Ipoh Travel Guide for Slow Travellers — What 2 Weeks in Malaysia’s Coolest Small City Taught Me (2026)

This Ipoh Travel Guide for Slow Travellers is written from two weeks of living in the city — not passing through it. Most travellers move between Penang and Kuala Lumpur without stopping for long, and many Malays only know Ipoh for its food. But when you stay, the city reveals more.

Ipoh unfolds slowly.

Colonial-era buildings line the Old Town, some restored with care, others beautifully worn. Contemporary murals sit against timeworn streets. A  little further and you’ll find vibrant temples backed by dramatic limestone cliffs, cave sanctuaries, and quiet lakes that rarely make it into mainstream guides.

Ipoh hasn’t tipped into mass tourism, and its original character still holds.

This guide is written with longer stays in mind — though even short visits will benefit from seeing Ipoh beyond the obvious highlights. Two or three days simply isn’t enough to explore the corners of this city — or its surroundings. It’s written for slow travelers and digital nomads considering a longer stay. For those who want to explore consciously, beyond the Old Town cafés and mural walls, and understand what Ipoh actually feels like after the first weekend crowds fade.

If you’re thinking about staying longer rather than just visiting, this guide will give you a clearer picture.

Practical Information for Visiting Ipoh

Location: Ipoh is located in the Malaysian state of Perak, roughly halfway between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Check how to get there here:Ipoh is easily reached by train or bus from Kuala Lumpur (about 2–2.5 hours) . The city is also well connected to Penang and nearby destinations such as the Cameron Highlands.

Best time to visit:Ipoh can be visited year-round. Weekdays are usually quieter, while weekends attract more domestic travellers from across Malaysia.

How long to stay:Most visitors stay 1–2 days, but travelers interested in slow travel may prefer spending a week or longer exploring the city and surrounding nature.

Getting around:The historic centre is very walkable. A car is useful if you want to explore caves, temples, parks, and natural areas outside the city.

Ipoh, Malaysia—limestone cliffs, jungle backdrops, and a city that reveals itself slowly beyond the surface.

Who This Ipoh Travel Guide Is For (And Who It’s Not)

This Ipoh travel guide is written primarily for people interested in slow travel in Ipoh rather than a rushed visit between larger Malaysian cities.

If you enjoy spending time in one place, walking the same streets for days, discovering cafés gradually, and understanding how a destination actually feels once the first impressions fade, Ipoh lends itself well to that kind of exploration. During our two weeks in Ipoh, the city revealed layers that simply don’t appear during a short stop.

Travellers curious about living in Ipoh, Malaysia, even temporarily, will likely appreciate its rhythm. Compared to larger cities, daily life here feels noticeably calmer. That slower pace often suits digital nomads in Ipoh who prefer a quieter environment to work and explore from.

Food lovers will also quickly understand why Malaysians talk about Ipoh with such enthusiasm. While many visitors arrive specifically for its famous dishes, staying longer allows you to experience the broader food culture beyond the well-known restaurants.

Ipoh works well for both couples and solo travellers. The city is compact enough to navigate easily but still offers enough variety to keep exploring — especially if you’re interested in things to do in Ipoh beyond the city centre, from cave temples to limestone landscapes just outside town.

Travellers looking for constant nightlife, large events, or a fast-paced urban atmosphere may prefer places like Kuala Lumpur. Ipoh is quieter by nature. But if you’re wondering how long to stay in Ipoh to really appreciate it, spending more than a few days often changes the experience entirely.

Where Is Ipoh?

Located in the northern Malaysian state of Perak, Ipoh sits in a valley surrounded by dramatic limestone hills and cave systems. Geographically, it lies roughly halfway between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, which makes it an easy stop along one of the country’s most common travel routes.

Ipoh rose to prominence during the tin mining boom under British rule from the late 19th century into the mid-20th century. At the height of the industry, the city became one of the wealthiest towns in Malaysia. Many of the grand colonial buildings, former banks, and private clubs that still stand in the Old Town today were built during that period.

