Concubine Lane
Concubine Lane
3.5
About
As the name suggests, a famous tycoon gifted this lane to one of his concubines over a hundred years ago. While the area used to be rife with vices, today it is teeming with famous Ipoh eateries and coffee shops, cool cafes, and dessert houses. It has also been given a modern makeover by street artists, who have painted walls murals that capture the area's history. They're great photo spots, too. The lane gets quite busy on the weekends—visit on weekday mornings when it’s quieter but note that some stalls might be closed. If you stay till night, you can see the lanterns come on and illuminate the lane in red. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Rachel_PRLSingapore, Singapore1,219 contributionsGreat photo spotsA small sign of Concubines Lane at the entrance of the lane. Inside the lane, there are many shops, stores etc with exorbitant prices. You can find the same stuffs elsewhere for cheaper prices. Honestly this place looks pretty normal but came out extremely well in the photos. Best to visit early in the day to avoid tourists crowdsVisited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 27 December 2023
- LeonhknyHong Kong, China21,526 contributionsTouristy alleyThis is perhaps the most hyped-up attraction in Ipoh. Concubine Lane was the symbol of urban vice. While brothels and gambling dens were things of the past, the small alley is now a collection of touristy eateries and overpriced souvenir stores. It is more a place for domestic tourists.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 January 2024
- KamelmatPerth, Australia104 contributionsWorth a visit to view some history.It has a bit of history and worth a wander for a look. There are stalls/shops either side of the lane that sell nothing special. The only shop I really enjoyed and bought something was a chinese herbal shop at one end.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 7 May 2024
- t c124 contributionsVisit Concubine lane and eat D24 durian chendol! Then buy biscuits.Concubine Lane is a very good place to visit but the profile has changed. Used to be a lot of Chinese stalls, but after the Covid pandemic, the stalls are now manned by the Malay merchants, although the front to enter the lane is a large shop selling all kinds of biscuits and snacks. There is also a stall selling durian chendol! Quite unique in Malaysia tourist place. Genuine D24 durian but costs RM 20.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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3.5
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LizaYew
Hong Kong, China106 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Concubine Lane by itself is nothing more than a collection of shops selling fares from clothing to knick knacks to food. But to me why it is definitely worth a visit is to go and soak up the atmosphere of yesteryears, of past hardships and triumphs, of the past glories of the Chinese clans who contributed to Ipoh of the past and Ipoh of today in the architecture and buildings there!
Take your time when you get there - stroll down the lane and pop into the buildings to look at the architecture and structures and not just at the wares or food...Try to go later in the evening so it’ll be cooler as it could get stuffy with the hoards there!
Do walk around the nearby lanes and look at some of the revived buildings that are now boutique hotels (e.g. The Happy Eight). Do look up at the roof tops and you may find little hidden gems like old carvings on the roof panels. Yup, amazing!
For me, Concubine Lane re-introduces me to my friend, Madam Nostalgia! Go and find out what Concubine Lane brings to you personally! Have fun!
Take your time when you get there - stroll down the lane and pop into the buildings to look at the architecture and structures and not just at the wares or food...Try to go later in the evening so it’ll be cooler as it could get stuffy with the hoards there!
Do walk around the nearby lanes and look at some of the revived buildings that are now boutique hotels (e.g. The Happy Eight). Do look up at the roof tops and you may find little hidden gems like old carvings on the roof panels. Yup, amazing!
For me, Concubine Lane re-introduces me to my friend, Madam Nostalgia! Go and find out what Concubine Lane brings to you personally! Have fun!
Written 22 February 2020
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.
Lumiere96
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia12 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Concubine Lane offers a huge variety of unique food and goods which you won’t normally see. It’s definitely a place I would recommend. The kind of food you will find there are special types of Chinese pastries and tarts, it’s soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. You will also find one of a kind mini musical instruments like the harmonica and full of artistic creativity painted all across the walls. If you love adventure, then this is the place for you!
However, my advise is, please walk through all the stalls before you purchase, as you might get a much cheaper price from other stalls. My daughter bought a mini harmonica for RM5, only to discover later that another stall is selling for RM1 only!
Have fun!
However, my advise is, please walk through all the stalls before you purchase, as you might get a much cheaper price from other stalls. My daughter bought a mini harmonica for RM5, only to discover later that another stall is selling for RM1 only!
Have fun!
Written 26 January 2020
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.
Companion34454505364
1 contribution
Aug 2020
It is a good place to take photos like a lot of places to take photos like the harry potter cafe, book excess and many random places. There is a tau fu fa shop there it is not bad. Overall a good place to visit hahaha.
Written 28 August 2020
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.
