Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.
Ipoh, My Second Hometown
Ipoh, located in the north-central part of Malaysia, is often called the country’s third-largest city. With traces of its prosperous past in the tin industry, the sentiment of the Chinese community, and a retro old-town vibe, it has recently gained popularity among travelers for its diverse local food culture and vintage charm.
But for me, Ipoh holds a more personal significance. It’s my wife’s hometown, and I’ve been visiting whenever I get the chance for over 20 years, ever since we were dating. At this point, it feels less like a tourist destination and more like a comfortable “second home.” So, rather than the fluttering heart of a first-time visitor, I find myself unconsciously looking around, wondering, “Has anything changed while I was away?” It’s a different kind of familiarity.
A Stroll Down a Lane Both Familiar and Strange
Whenever I’m in Ipoh, there’s a path I habitually wander down at least once or twice. It’s the small alleyway known as Concubine Lane.
These days, it has become famous enough to be featured on Korean travel shows, bustling with crowds and tourists. But 20 years ago, it was just a quiet, deserted alley. My most vivid memory is of stopping by with my wife to buy pomelos, then strolling leisurely down the lane, each of us holding a plastic bag of sweet iced coffee.
Honestly, until the mid-2010s, it felt less like a “tourist spot” and more like a “pretty neighborhood alley to briefly visit.” Seeing it so busy now feels a bit strange.
The alley is now packed with cafes, souvenir shops, and all sorts of snacks from the entrance, creating a lively, energetic atmosphere. But at the same time, I can’t help but feel a little sad that the quiet, endlessly relaxed charm of the old town seems to be fading away.
It might be an odd analogy, but it’s like looking at your grown-up children and suddenly seeing their baby faces superimposed for a moment. Well, my sentiment is purely personal, so I’ll leave it at that.
So, What’s With the Scandalous Name?
It’s a story you don’t really need to know for a casual stroll, but it feels like a waste to just pass it by. So, I’ll briefly touch on why this alley got a name that, depending on your perspective, could be seen as quite problematic.
Concubine Lane. In simple terms, “The Mistress’s Alley.”
As the story goes, a tycoon who made a fortune in Ipoh’s tin industry gifted three different alleys to his three mistresses. The current Concubine Lane is said to be the one received by the second wife.
Hmm… The man himself probably wanted to frame it as some grand, ‘it’s-not-an-affair-it’s-romance’ gesture, but from my humble point of view, it’s nothing more than a trashy soap opera plot. Of course, regardless of the story’s truth, perhaps this very “scandalous” narrative piqued people’s curiosity and helped make the alley famous.
For the record, the first wife’s alley still exists elsewhere, but it’s far from the commercial atmosphere here and doesn’t see much foot traffic. The third wife’s alley is right next door, just a short walk away. For now, it remains relatively quiet, a stark contrast to its famous neighbor. You can’t help but wonder if, in a few years, this place too will be unrecognizably bustling.
A Quick Tip for First-Timers
Walking through the Old Town’s alleys is a joy in itself, but if you want to efficiently explore the key spots of Ipoh, including Concubine Lane, without the hassle of planning, joining a day tour can be a great option. They often cover historical sites, famous eateries, and even nearby cave temples all in one go.
▶ Explore Ipoh Day Tours on Trip.com
▶ Explore Ipoh Day Tours on Klook
(This gives you more options to choose from.)
A Little Souvenir to End the Walk
As I wandered near the alley, a shop selling Batik, a traditional Malaysian garment, caught my eye. I bought two sets as gifts—one for my daughter and one for my son’s friend. My wife says that although they look vibrant, they’re surprisingly thin and cool, perfect for the hot weather.
These days, there are plenty of cheap knock-offs, but thankfully, I had my reliable wife with me to ensure I wasn’t getting ripped off. A casual stroll and some light shopping—that was enough. Time to head home.
Truth be told, walking outside for too long gets pretty hot.
I’ve included a video I took while walking through the alley. Hopefully, it conveys the atmosphere better than photos alone.
Most travelers visiting Ipoh these days will likely stop by here anyway, but I hope this post makes your steps along that path just a little bit lighter.
Read Next
▶ Ipoh’s Hidden Gem: A Secret Tunnel to a Mirror Lake (Tasik Cermin)
