Ipoh Heritage Walk
Ipoh Heritage Walk
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4
FEtravellor
Incheon, South Korea478 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
I did the walk by following the map. The walk takes you through all the old colonial buildings including the railway station, General Post Office, High Court, Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC Bank, St Michael's Institution and so on. All were painted white.
It's a pity that the FMS building which is painted yellow (probably its original colour) is in a sorry state of disrepair and abandoned. You will see what I mean after seeing the pictures I will upload after this.
The walk can be completed in an hour or an hour and a half at a leisurely pace. As Ipoh is hot, it is recommended that you do it either in the early morning or at after 5 pm when the sun has more or less set but is still bright enough for you to take photos.
It's a pity that the FMS building which is painted yellow (probably its original colour) is in a sorry state of disrepair and abandoned. You will see what I mean after seeing the pictures I will upload after this.
The walk can be completed in an hour or an hour and a half at a leisurely pace. As Ipoh is hot, it is recommended that you do it either in the early morning or at after 5 pm when the sun has more or less set but is still bright enough for you to take photos.
Written 10 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
Suffolk, UK67 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
If you're travelling to Ipoh for the heritage tour, the outdoor art and cave temples, it's possible, either on foot or local bus. First stop, the tourist information centre, 5 minutes from the Railway Station. Turn left as you come out and look for the sign, second right. Here you can pick up the maps and guides you will need for the Old Town, at no cost. Very small and easy to do without a guided tour. You are also on the edge of the old town with excellent food courts and coffee shops in Concubine Lane. For Temples, go back to the Railway Station and turn right as you come out and 5 minutes on the right and you will find the city bus station. The counter staff are very friendly and helpful (as are all the people we met). Number 66 will take you South West, to Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple in 20minutes for 2RM or the 35 will take you North to the more impressive Perak Cave Temple, likewise. The bus driver will drop you right outside the Temples. Checkout the others that are within walking distance also. Frequent buses will get you back to Medan Kidd. Also check out the street markets that are all within walking distance of the Old Town.
Written 20 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CFEIII
Center, TX5,800 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
there are several City maps available, I just guided myself around thru the town. Loved the architecture, as others have mentioned, this is kind of old and beginning to show some wear and tear. Ipoh isn't a huge tourist town, so you aren't constantly being quizzed about needing a taxi or tours or sales of trinkets. I liked it. There are just enough street art murals to make it even more interesting.
Written 20 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline B
Ipoh, Malaysia47 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
The website link takes you to a map with the Ipoh Heritage Trail which is easy to follow. This walk takes you to a lot of the most amazing historical buildings around the Old Town area, and you can easily walk this trail and admire the buildings in a few hours. I recommend in the morning or late afternon, as it can get really hot in the middle of the day, and a lot of the walk is in the sun. Whether you take one or or three would depend on how long you linger to read about each site (most have interesting information plaques at the building), and how much of the trail you try to cover.
Ipoh used to be the main city in Malaysia and nearly became the capital, and the buildings on this walk are evidence that it was once a thriving and beautiful colonial town. Some of them are really spectacular, and even look a little out of place now Ipoh has become rather run-down and shabby, and this makes them even more fascinating.
One of the most interesting fearures is the missing figure on the Birch Clock Tower. The Prophet of Islam used to be painted there, but was removed in 1958 after objections to his depiction. The majestic train station is also wonderfully reminiscent of a glorious past, with much of the building left to fall into ruin after the hotel (the entire upstairs of the building) was closed.
Ipoh used to be the main city in Malaysia and nearly became the capital, and the buildings on this walk are evidence that it was once a thriving and beautiful colonial town. Some of them are really spectacular, and even look a little out of place now Ipoh has become rather run-down and shabby, and this makes them even more fascinating.
One of the most interesting fearures is the missing figure on the Birch Clock Tower. The Prophet of Islam used to be painted there, but was removed in 1958 after objections to his depiction. The majestic train station is also wonderfully reminiscent of a glorious past, with much of the building left to fall into ruin after the hotel (the entire upstairs of the building) was closed.
Written 8 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NewGenie
London, United Kingdom30 contributions
Oct 2018 • Friends
A lot of varied things to look at. Pin pointed a bunch of things on the map before went so knew where to look up for the murals. Was finished within 2 hours at a leisurely pace
Written 27 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smileypokey
Penticton, Canada289 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
If you are walking about in Old Town, you will see many of these buildings. We did follow the Heritage Walk in parts and it’s quite interesting to see the historic architecture especially the train station area. Try to go in the morning as it gets so very hot in the afternoon. Old Town closes around 5:00pm so best to go when the shops and cafes are open.
