3-Day Amazing Road Trip Itinerary: Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh and Pangkor Island, Malaysia

Planning your trip from Kuala Lumpur

The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh takes around 2 hours. Starting early in the morning is the best way to beat the peak traffic and get on the main North-South Expressway connecting Kuala Lumpur with Ipoh and Penang. The interstate freeways in Malaysia are world-class and driving is a memorable experience. I decided to have a late breakfast along the way on one of many stopovers.

Day 1: Exploring the Charm of Ipoh

Upon arrival in Ipoh, I checked into my hotel at Kinta Riverfront near the main city area. From my hotel room, I could see the beautiful spread of the city and the mountains surrounding it. The city is quite spread out, and during the last century, it served as a tin mining capital of Malaysia, which added considerably to its wealth. This is evident in the beautiful architecture of buildings during the boom era in the region.

Around noon, we arrived at Lost World of Tambun, a Sunway Theme Park with a wave generator, hot springs, a zoo, and plenty of kid rides. I planned to return later in the evening to enjoy the hot spas and caves, which are open until midnight. If you plan to spend more time at the park, I highly recommend booking the Sunway Hotel near the Park.

In the evening I planned to enjoy the hot springs and steam tunnels built inside the park. This section is open till midnight.

Greentown Square is a central food hub in Ipoh with many nice bars, clubs and restaurants. The food stalls on the street attract large crowds over the weekend. I enjoyed live music and a lovely dinner at Healy Mac's Irish Pub. The atmosphere is charged and you can experience the Irish experience with many favourite brews on the tap.

In essence, Day 1 offers a delightful blend of gastronomic adventures and cultural exploration, ensuring that travellers not only satisfy their taste buds but also gain a deeper understanding of Ipoh’s rich history and charm.

Day 2: Adventuring in Ipoh and Afterwards to Pangkor Island

The next day I decided to explore the city of Ipoh by driving and stopped at Little India. This interesting part of the town is home to many South-Indian restaurants and clothing outlets. The city of Ipoh has many open spaces and parks, however, what captivated my attention was the mere number of amazing restaurants and cafes in every corner.

Besides culinary offerings, Ipoh is rich in cultural attractions that reflect its heritage. A must-visit is the stunning Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, a sanctuary nestled within limestone caves, showcasing elaborate statues and lush gardens. As travellers stroll through the historic Concubine Lane, they can take a step back in time to appreciate the colonial architecture and quaint shops selling local crafts. The iconic Ipoh Railway Station, known for its majestic structure reminiscent of Moorish architecture, also serves as a perfect photo opportunity and a reminder of the city’s storied past.

Post breakfast, consider exploring the mystical limestone caves surrounding the city. Perak Cave, Kek Lok Tong, and Sam Poh Tong are a few popular sites that provide an extraordinary experience with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The serenity of the caves combined with their spiritual significance creates a unique adventure that shouldn’t be missed.

As the day progresses, prepare for the journey to Pangkor Island. Drive towards Lumut, where you will find the ferry terminal for your transfer. Check the ferry schedules in advance to ensure a smooth transition. The ferry ride will offer picturesque views of the water and surrounding islands, enhancing the anticipation of your beach adventure. Upon arrival at Pangkor Island, you will discover stunning beaches such as Pantai Nipah and Coral Beach, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and soft sands. This tranquil environment sets the stage for relaxation after an adventurous day in Ipoh.

Day 3: Drive to Lumut and Pangkor Island

After enjoying two days in Ipoh we left for "Doubletree Hilton" in Lumut, a luxury resort located on the outskirts of the city. The resort is spread over 16 acres including a Golf Course, Spice Garden and a private beach with a number of activities.

After checking into the resort we drove to the Marina Terminal in Lumut where you can catch a speedboat to the Pangkor Island Jetty. The island is ideal for extended stays as well as a day trip. As we just wanted to enjoy the watersports and take an Island hopping tour, a day trip suited our purpose. Once arriving on the Island we realized that it's better to book a resort at Pangkor Island and enjoy 1-2 day stay at the Island. The car is safety parked in the supervised parking at the Marina Terminal Carpark.

Pangkor Island

The Jetty area of Pangkor Island