Ipoh Landmarks and Monuments

(Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia)

Ipoh's Old Town, in its entirety, is packed with sights that are a monument to its prosperity and position as Malaysia's second city during its colonial and tin-mining days. Many magnificent buildings and landmarks were erected at this time, most of which are still standing and remain well-preserved.

The burgeoning Chinese community built rows of shophouses as lodgings and new business locations for the immigrants and planters, mine-owners and administrators. These people led a fine life both in Ipoh and in the hill stations of the Cameron Highlands.

Birch Memorial Clock Tower

Address: Old Town, Ipoh, Malaysia, MY
Erected in 1909 as a memorial to James Wheeler Woodford (WW) Birch, the first British Resident in Perak State, the Birch Memorial Clock Tower is a familiar local sight and features decorative friezes adorned with iconic figures relating to the growth of civilisations, such as Moses, Shakespeare, the Buddha and Darwin. James WW Birch became a famous local individual and served as the Sultan's government advisor.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Chinese Shophouses

Address: Ipoh, Malaysia, MY
With 70 percent of the population of Ipoh being of Chinese descent, it is no surprise to see row upon row of old Chinese shophouses lining many streets in the Old Town neighbourhood, a commemoration of the contribution of the southern Chinese immigrants to the growth of the city in its tin-mining days. The Chinese shophouses within the New Town area, on the eastern side of the river, are generally in better condition, although the crumbling and somewhat rickety character of those in the Old Town is really all part of the charm.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Perak Tong Cave Temple

Address: Ipoh, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 05 546 5387
Ipoh is famous for its Buddhist cave temples, with a large number of caves being scattered over the surrounding limestone hills, often being completely obscured from view by the dense jungle vegetation. Over the years, locals began to believe that their caves and grottoes had strong spiritual powers, and so the most prominent were converted into temples, attracting thousands of worshippers each year. One of the largest and most spectacular is the Perak Tong Cave Temple, which is located just outside the city and dates from 1926. This cave complex is extensive, with its main chamber containing 40 Buddha images, a huge bell and many beautifully painted murals. Views from the cave are splendid and the main Buddha is one of the largest in the country. The Perak Tong is situated around 6 km / 4 miles to the north and is connected by the bus to Kuala Kangsar.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple

Address: Ipoh, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 05 605 3120
The Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple at nearby Gunang Rapat, known as the Cavern of the Triple Gems, is the biggest of its kind in the whole of Malaysia and whilst it may not enjoy the high visitor numbers of Perak Tong, it does have plenty of appeal. Many locals come here to release their turtles into the temple's very own terrapin and turtle pond, since this act is believed to help balance their karma, ensuring a positive destiny and a long life. The huge cavern is decorated with various vases and ornaments, including a reclining Buddha statue. Outside, the tropical garden is well maintained. Those wishing to travel to the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple can catch the Kinta bus headed for Kampar.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple

Address: Ipoh, Malaysia, MY
Relatively small in comparison to both the Perak Tong and the Sam Poh Tong cave temples, the Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple is a little more difficult to reach. As you enter the cave you will notice the Three Sages within the central cavern, as well as a Chinese Buddha and several Bodhisattvas statues. The surrounding garden is enhanced by its pagodas and ornamental water features.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 19:30
Admission: free, donations suggested

Indian Muslim Mosque / Padang Mosque (Masjid India Muslim)

Address: Jalan SP Seenivasagam, Ipoh, Malaysia, MY
Built in 1908 for the resident Indian community, the Indian Muslim Mosque was constructed using an Indian workforce. The Moghul-style architecture is graced by two tall minarets and a series of arches, and is painted white, with distinctive green edging and great attention to detail. The overall style and appearance is often compared to that of the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Kellie's Castle / Kellie's Folly

Address: Batu Gajar, Malaysia, MY
Tel: +60 05 605 3668
Supposedly haunted and with undiscovered secret passages, Kellie's Castle was built between 1915 and 1926, for eccentric Scottish rubber plantation owner, William Kellie Smith. Later abandoned but restored in 2000, it has now become a popular tourist destination for its spooky appeal, and lies a comfortable drive from the city's environs, being no more than 20 minutes away by car. A big claim to fame for Kellie's Castle is that this famous local landmark was used as a location in the 1999 movie 'Anna and the King', starring Jodie Foster.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

FMS Bar and Restaurant

Address: Old Town, Ipoh, Malaysia, MY
The Federated Malay States (FMS) Bar was once a favourite place for the planters and workers from the rubber plantations and tin mines to hang out, way back in the early 20th century. Its slightly shabby exterior and antique interior remain unchanged, and as the oldest bar in the city, this is a still functioning monument to the city's early days.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free