We spent four days (2 travel on either end) in Ipoh happily wandering the town. It began as a home base for Chinese tin miners—tin being Malaysia’s first big industry, followed by rubber, then palm oil (still a top export, just behind petrol and natural gas).
We were advised to do a full-on tour: a tin mine, limestone caves once used by communist insurgents during the Malayan Emergency (1948–1960) (thank you, Google), and Kellie’s Castle, possibly connected to The King and I. Instead, we chose the highly ambitious plan of strolling streets and parks.
Rob, especially, was in his element, photographing flora and fauna like a man on safari. Below are just a few of the birds, monitor lizards, and cats we met along the way. Sadly, I was too slow to catch the Blue-winged Pitta on camera—still my favorite wildlife sighting.
On Day 18, we drove two hours to Penang (Georgetown) and rented a condo in a complex with restaurants and… a marina (Rob checks the boat’s lines daily). After twelve nights here, we’ll head home, with a two-night stop in Turkey en route.
Meanwhile, we’re watching Michigan’s forecast and shaking our heads at the extended arctic situation. 31 degrees by next Friday—a heat wave!
As always, thanks for checking in with us. Amy
Later this street is lined with market booths
Later this street is lined with market booths
Passing by a large weekend market on walk from hotel to the historic downtown
Passing by a large weekend market on walk from hotel to the historic downtown
Market finds
Market finds
More finds
More finds
Passing over river to west side of town (walk along the river, left side, is where the Blue-winged pitta was spotted)
Passing over river to west side of town (walk on left is where we spotted the
One of MANY Monitor lizards spotted
One of MANY Monitor lizards spotted
Stay in the water!
Stay in the water!
Murals begin - we made it to the historical part of the town
Murals begin - we made it to the historical part of the town
Concumbine lane
Concumbine lane
Rob’s cat
Rob’s cat
Always happy to stop and eat!
Always happy to stop and eat!
Sidewalks consist of steps of all shapes and sizes
Sidewalks consist of steps of all shapes and sizes
A place to bring your sick Gold Fish
A place to bring your sick Gold Fish
Another one of rob’s cat’s
Another one of rob’s cat’s
First day at Ipoh, after dinner walk around mall
SuperBowl on top floor!
SuperBowl on top floor!
I really like these (colors seem to be those of Chinese New Year).
I really like these (colors seem to be those of Chinese New Year).
Chinese New Year gift packages are everywhere!
Chinese New Year gift packages are everywhere!
Walk home from mall…
Walk home from mall…
Ipoh Day 2 - walked historic downtown, then north/river walk to park
Of course, a monitor lizard siting on our way to town
Of course, a monitor lizard siting on our way to town
Passed through Ipoh’s Little India
Passed through Ipoh’s Little India
Walking…
Walking…
Train station - we saw a few back packers in this area
Train station - we saw a few back packers in this area
Along the riverwalk - I lost sight of Rob when he went down the bank for this photo!
Along the riverwalk - I lost sight of Rob when he went down the bank for this photo!
North end of the riverwalk T’s into limestone
North end of the riverwalk T’s into limestone
Temple (north T of riverwalk)
Temple (north T of riverwalk)
Around the bend to St. Michael’s
Around the bend to St. Michael’s
The following photos are of a city park, with a small Japanese garden in it.
And back to the hotel - a few photos of our view
The building with the red roof is associated with St. Michaels - maybe a school?
The building with the red roof is associated with St. Michaels - maybe a school?
Is it crazy?
Is it crazy?
Bye!