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Nestled in the heart of Malaysia, Ipoh is a city that effortlessly combines rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. From stunning murals and historic lanes to mystical cave temples and bustling flea markets, Ipoh has something for every type of traveler. In this travel guide, we’ll explore seven must-visit attractions that promise to make your journey to Ipoh an unforgettable one.

Read more: [M’SIA TRAVELS] A Traveler’s Guide to 7 Places To Go in Ipoh | Malaysia

How To Get There

If you’re departing from Singapore, you have the option of either catching a one-hour flight to Ipoh or opting for a bus journey, which typically lasts between 7 to 10 hours, subject to traffic conditions.

How To Travel Around Ipoh City

You might opt for renting a car or using GRAB services to navigate the city. GRAB can be a convenient option for solo travelers or smaller groups. However, if you’re traveling with a group or elderly family members, you might prefer private transportation services that offer full-day services. You can make reservations here.

Sightseeing Places Around Ipoh:

@hazeldiary_ Traveling to Ipoh Malaysia? Here are my sightseeing recommendations to go to when you are there. From #muralart trail to #cave temples and many more #thingstodoinmalaysia #malaysia #cuticutimalaysia #ipohperak #ipoh refer=embed”>#ipohtrip #travelguide @Tourism Malaysia @MalaysiaTrulyAsia ♬ Days Like This – In Paradise

1. Mural Art Trail: Embark on a visual journey through the city’s streets adorned with captivating murals. The Mural Art Trail showcases the artistic flair of local and international talents, depicting scenes that tell the stories of Ipoh’s past and present. Wander through the lanes and alleys to discover these vibrant and Instagram-worthy artworks that add a splash of color to the city’s charm.
2. Visit Concubine Lane: Step back in time as you wander down the historic Concubine Lane, a narrow alley with a fascinating past. Lined with quaint shops, cafes, and street vendors, this cultural enclave offers a glimpse into Ipoh’s early days. Explore the unique architecture, indulge in local delicacies, and uncover the tales of Concubine Lane’s intriguing history.
3. Visit Cave Temples: Ipoh is home to several magnificent cave temples, each with its own unique charm. Explore the intricate cave structures adorned with religious artifacts and statues. Perak Cave Temple and Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple are two notable examples that provide a serene escape from the city hustle, allowing you to appreciate the spiritual and natural beauty of these sacred spaces.
4. Visit Limestone Cave: Venture into the depths of Ipoh’s limestone caves for a surreal experience. Gua Tempurung, one of the largest limestone caves in Peninsular Malaysia, offers guided tours that cater to different levels of adventure. Marvel at the stalactite formations, underground rivers, and spacious chambers, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring wonders of nature.
5. Visit Miner’s Tunnel & Tasik Cermin: Embark on a unique adventure by exploring the historical Kellie’s Castle and the fascinating Miner’s Tunnel. Discover the tales of the tin-mining era and stroll through the picturesque Tasik Cermin, a hidden mirror lake surrounded by lush greenery. This tranquil spot provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
6. Sunday Flea Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by visiting Ipoh’s Sunday Flea Market. Held weekly, this bustling market offers a diverse array of goods, from antiques and handicrafts to local snacks and souvenirs. Engage with friendly locals, hone your bargaining skills, and uncover hidden gems as you explore the lively stalls lining the streets.
7. Ho Yan Hor Museum: For a dose of cultural and historical insight, visit the Ho Yan Hor Museum. Discover the origins and legacy of the famous herbal tea brand, Ho Yan Hor, and gain a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese medicine. The museum provides an interactive experience, allowing visitors to explore the brand’s evolution and its impact on health and wellness.

Ipoh, with its blend of history, art, and natural wonders, offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers seeking an authentic Malaysian adventure. Whether you’re captivated by the city’s street art, exploring ancient caves, or indulging in local markets, Ipoh promises a memorable journey filled with cultural richness and enchanting discoveries. Plan your trip to this charming city and unlock the secrets that make Ipoh a destination worth exploring.

Happy Exploring!

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Conveniently located on Arab Street, Beyond The Dough stands out as a vibrant addition to the local dining scene. More than just a pizzeria, it seamlessly blends traditional techniques with modern flair while remaining true to the essence of exceptional pizza.