Despite this history, the atmosphere today feels very different from Malaysia’s larger urban centres.

Compared with Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh feels noticeably calmer and far more pedestrian-friendly. The city centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, which makes it particularly enjoyable for slow travel. Over time you start to notice the small details — independent cafés tucked into heritage buildings, street art appearing between colonial facades, flea markets, and small galleries scattered through the old neighbourhoods.

In terms of size, Ipoh sits in a comfortable middle ground. It’s large enough to keep exploring for days, yet small enough to feel manageable. After spending time across Malaysia, the city stood out as one of the easier places to settle into a daily rhythm.

While Ipoh is quieter than Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown, it can still feel lively. Malaysia in general tends to be energetic and sometimes loud, but people here often feel less rushed than in the capital. Conversations happen more easily, and locals are usually happy to spend a moment chatting.

Getting around the city itself is straightforward. Most of the Old Town and surrounding neighbourhoods are walkable, and a car is mainly useful if you want to explore the limestone caves, temples, and nature areas outside the city.

Ipoh is also very well connected. Trains and buses link the city easily with Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and nearby destinations such as the Cameron Highlands, making it simple to include in a longer Malaysia itinerary.

A quiet moment in Ipoh—faded walls, hidden cafés, and the kind of streets you only find when you slow down.

What Ipoh Feels Like After Two Weeks

Many travel blogs describe Ipoh from a short visit — a day trip, a weekend stop between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, or a quick food tour of the Old Town. Spending two weeks in Ipoh gives a very different perspective.

The city doesn’t reveal everything immediately. It’s the kind of place that becomes more interesting the longer you stay.

At first, the Old Town attracts most of the attention: the colonial streets, cafés, murals, and markets. But after a few days, exploring naturally expands outward. You start walking further, noticing temples tucked beneath limestone cliffs, lakes hidden behind neighbourhoods, and quieter streets where everyday life unfolds away from the main attractions.

One of the advantages of slow travel in Ipoh is how manageable the city feels. The centre is compact and largely walkable, which makes it easy to develop a daily rhythm — morning coffee, wandering a different street each day, discovering new cafés or food stalls, and gradually building familiarity with the city.

Weekends do bring a change in atmosphere. Like many places in Malaysia, Ipoh attracts domestic travellers, so the Old Town becomes busier and restaurants fill quickly. But during the week the city settles back into a calmer pace.

Even after nearly two weeks, we were still discovering places we hadn’t seen yet. Ipoh has far more to explore than what most short itineraries suggest — especially when it comes to things to do in Ipoh beyond the city centre. Limestone caves, temples carved into cliffs, and nature areas surrounding the city offer many opportunities for further exploration.

In fact, one of the surprising realisations after staying longer was how much remained unseen. The hills and countryside around Ipoh are known for hiking trails, waterfalls, and cave systems — reminders that the city itself is only part of the experience.

For travellers wondering how long to stay in Ipoh, a few days will give you a good introduction. But spending more time here allows the city to unfold more naturally — and that slower discovery is part of its charm.

Things to Do in Ipoh Beyond the Checklist

Most short itineraries focus on a small part of Ipoh — the cafés of the Old Town, Concubine Lane, and a few famous food spots. Those places are worth seeing, but spending more time in the city reveals a much wider range of experiences.

Below are some of the most interesting places we discovered during our time in Ipoh. Some are well known locally, while others sit slightly outside the usual visitor route.

1. Explore Ipoh’s Street Art

One of the easiest ways to start exploring the city is simply by walking. Murals appear unexpectedly throughout the Old Town, painted onto heritage buildings and alleyways. Unlike cities where street art is concentrated in one area, Ipoh’s murals are spread throughout the neighbourhoods, turning an ordinary walk into a kind of informal art trail.

2. Visit the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum

To understand Ipoh’s past, a visit to Han Chin Pet Soo Museum is one of the most insightful experiences in the city. Housed in the original building Han Chin Pet Soo was a private Hakka dinner club in the late 19th and early 20th century and tells the story of the Hakka tin mine owners who helped build Ipoh’s wealth during the colonial period.

