it offers valuable protection.
It covers flight delays, health emergencies, and lost luggage.
These are hassles you don’t want during a fun getaway.
By getting the right coverage, you can enjoy your Ipoh adventure with peace of mind, knowing you’re prepared for the what-ifs.
