Concubine Lane, which is also known as Yee Lai Hong to its Cantonese-speaking population or Mistress Lane, is a small, relatively narrow lane situated in the Old Town of Ipoh. Possessing more than a century-old history, the Concubine Lane, Ipoh, has built its reputation as a must-visit tourist attraction in Perak, Malaysia. The cityscape charms visitors with its vintage old-world look enhanced with a touch of the present world.
Known for its street art, pop-up stalls, souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants, the street appears enticing to foodies, bloggers and photographers all around the globe. Hence, in 2016 Concubine Lane got featured in the List of Best Asian Destinations to Visit.
If you plan to visit this place during the Chinese New Year season (January to February generally), you will witness the lanes coming to life with all the lanterns and festive decorations. Covering the skylight with colorful Umbrellas and lanterns is their signature décor which is infamous amongst a lot of tourists.
Transportation services as well as local guides are easy to find to ensure a smoother experience for any visitors to the Concubine Lane
Recommended tours & tickets
Things you need to know before visiting the Concubine Lane
How To Reach
Every year thousands of people come to visit this place. A guideline is required so that the tourists can plan their trip and enjoy the experience thoroughly. The city of Ipoh is located at the bank of Kinta River. Hence the easiest way to reach Ipoh is via a bus or train from Kuala Lumpur. It would take around 2 to 4 hours to reach near the Ipoh Railway Station. The Concubine Lane is located approximately 600 meters away from the station.
Transportations such as taxis and rental cars are widely available, you can pick the ride of your choice to the entrance of Concubine Lane. Most vehicles are not given access to enter the lane so you would have to be willing to roam around the street on your feet and enjoy the whimsical view.
History and origins behind the Concubine Lane:
The origins of Concubine Lane date back to the late 19th century when Ipoh was a thriving tin-mining town. Chinese immigrants, who made up a majority of the population at the time, built shophouses along the lane to house their mistresses or concubines. The lane was also known for its brothels and opium dens, which catered to the needs of the male population.
In the year 1892, a massive fire spread across the town of Ipoh destroying around 123 infrastructures including peoples’ houses, due to which its lanes had to be reintroduced to a new layout. During that era, a mining tycoon named Yao Tet Shin gifted three of those lanes to his wife and two mistresses. At present, Concubine Lane, Ipoh is known as an area that encompasses all three of these lanes together.
After Malaysia was colonized in 1874, it is said that the Concubine Lane was the place where rich Chinese Tycoons and British Officers would keep their mistresses. During the colonial period, British administrators turned a blind eye to the activities on Concubine Lane, as they were more concerned with maintaining order and controlling the tin-mining industry.
However, in the early 20th century, the British began to crack down on the vice trade in Ipoh, and many of the brothels and opium dens were closed. Few local historians have even testified that the area was in fact infamous for its Opium and Gambling Dens.
Despite this, Concubine Lane continued to be a bustling area, with a mix of businesses and residential properties. The lane was home to a number of traditional trades, such as tailors, goldsmiths, and traditional Chinese medicine shops. Many of the residents were also involved in the tin-mining industry, either as workers or traders.
As the city of Ipoh grew and modernized, Concubine Lane fell into disrepair. Many of the shophouses were left abandoned, and the lane became known as a slum area. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in preserving the heritage of Concubine Lane.
At present, the city of Ipoh is home to around half a million people with heavy influence on Chinese, Malay and Indian culture, the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia.
The Ipoh City Council, in partnership with private developers, has undertaken a restoration project to revive the lane and its shophouses. The restoration project ensures that the shophouses are repainted, with their original wooden shutters and doors being restored. The lane has also been repaved, and new street lighting has been installed. Further improvements are also being made towards making the lane more tourist friendly.
Blueprint of the Concubine Lane:
Surprisingly, a lot of people are unaware of the fact that the Concubine Lanes we know at present is an area comprising of three separate lanes that are at walking distance from each other, The Wife Lane is known as Lorong Hale, The Concubine Lane is known as Lorong Panglima and finally The Second Concubine Lane known as the Market Lane.
It is easier to distinguish between Concubine Lane and the other two as Concubine Lane is the only one with a layer of umbrellas decorating the skyline and sheltering the passers-by from the scorching sun.
Lorong Hale:
This lane is the least crowded among the three with a narrower lane. The only tourist attraction of this place would be the mural of the fruit seller with his cart and a pet café named Eight-Paws
Lorong Panglima:
Concubine Lane is undoubtedly the most lively and crowded lane among the rest. With decorative lanterns and an umbrella-covered roof, the lane gives off a whimsical feeling. This lane adorns the beloved Coffee Shop Scene Mural. Although most of the infrastructures of this lane have been rebuilt to accommodate tourist-friendly shops and museums, some of them still retain a hint of their former appearance.
Market Lane:
With colorful Ribbons and a few umbrellas strung above the lane, market Lane is the last stop for all tourists visiting the Concubine Lane. Here, you can stop by to try the Ipoh White Coffee, Pearl Milk Tea and Dry Curry Noodles.
