Is It Safe to Visit Ipoh?
If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, you may be considering visiting the city of Ipoh. However, as with any travel destination, the question of safety may be on your mind. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether or not Ipoh is a safe place to visit and provide some tips for staying safe while you’re there.The Crime Rate in Ipoh
When considering the safety of a place, it’s important to look at the crime rate. According to data from Numbeo, Ipoh’s crime rate is low compared to other cities in Malaysia. The city has a score of 31.91 out of 100, with 100 being the safest possible score. This puts Ipoh on par with cities like Johor Bahru and Kuching, and safer than cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.Common Crimes in Ipoh
While Ipoh may be relatively safe overall, it’s still important to be aware of common crimes in the area. According to the Royal Malaysia Police, the most common types of crimes reported in Ipoh are property-related crimes like theft and burglary, and crimes related to drugs and gambling. Violent crime is relatively rare, but it can still happen.Staying Safe in Ipoh
The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to stay safe while visiting Ipoh. Here are some tips:1. Be aware of your surroundings
When you’re out and about in Ipoh, pay attention to your surroundings. Be aware of who’s around you and what’s going on. If you notice anything suspicious, trust your instincts and move to a safer place.2. Keep your valuables secure
As property-related crimes are common in Ipoh, it’s important to keep your valuables secure. This means keeping your purse, wallet, and phone close to you at all times, and not leaving your belongings unattended in public places.3. Avoid walking alone at night
While Ipoh is generally safe, it’s still a good idea to avoid walking alone at night, especially in areas that are less well-lit. Stick to well-traveled areas and consider taking a taxi if you need to travel after dark.4. Be cautious when using ATMs
As with any city, there is a risk of ATM skimming in Ipoh. When using an ATM, always cover the keypad when entering your PIN, and check the machine for any signs of tampering before inserting your card.5. Learn some basic Malay phrases
Finally, it can be helpful to learn some basic Malay phrases before you visit Ipoh. This will help you communicate with locals and make your trip smoother overall. Some phrases to know include “terima kasih” (thank you), “maaf” (excuse me), and “di mana tandas?” (where is the restroom?).Conclusion
In conclusion, while no place is completely free of crime, Ipoh is generally a safe city for tourists to visit. By taking some common-sense precautions and staying aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy all that Ipoh has to offer without worrying about your safety.An Insider’s Guide to Ipoh: Is It Safe to Visit?
Ipoh is the third-largest city in Malaysia, located in the western part of the country and surrounded by beautiful limestone hills. If you are planning to visit Ipoh, you are in for a treat. This city may be lesser-known compared to Kuala Lumpur or Penang, but it has a unique charm and is not to be missed. In this insider’s guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to have a safe and memorable trip to Ipoh.
Local Attractions
Ipoh offers a variety of attractions suitable for different interests. It’s best to start your exploration of Ipoh’s local attractions by visiting Ipoh Old Town. The area is known for its colonial architecture, charming shophouses, street art, and heritage buildings. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the Birch Memorial Clock Tower, which is a landmark in Ipoh, commemorating the first British Resident of Perak, James Birch.
You should also visit Ipoh’s famous limestone hills, which are a signature of the city. The most popular one is Gunung Lang Recreational Park, where you can take a boat ride to the hill and enjoy the scenic view of the lake, explore the five-tiered tower, or stroll along the boardwalk. For a more challenging adventure, head to Gua Tempurung, which is a limestone cave system located approximately 25 kilometers south of Ipoh.
For those interested in religious sites, the Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple and Perak Tong Temple are both worth visiting. Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple is a Buddhist temple featuring a three-acre natural cavern, while Perak Tong Temple is a Taoist temple built into a limestone cave.
Dining Spots
Ipoh is known for its delicious traditional food. A visit to Ipoh is not complete without trying its most popular dish, Ipoh Hoir Kai (steamed chicken with rice). You can find this dish at any of the coffee shops in the old town area. One of the famous traditional restaurants is Lou Wong Tauge Ayam Kuetiau, also located in Ipoh’s old town.
For coffee aficionados, the city is also renowned for its white coffee. White coffee is a locally roasted and brewed coffee that is served with condensed milk. You can find white coffee at any of the local coffee shops like Nam Heong and Sin Yoon Loong.
Cultural Experiences
Ipoh is rich in history and culture, and there are many experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in it. A must-visit spot to learn about the city’s history is the Memory Lane Flea Market. The flea market is located every Sunday morning along Jalan Horley and is a great place to discover old treasures and antiques.
Another way to experience the local culture is by attending a performance at the Panglima Lane Theatre. This theatre is a community-run space that aims to preserve and promote the traditional art forms of Malaysia. You can expect to see cultural performances such as traditional music, dance, and theatre shows here.
Local History
Ipoh used to be Malaysia’s richest city during the tin-mining era and was nicknamed “City of Millionaires.” You can learn about the city’s history and the tin-mining industry by visiting the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum. The museum is located in a restored Hakka Miners’ Club and offers guided tours that take visitors through the opium dens, gambling halls, and secret societies that were a big part of the tin-mining era.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
If you’re looking for something slightly different, consider visiting Sam Poh Tong Temple. Located 5 kilometers south of Ipoh, Sam Poh Tong Temple is a hidden gem that not many tourists know about. It is a cave temple built in a natural limestone hill and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. This temple is also home to a large population of macaques, which are always interesting to observe if you’re a primate enthusiast.
Another suggestion is to visit the Kellie’s Castle. Located 30 minutes from Ipoh, this castle was built by a Scottish planter named William Kellie Smith in the early 20th century. It has a mix of Moorish, Indian, and Roman architecture and remains unfinished today after his death.
Overall, Ipoh is a city that is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. You may have wondered, “Is it safe to visit Ipoh?” It is safe as any other city that you would travel in. As long as you take necessary precautions, like being aware of your surroundings and safeguarding your belongings, you will undoubtedly have a memorable time in this charming Malaysian city.
Table of Contents
