Even though it’s the third-largest city in Malaysia, I like to describe Ipoh as a fascinating but sleepy town. Compared to the hustle and bustle you feel in most cities, Ipoh is only home to around 700,000 people – so it never feels too wild.
And I’m into it. In a big way.
Ipoh serves up delicious food, rich culture and a vibrant arts scene. You can’t visit this charming little city without trying their good ol’ Ipoh white coffee. Served with condensed milk – this coffee is one for the sweet tooths out there.
The city is also known for its natural beauty; from limestone caves, lush mountains and relaxing hot springs. Many of which you’ll find Buddhist temples have been built in.
So, as you can tell, there’s a lot more to Ipoh than meets the eye. That’s why I’ve written this comprehensive breakdown of where to stay in Ipoh, so you can choose a side of the city that tickles your fancy.
With a round up of the best places to stay and things to do in each area, you’ll be an expert of the city in no time.
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Ipoh Old Town
Ipoh’s Old Town is a cluster is historic colonial buildings. This is the part of the city that’s focused on tourism, and you’ll see that the moment you arrive. The Old Town is filled with trendy cafes, modern hotels, and lots of tourists and travelers enjoying great prices on their early morning coffee.
Ipoh New Town
Ipoh New Town is located in the heart of Ipoh and is one of the city’s main commercial centres. Ipoh New Town, which is separated from Ipoh Old Town by the Kinta River, is a favourite hangout for both locals and tourists alike.
Tambun
Tambun is a laid-back corner of Ipoh known for its limestone hills, hot springs, and easy access to nature without straying far from the city. It’s best known for Lost World of Tambun, a water park-meets-jungle playground. Beyond that, it’s all about caves, greenery, and a slower pace away from the urbanity of the city.
Ipoh’s Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Ipoh isn’t a very large city, but it is a little hard for outsiders to traverse. Ipoh is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur via train, so there’s no excuse not to fit it into a larger Malaysia backpacking itinerary.
Now, let’s take a look at each of these areas in more detail. I’ve included my top accommodation and activity picks in each, so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Ipoh Old Town – Where to Stay in Ipoh for Your First Time
Ipoh’s Old Town is a cluster of historic colonial buildings. The Old Town is super accessible if you’re on a larger Malaysia backpacking trip, as it’s just a short walk away from Ipoh Railway Station. This is the part of the city that’s focused on tourism, and you’ll see that the moment you arrive. Saying that, because Ipoh city centre is so small, you won’t have any trouble getting outside of it to see the beautiful jungle and the other tourist sites.
The Old Town is a foodies’ absolute dream – around every corner is a new dish for you to try. Whether it be cheap eats from a street food vendor or a local restaurant serving up Ipoh’s specialities – you better come with loose trousers here.
If shopping’s more your thing I highly recommend hidden gems like Concubine Lane – a narrow alleyway which is suuuuper significant to Ipoh’s history. You’re sure to find unique lil souvenir here or like me, you’ll spend the afternoon captivated by this neighbourhood’s charm, wandering down its streets that are FULL of historical character.
- Best For: First-time visitors and foodies
- The Vibe: Historic and buzzing with cafés, street food
- Proximity to Airport: Around 10–15 minutes from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport
- Transport Level: Very easy on foot, with Ipoh Railway Station right nearby and Grab filling in the gaps
- Budget: Budget to mid-range, with loads of cheap eats and reasonably priced stays
- Crowds: Busy by Ipoh standards, especially around hotspots like Concubine Lane and popular cafés
Photo: @taya.travels
Top Things to Do in Old Town
- Admire the Birch Memorial Clock Tower.
- Visit Concubine Lane, a bustling colonial market street.
- Explore Ipoh Old Town on a tour with a historian.
- Enjoy a boat ride and check out the waterfall in the Gunung Lang Recreational Park.
- Stroll down Kinta Riverwalk at night and take in the buzz of the city.
- Learn about the history and founding of the city at Ipoh World At Han Chin Pet Soo.
- Wander the streets and take photos of the amazing wall murals.
- Walk the Ipoh Heritage Trail, which will take you past most of the historic buildings in the city centre.
