Language learning is a work in progress. Take a break from your learning routine, get off the beaten path and explore four hidden tourist gems that you probably haven’t noticed.

Hop-on Hop-off (HOHO) Bus Tours

The city of Ipoh has abundant historical and cultural treasures. Be it heritage buildings that bear the stamp of colonialism or mural arts that offer insights into cultural inheritance, Ipoh will wow you in every possible way. To experience Ipoh like never before, get onboard the official Hop-on Hop-off bus tours that are available every weekend from 8.30am to 9.30pm. With 13 stops altogether, enjoy a seamless travel along the Ipoh Heritage Trail by hopping on and off any time. The open-air top deck of the bus also lets you see Ipoh in all its majesty from a height.

Han Chin Pet Soo Museum

If a bus tour does not move you, consider taking a tour of the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum – a revived Hakka Miners’ Club nestled in the heart of Ipoh old town. This clubhouse turned museum will satisfy your curiosity about the tin mining boom in Ipoh and life in the olden days with murals, photographs, and artefacts as well as antiques dating back to the 1920s. Admission is free and rest assured that it is definitely a story-worthy experience which suits every pocket. Book a slot for your museum tour here.

Tin Dredge No. 5 (TT5)

To spice up your experience a little, see for yourself the golden age of the tin mining industry in the Kinta Valley by visiting the last surviving tin dredge in Malaysia – Tin Dredge No. 5 (TT5). Located in Tanjung Tualang, it is a 40-minute drive from Ipoh to this small town.  Built in 1938 and upgraded in 1963, TT5 was only in operation for 44 years until 1982. Being known as a historic floating factory that contributed to the glory of the tin mining industry in the bygone era, TT5 weighs 4,500 tonnes and is supported by a pontoon resting on pond waters filled with water lilies in full bloom. Having been transformed into a museum, this industrial relic receives a steady stream of visitors eager to learn about tin mining operations in the past. For a taste of tin panning and a walk further down history, join multilingual guided tours available from 9am to 6pm daily.

Gua Tempurung

Another attraction worth visiting is Gua Tempurung in Gopeng. This stunning limestone cave in the outskirts of Ipoh will satisfy any nature lover’s quest for adventure. Having risen to fame as one of the longest caves in West Malaysia, Gua Tempurung has an interior made up of five large dooms. There is also an underground river measuring 1.6 kilometres in length. To explore the interior of the cave, choose between scrambling through concrete paths or navigating through pools of water with assistance from trained ranger guides. Get ready for an adrenaline rush, get up close with scenic limestone and be in awe of landscapes carved out by Mother Nature. English-speaking ranger guides are available, and we have to say that these guided cave tours are simply thrilling to the body, mind and soul.

Have you ever gotten the opportunity to visit any of these attractions? Wait no more and unwind yourself this weekend.

Words to learn:

alluring – enticing and exciting

abundant – available in large quantities

seamless – having no sudden changes, awkward transitions or problems

olden – of or relating to an era existing a long time ago

multilingual – available or written in a few different languages

stunning – extremely attractive, beautiful or impressive

scenic – having beautiful natural scenery or features

thrilling – extremely exciting

At ILTI, we encourage our learners to polish their language skills via real-life situations. We do not practice the chalk and talk approach – we learn and have fun at the same time. Join us today by calling / WhatsApp 010-395 3067 or email: info@ilti.edu.my.