Famous for its history, street art, cuisine, and more, Ipoh is a popular one-day tour destination in Malaysia. It is also the perfect place for short holidays or weekend getaways for foodies and families with children. As the state capital of Perak, it is located about 200 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur and 130 kilometres south of Penang, Malaysia. Its strategic placement between these two popular destinations, as well as its proximity to the renowned Cameron Highlands to the east, make it an ideal pit stop for tourists. Ipoh is also known as the second food capital in Malaysia. If you live in Singapore and want to visit Ipoh for a vacation, boarding a Singapore to Ipoh bus is the most cost-effective choice for you.
Travelling by Bus to Ipoh
The journey from Singapore to Ipoh by bus typically takes about 7 to 8 hours. Every coach departs Singapore from the Tuas checkpoint and stops at the Yong Peng food court for dinner and a restroom break. The Singapore to Ipoh bus fare varies depending on the coach operator, and prices tend to rise during festive seasons such as the Chinese New Year. Buses are available in the morning between 8:30 AM and 10:45 AM and in the evening from 5:30 PM to 12:00 AM. At present, Golden Coach Express and Starmart Express are the only operators that provide buses at midnight. Moreover, Singapore to Ipoh buses will often make stops at small towns in Perak, such as Bidor, Tapah, Kampar, Gopeng, Sungai Siput, and Kuala Kangsar.
Apart from Golden Coach Express and Starmart, other notable operators that provide Singapore to Ipoh buses include Eltabina, Super Nice Express, and Billion Stars. Their pickup locations include Golden Mile Tower, Boon Lay, The Plaza, and Concorde Shopping Centre. While most coaches arrive at the Aman Jaya Bus Terminal in Ipoh, some also drop passengers off at other locations such as Bercham, Medan Gopeng, Jalan Bendahara, etc. Furthermore, taking a bus from Singapore to Ipoh is more economical than driving a car or taking a flight.
Once you arrive at Ipoh, the following are some of the top tourist attractions that you should not miss out on.
Top Tourist Attractions in Ipoh
- Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple
The Gunung Rapat Limestone Hills, which houses numerous temples, are only a 10-minute drive from town. One of the most remarkable among these is the Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, a beautiful Chinese Buddhist temple carved into limestone. The temple, nestled amongst lovely gardens and pools, is picture-perfect. It is a breathtaking structure painted in reds and oranges. The temple is believed to be the largest cave temple in the country and a must-see attraction in Ipoh.
- Street Art (Mural’s Art Lane)
Vibrant street art adorns the walls of Mural’s Art Lane, a small alley on the eastern side of the Kinta River. The artworks resemble those found in Penang’s graffiti district, George Town, and depict local family life, regional customs and traditions, as well as noteworthy historical events. Ernest Zacharevic, the creative genius behind Penang’s street art popularity, is responsible for many of the murals, which are painted in a 3D style that allows viewers to interact with the artwork.
- Kellie’s Castle
Located in Batu Gajah, Kellie’s Castle is the most enigmatic colonial structure in Malaysia. It was built by William Kellie Smith, a Scottish planter who used it as his residence in the colonies, bringing a piece of his native land to the tropics. The castle was built on Kellie’s rubber estate, and its structure is reminiscent of stately homes in the UK. According to local legends, the castle is said to be haunted and built on a labyrinth of underground tunnels.
- The Kinta River
The Kinta River is a prominent river in Perak that flows through Ipoh, the state capital. It provides the majority of Ipoh’s water and is a wonderful place for walking, cycling, and fishing. The Kinta River Front Walk is a designated tourist destination, with the surrounding trees illuminated at night. There are also restaurants and hotels where visitors can enjoy the scenery and water-side dining.
- The Cuisine
One of the best reasons to visit Ipoh, Malaysia, is the delicious food. With a plethora of food courts, local restaurants, and hawker stalls that have been serving the same recipes for decades, honing them to perfection, any tourist will have an amazing culinary experience. The bean sprouts chicken, gai si hor fun (shredded chicken noodles), and the popular Ipoh white coffee are some of the most well-known cuisines in Ipoh.
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Do you want to enjoy your weekend away from the bustling city life in Singapore? Then, Ipoh in Malaysia can be the ideal destination for your getaway. As taking a Singapore to Ipoh bus is the most cost-efficient choice, especially if you are travelling on a budget, BusOnlineTicket is here to assist you. We are a one-stop online booking platform for express bus, train and ferry tickets in Malaysia and Singapore, offering you a variety of options to meet your travel needs. You can make reservations with us using e-wallets, credit cards, debit cards, or internet banking. Book your Singapore to Ipoh bus tickets with us right now!