Ipoh With Kids

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Ipoh With Kids

For The Love Of Food, Nature & Adventure

Mar 08, 2018

Ranked as one of the Top 10 cities in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Asia’ list in 2016, Ipoh, the capital city of Perak has plenty of charm and old-school nostalgia juxtaposed against hipster cafes, street art, and trendy boutique hotels. In 2017, Perak was voted as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions for Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel, a testament to the state’s allure. Historically a tin mining city, Ipoh is typically favored as a stopover for day trips on the way up north to Penang. Today, this city is beginning to attract holidaymakers looking for a short escape to experience the natural hot springs, limestone caves, outdoor activities and a taste of the famous Ipoh chicken rice. If you’re feeling adventurous, venture further to the surrounding towns of Taiping, Kampar, and Pangkor Island to explore what they have to offer. Check out our Little Steps' guide below!

WHERE TO STAY?

There’s something for everyone from solo travelers to couples and families. Honeymooners and those looking for a luxurious experience can stay at Malaysia’s first luxury natural hot springs wellness retreat, The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, but do note that the resort only allows children 12 years and above. For families, the Lost World Hotel tops the list as the Lost World theme park is right across the road. Adventure seekers looking to connect with nature in the lush rainforest of Perak can head to Adeline’s Villa and Rest House just 30 minutes away in Gopeng where thrilling activities here such as white water rafting, waterfall abseiling, jungle trekking and caving await.

Other Family-Friendly Hotels:

The Haven Resort Hotel, www.thehavenresorts.com

Belum Rainforest Resort, www.belumrainforestresort.com

Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, www.bukitmerahresort.com.my

Mid-Range Hotels:

WEIL Hotel, www.weilhotel.com

Regalodge Hotel Ipoh, www.regalodge.com.my

Boutique Hotels:

Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay, www.sarangpaloh.com

Sekeping Kong Heng, www.facebook.com/sekepingkongheng

Bedrock Hotel, www.facebook.com/BedrockHotelIpoh

M Boutique Hotel, https://ipoh.mboutiquehotels.com/

WHERE TO PLAY?

A must visit for families with small children is the Lost World of Tambun where the many attractions including the petting zoo, amusement park, water park, adventure park and hot springs will keep the little juniors busy. The Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) has also opened in Ipoh, although we’ve heard that not all rides are fully operational yet. Stop by the ruins of Kellie’s Castle, a partially completed castle built in 1915 by a Scottish planter and was one of the locations used for the 1999 movie, Anna, and the King. Wonder around Ipoh town to check out the street art concentrated around the Old Town and Mural Arts Lane, and visit the unique Sam Poh Tong Buddhist temple built within a limestone cave. Animal lovers, make your way to the Taiping Zoo, and the Orangutan Island accessible by ferry from Bukit Merah. For visitors keen to extend their stay for some sun and sea, head to Lumut which is about 85km from Ipoh and hop on to a ferry that will take you to Pangkor Island, where you can explore the fishing village and soak up some sun.

Lost World of Tambun, No.1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1, Sunway City Ipoh, 31150 Ipoh, Perak, +605 542 8888, https://sunwaylostworldoftambun.com/

Kellie’s Castle, 31000 Batu Gajah, Perak

Movie Animation Park Studios(MAPS), 3, Persiaran Meru Raya, 31200 Ipoh, Perak, +605 501 5666, www.mapsperak.com

Sam Poh Tong, Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak

Taiping Zoo, Jalan Taman Tasik Taiping, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Perak, +605 808 6577, https://www.zootaiping.gov.my

Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation, Jalan Bukit Merah, 34400 Semanggol, Perak, +605 890 8110, https://www.orangutanisland.org.my

Also check out:

Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan, Lot 1&2, Komplex Menara Condong, Jalan Bandar, Pekan Teluk Intan, 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak

Tempurung Cave, Pusat Pelancongan Gua Tempurung, 31600 Gopeng, Perak

Ipoh World at Han Chin Pet Soo, 3 Jalan Bijeh Timah, 30100 Ipoh, Perak, +605 241 4541, www.ipohworld.org

Gunung Lang Recreational Park, Off Jalan Kuala Kangsar, 30010 Ipoh, Perak, +605 506 3088

WHERE TO EAT?

Ipoh is well-known for its fresh, affordable and delicious local food. Be sure to sample the famous Ipoh Chicken Rice served with bean sprouts at Restoran Onn Kee and Restoran Nasi Ayam Pak Kong. Another local favorite is dim sum at Foh San, but be prepared for the crowd at peak hours. Other local dishes to try are Hakka Mee and Kai See Hor Fun aka Chicken Kuey Teow Soup. Coffee lovers, find the original Ipoh White Coffee at Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong or have your cuppa at Nam Heong White Coffee Shop. Don’t leave without trying the smooth, silky Tau Fu Fah or soybean curd for dessert at Funny Mountain Soya Bean.

Restoran Onn Kee, 48, Jalan Yau Tet Shin, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, +6019 564 6161

Restoran Nasi Ayam Pak Kong, 27 Jalan Theatre, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, +60 125886618

Foh San, 51, Jalan Leong Sin Nam, 30300 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, +605 254 0308

Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong, 15 A, Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, +605 241 4601

Nam Heong White Coffee Shop, 2, Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak, +6012 588 8766

Funny Mountain Soya Bean, 49, Jalan Theatre, Ipoh, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, +60 125161607