Concubine Lane
Concubine Lane
3.5
About
As the name suggests, a famous tycoon gifted this lane to one of his concubines over a hundred years ago. While the area used to be rife with vices, today it is teeming with famous Ipoh eateries and coffee shops, cool cafes, and dessert houses. It has also been given a modern makeover by street artists, who have painted walls murals that capture the area's history. They're great photo spots, too.
The lane gets quite busy on the weekends—visit on weekday mornings when it’s quieter but note that some stalls might be closed. If you stay till night, you can see the lanterns come on and illuminate the lane in red. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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500 within 5 kms
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71 within 10 kms
See what other travellers are saying
- Ricky SBandung, Indonesia360 contributionsMust see in IpohConcubine Lane is a very famous tourist spot in Ipoh. Very crowded with tourists from everywhere, who are sightseeing and shopping for some street food, white coffee powder, as well as other trinkets and souvenirs to bring along. Nearby there are hawker centre, variety of shops, etc. It's within walking distance from the railway station and located in the heart of the city along the heritage trail. A great place to look around when you are in town.Visited December 2019Written 6 February 2020
- JustUstwoguysAuckland Central, New Zealand201 contributionsVibrant street life.Enjoyed looking around at this old style part of Malaysia, was very crowded but still a good place to visit. Some interesting shops and of course street art. Local musicians playing in the street was also an added touch.Visited August 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 September 2022
- ChanwengcheongCyberjaya, Malaysia462 contributionsBlast from the PastThe entire area of several Blocks turned into a memory lane of sorts. Filled with tourists, not uncommon but we felt it was a bit too commercialised. Ipoh folks would have preferred it to be a bit more nonchalant and to remain a nomenclature for sure. But you can’t stop the crowds. When it’s quiet on a weekday with ample time and space to walk around, it’s good to get lost, sit, breathe and take in the sights and sounds. Lots of restaurant around to fill your stomach when it’s due.Visited November 2019Travelled with familyWritten 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
760 reviews
Excellent
122
Very good
300
Average
263
Poor
60
Terrible
15
chengmmm
Vancouver, Canada3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Over rated tourist attraction. Things were pricey and nothing special. $15 ringgit for a small cup of durian ice-cream.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
4 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Interesting history but as an experience VERY underwhelming. Not sure what all the fuss is about. Lots of the same old tourists trapping vendors which are not cheap.
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N0blesse0blige
Toronto, Canada5 contributions
Jul 2023
BEWARE of the fresh watermelon juice vendor in Concubine Lane. We were naive and did not ask the price for the watermelon juice at this stall. I had just purchased coconut water across the lane for $7 ringgits so did was anticipating that the juice at this stall would be around the same price or at the very highest, no more than double ($14 or $15 ringgits). When the juice was made and it was time to pay, we were told it was $30 ringgits!!!
I believe the vendors were aware we were foreigners and perhaps quoted a much higher price. I have friends and relatives in Malaysia and they confirmed that the price was outrageous and unheard of. Long story short - inquire about the price prior to purchasing from this stall!
The lane itself is quaint and takes up a block with typical tourist vendors.
I believe the vendors were aware we were foreigners and perhaps quoted a much higher price. I have friends and relatives in Malaysia and they confirmed that the price was outrageous and unheard of. Long story short - inquire about the price prior to purchasing from this stall!
The lane itself is quaint and takes up a block with typical tourist vendors.
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vthc4
Singapore, Singapore310 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
While the 2nd Concubine lane is worth a visit for first timers, it has little to attract a repeat visit. It’s short and narrow. One hardly notices the history of the street while browsing to the vendors there. However, there is a good coconut refreshment shop selling coconut water, shake and ice cream that is worth visiting to rest one’s tired feet. Plenty of eateries within a stone’s throw from the 2nd Concubine lane.
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian A
Penang Island, Malaysia63 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
A quirky little stumble! Ipoh is one of those places that might not crop up on the SE-Asia worldly-traveler places to visit, but it definitely has a few places that make for a neat stop for a few hours. Concubine Lane is one of those such places. It is fairly busy, but the hustle and bustle seem to give it a bit of charm that make weaving in and out of various stores, offering souvenirs, some tasty treats and a variety of experiences, a pleasant way to spend half an hour or so. If you had a limited time in the area, or were looking for the best things to do in Malaysia, you wouldn't really venture to Ipoh and so you wouldn't make it to Concubine Lane, but if you live within a few hours and want to see somewhere a bit different that is similar to Georgetown, Penang, but with much less tourists, then it's worth a stop.
