Taking an Ipoh day trip is probably one of our most favorite getaways. We keep going back because the city makes it possible to blend history, nature, and food all into one day.
Ipoh’s peaceful cave temples (some dating back to the 1800s), surrounded by towering limestone hills, give Ipoh a spiritual charm you will not see anywhere else in Malaysia.
By the early 20th century, Ipoh’s boom in the tin mining industry made it wealthy and paved the way for Ipoh’s development. Locals take great pride in that history, and you can sense it in every guided tour and museum corner.
Not to mention the streets filled with art, food stalls, and the aroma of white coffee, all add to Ipoh’s rich character.
There is a LOT to do in Ipoh! So if you want to fit the best into a single day, it’s wise to plan your Ipoh day trip ahead of time. So you can hop between temples, kopitiams, and art‑filled lanes without wasting precious minutes.
Below you will find our 10 favourite things to do on an Ipoh day trip, each one tested on more than a few spontaneous road trips.
You can pick the ones that sound most interesting to you and plan the perfect day trip to Ipoh!
But just in case you don’t have time to do that, we’ve also included three sample Ipoh itineraries at the end so you can hit the ground running and squeeze every drop of fun from your Ipoh day trip.
So let’s get to it!
1. Explore Ipoh’s Famous Cave Temples
Ipoh attractions don’t get more iconic than its cave temples. They’re built into limestone hills and are absolutely beautiful.
To visit all the temples, it would probably take at least half a day, which might not be a good plan for a day trip.
So if you only visit one on your Ipoh day trip, we recommend Kek Lok Tong. It has stunning cave chambers and peaceful gardens surrounded by cliffs.
You can walk around, take in the view, go on a boat ride, and just breathe. It’s free to enter, and you can easily spend 45 minutes to an hour here.
Another good one is Perak Cave Temple. Inside, you’ll find colourful Buddhist paintings and statues. There’s also a short hike to the top where you can catch a panoramic view of the entire city. And it is amazing.
Entrance is free, but a small donation is encouraged. Give yourself about an hour if you’re climbing to the viewpoint.
If you have time, and you really love temples, Sam Poh Tong is another option with a massive reclining Buddha and bright pagodas. This is also the oldest temple in Ipoh, dating back to 1890.
Entrance at Sam Poh Tong is also free, and it closes early (around 2 pm), so plan to visit before lunch.
Even if you can’t fit all of Ipoh’s temples on a single day trip, we recommend visiting at least one or two.
2. Visit Qing Xin Ling Leisure & Cultural Village
Qing Xin Ling feels like stepping back in time and is one of the most interesting places in Ipoh.
It’s set around a small lake and filled with vintage-style houses, shops, and nostalgic old artefacts. You can rent an old-fashioned bicycle and ride through the village, or just walk around and enjoy the scenery.
It’s very peaceful and perfect for photos. And it’s a great add-on to your Ipoh day trip if you enjoy culture and calm.
The entrance fee is RM12 for adults (RM20 for foreigners). You could spend an hour or so here, especially if you take your time walking or cycling around.
It can get busy during weekends, so mornings or late afternoons are the best times to go.
3. Cool Off at Lubuk Timah Waterfall & Hot Spring
Need a mid-day break during your Ipoh day trip?
After a morning of walking and sightseeing, head to Lubuk Timah. It’s a quiet spot where you can dip in the river or soak in a small natural hot spring.
It’s not a big place, but it’s calm and refreshing. The hot spring only fits about two people at a time, so go early if you want to try it. The waterfall area is also great for relaxing or having a little picnic.
There’s a small fee of RM5 per person. Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes here. It’s great as a midday break, especially if you’re feeling the heat.
4. Discover the Magic of Tasik Cermin (Mirror Lake)
Tasik Cermin is one of the best places in Ipoh for nature lovers.
You reach it by walking through a short tunnel that used to be part of a mining site. Once you come out the other side, you’ll see a hidden lake surrounded by limestone cliffs.