The guided tour is rich in details, and many of the exhibits are real artifacts from the time. t’s definitely one of the best places in Ipoh to get a sense of the city’s social history, and particularly the influence of the Chinese (Hakka) immigrant community; making it easier to understand how Ipoh developed during the height of the tin mining boom.

3. Explore the Limestone Caves at Gua Tempurung

One of the most impressive natural sites near the city is Gua Tempurung, located about 40 minutes outside Ipoh. The oldest (400 million years) limestone cave in peninsular malaysia. The cave system is one of the largest in Peninsular Malaysia and offers guided exploration routes through enormous chambers, underground rivers, and dramatic limestone formations. For travelers interested in nature, this experience shows a completely different side of the region compared with the historic streets of Ipoh itself.

Tip: it gets very hot and humid inside the cave, so make sure to have water and light clothing, also, there are many stairs to climb. 

Getting there: getting there by Grab isn’t a problem, the problem is getting back. Very few grab cars circulate this area, so you’re best off either driving yourself and hiring a driver for ½ day - one day. 

Gua Tempurung—one of Malaysia’s largest cave systems, where towering chambers and underground rivers reveal the raw scale of nature.

4. Spend a Day at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

Just outside the city lies one of the most remarkable wellness retreats in Malaysia: The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat.

Set among limestone cliffs and geothermal hot springs, the retreat offers spa treatments, natural pools, and peaceful garden spaces. They have a meditation room inside a natural crystal cave, a natural stem cave and even a spa inside a cave. Even for visitors not staying overnight (although really worth it), spending a day here feels like stepping into a completely different environment. The dramatic setting alone makes it memorable.

The day pass includes 300RM per person which you can redeem towards lunch or a spa treatment. 

It’s a world away from the city’s hustle and a very beautiful and peaceful place to rejuvenate in nature. 

The Banjaran Hot Springs—an escape into limestone caves, geothermal waters, and pure jungle tranquil

Exploring Ipoh’s Historic Old Town

1. Stroll Along Concubine Lane (Lorong Panglima)

Concubine Lane is probably the most famous street in Ipoh’s Old Town. Today it’s a lively tourist strip selling souvenirs and street snacks. Some of the stalls feel a little commercial, but the lane still gives a sense of the city’s past.

What many visitors miss is that the lane continues across the road towards Kong Heng Square — and that’s where things start to get more interesting.

Concubine Lane in Ipoh—colourful, lively, and layered with history, where old stories meet modern street life.

2. Kong Heng Square

The narrow lane leading to Kong Heng Square feels like stepping back in time. Old Chinese shop houses frame the street, creating a scene that’s particularly appealing for street and urban photography.

Small cafés serve Ipoh’s famous white coffee, vintage-style shops line the passageways, and the square itself hosts a small artisan market with craft stalls and a large independent bookstore.

3. Market Lane & Ipoh Mural Lane

Market Lane is beautifully decorated with colourful umbrellas and red lanterns, making it one of the most photogenic corners of the Old Town.

Nearby, Ipoh Mural Lane (sometimes called “Second Concubine Lane”) is often overlooked by visitors, which makes it a quieter place to appreciate the murals painted on historic walls.

4. Mural Art’s Lane

Across the Kinta River, Mural Art’s Lane runs between Jalan Sultan Iskandar and Jalan Masjid. This area features dozens of large murals painted directly onto building walls, turning the street into an open-air gallery.

Museums & Local Heritage

5. Ho Yan Hor Tea Museum

Located next to the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum, the Ho Yan Hor Tea Museum is often overlooked.

The museum tells the fascinating story of one of Malaysia’s most beloved herbal tea brands — from its very humble beginnings, from a bicycle delivery service run by a local herbalist to a nationwide product. Ho Yan Hor Brand is one of Malaysia's most beloved traditional teas. Exhibits include vintage tea packaging, antique brewing tools, and old advertising materials. Entry is donation-based and ends with a small tea tasting.

