Penang to Ipoh Food and Mirror Lake Day Tour

Ipoh, the capital of Perak state, is about two hours from Penang by the North-South Expressway, which makes it a long but manageable day trip. This guided tour is built around food: Ipoh's best-known dishes first, then a lake, a railway station and a cave temple.

The first stop is the Wai Wai bean sprouts chicken rice restaurant for taugeh chicken rice, the dish the listing calls famous in Ipoh. You then visit a traditional biscuit outlet at Gunung Rapat, where you can try the handmade molasses biscuit. Next is Tasik Cermin, the Mirror Lake, a lake among limestone hills where the listing says the water is clear enough to mirror you, and you take a boat ride on its calm water. At Kin Loong Valley you try Ipoh white coffee. You then see the Ipoh railway station, known as the Taj Mahal of Ipoh for its Moorish architecture, and finish at the Perak Cave Temple, home to more than 40 Buddha statues, before driving back to Penang. The day lasts about eight hours.

The price includes the guided tour, the food tasting at Wai Wai, the visits and the boat ride, and the coffee tasting. Alcoholic drinks and tips are not included. Wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for the two-hour drive each way.

The listing does not say how many people the group holds, whether the tour is private, or where the pickup takes place, so ask the operator before you book. The operator is Magical Moments in Penang, and the tour is booked through GetYourGuide with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. It is offered in English.

The tour suits travellers who want to eat their way through Ipoh in a day and do not mind the time on the road. If you prefer to stay on the island, the private Penang custom tour on this site gives you the choice of stops.