Ipoh & the Lost World of Tambun π’ππ³π Malaysia
Visit Ipoh, the capital of Perak, Malaysia, where limestone hills grace the skyline, serving as constant reminders that natural wonders are not just for the history books. If you’re wondering where to satisfy your food cravings, the traditional Ipoh white coffee and hor fun noodles are ready to put your average breakfast to shame. With heritage buildings that look like they’ve seen a lot of action (a few centuries’ worth, in fact), why bother with mainstream tourist traps when you can discover the real deal right here?
Ipoh is rich in history and cultural heritage, but one of the highlights of this region is the Lost World of Tambun, a theme park that offers a welcome blend of adventure and relaxation.Β Join us as we discover the attractions of Ipoh and the fun activities of the Lost World of Tambun.
Highlights
- Planning your Trip to Ipoh
- Getting to Ipoh from Penang
- Ipoh’s Architectural Heritage
- TUI Blue Haven Resort, Ipoh
- Tambun Lost World Adventure Park
- AirAsia Inflight Experience
- Hotel Deals in Ipoh
- Georgetown 𧨠Penang
- Things We Carry on the Train
- A Malaysia & Borneo Travel Plan
- Malaysia West Coast β΄οΈ Itinerary
- Accessories for the Tropics
Planning a Trip to Ipoh
The ideal time to visit Ipoh and the Lost World of Tambun is during the dry season, from March to September. The weather then is pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities without the risk of rain.
We actually visited in late December, which was fine – with just the occasional downpour (usually in the late afternoons).
Ipoh is easily accessible by car, bus, or train from major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
The Lost World of Tambun is located just a short drive from Ipoh city center, making it a convenient day trip destination.
Accommodation Options
Ipoh offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. From luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses, you’ll find a suitable place to stay. The Sunway Lost World Hotel, located within the theme park, provides the ultimate convenience for visitors.
Essential Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially if you plan to explore the caves and theme park.
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the tropical sun.
- Try the local food at street markets and traditional coffee shops for an authentic Ipoh experience.
- Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning mountain landscapes and memorable moments.
Ipoh City, Malaysia
Getting to Ipoh from Penang
We travelled to Ipoh by bus from Penang airport. To get to the Penang Central bus station in Butterworth we took a 7-seater Grab (we were travelling as a group of five). The taxi fare cost us RM 50 and took around 25 minutes.
We had already pre-booked our bus tickets from Butterworth bus station to Ipoh online using the BusOnlineTicket.com website.
The BusOnlineTicket.com website sends you a booking confirmation with which you’ll need to check in at the bus station to get your boarding cards.
Outskirts of Ipoh
The bus tickets from Penang to Ipoh cost Rm 25 per person, and the journey takes around 2 hours with no stops.
Note that bus departures from Butterworth are often delayed by 20 to 30 minutes.
In Ipoh, we arrived at Amanjaya bus station on the north-west edge of the city. From there, we took another 7-seater Grab (RM 32) for a 25-minute ride to our pre-booked accommodation at the TUI Blue Haven Resort.
Ipoh’s Architectural Heritage
Ipoh, once a prominent tin mining hub, has a wealth of colonial-era buildings that stand as a testament to its rich history. The Ipoh Railway Station, often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Ipoh,” and the Birch Memorial Clock Tower are prime examples of the architectural grandeur from the British colonial era.
Each building tells a story of Ipoh’s past, seamlessly blending history with modernity.
A Culinary Paradise
Ipoh is a haven for food enthusiasts. The famous Ipoh white coffee, known for its smooth and creamy texture, is a must-try. We couldn’t resist the aromatic brew at one of the traditional coffee shops. Ipoh’s culinary scene also boasts dishes like Ipoh Hor Fun, a flat rice noodle soup, and Bean Sprout Chicken, which is a local specialty.
Our favourite is the classic Ipoh soup with chicken and prawns.
The night markets are also an interesting diversion, offering an array of flavors and more day-glo colored fruit drinks than you can shake a stick at.
Ipoh Aerial View
Limestone Hills and Majestic Caves
Ipoh’s natural landscape is impressive. We ventured into Gua Tempurung, one of the largest limestone cave formations in Peninsular Malaysia, with an underground river. Another highlight are the serene cave gardens of the Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple.
