Snow Beer - originates only in Ipoh

Ipoh - Tucked away in the heart of Ipoh Old Town, Kafe Yoon Wah is famous for one simple yet unforgettable experience.  The legendary “snow beer.” I have never heard about it before, and nothing quite prepared me for how refreshing it would be in the warm Malaysian weather. 

Edward drove us past rows of old shophouses and coffee shops, until we reached Kafe Yoon Wah. The place had that nostalgic kopitiam feel with simple tables, lively chatter, and the comforting aroma of local dishes being served around us.

Then came the star of the visit: the snow beer. It arrived in a frosted mug with a thick layer of icy foam sitting on top like freshly fallen snow. The mug itself was chilled to the point where tiny droplets formed instantly on the glass.  The Heineken beer poured into the frosted mug creates a frozen foam and my first sip was incredibly satisfying; with ice cold, smooth, and crisp. The frozen foam added a unique texture, making the drink feel extra refreshing with every mouthful.  I just loved this refreshing beer.

What made the experience even better was pairing the snow beer with local food. The cold, frothy drink complemented the savoury flavours perfectly, especially in the warm afternoon heat. It was one of those simple pleasures that felt special because of the setting, the company, and the local tradition behind it.

Pig intestine dish

Squid dish

Edward suggested for Donny and I to try Apple cider the 'Snow Beer' style and mentioned that it will still be as refreshing and he was correct.

Apple Cider frosted

Tasik Cermin Adventure & Kin Loong Coffee Shop

Ipoh - The morning air in Ipoh carried a gentle coolness as we set off for Tasik Cermin, a place often described as one of the city’s hidden natural gems. Surrounded by dramatic limestone hills and quiet countryside, the area promised a mix of adventure and serenity. As we arrived, we learned that there was an entrance fee for each of the adventure parks within the area, as the sites are privately managed and maintained. Instead of rushing through everything, we decided to take our time and explore at a relaxed pace.

We began by walking along the outside of Tasik Cermin 1. Even from the outer paths, the towering limestone cliffs were impressive. The rock walls rose sharply into the sky, their surfaces weathered by time, creating natural textures and patterns. The reflections of the cliffs in the still waters gave the lake its name—“Mirror Lake.” The calmness of the place made it feel almost untouched, as if the modern world had not quite reached this hidden corner of Ipoh.

From there, we continued our walk towards Kin Loong Valley, a peaceful area tucked between limestone formations. The path was quiet, with only the sound of birds and the occasional breeze moving through the trees. It felt like stepping into a different world—one where nature took the lead and everything else slowed down.

There are a set of stairs that led up to a small limestone peak. It was not a difficult climb and the short climb was worth it. From the top, the view opened up to the valley below. The greenery spread out between the dramatic grey limestone hills, creating a contrast that was both rugged and beautiful. 

Climb up the stairs

After the climb, we headed down to Kin Loong Coffee Shop for a well-earned break.

Kin Loong Coffee is a small, traditional-style café nestled in the valley, known for its relaxed atmosphere and classic Ipoh flavours. The shop has a rustic charm, with simple seating and a peaceful view of the surrounding limestone hills. We ordered kaya toast and their famous Ipoh white coffee. The toast was warm and crispy, spread with fragrant coconut kaya and a thin layer of butter that melted into the bread. The white coffee was smooth, aromatic, and slightly creamy; a comforting and satisfying drink after the short climb. It was a simple breakfast, but in that serene valley setting, it felt especially memorable.

Kin Loong Coffee is popular in a local, experiential sense and especially for visitors who want an authentic Ipoh coffee atmosphere.

Pour the white coffee into the ice beaker

Delicious Ipoh white coffee

Toasty kaya bread

We continued our adventure to Tasik Cermin 2, also known as the Hidden World. This section is famous for its secretive entrance through a cave tunnel that leads to a concealed lake.

Edward and Donny

Tasik Cermin 2 came about as a former mining site, where limestone quarrying and tin mining activities once took place. Over time, as mining operations stopped, rainwater filled the excavated areas, forming a hidden lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Because the lake is enclosed by rock formations and not visible from the outside, it earned the nickname “Hidden World.” What was once an industrial site has since been transformed into a natural attraction, blending history with scenic beauty.

bending our necks 

To reach the hidden lake, we boarded an inflatable boat that took us through the cave tunnel. The journey itself was the highlight. As we drifted into the darkened passage, the air became cooler and the light dimmer. 

The cave ceiling hung low in certain sections, and at one point, we all had to bend down carefully to avoid bumping our heads. It added a small thrill to the ride, like entering a secret world.

Then, suddenly, the tunnel opened up into the hidden lake. The scene was breathtaking. Calm water stretched out before us, perfectly reflecting the towering limestone cliffs on all sides. The silence was striking, broken only by the gentle movement of the boat. It felt like discovering a secret place that few people knew about. A peaceful sanctuary hidden behind stone walls.

Around Tasik Cermin area, there were also family-friendly activities available. There were ATV rides, which looked exciting for those wanting a bit more adventure, and a small animal petting zoo that would be especially enjoyable for children. The area was clearly designed to cater to both nature lovers and families looking for a fun day out.

