Concubine Lane – Why Does Everyone Want To Visit This Place In Ipoh?
Concubine Lane is where you’ll see crowds of tourists during weekends and public holidays. But is it a tourist trap or a worthwhile attraction?
We think there’s both pros and cons to visiting this place.
If you want to find out what they are, keep reading.
Reasons To Go
Concubine Lane (or Panglima Lane) is a very short alleyway between Jalan Panglima and Jalan Market in Ipoh Old Town. This means it should take you less than 30 minutes to check it out.
This lane’s past is notorious because this is where a rich tin mining tycoons (such as Yau Tet Shin) once kept their mistresses.
In fact, in Cantonese, Concubine Lane is Yee Lai Hong which directly translates to Mistress Lane. That was over a hundred years ago.
Today, the lane is full of small stalls squeezed together. Most sell quirky snacks, souvenirs, and trendy clothing.
But there is also an old eatery here, as well as new tea house, Harry Potter themed café, and a hidden homestay. If you look up, much of the old buildings are still left untouched.
On weekends and public holidays, this is the liveliest place in Ipoh Old Town. You can walk to Kong Heng Square for the weekend artisan market. In addition to a visit to the Yasmin Ahad Museum inside BookXcess.
There are also several notable coffee shops within walking distance from Concubine Lane. These include Thean Chun Restaurant, Kong Heng Restaurant and Wong Koh Kee Restaurant.
Furthermore, you’ll likely pass through Concubine Lane if you want to complete the Ipoh Heritage Trail. Concubine Lane is close to the Birch Memorial Clock Tower and other historical landmarks.
There are two lanes (Hale Lane and Market Lane) that are walking distance from Concubine Lane. And while they are not as famous, there are street murals and other decorations worth looking at.
Reasons Not To Go
Those planning to drive to Concubine Lane should beware that it is difficult to find parking at peak times. Especially during lunch hours (12pm to 1pm) at any day of the week.
Besides the lack of convenient parking, another reason that may put you off Concubine Lane is how touristy it is.
There are no walking tours for the history behind Concubine Lane or any exhibits that show you what it used to look like.
The only on-site information that you can get about Concubine Lane’s history is at the Thean Chun end of the lane. In the form of an official heritage trail marker.
So, if you’re coming here for a history lesson, you might be disappointed.
Things To Note
You might want to note that many stalls along Concubine Lane are typically closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Hence, the lane won’t have as many visitors on those days.
Most of the stalls will close in the early evening and the lane will be empty at night.
Conclusion
Even if it’s the most touristy area in Ipoh with little historical insight to gain, Concubine Lane still draws many visitors.
If you don’t mind the crowds and parking difficulty, it could be a fun little place to explore while checking out the rest of Ipoh Old Town.
But if you want to see more than just Ipoh Old Town and Concubine Lane, book a private day tour in Ipoh with Explore Ipoh. It’s convenient, comfortable, and flexible too. WhatsApp us now for a free quote.
OldTown Heritage Centre
OldTown Heritage Centre is another place you can see that is right next to Concubine Lane. You can go for the upstairs gallery (free entry) and stay for a coffee by world-famous brand, OldTown who made their mark with their signature instant coffee blends.
