Ipoh Railway Station
Perak
Ipoh Railway Station is a prominent Malaysian train station located in the heart of Ipoh, the capital city of Perak. Opened in 1917 and designed by British architect Arthur Benison Hubback, it is affectionately known locally as the 'Taj Mahal of Ipoh' due to its grand architectural style. The station combines Neo-Baroque and Indo-Saracenic elements, featuring a large central dome, arched pediments, engaged columns, and extensive open-air loggias stretching 183 meters along its frontage. It originally included a hotel, the Majestic Hotel, integrated into the station building, which offered lodging and dining facilities. The station serves as the main rail hub for Perak, operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), providing ETS and Komuter services, as well as freight handling. The station has nine tracks, with four electrified for passenger services. Over the years, the station has maintained much of its original layout, with renovations in the 2000s improving platforms and pedestrian access while preserving historical elements. Located near other key landmarks such as the Ipoh Main Post Office and Birch Memorial Clock Tower, the station is a vital transportation and cultural landmark in Ipoh.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before train departures to ensure smooth boarding. The best time to visit is during the day to appreciate the station's architectural details and nearby attractions. Tickets for KTM ETS and Komuter services can be purchased online in advance via the official KTMB website to avoid queues. The station offers discounts for certain passenger categories, and booking early is recommended during peak travel seasons. Note that bicycles are not permitted on ETS and KTM Intercity trains.
Interesting facts
- •The Ipoh Railway Station is affectionately nicknamed the 'Taj Mahal of Ipoh' by locals due to its grand and elegant design.
- •Designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, the station features a blend of Neo-Baroque and Indo-Saracenic architectural styles.
- •The station building originally housed the Majestic Hotel with 17 rooms, later expanded to 21 rooms in 1936.
- •The station's ground floor loggia stretches an impressive 183 meters along its frontage, making it a distinctive architectural feature.
- •Despite modern upgrades, the station has retained many original features including wooden platform benches and the Majestic Hotel building.
- •The station serves as the southern terminus of the KTM Komuter Northern Sector's Butterworth-Ipoh Line and handles both passenger and freight trains.
History
The first Ipoh railway station was constructed in 1893 as part of the Perak Railway, serving the town for 20 years before consolidation into the Federated Malay States Railways.
Construction of the current station began in 1914 but was delayed by World War I, completing in 1917.
This second station incorporated a hotel and was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, reflecting colonial architectural styles.
The station has remained largely unchanged in layout for over 80 years, with minimal upgrades until significant renovations in the early 2000s as part of the Ipoh-Rawang double track electrification project.
These upgrades modernized platforms and facilities while preserving the historic building and hotel.
Place Guide
Main Station Building1917
The iconic two-story structure designed by Arthur Benison Hubback, showcasing Neo-Baroque and Indo-Saracenic architectural elements including a large central dome, arched pediments, and extensive open-air loggias.
Majestic Hotel1917
An enclosed hotel integrated into the station building, originally offering 17 bedrooms with direct access to the second-floor loggia, expanded to 21 rooms in 1936. The hotel includes a restaurant and bar, serving travelers historically and presently.
Platforms and Tracks1917
The station has nine tracks, with four electrified for ETS and Komuter services. The original three platforms included one side platform and two island platforms connected by underground tunnels, now replaced by a steel-framed pedestrian bridge.
Contact
Phone: 03-2267 1200