Exploring the Kinta River & Colonial Architecture

6. Walk Along the Kinta River

A morning walk along the Kinta River Walk is one of the quieter ways to experience the city.

Monitor lizards can sometimes be seen basking along the riverbanks, herons stand patiently near the water, and locals relax under the large trees lining the promenade.

At night the area lights up, although during our stay it remained surprisingly calm compared to other parts of the city.

7. Ipoh Railway Station

Opened in 1917, the Ipoh Railway Station is one of the most recognisable colonial buildings in the city.

The station’s white façade, domes, and arches are impressive examples of British colonial architecture. The interior, however, feels more functional, so the most interesting views are from outside the building.

Cave Temples & Limestone Landscapes

The limestone hills surrounding Ipoh hide some of the region’s most fascinating temples and natural sites.

8. Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple

Located within the dramatic Gunung Rapat limestone hills,a 15 mins drive from Ipoh Sam Poh Tong Temple is one of the oldest cave temples in the area.

The temple sits inside a limestone cave filled with colourful altars, statues, and intricate carvings. Outside, landscaped gardens, small ponds, and pagodas create a peaceful atmosphere. Unfortunately this temple isn’t as polished as as some of the newer ones in the area, but Sam Poh Tong offers a unique glimpse into Ipoh’s spiritual and cultural heritage. 

A quiet temple tucked into Ipoh’s limestone cliffs, where architecture meets jungle stillness - Sam Poh Tong Temple.

A hidden corner of Ipoh—ornate details, calm water, and a slower rhythm of life - Sam Poh Tong Temple.

9. Tasik Cermin (Mirror Lake)

Tasik Cermin was once a hidden gem behind limestone cliffs but has become increasingly popular.

Visitors reach the lake by walking through a 90-metre tunnel carved into the rock. At the end of the tunnel the landscape suddenly opens to reveal a calm lake surrounded by towering cliffs. If you go at the right time, the lake reflects the scenery like a mirror — which is how the lake got its name. The colour of the water looks like a dark green, but fill a glass and the water is absolutely transparent.

Tip: Go early in the morning on weekdays before the crowds, avoid weekends as it gets very busy. 

There is a small entrance fee to access the lake and another small fee if you want to take the boat ride which is literally 5 minutes, but worth it for all the photos you can take. 

10. Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple

Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple is another remarkable cave temple set within a vast limestone cavern.

Golden Buddha statues stand among stalactites and natural rock formations, and sunlight filters through openings in the cave ceiling. Beyond the cave lies a serene garden with lotus ponds and walking paths surrounded by limestone cliffs. 

The serene garden which lies beyond the cave with lotus ponds, small gazebos and a jogging path surrounded by limestone cliffs, really like a secret world hidden behind the temple façade. 

Note: the temple has been closed for maintenance since flooding in 2025

Nature & Parks Around Ipoh

11. Gunung Lang Recreational Park

Located a short drive from the city, Gunung Lang Recreational Park is a peaceful green space surrounded by limestone hills.

Visitors cross a lake by boat to reach the park’s gardens. The boat ride only takes a few minutes but offers beautiful views of the cliffs and water.

The park itself is ideal for relaxing or photography — especially during golden hour when sunlight hits the limestone formations. It’s a great spot to relax but beware the monkeys are patrolling.

Day Trip from Ipoh

12. Kellie’s Castle

A short drive from Gua Tempurung stands Kellie's Castle, an unfinished Scottish-style mansion built by planter William Kellie Smith in the early 20th century.

The partially completed structure has long been associated with ghost stories and local legends. Visitors can explore the building’s halls, hidden corridors, and rooftop views overlooking the surrounding countryside. Visitors can wander through grand halls and admire the panoramic rooftop views, which are particularly stunning at sunset. 

Kellie’s Castle—an unfinished dream wrapped in mystery, where history lingers in every corridor.

See my curated experience list for Ipoh →vi.me/ZU7oQ

Is Ipoh Good for a Long-Term Stay or Digital Nomads?

