Ipoh

19th January 

I caught an early ferry over to the bus terminal where I had booked my bus to Ipoh

The bus was an executive one and not too expensive  - 20 myr (£3 70) - and took 2.5 hours.

Views from the bus:

I didn't book my room but I'd e-mailed and they said they had availability. The guy at reception was very camp. I asked for the cheapest dorm room but he was reluctant to let me stay in the dorm with, "too many men" so I took the other dorm, which was empty and I haggled a little on the price.

My room and views from the hostel - it's a bit shabby but clean at least and having a toilet inside the actual dorm is a luxury! 

I explored Ipoh later. Here is some history from google:

Early Beginnings & The Tin Boom (Late 1800s)

• Origin: Ipoh began as a Malay village, "Paloh," near the Kinta River, but its significance exploded with tin discovery.
• British Establishment: The British established major mining operations in the 1880s, turning Ipoh into a crucial center for the Federated Malay States.
• Immigrant Labor: The tin industry drew large numbers of Chinese immigrants, who worked the mines and built significant wealth, shaping the city's demographics and economy. 

Growth & Transformation (1900s - 1930s)

• The Great Fire (1892): A devastating fire destroyed much of the town, but also allowed for a more organized, grid-like reconstruction.
• Capital of Perak (1937): Ipoh replaced Taiping as the state capital, solidifying its administrative importance.
• Architectural Heritage: The wealth from tin funded grand colonial buildings, banks, and residences, much of which still stands in the Old Town.
• New Town Development: Tycoons like Yau Tet Shin developed the "New Town" area across the river. 

World War II & Post-Independence

• Japanese Occupation: Ipoh served as the Japanese headquarters for Perak during World War II.
• Economic Shift: After the war, the tin industry declined, leading Ipoh to diversify into education, healthcare, and tourism. 

Modern Ipoh

• Heritage & Tourism: Today, Ipoh leverages its rich history, colonial architecture, unique limestone caves (housing Chinese temples), and famous food scene (influenced by Chinese and Malay cultures) to attract tourists.
• Cultural Identity: The city is known for its multicultural influences, reflecting its complex past as a mining powerhouse and colonial hub. 

the streets in the old town are nice and they also like their street art here

The town hall

The Train Station

The mosque

I had some dinner at a little restaurant. They had a QR code scan system to order and again, the food was good and very cheap.

When I went back to the room I had one roommate who I have now met. She is French, from Tunisia and very friendly and chatty.