Written 16 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lita R
Surabaya, Indonesia122 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
ipoh is a quiet city compare to penang. with similar building and mural. must visit if you go to ipoh. walk around the street, and you will find heritage building and beautiful mural. if you get tired you can take a rest at coffe shop and try ipoh white coffee
Written 9 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rhondica
169 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
Ipoh was one of my favourite spots in Malaysia. Great history here. Easy to explore and enjoy. Highly recommend
Written 26 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PFogg2013
Singapore, Singapore55 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
A short & interesting Heritage Walk primarily centered around the Old Town /Colonial buildings .
However the walk could be vastly improved with more details & stories on the recommended buildings places. There was also lack on signage on some of the buildings as well as other heritage buildings which appears to be omitted from the heritage walk map .
However the walk could be vastly improved with more details & stories on the recommended buildings places. There was also lack on signage on some of the buildings as well as other heritage buildings which appears to be omitted from the heritage walk map .
Written 2 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SIOK69
PEKANBARU62 contributions
July 2016 • Family
We started heritage walk, after lunch at cofffe shop thean chun, we strolled to Plan B, walked to Birch Memorial Clock, exploring mural art work based on map, even walked to Ipoh Railway Station for buying train tickets back to KL. Then passed tru Concubine Lane. Weather very hot, but we enjoy the walk very much.
Written 17 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Since it's pretty much self-guided - what would be the best starting point and a good finishing point. Also, what's the best times to do the walk?
Written 24 December 2016
You can start just about anywhere and best time would be wither before 12pm or after 3pm when the sun is not so hot!
Written 24 December 2016
Hi,
1) how far is this place from French Hotel?
2) is the walking path safe for young children?
3) any open or closing hours?
Thank you.
Written 13 June 2016
The Heirtage Walk is not a place per se. Rather, it is a walkabout on the side of the Old Town nearer to the Old Railway Station to look at the old colonial buidlings built by the British.
(1) Assuming that you start with the Railway Station - which is still being used and is one of the buildings included in the Heritage Walk - as your starting point for your walk, that would be 2 km from French Hotel.
(2) Very safe. That area is not crowded at all, and at some places, you may find that you are the only person (or family).
(3) No. It is not a museum. It is a WALK along the roads to see one old building to another.
PS: Not everybody would find the walk interesting especially if they come from a country with similar buildings.
Written 13 June 2016
Hi. Anyone know where I can pick up a map of this walk? I found the on-line version but that's not going to print very well on my black & white printer at home. Is there a tourist office at the train station that can give me one? Or, I'll be going to Ipoh World before the walk - can I get one there?
Thanks for your help.
Written 10 February 2016
If you cannot find a map, the Padang ( behind Royal Ipoh Club) in Ipoh town will be a good landmark
Its just walking distance from the Padang towards Little India
Explore by foot !! You may find another attraction !!
Written 11 February 2016
aussietraveller10045
Sydney, Australia
where is a good place to have lunch around the walk?
Written 6 December 2015
Suggest having lunch at the Thean Chun (天津茶室). Chinese Restaurant and Coffee Shop. 73, Jalan Bandar Timah, 31650 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. Recommend to eat Hor fun, pork satay, egg custard, chiong fun and popiah (call from the next door).
Written 9 December 2015
Who do I see and where do I go to arrange the Heritage walk?
Written 19 July 2015
Urban Hipster
Bali, Indonesia
No need at all to employ a guide in this walk - a detailed brochure is available free from the Perak Tourism Information Office on Jl Bandar (next to the Padang in the Old Town). the always pleasant and helpful office staff will also give you a big map of Ipoh if you ask.
The walk is interesting if not exactly exciting. It covers an area of about six by eight streets and it can be done in about two hours at a leisurely pace and with a stop for refreshments at one of many cafes. The once-charming Concubine Lane still rates a walk-through but is now infested with shops selling cheap (and mostly manufactured in China) souvenirs. Sadly the more interesting shops along with the well-known John's Bar at the eastern end, have closed or moved on and what is left is now mostly Discount shop sellers at inflated prices.
The heritage hustlers basically get their info the same way you can - on the internet. A lot of historical data available online and an hour on your laptop will let you easily map a satisfying tour of your own.
.
Ipoh was a tin town and really came into its own after 1900. It has a handful of noteworthy early 20th century buildings but nothing to match the sheer number and architectural variety of Penang. As such it's worth a day (and maybe an overnight stop) but sadly there is nothing here on the scale of the charming old 118th and 19th century architecture in Georgetown (Penang). Sad but it's the reality.
Where a guide could be useful would be if you want to get out and about and go 'upcountry' for a day tour to some of the more remote areas. Be prepared to bargain as many quote rates that are over the top.
Written 23 April 2019
yes you can do it with proper planning. I think you can cover(assuming you are driving)
1) one of the popular cave
2) heritage walk
3) dim sum lunch
4) sight seeing again
5) hawker dinner or dine at indulgence(very nice the tarik and bread)
Written 2 July 2015
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