It’s peaceful, quiet, and very scenic.
Entrance costs RM4. For an extra RM10, you can hop on a boat ride with a local guide. It’s worth doing if you want to hear more about the area and get better photo angles.
You probably need about 45 minutes to one hour here.
5. Walk Through Ipoh’s Colonial History
If you love architecture and history, make sure this is part of your Ipoh day trip. Take a stroll through Ipoh’s old town and admire the colonial buildings.
Some of the most famous ones include the Ipoh Railway Station, Birch Memorial Clock Tower, and the Ipoh Town Hall.
The architecture is beautiful and tells you a lot about Ipoh’s past as a tin mining town during British rule.
It’s free to walk around and see these spots. We recommend spending at least 45 minutes exploring this area on foot.
You can take a self-guided tour or hire a local guide. Bring a hat and some water if you’re going midday.
6. Hunt for Street Art
One of the most popular and fun things to do in Ipoh is the street art.
A lot of it was painted by the same artist who did the Penang murals: Ernest Zacharevic. There are also murals by local artists. You’ll find colourful, fun and interactive designs in back alleys and hidden walls all around town.
Mural Arts Lane is a good place to start. There’s also Market Lane and Concubine Lane.
You can spend about 30 to 45 minutes walking and snapping photos. We recommend grabbing a map from the Ipoh Tourist Information Centre or checking out this Ipoh street art guide.
The best part is it’s completely free to explore.
7. Spend a Few Hours at Lost World of Tambun
If you’re visiting Ipoh with kids or just want some light-hearted fun, Lost World of Tambun is a great pick. It’s part theme park, part water park, part zoo, and part hot spring.
The best part? It’s surrounded by limestone hills, so the view is just as exciting as the rides. So, no surprise it’s one of the top Ipoh tourist spots.
Ticket prices range from RM70 to RM120, depending on the day and which pass you choose.
You could easily spend the whole day here (or two), but for a day trip, you might have to choose between the dry rides and the wet park.
The swing ride with a view of the jungle cliffs behind you is something else.
8. Shop and Chill at Concubine Lane
For shopping, food stalls, and vibes, head to Concubine Lane. It’s a very lively, colourful street packed with souvenirs, local snacks, and cute cafes.
This is one of the best (and most popular) places to visit in Ipoh if you want to take it slow and enjoy the atmosphere. It gets busy, but that’s part of the fun.
There’s no entrance fee, but bring some cash for snacks or gifts. You can explore the whole lane in 30 to 45 minutes.
9. Learn Something New at 22 Hale Street
No day trip in Ipoh would be complete without a visit to at least one of its museums.
We love museums, and 22 Hale Street Heritage Gallery is one of the most charming ones in town. It shows how life in Ipoh used to be, with recreated homes and stories from different communities.
It’s small but detailed and gives you a feel of what daily life was like over the years.
Entry costs RM10. You can see everything in about 45 minutes. It’s a great air-conditioned break from the afternoon heat.
If you want more, there’s also Han Chin Pet Soo and Time Tunnel Ipoh. But 22 Hale Street is a great place to start.
10. Don’t Miss the Ipoh Food Scene
You didn’t think we were going to write an Ipoh day trip guide without talking about the food, did you? Ipoh’s food scene is essential to the Ipoh travel experience.
Ipoh is famous for white coffee and incredible Chinese food. The white coffee here is strong, creamy, and slightly sweet.
Old Town White Coffee is a famous local chain with stops everywhere. But Ipoh’s cafe scene is booming, and you could explore at least a few cafes in Ipoh throughout the day.
Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Bean sprout chicken rice at Lou Wong
- Shredded chicken noodles at Thean Chun
- Dim sum at Yoke Fook Mun
- Pork Satay at Restoran Kong Heng
- Banana leaf meals and curries at Sri Anandha Bhavan
- Tau Fu Fah at Lai Kee Soya Bean
Everything is close together, so you can easily hop from one food spot to another. That’s another reason why Ipoh is such a foodie favourite.