For travelers considering a long-term stay in Ipoh, the city works surprisingly well as a base. Compared with larger Malaysian cities, life here feels noticeably calmer. It’s a small city, but it doesn’t feel limiting — especially if you enjoy slow travel and discovering places gradually.

For digital nomads in Ipoh, the practical side is straightforward. Internet connections are strong and reliable, and there are plenty of cafés where you can comfortably work for a few hours. During our stay we worked both from cafés and from our accommodation, which made it easy to settle into a daily rhythm.

Another advantage of living in Ipoh, Malaysia, even temporarily, is the city’s location. Ipoh sits almost perfectly between several interesting destinations, making it easy to explore the surrounding region.

Within about two hours you can reach the cool mountain landscapes of the Cameron Highlands, known for its hiking trails and tea plantations. In the other direction, the relaxed island of Pangkor Island offers quiet beaches, snorkelling spots, and small local seafood restaurants.

Ipoh is also well connected to Malaysia’s larger cities. Penang is about two and a half hours away, while Kuala Lumpur can be reached in roughly the same time by train or car. This makes it easy to combine a slower pace of living in Ipoh with occasional trips to bigger cities.

For travelers wondering whether Ipoh works as a base rather than just a short stop, the answer is yes — particularly if you enjoy quieter cities that still offer culture, food, and nature within easy reach.

How Long Should You Stay in Ipoh?

Many itineraries suggest spending one or two days in Ipoh, usually as a quick stop between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. While that might be enough to see a few highlights in the Old Town, it barely scratches the surface of what the city and its surroundings offer.

After spending two weeks in Ipoh, we realised that the city works much better when explored slowly. The historic centre can be walked in a day or two, but many of the experiences that make Ipoh interesting lie beyond the obvious attractions.

Exploring the cave temples, limestone landscapes, parks, and nearby nature areas takes time. Even within the city itself, the rhythm changes depending on the day of the week, the neighbourhood, and the places you discover along the way.

For travellers interested in slow travel in Ipoh, staying longer allows the city to unfold naturally. Cafés become familiar, walking routes develop, and the surrounding region becomes easier to explore.

If we were planning the trip again, we would stay three to four weeks in Ipoh. That amount of time would allow a much deeper exploration of the limestone hills, hiking trails, waterfalls, and day trips scattered across the region.

Short visits can still be enjoyable, but if you’re wondering how long to stay in Ipoh to experience more than the obvious highlights, giving the city at least a week — and ideally longer — makes a noticeable difference.

Ipoh vs Penang vs Kuala Lumpur — Where Should You Base Yourself?

Travellers planning a longer stay in Malaysia often find themselves choosing between Ipoh, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur. Each city offers a very different experience, and the best choice depends largely on what kind of environment you enjoy living in.

After spending several weeks in each of these places, the differences become quite clear.

Ipoh — Calmer, Walkable, and Surprisingly Interesting

Ipoh is the quietest of the three cities. Life moves at a slower rhythm here, which makes it particularly appealing for slow travelers or people looking for a relaxed base.

The city centre is compact and walkable, cafés are scattered throughout the heritage streets, and limestone landscapes sit just beyond the urban area. While Ipoh is smaller than the other two destinations, it never felt boring during our stay.

For travelers who enjoy calm cities, good food, and access to nature, Ipoh works very well as a base.

Penang (George Town) — Culture, Food, and the Coast

George Town on Penang Island offers a slightly more energetic atmosphere while still maintaining a relaxed lifestyle. The historic centre is vibrant, full of street art, heritage buildings, cafés, and some of the most famous food stalls in Malaysia.

One advantage Penang has over both Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur is its coastline. Beaches, coastal walks, and nature areas around the island add another dimension to daily life.

For many travelers, Penang provides one of the best balances between city culture, food, and access to nature.

Kuala Lumpur — Big City Energy

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s largest city and offers everything you would expect from a major capital. The skyline, public transport system, and variety of neighbourhoods make it exciting and dynamic.

Food options are endless, and the city’s international population creates a diverse cultural mix. However, the pace of life is noticeably faster than in Ipoh or Penang, and some travelers may find the scale of the city overwhelming for a longer stay.

