A long layover in Ipoh is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 40 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at IPH:
First, verify that you can enter Malaysia — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi / Ride-sharing (e.g., Grab) takes about 40 minutes into Ipoh, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — MYR is the currency here. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
How to Get Into Ipoh
From IPH, the Taxi / Ride-sharing (e.g., Grab) gets you to Ipoh in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Ride-sharing (e.g., Grab) offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Things to Do During Your Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Ipoh:
Start with Ipoh Old Town Heritage & Street Art Trail. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace. Then, if time allows, make your way to Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple and Zen Garden. A peaceful stop that offers a break from the rush of travel.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside IPH, you can spend time at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport Souvenir Shop or try Main Terminal Seating Area. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near IPH
- In the city: Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken Rice (è½è鸡æ²æ²³ç²) and Thean Chun Coffee Shop (天津è¶å®¤) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Ipoh.
- At the airport: Sultan Azlan Shah Airport Cafe and Airport Snack Bar will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Ipoh, budget roughly $21 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $6 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $5 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Storing Your Luggage at Sultan Azlan Shah Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at IPH may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Ipoh’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at IPH, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Ipoh itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Malaysia that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Resting at the Airport
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at IPH.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Ipoh count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave IPH. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.