We spent a couple of hours in Ipoh in between Penang and The Cameron Highlands. Concubine Lane added to the experience, but we are unlikely to venture this way a second time.
We spent a couple of hours in Ipoh in between Penang and The Cameron Highlands. Concubine Lane added to the experience, but we are unlikely to venture this way a second time.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FrancisTLim
Penang Island, Malaysia176 contributions
Oct 2022
Oct2022. There are eateries and souvenir shops on both sides of this lane. This lane is only about 100m long so walk slowly and enjoy the view of the old buildings and the various businesses here. FrancisTLim.
Written 24 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chandran S
2 contributions
Feb 2023
The price of the food around the Concubine Lane is expensive. I bought 3 slices of "Sengkuang Calit" for RM10.
Besides that the price of basic banana leaf meal was RM12 pe pax which is higher than the price in KL.
Besides that the price of basic banana leaf meal was RM12 pe pax which is higher than the price in KL.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sze Wei
Kulai, Malaysia166 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Gotta be fascinating if Muslim can play 4 wives, legendary miners playing 3 wives and above is quite the humanity feat i must say.😄😆🤜🤛Anyway on the touristy side of things, its quite vibey with so many souvenir shops and snack shops. Also it has quite a lot of mural drawings like the famous Penang street. Mining maybe history today but revisiting it in historical scope will never be least interesting for generations. Long live tin mines.
Written 17 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GAN L
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia8,719 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
There are 3 lanes and the most visited is the 2nd concubine lane. There are many souvenir shops at this lane. Gone are the glory days when the rich tin miner towkay located his wife and mistresses at the different lanes.
Written 1 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZettyZing
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia46 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
One of Ipoh’s trademark 👍🏻 good place to shop some souvenir. A lot of small cafe around so food are not a problem.
However the lane are a bit narrow, try to avoid going there during peak hours or holidays etc.
Parking are difficult as around the area are packed.
However the lane are a bit narrow, try to avoid going there during peak hours or holidays etc.
Parking are difficult as around the area are packed.
Written 15 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it open everyday? And is it worth to go there by this friday?
TraceInNQ
Ingham175 contributions
If you are going to Ipoh on Friday - definitely have a quick visit. I would probably not make a specific trip just to do this.
Wanawd83
3 contributions
What time most of the shop closed? Esp the rainbow cheese bread shop? Tq
jeff1955malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia5,207 contributions
Most open during office hours.
What day does concubine lane close
Gan S
Singapore, Singapore94 contributions
Yup, open daily.
At what time will the shops start to open?
jeff1955malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia5,207 contributions
the eating shop open around 9.30am. thre are ample eating shops near concubine street which opens by 8am.
At what time will the shops start to open?
horsoon f
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia11 contributions
Most shops start business by 10am
Will the shop open at night
Winston Chuah
Subang Jaya, Malaysia294 contributions
No. shops are not open at night.
I am going on sunday. Will shop open ?
EdwardLiew128
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia78 contributions
Yes but crowded.
Lawrence Ong
Port Dickson, Malaysia6 contributions
I going on Monday. Will the shops be open?
lovetour87
26 contributions
Yes.. its open
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Claim your listingCONCUBINE LANE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Concubine Lane
- We recommend booking Concubine Lane tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 28 Concubine Lane tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Concubine Lane:
- Private Tour: Ipoh Secrets Full Day Heritage Tour from Ipoh (From RM 539.55)
- Ipoh Heritage, Caves And Cave Temple Tour (From RM 423.73)
- Ipoh Day-Trip from Kuala Lumpur (From RM 376.65)
- Full Day Ipoh City Tour And Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island (From RM 452.73)
- Ipoh Caves, Cave Temple And Heritage Tour (From RM 489.65)
- Hotels near Concubine Lane:
- (0.05 km) Belakang Kong Heng by Dreamscape
- (0.06 km) Homestay Gopeng
- (0.09 km) Container Hotel
- (0.08 km) 27 Concubine Lane
- (0.15 km) Brick Box Hotel
- Restaurants near Concubine Lane:
- (0.01 km) One Laksa House Ipoh
- (0.01 km) Ipoh Old Town Tart King
- (0.04 km) Restoran Sin Lean Lee
- (0.04 km) Kedai Kopi Kong Heng
- (0.04 km) Second Mama Red Bean Ice
- Attractions near Concubine Lane:
- (0.00 km) Ipoh High Court
- (0.01 km) Time Tunnel Museum, Ipoh Old Town
- (0.04 km) Maze Puzzle House
- (0.05 km) Kong Heng Square
- (0.10 km) Ipoh World at Han Chin Pet Soo