KLG77
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia271 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
We did not see much as it is close on Thursday.
Next day, we are there in the morning and only one shop open early, they sell blocks which interest me.
It is really nice to see what a block can build into a great things.
You can buy this as souvenior or make it as an hobby.
Next day, we are there in the morning and only one shop open early, they sell blocks which interest me.
It is really nice to see what a block can build into a great things.
You can buy this as souvenior or make it as an hobby.
Written 3 May 2022
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.
N0blesse0blige
Toronto, Canada5 contributions
July 2023
BEWARE of the fresh watermelon juice vendor in Concubine Lane. We were naive and did not ask the price for the watermelon juice at this stall. I had just purchased coconut water across the lane for $7 ringgits so did was anticipating that the juice at this stall would be around the same price or at the very highest, no more than double ($14 or $15 ringgits). When the juice was made and it was time to pay, we were told it was $30 ringgits!!!
I believe the vendors were aware we were foreigners and perhaps quoted a much higher price. I have friends and relatives in Malaysia and they confirmed that the price was outrageous and unheard of. Long story short - inquire about the price prior to purchasing from this stall!
The lane itself is quaint and takes up a block with typical tourist vendors.
I believe the vendors were aware we were foreigners and perhaps quoted a much higher price. I have friends and relatives in Malaysia and they confirmed that the price was outrageous and unheard of. Long story short - inquire about the price prior to purchasing from this stall!
The lane itself is quaint and takes up a block with typical tourist vendors.
Written 10 July 2023
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.
Keith L
Singapore, Singapore373 contributions
June 2022
This lane is a narrow lane of at most 100m with both sides having shops. There are a few eateries, craft works shops, and souvenir shops. There are some murals on some walls where people take pictures.
You would like like this place if you love taking photos and browse in these shops.
You would like like this place if you love taking photos and browse in these shops.
Written 14 June 2022
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.
Princes of travel
Paris, France6,745 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Concubine Lane is located right in the center of Ipoh city. It's not very long but it has its share of shops and street food. Besides, don't hesitate to go and taste the rainbow toast at number 19 of the street. Prices are generally attractive.
The street is so typical, we really feel in a relatively authentic atmosphere even if really touristy. A scent of an old colonial town reigns in this town of character. A mural titled Concubine Lane is visible and an informative plaque at the end of the street tells us more about the place.
You can easily spend 1 hour there!
The street is so typical, we really feel in a relatively authentic atmosphere even if really touristy. A scent of an old colonial town reigns in this town of character. A mural titled Concubine Lane is visible and an informative plaque at the end of the street tells us more about the place.
You can easily spend 1 hour there!
Written 25 September 2023
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.
Rozie
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia53 contributions
Sept 2022
I love this lane! feels like being trasnported into a world of indulge, with great food with affordable prices. The Harry Potter cafe is impressive, they sure did a lot to make it feel surreal :)
However, I was surprised that the lane is a short one, did I miss any nooks and crannies? If i didnt, then I must say I wish there were more streets made out like Concubine Lane.
Will definitely come again!
However, I was surprised that the lane is a short one, did I miss any nooks and crannies? If i didnt, then I must say I wish there were more streets made out like Concubine Lane.
Will definitely come again!
Written 20 September 2022
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.
Bobo Ngan
Hong Kong, China430 contributions
Jan 2020
It is a must visit place in Ipoh if you are first time being here. Traditional style of street, food stalls, snacks and drink are full of here in a short and narrow street. Many photographers take photos here. We visit early about 10:00a.m, enjoy to have a
Red bean ice needle here.
Red bean ice needle here.
Written 26 March 2020
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.
Rachel_PRL
Singapore, Singapore1,219 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
A small sign of Concubines Lane at the entrance of the lane. Inside the lane, there are many shops, stores etc with exorbitant prices. You can find the same stuffs elsewhere for cheaper prices. Honestly this place looks pretty normal but came out extremely well in the photos. Best to visit early in the day to avoid tourists crowds
Written 27 December 2023
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.
Is it open everyday? And is it worth to go there by this friday?
Written 14 July 2019
If you are going to Ipoh on Friday - definitely have a quick visit. I would probably not make a specific trip just to do this.
Written 15 July 2019
What time most of the shop closed? Esp the rainbow cheese bread shop? Tq
Written 27 December 2018
Most open during office hours.
Written 27 December 2018
the eating shop open around 9.30am. thre are ample eating shops near concubine street which opens by 8am.
Written 21 September 2018
Most shops start business by 10am
Written 17 September 2018
No. shops are not open at night.
Written 8 May 2018
I going on Monday. Will the shops be open?
Written 22 November 2016
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