The Concubine Lane is located at the center of Old Town Ipoh at an approximate distance of 600 meters from the Ipoh Railway Station. The blueprint of Concubine Lane, Ipoh would be a combination of traditional Chinese and European architectural styles that reflect the multicultural influences on the land.
The street is lined with two-story shophouses, cafes and museums which were once homes and workplaces to the courtesans and other tradespeople.
These infrastructures feature distinctive Chinese-style tiled roofs, intricately carved wooden doorways, and intricately decorated façades, often painted in bright, bold colors. Passers-by can easily recognize the street due to their skyline being covered with decorative umbrellas and lanterns.
In addition to its aesthetic and visual appeal, Concubine Lane, Ipoh also serves as an important cultural and historical site, providing visitors with a glimpse into its heritage and story. Many of the shophouses have been restored and converted into museums, galleries, and cultural centers, showcasing the area’s rich heritage through exhibitions, performances, and interactive displays.
These interactive sites and exhibitions play a great role as an earning medium for the people living in the area.
Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Concubine Lane has managed to retain its charming, authentic character. The street is pedestrian-friendly, with narrow sidewalks and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, making it a great place to explore on foot. Although transportation options and tour guides are very much available to take you from one destination to another.
Taking a walk along the Concubine Lane, you will witness an eclectic mix consisting of – historical sites and temples, Neo-Classical buildings from its British colonial days alongside murals and street art, and small businesses that have been running for generations next to chic new hipster cafes.
Murals and street art of Concubine Lane:
The murals and street art in Concubine Lane not only add to the visual appeal of the area but also reflects the rich history and heritage attached to the city.
The street art in Concubine Lane was first initiated as part of an urban renewal project meant to revitalize the area and attract more tourists. The project brought together both local and international street artists, who used the walls of the buildings as their canvas to showcase their talents. The result is a collection of stunning murals and street art that narrate the story of Ipoh’s past and present.
In Daylight, the street art painted along the pre-war shophouses, and Classical buildings turns each and every corner of the street instagrammable!
The Concubine Lane showcases three street arts and murals that are infamous among visitors:
1. Coffee Shop Scene, on Lorong Hale
2. Kids Jumping, on Market Lane
3. Trishaw mural by Ernest Zacharevic, on Concubine Lane
There is also the Street Art of a Hummingbird at walking distance from Concubine Lane.
One of the noteworthy features of street art in Concubine Lane, Ipoh is the use of 3D elements. They add a sense of depth and dimension to the murals. For example, the “Street Food” mural features a food vendor with a bicycle and a basket of food, which appears to be popping out of the wall.
This use of 3D elements not only makes the murals more eye-catching but also adds a playful element to the overall aesthetic of the area.
If you happen to visit Concubine Lane at night, the glow of the red lanterns and streetlights will make it seem like you are in a red-light district!
Tourist attractions of Concubine Lane, Ipoh:
The Concubine Lane, Ipoh gets visited by tourists almost every day of the week, especially on weekends and holidays. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture vulture, or simply looking for a unique shopping and dining experience, Concubine Lane has something to offer for everyone.
The best place to start your journey at Concubine Lane would be the Restoran Wong Koh Kee, the oldest shop on the street. They serve stir-fried dishes, steamed fish or roast pork.
If you want to try an elevated version of cheese toast, then Kuma Rainbow Cheese Toast is your place. They make regular cheese toast to Rainbow cheese where the pulled cheese looks like a rainbow.
It is better to visit Concubine Lane on weekdays if you are claustrophobic and want to avoid the crowd.
Concubine Lane is also home to a number of smaller shops and restaurants, offering visitors a unique shopping and dining experience.
Here, you can find traditional handicrafts and local souvenirs, as well as delicious street food and local specialties. Whether you’re looking for handmade pottery, textiles, or jewelry, or simply want to sample some of the local cuisines, Concubine Lane is the place to be.
Food and Restaurants:
Even though Concubine Lane has been turned more commercialized than before, the place still oozes an old-world charm. Adding more to that charm are the age-old restaurants and special treats that can only be found in Concubine Lane.
Food and Restaurants:
Even though Concubine Lane has been more commercialized than before, the place still oozes an old-world charm. Adding more to that charm are the age-old restaurants and special treats that can only be found in Concubine Lane.
The best place to start your journey at Concubine Lane would be the Kong Heng Restaurant, it is a popular restaurant / coffee shop at Concubine Lane, Ipoh. There are many stalls inside the restaurant, so you are more likely to find good food according to your preference. The rustic interior of the restaurant makes it more picturesque.
We are well acquainted with a regular cheese toast, but have you tried a toast whose cheese-pull looks like a rainbow? The Kuma Rainbow Cheese Toast on Concubine Lane is pleasing both to the eyes as well as taste buds.
