The city of Ipoh offers an unusual backdrop to its many festivities. The Old Town district is the center for a share of the city’s cultural celebrations. While many of the largest festivals include those celebrated across the country, Ipoh is well known for offering distinct experiences and smaller crowds when compared to sister cities and venues such as those in Kuala Lumpur.
Ipoh International Art Festival
Launched in 2019, the Ipoh International Art Festival (IIAF) supplies multimedia formats across rich artistic styles to the streets of Ipoh. Mostly contemporary, the artwork on display during the festival includes drawings, paintings, prints, audio visual and live performances. Organized by the PORT organization, the Ipoh International Art Festival is a collaboration by local and regional artists, and celebrates the modern creative identities of Ipoh’s most talented citizens.
Address: Port Ipoh, No 09, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, 31400 Ipoh Perak
Phone: +605 – 241 2287
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost:
– Based on event
Website
Chap Goh Meh
Also referred to as the Lantern Festival, Chap Goh Meh is a much-anticipated event in Ipoh and is the finale of Chinese New Year. The annual event sees the throwing of tangerines into ponds and rivers at waterfront temples , as well as beautiful nightscapes lit by thousands of red lanterns strung overhead. Believed to have originated from the Hokkien community in southern China, the festival is famed for the practice of single women throwing tangerines into the water for a potential male suitor.
Address: Kwan Yin Tong, Lot 21606, Batu 4 1/2, Jalan Gopeng, 31350, Ipoh
Phone: +6016 – 533 0211
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
The Other Festival – Ipoh Old Town
A celebration of art and culture, The Other Festival is supported by the Perak State Government and focuses on homegrown talent from the city of Ipoh. Managed by Persatuan Kakiseni, the event began in 2015 and includes installations and works of art that highlight the stories and wealth of heritage buildings found throughout the city. The week-long event includes various walking trails, artist performance and sensory experiences, all scattered through Ipoh’s Old Town.
Address: Various locations in Ipoh’s Old Town
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours: N/A
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
