Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur 25 Dec - 28 Dec 08 Part 1

Started off our Christmas vacation by taking an early morning drive up to Ipoh. We left at 6am to avoid the jam at the Tuas checkpoint. The queue was already snaking way back wehn we arrived at approximately 6.30am. Fortunately due to good control of the situation by the relavant authorities, we cleared Singapore immigration in just 40 minutes. Going through the immigration in Johor Bahru took another half an hour which is pretty good timing overall.

Along the North South highway, we did not take any meals but we did make a few comfort stops. Route was pretty mch straight andt raffic smooth till just before Bidor where traffic came to almost a standstill due to a car breakdown.

After passing the toll booth where we paid RM70 (SGD1 = RM2.38), there were some road works along the highway. We misssed the first turning into Ipoh. Took the second exit into Ipoh and went to Greentown Mall. Had a late lunch in the food court in the basement. Pretty reasonable prices. Had rice and dishes which was quite tasty especially considering that it cost only RM5. You could get a meal for as low as RM3. However, the food was mostly Malay food and if you are adventurous enough, you can get some pretty good deals.

An aquarium in Greentown Mall with a uniquely designed coffee table

Managed to get a pair of ladies sandals for RM10. Members' price was only RM8.90. It was enjoyable in the mall as we saw a store which sold lots of ribbons and laces. They had lots of pretty and attractive wedding favours. Good for couples intending to tie the knot soon to see what is in the market.

Another unique item that we saw is their specially designed biscuits and jellies. Great handiwrok. Biscuits were moulded and coloured to look like mangosteens, strawberries and corn. There were little hats with pretty coloured flowers on, little baskets of flowers, bird's nest with eggs in, bananas, etc... Some were plain biscuits, some had pineapple jam filling and some peanut filling. Even the baskets that the fruits were place in is edible. The jellies were also as colourful and comes in various shapes as well.

The various biscuits shaped into fruits, baskets, flowers and even bird's nest

Fish shaped Kuih Baulu

Various stalls selling handphones and compters could be found besides the Nagoya Textile, a huge textile centre as well as UO Superstore. There is also a shop selling 3D works of art.

3 D art work

Regalodge Hotel, located in the heart of Ipoh City, was where we spent the night. For just RM116 nett, we were given a standard room which comes with complimentary breakfast, complimentary spa facilities voucher for men, 20% discount voucher for foot reflexology, free parking for hotel guests and free broadband access if you want to catch up on some work. If you opt for the standard room without breakfast, it costs just RM106. Along the road, there are a few coffee shops and cafes where you can get some local food like roti canai.

Lobby in Regalodge Hotel

When in Ipoh, the famous Ipoh Hor Fun with Chicken Taugeh is a must-try. A meal for 3 pax including fish and meatball soup and sugar cane drinks cost us RM31. Low Wong Taugeh Ayam Keutiau is the oldest shop in town. However Restoran Ong Kee Taugeh Ayam with two shops, one diagonally opposite and the other just beside Low Wong, is said to be slightly better although it is a hard fight.

Chicken (bottom left) and taugeh or beansprouts (bottom right) at Restoran Ong Kee (top)



After your Ipoh Hor Fun dinner, you can take a walk at the 'night market' nearby and find various items and trinkets at bargain prices.

The night market

Ipoh is famous for its pomeloes as well. We managed to buy some at Lam Fong Biscuit which is near Low Wong. There are two types of pomeloes:- the white flesh which is sweet and the pink flesh which is sweet-sour. A small pomelo sold for RM10 and a slightly bigger one for RM12. Here you can also get some kaya puffs, triangular shaped pastries filled with kaya (egg and coconut jam) for RM1.20 each. However, I did not fancy this as the pastry was soft. Something cute that you can get as gifts especially for kids are the little animal-shaped pastries (similar to baked moon cake pastry) filled with either red bean paste or lotus paste.

Animal shaped pastries

The Ipoh Old Town Coffee is also said to be very good. A pack costs RM13.50. The Ceylon Tea by Denfys is a favourite of my mother-in-law and we were instructed to specifically to go to Guan Heong Biscuit shop at 160 Jalan Sultan Iskandar to get them. Here we were introduced to Chek Hup White Coffee which is supposedly as good as the Old Town Coffee but cheaper due to no advertisements and it being not so popular yet. At Guan Heong, you can also get freshly made pineapple rolls @ RM16 per bottle and prawn rolls @ RM15 per bottle. This shop has been in business for 100 years already and is now run by the third generation, the oldest biscuit shop in Ipoh.

Tried the Reflexology in Regalodge. All the therapists are from China. A one-hour session also includes soaking and washing your feet in warm water, foot reflexology as well as some face and shoulder massage. Also tried the 45 minute acupressure massage which was a good and relaxing experience. Each session cost RM57.50 and you get 20% discount if you produce the hotel voucher. You can even get a free lunch in the hotel cafe with free flow of drinks if you are there between 11am to 2.30pm. For lunch, choose from a few choices including Nasi Goreng Kampung and Ipoh Kwayteow Taugeh Chicken, all cooked Malay style.

Acupressure massage in Reflexology in Regalodge

If you have kids with you on your holiday, a visit to Sunway City The Lost World of Tambun is a must. There are many rides of attraction for the young and not so young. An up and coming attraction is the Kinta RiverFront where they are currently buildig various bridges of reknown over the river.

Shopping in Ipoh can be done at Ipoh Parade where Parksons and Cold Storage are the anchor tenants. There is also Tesco and Jusco where you can shop to your hearts' content.

According to my Ipoh friend, Ipoh is known for its caves. On the way to the North South highway, we passed Kek Lok Tong Caves. As we missed the turning, we did not get to visit it.