Perak is a state on the northwestern side of Peninsular Malaysia with a rich history built on the tin mining industry. Its capital, Ipoh, is about two to two and a half hours from Kuala Lumpur by car or train, and its old town — lined with colonial-era architecture and colorful street art — has become a popular spot for wandering. On the outskirts, limestone cave temples such as Perak Tong and Sam Poh Tong dot the landscape, and the city is also famous for its food scene, especially white coffee and bean sprout chicken (tauge ayam). In recent years, stylish cafes and boutique hotels housed in restored old buildings have multiplied, turning Ipoh into one of Malaysia's most talked-about destinations.
Ipoh is the capital of Perak state. It's about a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and is known for its beautiful cave temples, the retro charm of its old town, and local specialties like white coffee and bean sprout chicken (tauge ayam). With a thriving cafe scene in recent years, Ipoh has become a much-talked-about destination for wandering its streets.
From KL Sentral station in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh is about two and a half hours by the ETS high-speed rail, or around two hours by car. It’s also about a two-hour drive from Penang, making it a convenient base for touring the northern Malay Peninsula.
Popular attractions include wandering the old town's colonial architecture and street art, and visiting cave temples like Perak Tong and Sam Poh Tong. As the birthplace of white coffee, touring Ipoh's long-established cafes is also a classic part of any visit.