Best Hostel: Dé Cafe & Rest House
Stay in capsule dorms or shared rooms in this historical building, steps from must-see attractions and delicious street food. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi and friendly hotel staff before wandering down the secret path to a small cafe selling coffee and local goodies. I also appreciated the fact that each dorm bed came with two pillows!
Best Hotel: Cititel Express Ipoh
This recently refurbished boutique hotel offers spacious rooms with air conditioning, separate seating areas and complimentary WiFi. The water pressure in the bathroom is excellent, and the branded toiletries are a nice touch. There’s also a 7/11 on the ground floor, great for a midnight snack run!
Best Airbnb: Ipoh Old Town Heritage Family Suite
This three-bedroom apartment is in an excellent position in the centre of Ipoh’s old town. All rooms are traditional Japanese-style tatami rooms, with the master bedroom including its own en-suite. The famed Ipoh concubine lane is a stone’s throw away, placing this guest house in the heart of the action. This space is huge, making it perfect for rallying up the gang for a getaway to Ipoh.
2. Ipoh New Town – Best Place to Stay in Ipoh on a Budget
Ipoh New Town is located in the heart of Ipoh and is one of the city’s main commercial centres. While the Kinta River divides it from the historic Old Town, it’s still very accessible and easy to visit both neighbourhoods during your time here. Here, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: spend the mornings working remotely at one of the many popular coffee shops in the New Town, then cross the river to the Old Town at night to take in the energy of the vibrant historical quarter.
If you’re a big window shopper like me, you’ll love this neighbourhood as it’s home to lots of shopping malls. Whether it be Ipoh Parade Mall or down one of the many night markets that the area hosts, you won’t be short of places to buy a quirky Malaysia momento.
But taking in all the street art while going down Mural Art’s Lane is unquestionably my favourite thing to do in the area. Ipoh has a flourishing street art community, much like Kuala Lumpur and George Town, and this road genuinely captures the creative spirit of the city. If you want any reasons as to why Malaysia should be on your bucket list, this is one of them.
- Best For: Budget travellers, digital nomads, and anyone who likes a mix of local life and convenience
- The Vibe: Lively, practical, and a bit more modern, with malls, cafés, and everyday city energy
- Proximity to Airport: Around 10–15 minutes from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport
- Transport Level: Easy to get around with Grab, and walkable in parts, with quick access across the Kinta River to Old Town
- Budget: Solid budget-friendly area with cheaper accommodation and loads of affordable food spots
- Crowds: Moderate, with busier pockets around Ipoh Parade, night markets, and Mural Art’s Lane
Photo: @taya.travels
Top Things to Do in New Town
- Eat dim sum on Jalan Leong Sin Nam, otherwise known as ‘Dim Sum Street’
- Wander through Mural Art’s Lane and check out the city’s street art scene up close
- Spend a few hours cooling off inside Ipoh Parade for shopping, food, and a break from the heat
- Café-hop your way through the area’s modern coffee spots
- Hit up one of the local night markets for cheap food, random finds, and a bit of chaos
- Track down local eateries serving up classic Ipoh dishes without the Old Town crowds
Best Hostel: The Brownstone Hostel & Space
The Brownstone Hostel is a historical townhouse erected in 1907 as a former laundry house. It was converted into the first luxury hostel in Ipoh’s new town. Inspired by the building’s history, The Brownstone Hostel preserved the building’s aesthetics while modernising the spaces and hostel facilities. The hostel has a few communal spaces, including a courtyard, rooftop garden, and TV lounge, which is perfect for making new travel buds.
Best Hotel: M Boutique Hotel
Ditch the generic hotels for a dose of trendy vibes at M Boutique Hotel. For travellers on a tight budget with a keen sense of style, this three-star gem in the centre of the city offers comfortable, stylish rooms. The rooms are stylishly decorated and the bed & pillows are exceptionally comfortable. A very Instagrammable hotel indeed!
Best Airbnb: The Jubilee Guest House 2
Stylishly designed, this guesthouse has all of the space, light and amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay in Ipoh. What you’re really getting here is a cracking location. You’ll be right in the buzz of the New Town, surrounded by street food and markets. The trade off with being so central is a little bit of noise, but pack your trusty earplugs and you’ll be golden.