Address: Beyond The Dough Pizzeria

150 Arab Street

Singapore 199832

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday | Lunch: 11:45AM to 15:00PM (13:45PM Last Order) | Dinner: 17:00PM to 23:00PM (21:45PM Last Order)

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The menu offers four (4) variations including normal, add shrimps, shrimps with vegetables and mantis shrimp cake flavour. The price starts from RM2.50 ~ S$0.71 to RM4.00~S$1.14. The add-ons shrimp only fritters where you literally have the fritters filled with shrimps. The fritters are pre-fried, then crisped to perfection in hot oil just before serving.

The tasty shrimp fritters are paired with a house-made chili sauce. This condiment adds a sharp and spicy kick layered with a hint of lime sourness that elevates the taste experience.

You can also purchase their frozen packs to fry at your comfort home. I bought quite a few packs for my friends to try. They enjoyed it!

Whatsapp the number +6013-723 5526 to order before heading down.

Address: Home Based Fried Prawn Crackers 住家手工式炸虾饼 / Joyce Prawn Crackers & Dessert

31, Jalan Teratai 41,

Taman Johor Jaya,81100 Johor Bahru,

Johor, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday     10:00AM-5:00PM

(Closed on Sunday)

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Exploring Taiwanese cuisine in Singapore often leads to encounters with familiar street food offerings, but Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine at Leisure Park Kallang stands out by presenting a menu that delves into authentic home-style Taiwanese dishes. Unlike its counterparts, this restaurant takes a departure from the typical street fare, offering a delightful array of home-style Taiwanese dishes that go beyond the usual oyster mee sua and fried chicken cutlet.

Read more: [SG EATS] Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine – Taiwanese Restaurant at Leisure Park Kallang

Song Yue’s menu is a celebration of produce-driven Taiwanese cuisine inspired by the countryside, providing a dining experience rarely found in the city. Noteworthy is their exceptional beverage selection, featuring Taiwanese teas sourced directly from small family tea farms across the island, expertly brewed by an in-house certified tea specialist.

Starting with the Taiwanese-style home-pickled chilled dishes, including Pickled Cherry Tomatoes with Sour Plums and crunchy Pickled Cabbage and Radish. The appetizers were a refreshing introduction to the meal.

The Traditional Ginger Duck ( S$19.90++ | S$36.90++) , a Taiwan-famous dish, showcased uber-tender duck chunks with thick ginger pieces and black sesame oil. Comforting and flavorful experience. So good that I had two bowls of the soup.

Crispy You-Tiao Pineapple Prawns (S$18.90++) showcase prawns coated in a crunchy batter, stir-fried with pineapples, and drizzled with a delicate citrusy mayonnaise dressing. Song Yue’s version elevates the dish by incorporating handmade dough fritters filled with a meticulously blended mixture of squid and prawn paste, providing an extra layer of both texture and flavor.

The Salt and Pepper Pomfret with Crispy Garlic Chips ( S$35.90++) , a twist on the classic salt and pepper chicken. We were impressed with its well-executed crispy batter and delightful seasoning, especially the crunchy garlic chips all over the fish.

A standout on the menu is the Farm Chicken with Spring Onion (S$18.90++| S$33.90++) , featuring tender and flavorful chicken topped with a generous amount of fresh spring onion. I was pleasantly surprised by the tenderness and flavorful taste of the chicken, which uses local kampong chicken. The dish is generously topped with fresh spring onions, enhancing the overall chicken flavor. I recommend ordering this to share for big group gatherings.

Priced at S$18.90, the Slow-Braised Pork Ribs with White Radish stands out with the pronounced presence of the white radish. While the prime ribs offer a flavor profile in line with expectations, it is the white radish that truly absorbs the rich essence of the soy-based sauce, enhanced with a medley of herbs.

For those seeking a more indulgent option, the Cabbage and Hokkaido Scallop Stone Pot Rice (S$19.90++| S$32.90++) presented a flavorful combination of charred rice, sweet cabbage, and plump scallops. This rice dish features Grade 1 short-grained rice harvested in ‘Tai Chung’ and is served in a piping hot stone pot, imparting a delightful smoky flavor to the rice. The seared Hokkaido scallops add a luxurious touch, and portions of the rice being crispy and crusty gives an extra texture.

The Silken Tofu with Pumpkin and Crabmeat ( S$18.90++), featuring sweet golden pumpkin from Taiwan. This dish provides a lighter option, though a bit more crabmeat would have enhanced the dish.

