Ipoh

Ipoh is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Perak. It sits in the Kinta Valley along the Kinta River, about 180 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur. The city serves as Perak’s administrative, economic, and cultural center and has a diverse population from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous communities.

The area developed as a tin-mining hub in the late 19th century after tin deposits were found in the Kinta Valley. British colonial authorities built railways and roads, and Ipoh grew into a major commercial center. The city retains examples of colonial architecture and remains a focal point for the surrounding mining region. Tin production declined from the 1960s onward, and Ipoh diversified into services, tourism, and manufacturing.

Ipoh lies among limestone hills that form a karst landscape, with nearby cave temples such as Perak Tong and Kek Lok Tong. The city has a tropical rainforest climate with relatively steady temperatures and seasonal rain.

The economy is now service-oriented, with healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism as key sectors. Ipoh is renowned for its cuisine, particularly Ipoh white coffee and a range of hawker dishes. The Old Town area is known for coffee shops, street art, and Concubine Lane.

Notable attractions include the cave temples, Old Town, the Lost World of Tambun theme park, and Kellie’s Castle in nearby areas. Ipoh is served by the Ipoh railway station on the KTM network and by Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, which handles domestic flights. It is connected by major highways to Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

The city hosts several educational institutions and a regional healthcare network. The population is diverse, contributing to a vibrant cultural life.