For those travelling into Malaysia internationally please check https://visasdirect.com.au/ for information specific to your nationality.

• Many nationalities can enter Malaysia visa-free for stays up to 30/60/90 days (depending on country). Check your specific country at the official immigration site.

• If you do need a visa, apply via the official MYVISA / eVisa portal before travel.

• Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is required: complete it online within 3 days before arrival. Exemptions include Singapore citizens, diplomats, Malaysian permanent residents, etc.

• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months at time of arrival.

• You may be asked at immigration for your return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds

There are no direct flights from any Australian cities to Ipoh. The most direct route to Ipoh is via Singapore.

This involves flying to Singapore Changi Airport from major Australian cities (served by Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and other carriers), then taking a separate flight to Ipoh. While this route may sometimes offer competitive fares, it typically involves longer total travel time compared to the KLIA route.

From Singapore to Ipoh, flights are operated by regional carriers and typically take around 1.5 hours. When booking this route, ensure adequate connection time at Changi Airport for immigration and terminal transfers. Note that flights between Singapore and Ipoh are less frequent than those from KLIA, so careful planning is essential.

Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is situated close to the center of Ipoh

• The airport approximately 15 minutes from the city center by car.

• If staying at a hotel we recommend booking a transfer with your hotel in advance, otherwise catch a Grab. Get more information regarding travel in ipoh

If you wish to travel via Kuala Lumpur on the way to Ipoh, there are two over-land options: train and bus.

TRAIN (recommended)
We recommend taking the train (KTM Intercity), a 2.5 direct journey from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station to Ipoh. The train ride is smooth and there is generally space for large luggage. You can buy tickets via the KTM website.

• Tickets cost 30RM to 45 RM one way (approx $15AUD)

• Please choose KL Sentral as your departure station. For more information please visit here

BUS

If you prefer to take the bus, there are 2 departures and a journey time of at least 3.5 hours. Please note that buses may have delays due to weather and traffic conditions.

• Tickets cost around 25-40 RM ($7-12 AUD)

• Departure station name is Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, arrival station name is Jalan Bendahara Ipoh.

• Grab (ride-hailing) is one of the easiest ways to get around Ipoh. It’s reliable, reasonably priced, and works well especially for door-to-door rides. You will need an active credit card to use Grab. We recommend activating this before arriving in Malaysia to ensure payments are working.

• Public buses (myBas / PerakTransit) cover many parts of the city. The F100 route loops through Old Town, Railway Station, New Town, malls, etc.

• Walking is great within Old Town and New Town for enjoying heritage trails, murals, cafés—all quite close together.

• Electric scooters / bikes (e.g. Beam scooters) are available in key central areas. Good for short trips and exploring nearby spots.

• Taxis are available, especially at stations, malls, and hotel areas. Make sure they use a meter or agree on fare before starting.

• If visiting attractions outside the city centre (e.g. caves, temples), using Grab or hiring a car is likely more convenient. Buses may not stop directly at those spots.

We recommend guests carry some cash at all times, as card facilities aren’t guaranteed.

• Cash is king in many places, especially smaller shops, markets, food stalls, and rural areas.

• ATMs are widely available in Ipoh and major towns—withdraw cash in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

• Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, malls, and larger restaurants, but not everywhere.

• E-wallets & GrabPay are popular locally, but may require a Malaysian bank account.