The Crispy Eggs with Black Sesame Oil (S$16.90++), a Taiwanese household favorite, featured four fried sunny-side-ups cooked in a sweet-savory sauce with Taiwan-imported black sesame oil. Delightful combination of runny yolks and crispy sides in a sweet-savory sauce, though some might find the price a bit steep.

Another noteworthy dish is Ah Ma’s Rice Vermicelli and Taro Soup (S$19.90++/ S$32.90++ ). This dish features fine rice vermicelli from Xin Zhu, immersed in a flavorful pork bone broth. The soup is complemented by sliced pork belly, lala, shiitake mushrooms, and sweet taro chunks. To my delight, the rice noodles maintained a pleasing firmness despite being immersed in the piping-hot soup – a welcome surprise for someone who dislikes soggy noodles. The full-bodied broth struck a perfect balance, not overly salty, allowing me to savor every bit of it with a satisfying slurp.

The restaurant’s ambiance accommodates up to 120 diners, with open and spacious seating, including private dining rooms for more intimate gatherings. While the middle seats lack some intimacy, the booth seats on the side provide a cozier atmosphere. Located conveniently at Leisure Park Kallang, a short walk from Stadium MRT Station, Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine offers a homely and well-executed dining experience with reasonable prices – making it a worthy choice for a family meal.

Address: Song Yue Taiwan Cuisine

5 Stadium Walk

#01-38/39 Leisure Park Kallang

Singapore 397693
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30am to 3:30pm | 5:00PM to 9:00PM

Friday-Saturday 11:30AM to 3:30PM | 5:00PM to 9:30PM
Tel: 6988 3322

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Are you planning a trip to Taiwan Trip, but worried about your tight travel budget? If so, then rest assured. You’re fortunate! From affordable local cuisines to famous tourist spots that cost almost nothing to visit, Taiwan has much more to offer. 

Read more: [TRAVEL GUIDE] 5 Money-Saving Tips for Budget-Conscious Travelers to Taiwan

However, most people fall into the most expensive tourist traps. In order to address this issue, we’re going to present some money-saving tips to visit Taiwan. So, you can save money for your next trip or something else to do.

1. Look for Budget-friendly Accommodations

Due to an ever-evolving hospitality industry, a significant number of budget-friendly accommodations in Taiwan, especially in Taipei, are available. However, for cheap travel experiences, considering hostels are the most popular choice for prospective tourists. 

Don’t worry about the taiwan trip budget because you can get shared accommodation with other fellow budget-conscious travelers. This way, you can save more money during your trip to Taiwan. 

2. Prioritize Public Transport for Commuting 

Taiwanese public transport would be a perfect solution for you if you’re about to stay in one of the major cities on this Island. You can take advantage of worth picking up a combined metro and bus pass. By using these passes, you can travel freely on all the public transport during a specified time period. 

Not only can you travel wherever you want, but you also can save on fares. Avoid traveling in taxis. Otherwise, you will have to spend maximum fares on just a single travel. 

3. Prefer to Visit Free-of-Cost Attractions

In Taiwan, there is a whole range of captivating and mood-lifting attractions. But do you know the majority of them are free to explore? You can explore various temples and religious places with breathtaking architecture without any admission charges. 

Visiting Taipei 101 is costly, so consider hiking up the elephant mountain, which is just a short distance from the world’s tallest building. So, you can capture the retina-grabbing views of Taipei 101 and other hidden gem districts in Taipei. In short, you can have a memorable experience and, best of all, without paying even a single cent. 

4. Consider Buffet Restaurants to Dine Out

Derailing a budget-friendly trip to Taiwan is possible when it comes to deciding on a place to eat. It’s best to find a buffet restaurant so you don’t need to struggle with the language barrier. The majority of buffet restaurants mention the names of dishes and food offerings in the English language.  

Just bring a plate, pick your favorite food, and enjoy a pocket-friendly dining experience. You can try delicious and traditional Taiwanese cuisines and desserts at affordable rates. 

5. Do Clothes & Shoes Shopping at the Night Markets

Shopping malls and high street stores are too expensive everywhere. So, instead of shopping for clothes, shoes, and other accessories from such places, you need to look around Taiwan’s night markets. 

If you visit the biggest open market at night time, then you’ll surely get clothes and shoes at discounted rates. Local open markets usually have a wide selection of apparel, among other kinds of stuff. Also, try to buy clothes and shoes from stalls if you want to save money to the maximum extent. 