3 Itineraries for Your Perfect Ipoh Day Trip
Option 1: Nature & Temples
- Grab breakfast and white coffee (45 mins)
- Start at Kek Lok Tong (1 hour)
- Visit Perak Cave Temple for the view (1 hour)
- Lunch nearby (1 hour)
- Explore Mirror Lake (1 hour)
- End the day with a soak at Lubuk Timah (30 to 45 minutes)
Option 2: Culture & Food
- Start with a colonial building walk (45 minutes)
- Grab breakfast and white coffee (45 mins)
- Visit 22 Hale Street (45 minutes)
- Hunt for street art (30 to 45 minutes)
- Lunch at Thean Chun or Kong Heng (1 hour)
- Shop at Concubine Lane (45 minutes)
- Sip coffee and snacks at a local cafe (30 minutes)
Option 3: Family Fun
- Arrive and go straight to Lost World of Tambun (3 to 4 hours)
- Lunch at the park (1 hour)
- Quick visit to Kek Lok Tong or Mirror Lake after (1 hour)
- Coffee and dinner in town before heading home (1.5 hours)
There you go. That’s our personal guide to what to do in Ipoh on a day trip.
You might not be able to see everything in a day, but whatever you choose, you’ll have a great time. Ipoh has something for everyone, and we always leave wanting to come back again.
Let us know which are your favorite places and if you’d like to add more to the list!
Here are some other helpful resources:
- 7 fun day trips from Kuala Lumpur (besides Genting Highlands) – SOCAR Blog
- 5 ideas for the long weekend – SOCAR Blog
- SOCAR is Now in Ipoh! – SOCAR Blog
- 5 budget-savvy hacks to travel smarter for your year-end holidays – SOCAR Blog
FAQ on Ipoh Day Trip
Is 1 day enough in Ipoh?
Yes, you can see all of Ipoh in just one day. If you stay longer, you might find yourself running out of things to do unless you’re keen to take it slow or explore more food spots and nature areas nearby.
Is Ipoh a day trip from Kuala Lumpur?
It’s easy to visit Ipoh as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur. The train ride takes just 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a convenient and fun escape from the city.
Is Ipoh a small city?
Ipoh remains one of Malaysia’s largest cities. While the town centre feels compact and walkable, the city itself stretches far beyond the old town.
How do I go from Ipoh to KL?
Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur train services, operated by KTM Intercity, depart from Ipoh station. The fastest and easiest way to get to Kuala Lumpur is by train, which takes about 2 hours and 18 minutes and costs between RM20 – RM70. You can also take the bus for RM16 – RM40, though it’s a slower option at just over 4 hours.
How long is the journey from KL to Ipoh?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The distance is about 209 km. Most buses leave from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan), but you can also find services from KL Sentral.
How far is Ipoh airport from town?
Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IATA: IPH, ICAO: WMKI) is located just 6 kilometers from the city centre. It’s close enough that a taxi ride from the airport to town usually takes about 15 minutes.
How do you get around in Ipoh, Malaysia?
How to Get Around Ipoh: You can take public buses from the Ipoh Bus Terminal in Old Town, which covers most routes in the city. Taxis are also available and usually cost between RM5 – RM10 for short trips within town. Alternatively, having a car gives you more flexibility if you’re planning to visit places outside the city centre.
Make the most of your day trip in Ipoh with SOCAR
If you want to explore beyond Old Town and hit up places like Qing Xin Ling, Kek Lok Tong, or even nearby hot springs, booking a car with SOCAR is a great idea.
You get the freedom to move at your own pace, stop for impromptu photo ops, and squeeze more into your day without stressing about transport.
SOCAR has a wide range of vehicles you can pick up from KL or in Ipoh itself, so it’s super convenient for a road trip or just getting around town.
