Concubine Lane
Lorong Panglima
A narrow lane in Ipoh's Old Town hung with red lanterns. Legend says tin magnates once housed their mistresses here. Today it is a hotspot for snacks, creative shops, and photos.
Concubine Lane, officially Lorong Panglima, is a lane only a few meters wide in the Old Town, flanked by well-preserved two-story pre-war shophouses. The name's origin is commonly traced to tin magnates, including the Chinese kapitan Yap Teh Seng, who bought properties here to house their concubines. Ipoh also has Big Concubine Lane and Third Concubine Lane, though Concubine Lane is the most famous. Red lanterns and oil-paper umbrellas hang overhead, and the shophouses have been turned into snack stalls, creative shops, dessert stands, and souvenir stores. Popular treats include beancurd dessert, white coffee ice cream, old-fashioned biscuits, and handmade soap. The gate at the entrance and the colorful walls are favorite photo spots. Nearby Market Lane and the area around Hale Street are quieter. Entry is free, and a stroll takes about 30–45 minutes. It sits in the center of the Old Town, next to the Han Chiang Club Tin Mining Museum and the mural streets. On weekends and holidays the lane is very crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings. Some shops close early, and most shut by evening.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–18:00 (varies by shop)
Nearby sights
- Han Chin Pet Soo
- Ipoh Old Town
- Kong Heng & Kong Heng Square
- Birch Memorial Clock Tower
- Sin Yoon Loong & Nam Heong White Coffee
- Ipoh Town Hall & Old Post Office
- Ipoh Street Murals & Mural Art's Lane
- Ipoh Railway Station