Ipoh with Kids: Is it worth visiting?

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Ipoh, the capital of Perak, is a city (with a small town feel) steeped in old-world charm, nostalgia, and the aroma of freshly brewed white coffee.

Known for its tin mining history, Ipoh has gradually transformed from a simple stopover on the way to Penang or the Cameron Highlands into a destination that offers a unique blend of hipster cafes, street art, and family-friendly activities.

That said, Ipoh is still best enjoyed as a short stop rather than a multi-day extravaganza.

I’ll be honest, our short stop in Ipoh on the way to Penang was hampered by sickness. With Jak recovering from Dengue from Cambodia, we all were hit with covid. Our 2 day stop turned into a week of exhausted, tired and bedridden family members.

That being said, we managed to do some exploring so;

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Ipoh with kids, from quirky bookshops to street art, cave temples, and water parks.

Getting to Ipoh with Kids

Ipoh is easy to reach—just a two-hour drive or train ride from Kuala Lumpur.

We took the train, it was quick, clean and easy!

Once you’re in the city, Grab taxis are the way to go. They’re cheap, reliable, and ideal for hopping around town with kids.

If you prefer walking, most of Ipoh’s main attractions are clustered in the Old Town, making it a breeze to explore on foot.

What to Do in Ipoh with Kids

1. Wander Through Street Art in Old Town

Ipoh’s Old Town is filled with vibrant murals, making it the perfect spot to wander around and snap some family photos.

Concubine Lane is particularly popular for its Instagrammable features, but it is lined with street art and quirky souvenir shops.

Mural Arts Lane on jalan masjid, is another great place to check out, with kid-friendly artwork that makes for fun, interactive photo ops.

2. Visit the Geology Museum

Tucked away in Ipoh is the underrated Geology Museum (Beau loves crystals and amassed a small collection from our trip to Morocco).

This small but well-organized museum offers exhibits on minerals, fossils, and rocks, tracing Malaysia’s geological history.

There’s even a dinosaur exhibit, which is always a hit with younger kids. Entry is free, and it’s an educational way to spend a couple of hours learning about what lies beneath the surface of Perak.

3. Explore Kellie’s Castle

For a slightly eerie yet intriguing outing, take a short drive to Kellie’s Castle. This unfinished mansion was built by a Scottish planter in the early 1900s, and it’s a fun place for kids to explore winding corridors and hidden rooms.

The castle sits amidst beautiful greenery, making it a scenic spot for a family picnic after you’ve explored the old ruins. It’s a short stop out of town.

4. BookXcess Bookshop

Slightly random, but BookXcess is one of our favourite shops in Malaysia and they have a huge store in Ipoh. It’s a gem for book lovers, offering a huge selection of discounted books across all genres.

The kids’ section is fantastic, with everything from picture books to young adult novels, and they even have cozy reading nooks. If your kids are bookworms, this place is an absolute must-visit.

It might have been our favourite stop in Ipoh with kids…which probably says something about Ipoh.

5. Lost World of Tambun

The Lost World of Tambun is THE place to visit in Ipoh with kids. The top attraction for families—a theme park that’s part water park, part amusement park, and part zoo. Kids can spend hours on the waterslides, explore the mini zoo, or feed animals like giraffes and birds.

The setting, nestled among limestone hills, makes it extra special. It’s a bit pricey but worth it for a full day of family-friendly fun. The park opens at 10 am on weekends and 11 am during the week, but note that it’s closed on Tuesdays.

6. Try Rafting Near Gopeng

If your family loves adventure, take a trip to nearby Gopeng for a day of white-water rafting. We were so upset we didn’t manage to make it to this with everyone being sick.

The river here is graded as a Category 3, which means it’s mild enough for kids but still thrilling.

All safety equipment is provided, and it’s a unique way to experience Malaysia’s natural beauty. 

7. Temple-Hopping Among Limestone Hills

Ipoh’s temples are carved right into the limestone hills surrounding the city, making for some great sightseeing. Here are a few family-friendly temples worth visiting:

• Sam Poh Tong: Located in a limestone cave, this temple has colourful statues and a lovely pond where kids can feed turtles.
• Nam Thean Tong: Right next to Sam Poh Tong, this vibrant temple is filled with statues and has plenty of outdoor space to explore.
• Ling Sen Tong: This temple, with its large golden statue and garden of statues, is great for a quick photo stop.
• Perak Cave Temple: For a bit of a workout, climb up the stairs here for a panoramic view of Ipoh. The temple itself is tucked inside a cave with beautiful statues and murals.

8. Go Chin Pomelo Farm

Pomelo is a local fruit similar to grapefruit, and the Go Chin Pomelo Farm offers tours where families can learn about pomelo cultivation.

The farm has a small shop where you can buy fresh pomelo or pomelo-based snacks. It’s a quirky, off-the-beaten-path stop that’s both fun and educational.

9. Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple

Kek Lok Tong is another stunning cave temple set within limestone hills, featuring gorgeous rock formations and a peaceful garden with ponds and bridges. It’s a relaxing spot to wander around, and a quiet escape from Ipoh with kids. They can enjoy the chance to explore the cave and feed fish in the pond.

Food to Try in Ipoh

Ipoh is famous for its food, especially dishes influenced by its large Chinese community. Here are a few must-try items:

• Ipoh Chicken Rice: A classic that’s best enjoyed at Lou Wong or Restoran Onn Kee. Tender chicken served with fragrant rice and crunchy bean sprouts.
• Dim Sum: Head to Restoran Foh San or Restoran Chooi Yue Dim Sum for delicious morning dim sum, but go early as these places get packed.
• Hakka Mee: This is a simple but delicious noodle dish with minced pork, typically served for breakfast or lunch.
• Ipoh White Coffee: This unique coffee is roasted with margarine for a smooth, caramelized flavor. Check out Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong for the best (apparently).
• Tau Fu Fah: A soft, sweet soybean curd dessert, perfect for a refreshing treat. Try it at Funny Mountain Soya Bean.

Where to Eat in Ipoh with Kids

If you’re looking for family-friendly places to eat, here are a few spots that cater to both young and older taste buds:

• Lou Wong Chicken Rice – The iconic spot for Ipoh chicken rice. Expect a bustling atmosphere and delicious food. Prices are affordable, around $5-7 USD per person.
• Restoran Foh San – For a dim sum feast, this place is a must-visit. Get there early to beat the breakfast crowd. Dim sum dishes are usually priced at $1-2 USD each.
• Funny Mountain Soya Bean – A local favorite for tau fu fah and soya bean drinks, both of which are cheap and delicious.
• Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong – Perfect for a coffee break and a slice of local life, this is the birthplace of Ipoh white coffee.
• Purple Moon Lover Cafe – Known for its Insta-worthy cakes and desserts. Kids will love the Totoro-shaped pastries, while adults can enjoy the stylish interior.

Which Cafes to Visit in Ipoh with Kids

For a coffee break or a sweet treat, Ipoh has a few unique cafes that cater to families:

• Kommons: This minimalist cafe is a great spot for handcrafted coffee and pastries. The ambiance is relaxed, and the small bites make it perfect for a quick stop.
• Shake and Bake: A modern bakery with delicious pastries and cakes.
• Platf9rm Coffee Cafe: A Harry Potter-themed cafe that will delight Potterheads of all ages. Enjoy Potter-inspired food and decor that brings a bit of Hogwarts magic to Ipoh.

Where to Stay in Ipoh with Kids

Here’s a quick guide to family-friendly accommodation in Ipoh:

• Budget: D Eastern Hotel – This basic yet clean hotel is centrally located and budget-friendly, with rooms starting at $30 USD (£24 GBP).
• Mid-Range: MU Hotel – A comfortable choice with modern amenities and close proximity to the main attractions. Rooms start at $55 USD (£44 GBP).
• Luxury: The Haven All Suite Resort, Ipoh – Set amid lush nature, this resort offers spacious suites and a pool with a view. Rooms start around $125 USD (£100 GBP).

For families, Lost World Hotel is conveniently located near the Lost World of Tambun, while The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat offers a luxury experience for those traveling with kids over 12.

How Many Days to Stay in Ipoh?

Two days in Ipoh with kids is usually enough to cover the highlights. It’s a decent stopover city for families, but the attractions are fairly compact, making it a bit limited for longer stays.

Where to Go After Ipoh

• Cameron Highlands: Head up to cooler climates and lush tea plantations just 1.5 hours away.

• Penang: Only two hours from Ipoh, Penang offers a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and fun attractions for families.

Is Ipoh Worth Visiting with Kids?

Ipoh is …alright. It has enough to keep the family entertained for a couple of days.

While it’s not packed with high-energy attractions, it offers a more relaxed experience, especially with activities like street art, cave temples, and family-friendly cafes.

Whether you’re posing with street art, exploring ancient temples, or cooling off at the Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh offers a short but sweet family experience. It’s the perfect stop on your way to other parts of Malaysia, with just enough activities to keep everyone entertained and plenty of great food along the way.

Our favourite family travel planning tools

• Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site with the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability.
• Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss.
• Kiwi– We use Kiwi for our destination inspiration, and to help find those routes which are a little cheaper. It has a very flexible search option for finding flights.
• GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is the place to go for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing – A great travel insurance option that offers load of flexibility. 
• Genki – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). 
• ESim– We always set up an esim for arrival into a country to help navigate our way around.
• Discover Cars– Our go to for rentals, internationally. We always find the best deals here
• 12go– Our go to for booking buses, trains, coaches and boats
• TravelSpend– Helps us to keep track of our budget