historic attractions, such as the Standard
Chartered Bank and the HSBC building
located west of the Kinta River and close
to the railway station.
The maze-like rabbit warren of old
buildings around Sekeping Hong
Heng coffee shop showcase creative
refurbishments, with many buildings
retaining their historic façades. While
the old classic coffee shop remains
untouched, an extension out the back
adds a more contemporary setting with
hints of the historic past.
Accommodation is provided here,
but it’s worth checking the Sekeping
website as the owners clearly state that
the accommodation is not suitable for
everyone. Being sticklers for authenticity
and heritage, some rooms have minimal
soundproofing (as in the past), there
is a communal area where mingling
is encouraged, and there is no air-
conditioning – though mosquito nets are
provided. It’s not a boot camp, though, and
it will appeal to those seeking something
unusual and something that has urban
authenticity.The restaurant Plan b (Big Group) is
located here too and provides elements
of the café society that many travellers
crave. Melbourne is recognised globally
for its coffee culture, so it’s no surprise
that when Plan b was seeking a premium
coffee supplier, it turned to one of
Melbourne’s leading roasters, Brother Basil
& Co., who have created a medium roast
called Blend B from Ethiopian, Honduran,
and Brazilian beans just for the café. It is
richly flavoured, just like Malaysians love
their coffee. Plan b is perfectly located in
the historic centre of Ipoh in a retro fit-out
building that combines heritage with a hip
interior. There are also several boutiquesand stalls in the same space plus an art
gallery and male hairdressers.Visitors can squeeze through an opening
in the fence to access other properties in
the square such as the Container Hotel
and Burps and Giggles Café. The latter,
a wonderfully quirky converted shoplot
café, combines premium coffees, small
plates, wines, and creative dishes. While
it is set in a heritage property, there are
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colour with a contemporary mural of
Marilyn Munroe and other funky pieces
of recycled art. Bits and pieces from the
property have been reused and recycled
with colourful pendulous light shades,
doors used for tables and others, recycled
into artistic sculptures.Opposite the building, Concubine Lane
reverts to a lively weekend market that is
especially popular with the locals.destination focus: cities of the peninsula