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Araya located at Mondrian Singapore Duxton stands out as the first fine-dining South American establishment in the city. The restaurant emphasis on Chilean South Pacific cuisine infused with indigenous and Japanese ingredients. It is the latest addition to the Culinary Arts Group, which also boasts Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Hamamoto and popular open-fire grill eatery, Revolver.

Read more: [SG EATS] Araya At Mondrian Singapore Duxton | South American Fine-Dining Cuisine With Chilean Focus

Situated within Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Araya is a cozy 30-seater space led by the culinary expertise of Michelin-starred Chef Francisco Araya and Chef Fernanda Guerrero. The main dining area features a 12-seat rose quartz counter that provides an intimate view of the chefs at work. For large groups, there is also a private room available with a minimum spending requirement of S$4,000.00++.

Araya offers a singular dining experience with its Menu Degustacion prices at S$298++ per person tasting menu for dinner along with a vegetarian option, Menu Vegetariano at S$298++ per person. The courses showcase a fusion of South American flavours with Japanese elements, and a wine pairing option is also available.

We started off with a series of snacks including Ama Ebi Tomato Meringue, Tepache (fermented pineapple juice), and Corn Flan with Murasaki uni marinated in white shoyu.

The bread course, La Panera introduces three distinct Chilean breads- Marraqueta, Chapalele and Chorizo.I enjoyed the trio freshly baked bread complemented by Butter Merken, a Uruguayan butter infused with merken.

Following the bread course, the refreshing Ceviche features Hokkaido scallops marinated in shio koji with tiger’s milk sorbet and a medley of flavours.

The Causa course presents Araya’s take on potatoes and caviar, incorporating oca,yellow chillies and lightly smoked chutoro.

A standout dish is the Moqueca, a traditional Brazilian fish stew featuring gently poached kinki fish with a flavorful moqueca sauce made from kinki bones, palm oil, and coconut milk. Interesting!

The following course features exquisite harmony of 154 days aged Ecuadorian cacao. It’s rich and velvety taste perfectly complementing the succulent essence of Bresse pigeon intensifying the richness of flavors.

Transitioning to the “Sunday Lunch” segment, highlighting the traditional Chilean snack, the Empanada takes center stage. Crafted with wagyu beef, it is elegantly adorned with a pebre gel (a Chilean condiment typically comprising coriander and/or parsley) and delicate micro herbs on top.

For the final savory course, we had Picana presenting Wagyu beef with vibrant chimichurri sauce.

Palate cleanser before moving on to our sweet treats.

The dessert experience unfolds in three acts. The first, Desierto Florido features crushed honey orange meringue, chirimoya alegre espuma, and mango-pineapple-infused orange flan.

Antarctica, the second dessert offers goat’s milk ice-cream, crispy milk, cinnamon anglaise, Patagonian blackberries, and dulce de leche.

The grand finale Carrito De Dulces involves a dessert trolley presenting single-origin chocolates from South America for patrons to choose from. We get to choose whichever type of chocolate from the dessert trolley.

While unfamiliar to many, Chilean cuisine takes center stage at Araya offering a refreshing addition to Singapore’s dining scene. The carefully crafted dishes, attentive service, and unique flavour combinations position Araya as a strong contender for a Michelin Star in the future. I would recommend giving it a try for an exquisite dining experience.

Address: Araya 
Mondrian Singapore Duxton 
83 Neil Road, #01-08 
Singapore 089813 
Tel: +65 8870 0871 

Opening Hours:  Tuesday to Saturday 6:00PM to 11:00PM (Last order at 9:00PM) 
Closed on Sunday & Monday 

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Abura Kappo is a new dining concept within the renowned Hashida Singapore that offers a unique and innovative dining experience. Nestled along the vibrant Amoy Street, Abura Kappo shares the same entrance as Hashida Singapore, which is helmed by chef Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida. Having recently unveiled its doors last December, Abura Kappo introduces a captivating fusion of creativity and tradition, all centered around the element of oil.

Read more: [SG EATS] Abura Kappo at Amoy Street | A Novel Restaurant-in-a-Restaurant Concept within Hashida Singapore

There are three private dining rooms available- Room A which accommodates 12 guests, Room B with a capacity for 7 guests , and Room O (Abura Kappo) designed for gatherings of up to 6 guests. So to reach to the designated Abura Kappo room, diners will take a serene stroll down a zen lane within Hashida Singapore that adds an element of anticipation.

