In this Snapshot we take you to the centre of old town Ipoh. If you love industrial, rustic architecture combined with heritage, you might want to consider a stay at Belakang KongHeng by Dreamscape. This place is right in the centre of town and designed by the same architect as Sekeping Serandah in Selangor.
Those who have visited Ipoh will know that one of the most Instagrammable spots is at Kong Heng Square. The square is just across Concubine and next to the narrow street where the hip and trendy bookstore ‘Book Excess’ is located.
Tucked away
When we arrived at the Kong Heng Square, the reception was hard to find with so many tourists wandering around, taking their best instapic. The hotel does not have a parking place for guests, so be prepared to take a walk with your luggage. On a Saturday afternoon we were lucky to find a parking spot in one of the nearby streets. After some back and forth walking with our suitcases, we found it, just next to Plan B. café. The friendly receptionist gave us the entrance card to all the gates of the square – between 5pm and 10am the site is closed for tourists – which gives you plenty of time to take your best instapic.
Sleep like a local, eat like a local
We are a family with two older kids (8 and 11 years old) and we booked the maisonette / duplex suite (RM215 per night). The front door of the room is next to the two single beds, a staircase goes down to the double bed and there is a bathroom with shower. The steel stairs are quite steep, therefore not baby or toddler proof, just as the rest of the homestay. The room we booked is close to the swimming pool, which we found very convenient. It’s so refreshing to have a swim after a walk in town. Some of the rooms are situated on the other side of the square. This means you first have to conquer the crowd first, before entering the gate where the pool is located.
What’s for breakfast?
This is a homestay, so there is no breakfast served… As you are right in the centre of Ipoh, you must try one of the authentic kopitiams for breakfast. During the night there was quite some noise from cars and motorbikes. Bring ear plugs for a good night sleep. Not all rooms are on the side of the street though.
Overall, we really enjoyed staying in old town Ipoh, despite the noise during the night. The pool, the location, the atmosphere and the industrial design make this stay very unique and authentic. Find out more here about reservations for Belakang KongHeng by Dreamscape.
We paid for our stay at Belakang KongHeng by Dreamscape. As always, our opinion is honest and our own.