Journey through Ipoh infamous Concubine Lane

 Ipoh - Concubine Lane is one of the most talked-about streets in Ipoh Old Town, and it was a place I was curious to see for myself. The lane is narrow, lively, and full of colour, with souvenir stalls, dessert shops, and old shophouses that give it a nostalgic charm. As I walked through, I found myself stopping every few steps to take photos. The bright signboards, hanging lanterns, and heritage façades made it one of the most photogenic spots in the area.

Street murals along concubine lane

Despite its cheerful atmosphere today, the lane carries a rather intriguing history. It is said that during the tin-mining boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area was owned by a wealthy mining tycoon. According to local stories, he housed his concubines along this particular lane, which is how it eventually became known as Concubine Lane. Whether entirely factual or partly folklore, the name stuck, and today it remains one of the most recognisable streets in Ipoh.

After wandering around and snapping plenty of photos, I stopped at a quaint dessert shop called Custard King. 

It was a small, simple place, but clearly popular.  I ordered two types: an egg custard served cold and a milk custard served hot. The cold egg custard was smooth and refreshing, 

The milk custard was sold out, and I had to wait about ten minutes for the next batch to be prepared. The wait turned out to be worth it. The hot milk custard felt comforting and lightly sweet. Sitting there with my desserts after a long walk through the busy lane was the perfect little break before continuing my Ipoh adventure.

Journey through old Ipoh town - Ho Yan Hor museum

Ipoh - Tucked along the charming heritage streets of Ipoh Old Town, the Ho Yan Hor Museum is a small but fascinating stop that tells the story of one of Malaysia’s most famous traditional herbal brands. Best of all, the museum is free to enter, making it an easy addition to any Ipoh walking itinerary.  

Now, this famous medical hall is a listed company on Malaysia Bursa (stock exchange) under Hovid Berhad (shorted from David Ho)

Address: No. 1, Jalan Bijeh Timah

The experience begins at the counter, where the friendly staff warmly explain the background of the medical hall and how it evolved into a well-known household name. Their introduction sets the stage for what feels less like a formal museum and more like a walk through a preserved slice of history.

On the first floor, you’ll find old photographs, antique bottles, packaging, and handwritten notes that document the early days of the business. The displays are simple but authentic, giving visitors a glimpse into how traditional Chinese herbal remedies were prepared, sold, and promoted decades ago.

One of the most memorable parts of the visit is climbing the old, steep wooden staircase to the upper floor. Visitors are advised to hold the banister as they ascend. The steps creak slightly underfoot, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere and making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

The museum is not large, so a visit typically takes about 20–30 minutes. However, its charm lies in its authenticity. It doesn’t rely on flashy displays or high-tech installations; instead, it preserves the spirit of a traditional Ipoh medical hall.

For travellers exploring Ipoh Old Town, the Hor Yan Hor Museum is a quiet, educational stop that offers a deeper appreciation of the city’s cultural and commercial heritage.

A Walk Through Time at Kellie’s Castle, Ipoh

 Ipoh - Just a short drive by Grab from Ipoh town lies one of Perak’s most intriguing landmarks—Kellie’s Castle. Set against a backdrop of palm trees and rolling hills in Batu Gajah, this unfinished mansion feels like a piece of Europe dropped into the Malaysian countryside. My visit there was less about grand architecture and more about stepping into a story frozen in time.

Kellie’s Castle was built by a Scottish planter named William Kellie Smith in the early 1900s. He made his fortune in rubber and dreamed of building a lavish home for his wife and children. But fate had other plans. Construction was halted after he passed away in 1926, leaving behind a structure that is part mansion, part ruin, and entirely fascinating.

As I walked through the arched entrance, the first thing that struck me was the scale of the building. Even unfinished, it still feels grand. The high ceilings, long corridors, and open courtyards hint at how luxurious the castle was meant to be. Some sections look polished, while others remain raw, with exposed bricks and unfinished walls; almost like time paused mid-construction.

One of the highlights of the visit was climbing the stairs up to the rooftop. From there, the view stretches across the surrounding greenery and nearby river. The breeze up there is refreshing, and the wide-open sky gives the castle a dramatic, almost cinematic feel. It’s the perfect spot to pause and soak in the atmosphere.

The architecture itself is a unique blend of Moorish, Indian, and European influences. The curved archways, decorative columns, and wide verandas create a style that feels both exotic and elegant. It’s easy to imagine the mansion as it might have been full of life, music, and gatherings if construction had ever been completed.

Back inside, I explored the long corridors and hidden corners of the building. Some rooms were dark and cool, while others were bright with sunlight pouring through the open windows. There’s a quiet, mysterious feeling inside—no surprise, since the castle is often associated with ghost stories and local legends. Whether you believe in them or not, the slightly eerie vibe adds to the experience.

The grounds around the castle are pleasant to stroll through as well. With wide lawns, shaded areas, and the nearby Kinta River, the surroundings add to the charm of the visit. It’s a place where you can wander slowly, take photos, and imagine what life might have been like a century ago.

My trip to Kellie’s Castle felt like stepping into a forgotten chapter of history. It’s not a polished, perfect tourist attraction and that’s exactly what makes it memorable. The unfinished walls, the quiet corridors, and the open rooftop all tell a story that continues to capture the imagination of visitors today.