TUI Blue Haven Resort
The TUI Blue Haven is a 4* resort hotel located on the eastern edge of Ipoh city, not far from the Lost City of Tambon adventure park.
The hotel comprises three 25-storey apartment blocks overlooking the resorts lake pool and recreational area. Everything here is new, clean and well maintained. The pool area features several jacuzzi spots, including heated jacuzzis.
There is also a 0.6 kilometer jogging track that runs around the lake, bordering onto the jungle. Great for an early morning or late evening stroll or jog.
We paid RM 685 per night at the TUI Blue Haven for a luxurious 3-bedroom suite for 5 people, including panoramic mountain views, good buffet breakfasts and free mini-bar (that’s a first for us).
We also ate at the resort restaurant in the evenings, but the service and food quality was not particularly good. A better (and cheaper) choice would be to take a Grab to one of the restaurants outside the resort.
The resort included a good gym, with free access to a table ping-pong room and a full-sized badminton court. They also offered pay-for-use weekend activities including paintball and archery.
The Lost World of Tambun Adventure Park
The Lost World Adventure Park is located on the eastern edge of Ipoh city.
The park offers 2 ticket types: one for day-entry (11 am to 11pm) and the other for evening entry (‘night time’ is from 6 pm till 11 pm). The price for the day-entry ticket is RM 136 per person (RM 129 for seniors). Children below 90 cms height enter for free.
The night-entry ticket costs RM 100 per person, but is free if you stay at the Sunway Lost World Hotel.
The Lost World of Tambun
We visited the park in late December, so it wasn’t too busy, with almost no queueing for rides. It did rain heavily in the afternoon, though. Luckily for us, this was just about the time we were leaving the park.
The activities on offer in the park are quite diverse.Β There are 5 main areas:
- The water park, with pools, hot springs and water rides
- An area with non-wet rides
- An area with more specialized pay-for-use activities (rock climbing, zip-lining, etc.)
- A zoo, including exotic animals and animals ‘shows’
- A petting zoo, where you can interact with the animals
There are lots of places where you can eat and drink a large variety of food at very reasonable prices.
If you plan to get wet you can rent a locker for the day (RM 25 small, RM 50 large).
A note on dress code Although the park accepts western-style swimwear, the majority of visitors are Malay with their families. You may therefore feel less intrusive if you keep a light quick-dry t-shirt on while walking around the park.
Watch out for the dinosaurs!
What about the Rides?
The rides are a big feature of any theme park, and the Lost World of Tambun doesn’t disappoint.
There are plenty of smaller rides to keep the children happy, but there are some fun and challenging rides for adults too. Perhaps the most fun are the Twister tunnels which include 5 varieties of wet tunnel rides suited to your temperament.
This was almost as much fun as our visit to the Siam Park in the Canary Islands.
The Stormrider, Dragon Flight, and Cliff Racer were just a few of the rides that had us on the edge of our seats. If you’re feeling less energetic, the wave pool and lazy river, provide a refreshing escape from the heat.
The Hot Springs & Spa
During the day, we found solace in the Lost World’s hot springs and spa. The natural hot spring pools, surrounded by lush greenery, were the perfect place to unwind.
Soaking in the therapeutic waters was really soothing. The Crystal Spa offers a range of treatments, including massages and facials, to leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Wildlife and Nature
The Lost World of Tambun is home to a diverse array of wildlife. At the Petting Zoo, you can interact with friendly animals like deer, rabbits, parrots, turtles, and raccoons. The Tiger Valley is another highlight, where you can observe tigers in a naturalistic setting.
A journey through the Tin Valley gives insights into the region’s tin mining heritage.
Our Ongoing Itinerary
Following our short stay in Ipoh, we would be next travelling up into the Cameran Highlands to check out the Brinchang heights, the Mossy Forest and the BOH tea plantation.
After that we were heading back down to the west coast to visit the duty-free island of Pangkor and try our hands at some sea kayaking.
If you enjoyed Ipoh & the Lost World, take a look at our other Tropical Travel Plans. You may also like:
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