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.
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Ipoh (Perak)
A chic hotel lending a modern twist to design reminiscent of the pre-war Malaysian shop houses. Spacious rooms feature exposed brick and retro touches but the bathrooms are indulgent and contemporary and the linen crisp and white. The all-day cafe is a social space. A trendy and central city base.
Ipoh (Taman Pengkalan Jaya, Station 18 )
An undeniably cool lifestyle hotel offering hip contemporary design, a lively all-day restaurant, and boutique clothes store. Monochrome throughout, down to the wallpaper and even bath products. With rooms offered from under $50 - this is the perfect city escape.
Ipoh (Off Jalan Tambun)
A beautifully designed small hotel offering a calm haven in the heart of the city. Spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces (with hanging chairs), large bathtubs, and chic Balinese design. A small spa promises excellent massages and bikes are given to explore the city.
Ipoh
A zen hotel & spa designed to rejuvenate mind & soul. Special Chinese medicine, anti-ageing therapies, and an Ayurvedic approach. Plenty of small spa pools, contemporary classic villa-suites on stilts, and organic cuisine in a striking cave restaurant. A luxury choice for the health-conscious.