Sekeping Kong Heng, in the charming old town of Ipoh, is the latest addition to the Sekeping family of retreats. It is located in a 3 storey neo-classical building which also houses a famous coffee shop of the same name on the ground floor that serves great coffee and the best local dishes in town. All effort has been made to preserve as much of the character of the existing building as possible in contrast to the surrounding new architectural interventions. In addition, an extension has been added at the back, tucked away to reveal an inner courtyard with a dramatic stairway to take guests up to their rooms.
Hotels or retreat places like this has been mushrooming throughout Malaysia especially in Penang and Perak. Mainly because, only places like these 2 states, one can witness the architecture of British era buildings and its remain.
Many of these old building were turned into inn or motels but they still retain the originality of the building itself. Although some of them may look creepy, but it rather brings you back to the olden days. The stains that were left on the wall makes you imagine how life is back in those days.
Sekeping Kong Heng has it's advantage of being situated in the heart of Ipoh. Most of the infrastructures are close by like the Ipoh KTM station (8 mins), coffee shops and cafes (1 min), medical clinic (8 mins), wet market, night market (30 mins), banks, money changer, post office (15 mins). Access is easy. For those who don't travel by your own transport, I believe that Sekeping Kong Heng is a very convenient place to stay.
Although the rate of the rooms are rather 'burn your pocket' price, it will be an unforgettable experience for you and the family. Modern and antique can never go out of style. You can book the rooms at a lower price from Agoda.
Photos courtesy of Husna
