An elegant city in the Malaysian hills, Ipoh has long been the gateway to the picturesque tea country of the Cameron Highlands and beautiful Pulau Pangkor. Once a wealthy tin mining hub, Ipoh offers heritage architecture, fascinating museums and heaps of activities for foodies, adventurers and culture buffs alike. Very much a worthy destination in its own right, Malaysia’s fourth-largest city has an excellent array of great B&Bs and hotels for couples, friends or families. Most of the best places to stay in Ipoh are set close to the city centre, but we do also recommend one very special rainforest retreat.

Take a guided walking tour to explore Ipoh’s heritage centre, admiring landmarks such as the Ipoh Railway Station, Birch Clock Tower and the Old Post Office. Mural Art's Lane is the place to go for street art, whilst street-side hawker stands brim with delicious local specialities and there’s a buzzy evening scene in the heart of the city. Culture aficionados can sate their curiosity at the Tea Museum, the Geological Museum and the Yasmin Ahmad Museum.

Perched close to the Kinta and Kampar Rivers — perfect for kayaking, rafting and boat trips — Ipoh is also surrounded by jungle. Hike through lush landscapes, bathe in healing hot springs, or delve into Sam Poh Tong, Malaysia's largest cave temple. Trekkers will adore discovering the hill settlements, farms and dense, waterfall-studded forests of the Cameron Highlands. Return to one of the best places to stay in Ipoh for evenings of delicious food, bustling night markets and chic bars.

The Best Places to Stay in Ipoh

For Boutique Chic

• Ipoh Bali Hotel is an intimate bolthole for couples or families looking to stay somewhere friendly, small and characterful in the city. Balinese-inspired interiors feature cane lampshades, batik artwork and private terraces with hanging chairs. A chic B&B with massages and free bicycles.

For a Wellness Retreat

• The Banjaran is one of Malaysia's best spa hotels, specialising in Ayurvedic treatments and Chinese medicines. Tucked in the rainforest outside Ipoh, contemporary villas with private pools invite guests to unwind between revitalising spa treatments, gourmet dinners, jungle walks or restorative yoga. A superb wellness retreat.

For Great Value

• M Boutique Ipoh has a retro feel, inspired by pre-war shophouses. Rooms offer flexible options for families or groups, there's a restaurant-bar, a lively café and a 24-hour gym. An affordable choice for business or leisure, with meeting spaces and an appealing central location.
• M Boutique Hotel Station 18 offers hip monochromatic interiors, with bold patterned wallpapers and a pared-back, industrial feel. Great value for a simple city stay with a stylish feel. The all-day eatery is very popular.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to Ipoh's Sultan Azlan Shah Airport from nearby hubs such as Singapore, or drive 2.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur, or take a slightly longer train.
• If you're confident driving in Asia, Malaysia is a beautiful destination for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Tropical and humid, Malaysia is a year-round destination. Temperatures hover around 28-31°C for much of the year in Ipoh, with the heaviest rainfall expected April - May and September - November. Showers are frequent and refreshing!

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in the Cameron Highlands.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Malaysia.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.