Concubine Lane, Ipoh

Concubine lane is a narrow street in Ipoh's town center. According to history, the story behind the concubine lane is that the concubine lane was gifted by Yao Tet Shin to his first concubine. Concubine Lane is now known as Lorong Panglima nowadays.

On top of that, to his wife, he gifted the "wife lane" known now as Lorong Hale, and his second concubine he presented the Second Concubine Lane known as the Market Lane now.

Yao Tet Shin is a Chinese tin-miner and one of the richest man in Ipoh in the early 20th century.

 

The Concubine lane is a lane that you will find shops selling small souvenirs, drinks and foods.  While walking at the concubine lane you will notice some spots arranged for photo shoots, such as old buildings decor, trees grown and street arts.

If you walk up till the end of  Concubine Lane you will notice the  Birch Memorial Clock Tower that is next to Medan Ipoh. The clock tower was constructed to commemorate James W. W. Birch, the first British Resident in the state of Perak.

Across the Concubine lane you will notice a basement with a books store known as BookXcess Kong Heng, as well as the Yasmin Kong Heng Museum. The museum is to honor Yasmin Ahmad, an acclaimed film and commercial director. Her original ‘Sepet’ and ‘Wasurenegusa’ scripts can also be read here.

The Concubine Lane is crowded during weekends, and attracts the tourists due to the history behind it, as well as to discover some of Ipoh foods and white coffees. It gives you a feeling that you are in a fancy street, with old  memories and nostalgic feelings. Its worth the visit, if you happen to pass by Ipoh.