My family and I have been to Ipoh so many times. The usual attractions? Done, done, done. So during the Labour’s Day weekend, we wanted something new.
And wow, did we find it.
Meet New Sin Yoon Loong at the Perak Turf Club. It is known as the Ipoh Stables Market. It opened in January 2026, and one of the first stable markets in Asia. Talking about “Malaysia Boleh!”
What's so special?
Imagine a place where racehorses used to live. The Perak Turf Club has been around since 1886!. Yes, 140 years old. Now, the old stables have been transformed into a heritage lifestyle hub. But here's the clever part. About 70% of the original stable structure is still intact. The timber beams. The open-air aisles. You can almost hear the horses neighing and my father shaking his head while checking out the food stalls!
Instead of horses, you now find local crafts, antiques, jewelleries, fishes, plants, home decor, flower stores, and lots of food. Lots. Of. Food.
Pet owners, take note!
The market is pet-friendly but with rules. We spotted a sign at the entrance. So if you're bringing your furry (or scaly) friend, follow the rules. My late father would have looked at that sign and said; "Pan Tian Nyong! Even horses didn't need so many rules." Then he'd probably try to sneak his pet goldfish in.
Instagrammable? Very yes.
Outside the market, there are beautiful art murals painted on the walls. Think old-school Ipoh charm mixed with modern colours. Horses, heritage scenes, playful designs. It’s perfect for your next profile picture. I just stood there taking selfies and feeling so Pan Tian Nyong. That happens when my daughter just got tired of taking my photos.
The coffee connection
After walking through the market, we headed to Ipoh PTC Sin Yoon Loong White Coffee for a break. If you don't know the name, Sin Yoon Loong is famous. It was founded in 1937 by Jalan Bandar Timah (now Jalan Sultan Yussuf) and is widely regarded as Ipoh's first white coffee shop. That's right, the original. The recipe has been passed down through generations. So sitting at their PTC outlet, sipping that smooth, aromatic white coffee, felt like tasting a piece of Ipoh history.
We also grabbed some snacks. Because walking makes you hungry. And coffee makes you happy.
What we saw
The market was crowded with families, couples, and curious tourists like us. A mix of young and old. Some shops were still vacant, but the ones open were selling everything from handmade soaps to local snacks to beautiful potted plants. We didn’t see live horses there but were surprised to see two Sulcata, African spurred tortoise! Warning, don’t poke your finger to it. No guarantee you get it back.
My late father would have walked in, looked around, and said: "Pan Tian Nyong! Half crazy, stupid; turning horse stables into a shopping mall?" Then he would have bought three bags of kuih.
🇲🇾 Why you should visit
If you're tired of the same Ipoh old town coffee shops and caves, this is your new spot. It's got heritage charm, modern energy, and that "only in Malaysia" creativity. Plus, it's free to enter.
Location: Perak Turf Club, Ipoh
🕒 Opening hours: 10am to 10pm daily Opened in January 2026. Check their Facebook page for latest hours and updates (Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/18g8YHghzj/?mibextid=wwXIfr)
So next time you're in Ipoh, skip the queue at that famous white coffee joint for one morning. Go see where the horses used to run. Take a mural photo. Then grab a cup at Sin Yoon Loong. You might even hear my father's ghost muttering "Pan Tian Nyong" from the snack aisle.
Have you been to the Ipoh Stables Market? Bring your pet? Share your experience below!
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