Cafes at Concubine Lane, Ipoh
Multiple chic-themed cafes carrying baked goodies and popular Ipoh food adorn the streets on Concubine Lake as well as its surroundings. People are usually seen spending their evenings unwinding and clicking pictures at these cafes after a walk around Concubine Lane. Here’s a list of the must-visit cafés on Concubine Lane:
• Straight out of fiction, Platf9rm Coffee & Brew Café is a Harry Potter-themed café’. For Potterheads and Themed Café’ Enthusiasts this café’ is a dream come true. What’s even better is that they even rent robes at a timely rate to add more to the experience and blend in with the theme. Delicacies include butterbeer, coffee, cheesecake, brownies, etc. The café’ is located at 22, Lorong Panglima, Concubine Lane Ipoh.
• Bam Choon Dong Tea Court is another fan favourite. With a friendly story-teller owner and the aroma of Chinese Teas and eggs, you are sure to enjoy the experience. • There is a Cookies and Biscuits shop right at the entrance of Concubine Lane named Lim Heong Yuen. Here they serve a variety of baked goods and biscuits that are available in packaged form.
Shops and souvenirs:
The Concubine Lane offers a wide range of souvenirs and traditional handicrafts that are perfect for visitors looking for a unique and authentic keepsake from their trip. These shops specialize in traditional Malaysian crafts, such as batik, kite making, and wooden carvings. Many of these crafts are made by local artisans and are not readily available anywhere else. Hence a major portion of the livelihood here is dependent on tourists.
A popular shop on Concubine Lane is the Kite Museum, which features a large collection of traditional kites from all over Malaysia. The museum also offers kite-making workshops, where visitors can learn about the history and techniques of kite-making and make their own kites to take home.
For those interested in traditional wooden carvings, several shops on Concubine Lane specialize in this craft. These shops offer a wide range of products, including wooden figurines, jewellery boxes, and other decorative items. The carvings are typically
made from local woods, such as jackfruit and tamarind, and are highly sought after by visitors for their intricate designs and high quality.
Concubine Lane also offers a range of modern souvenirs and gifts, such as key chains, magnets, and t-shirts.
Not just souvenir shops, the Concubine Lane, Ipoh is also home to multiple traditional shops that offer locally harvested products and goods. These shops typically sell items that are not easily found in the regular shops and houses outside of Ipoh.
Visitors are recommended to try traditional snacks, such as kacang putih and cendol, as well as local spices and herbal remedies. They are highly valued as a cleanser to the soul and make a really nice present to take home with them.
Whether you are looking for a unique and authentic keepsake from your trip or are simply looking to explore the local culture and traditions, a visit to Concubine Lane is a must. With its charming shophouses and diverse range of shops and souvenirs, this street offers a truly unique shopping experience that should not be missed.
Accommodations near Concubine Lane:
With the rise in popularity of Ipoh as a tourist attraction, several accommodation options have been availed in the vicinity of Concubine Lane. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly hostel, a mid-range hotel, or a luxurious resort, you’ll find something that caters to your needs. Here’s a look at some of the best places to stay near Concubine Lane.
Casuarina@Meru Hotel
This budget-friendly hotel is considered to be a great place to stop-by by a lot of travellers. This hotel offers basic rooms at an affordable price, along with free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, and a restaurant serving a variety of local and international dishes. It is located just a few blocks away from Concubine Lane
M Boutique Hotel:
Located just a stone’s throw away from Concubine Lane, M Boutique Hotel is the perfect place for travellers looking for a mid-range, comfortable and convenient accommodation option in the heart of Ipoh. The key features of the hotel are well-appointed rooms, a rooftop pool, and a restaurant serving a variety of local and international cuisine.
Delectable Boutique Hotel:
This is another great mid-range option near Concubine Lane. Delectable Boutique Hotel offers guests comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a restaurant serving a variety of local and international dishes. The hotel is within walking distance of many of Ipoh’s top attractions, including Concubine Lane and the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum.
Brick Box Hotel:
With its convenient location that enables most of the attractions of Ipoh to be within a walking distance of the travellers, the Brick Box hotel accounts for a nice accommodation. They offer free Wi-Fi, 24-hour security as well as beautiful, spacious clean rooms.
De Cafe & Rest House:
True to its name, the De Cafe & Rest House is a three-storey building hosting both a hotel, restaurant and café. There is not much to critique about this place aside from the insufficient parking place. The place gives off a rustic.
Erica Underwood Homestay:
Modern vibe which is adored by a lot. A key feature of this hotel is that they offer separate dormitories for both genders, which favours a lot of female travellers. Erica Underwood Homestay: If you want to stay right in the middle of Concubine Lane, then Erica Underwood Homestay is your place to go.
They offer double rooms and bunk beds for group travellers. The only issue is that there are no parking spots available due to their location.
No matter what type of accommodation you’re looking for, there is something for everyone near Concubine Lane. Whether you are a budget-conscious traveller or a luxury-seeking guest, you are sure to find the perfect place to stay in the heart of Ipoh.
So why wait? Plan your trip today and start exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of Concubine Lane and the surrounding area!