3. Tambun – Best Neighbourhood in Ipoh for Families to Stay In
Tambun sits just northeast of the city centre and feels like a different world altogether, where limestone cliffs, jungle edges, and open space take over from traffic and café crowds. It’s a solid pick when deciding where to stay in Ipoh if fresh air and scenery rank higher than being in the middle of it all.
Most tourists travel here for the Lost World of Tambun, a theme park which is full to the brim with fun family activities! If you want to knacker the kids out for the day and unwind in the surrounding beauty that Ipoh has to offer, Tanbum is definitely the place for you.
This area is also home to a pretty epic shopping mall, AEON Mall Kinta City. If you want to escape from the heat (or rain in the dreaded monsoon season) this place has you covered for killing a couple of hours. Don’t worry about finding decent grub; this area is filled with restaurants serving excellent traditional Malaysian cuisine.
If you’ve got time to kill in Ipoh I do highly recommend visiting a fruit farm that harvests Pomelo. It’s a citrus fruit that is native to the region and, along with supporting these family-run businesses, actually makes for a really cool afternoon by exploring Ipoh’s agricultural heritage.
- Best For: Families and nature lovers
- The Vibe: Green, laid-back, and a little removed (until you head into the theme park)
- Proximity to Airport: Around 15–20 minutes from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport
- Transport Level: Grab needed for most trips, with limited walkability outside main spots
- Budget: Mid-range, with a mix of resorts, guesthouses, and local eats
- Crowds: Generally relaxed outside of Lost World of Tambun
Photo: @taya.travels
Top Things to Do in Tambun
- Relax in the air conditioning and enjoy some relaxing shopping in the AEON Mall Kinta City.
- Head to the Lost World of Tambun for a fun-filled time with the family.
- If you have the time, take a day trip out to Cameron Highlands to admire the beauty of the tea plantations.
- Take a boat out onto the stunning Mirror Lake and visit the Sam Poh Tong Temple.
- Visit a family-run Pomelo fruit farm at Tambun Pomelo GoChin Agro Farm.
- Take in the views from the hill that holds the Perak Cave Temple.
- Enjoy some of Malaysia’s awesome hiking in the Ulu Kinta Forest Reserve.
Best Hotel: Tulip’s Hotel
Skip the cramped hotel rooms! This spacious guest house provides a comfortable haven for families and groups. Air-conditioning helps to beat the heat in Ipoh, and the building’s pool keeps you cool. Shoot hoops on the basketball court, then relax knowing that 24/7 security will keep your worries at bay. All of this, plus affordable comfort and guest parking, makes it the ideal base for your Ipoh activities!
Best Hotel With a Swimming Pool: JOMSTAY Sunway Onsen Suites Ipoh
If you’re looking for a stay with a slower pace surrounded by nature, this place is perfect. Cool off from the relentless midday sun in the pool with limestone cliffs as your backdrop. Rooms are stylishly designed and have oodles of space for the whole family. It’s a great budget alternative to the other more expensive resorts just outside of Lost World of Tambun.
Best Airbnb: Tambun Ipoh Silver
This unit has everything you could possibly need for a stay in Tambun, including a washing machine and kitchenette. It’s super clean, comfortable, and the host is an absolute gem. Communication is quick and helpful, making you feel properly looked after. The location is perfect, in the heart of nature and very close to The Lost World of Tambun.
FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in Ipoh
Here’s what people usually ask me about the areas of Ipoh and where to stay.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Ipoh
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Ipoh.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Where to Stay in Ipoh
Considering Ipoh is Malaysia’s third biggest city, dare I say, I actually think it’s a bit of a hidden gem. Often overlooked by urban giant Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh should definitely be on your Malaysia itinerary if you’re backpacking the country.
If you’re still unsure where to stay in Ipoh, I recommend Old Town. This area provides the best insight into the city and its culture and is full of shops, restaurants, and activities to keep you entertained throughout your visit. It’s also a great base for exploring the city’s other neighbourhoods.
Off the radar of many travellers, Ipoh is jam-packed with culture, a rich food and art scene and tons of beautiful nature in the surrounding areas. There’s not much more you could ask for here… I highly recommend you visit before its magic becomes mainstream!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Malaysia.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Southeast Asia backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