Abura Kappo’s fixed 13-course menu, priced at S$200++ per person, showcases a delightful blend of traditional Japanese flavors with a contemporary twist. Join me as I delve into the beautiful evening here.

Monaka 

A crispy wafer filled with a creamy blend of blue cheese and Comté cheese, mushroom sauce, and pearls of roasted beetroot and Japanese radish.

Lamb x Squid 

A surprising combination of fresh raw lamb paired with squid, accompanied by Hashida’s signature gin salt. I thought the combination was interesting and the chef has nailed it well.

Camembert 

A delightful course featuring Camembert cheese tempura paired with the citrusy mint of kinome leaves. One of my favourite of the night.

Tuna Consommé 

I was instructed to gently swirl the glass containing the tuna consommé, which I thought it was wine at the first place. The swirl is to allow the aromatic spring onion oil to meld with the essence of Japanese bluefin tuna. Splendid!

Managatsuo 

Moving on to the Managatsuo, a dish spotlighting the silver pomfret. This delectable creation is served with two flavorful sauces – a zesty, homemade onion sauce and a rich tempura sauce.

Ebi Toast 

Deviating from traditional bread with a savoury house-made tamagoyaki and angel shrimp paste. Visually pretty and flavours are on point.

Tebagyoza 

A twist on Tebagyoza, featuring a crisp deboned chicken wing generously stuffed with glutinous rice and egg. It is inspired from Oyako-don dish.

Wagyu Beef Tempura 

Hokkaido Tokachi Wagyu beef wrapped in green shiso leaf, deep-fried to perfection, and drizzled with a sauce made from balsamic vinegar and pomegranate juice. Give a dip with with the Sakura salt and red shiso (yukari) salt that served on the side for more flavours.  

Duck Salad 

A refreshing intermission in the culinary journey so far. This course features slices of succulent duck breast accompanied by pickled turnip and persimmon, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Soft Soba Taco 

The Soft Soba Taco is a pleasantly surprising fusion dish that brings together a handmade buckwheat tortilla with a touch of sukiyaki inspiration

There are also inspirations from sukiyaki with the deep-fried cutlet of minced Wagyu topped with tofu emulsion and then drizzled over with egg yolk. 

Oden Tempura 

Oden Tempura takes inspiration from the Japanese classic, with radish and tomato stewed in dashi before being deep-fried to a golden perfection. This unique preparation is a first for me, and I must say, it’s surprisingly delightful.

Donabe  

Presented in a donabe, the dish features plump, glossy, and sweet Nanatsuboshi short-grain rice, paired generously with a selection of fresh seafood. The bowl is accompanied by a trio of toppings and sheets of roasted seaweed. Among them is the Spicy Tuna, adorned with golden tempura crumbs; Prawn Tempura, served with tempura sauce resembling a mini tendon; and a mix of julienned radish, shiitake mushroom, spinach, and burdock root arranged in the style of Korean Kimbap.

The concluding savory course offers a playful DIY experience, allowing you to customize the donabe with condiments and accompanying ingredients to your liking.

Dessert 

The dessert presentation unfolds in two parts. First,  we had the shiitake mushroom-infused chocolate paired harmoniously with house-made vanilla ice cream, cleverly shaped to mimic a mushroom cap. Next is the slice of dried persimmon served alongside house-made matcha ice cream.

For those still craving more, ala carte add-ons such as Uni & Caviar Tempura, Ika & Caviar Tempura, and Kani Tempura are available.

Abura Kappo’s innovative approach to its “oil”-inspired menu, combined with unexpected twists and delightful flavors, offers a refreshing departure from traditional omakase experiences. The intimate setting and creative dishes make it a must-try for those seeking a fun and unique culinary adventure in the heart of Singapore.

Address: Abura Kappo  
77 Amoy Street 
Singapore 069896 
Tel: +65 8129 5336 

Opening Hours 
Tuesday: 7.00pm to 10.30pm 
Wednesdays to Sundays 
Lunch: 12.00pm to 3.00pm 
Dinner: 7.00pm to 10.30pm 
Closed on Mondays 

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Nestled within the walls of a colonial bungalow on Scotts Road, Chef Chan’s Private Dine emerges as a concealed treasure within the renowned Indocafe Peranakan Dining. This relatively recent restaurant-within-a-restaurant concept provides an intimate dining experience. Featuring only two tables secluded in private rooms, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity. Read More