Kuala Lumpur—green spaces, modern skyline, and a faster-paced city life compared to Ipoh and Penang

So Where Should You Stay?

Each destination suits a different type of traveler.

If you prefer a calm, walkable city with character, Ipoh can be a surprisingly rewarding base.

If you want culture, incredible food, and access to beaches, Penang Island is hard to beat.

And if you enjoy big cities, international energy, and endless variety, Kuala Lumpur offers that experience.

For travellers interested in slow travel in Malaysia, both Ipoh and Penang tend to feel more liveable over time, while Kuala Lumpur works well for shorter stays or occasional visits.

Final Thoughts: Is Ipoh Worth Visiting — or Staying Longer?

After spending two weeks in Ipoh, the city left a strong impression. What initially appears to be a quiet stop between Kuala Lumpur and Penang gradually reveals itself as something more interesting.

Ipoh still feels like a hidden gem.

Compared with Malaysia’s larger destinations, the city hasn’t yet been fully discovered by international tourism. That gives it a noticeably different atmosphere. Daily life feels more local, the pace is calmer, and it’s easier to settle into a rhythm that suits longer stays.

Cities such as Penang and Kuala Lumpur attract visitors from all over the world, which brings incredible diversity, energy, and opportunities. But for some travelers, that constant movement can feel overwhelming over time. Ipoh offers a quieter alternative without feeling isolated or boring.

For slow travelers, food lovers, and digital nomads looking for a calm base in Malaysia, Ipoh works surprisingly well. The historic streets, cafés, cave temples, and surrounding limestone landscapes provide enough variety to keep exploring long after the typical visitor itinerary ends.

If we were planning the trip again, we would happily stay three to four weeks.

And even then, there would still be more to explore — especially in the hills, hiking trails, waterfalls, and nature areas surrounding the city.

Want to Explore Ipoh More Deeply?

This article is designed as a mini-guide — an introduction to what the city offers and what it feels like to stay here longer.

In my extended Ipoh Slow Travel Guide, I go into much more detail, including:

• neighbourhoods and areas to stay

• long-stay accommodation tips

• transportation logistics

• day trips and hiking routes

• practical advice for spending 2–4 weeks in the region

• free visas/visa options for digital nomads.

The Ipoh guide is also included in the Malaysia Slow Travel Collection, which combines several destinations into one bundle for travellers planning a longer journey through the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Ipoh Travel Guide for Slow Travellers

Is Ipoh worth visiting?

Yes, Ipoh is worth visiting, especially for travelers interested in history, food, and nature. The city offers a mix of colonial architecture, cave temples, street art, and excellent local cuisine. While many travelers stop briefly between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, spending more time allows you to discover Ipoh’s quieter character and the nature surrounding it.

How many days should you spend in Ipoh?

Most travelers spend one to two days in Ipoh, which is enough to explore the Old Town, cave temples, and food scene. However, travelers interested in slow travel may find one to two weeks far more rewarding, using Ipoh as a base to explore nearby parks, nature areas, and surrounding towns.

Is Ipoh good for digital nomads?

Your version is already strong. Just a small tightening:

Ipoh can be a good base for digital nomads who prefer quieter cities. Internet connections are generally reliable, the city centre is walkable, and there are many cafés suitable for working. Its location also makes it easy to visit nearby destinations such as the Cameron Highlands or Pangkor Island.

Is Ipoh better than Penang or Kuala Lumpur?

Each destination offers a different experience. Penang combines culture and beaches, Kuala Lumpur offers big-city energy, while Ipoh appeals to travelers who enjoy a slower pace and a more local atmosphere.

What is Ipoh famous for?

Ipoh is best known for its limestone cave temples, colonial architecture, and food scene. The city is particularly famous for Ipoh white coffee, bean sprout chicken, and its many traditional coffee shops known as kopitiams. In recent years, Ipoh has also become known for its street art and historic Old Town.

Is Ipoh walkable?

Yes. Ipoh’s historic Old Town and many of its cafés, murals, and heritage buildings are located close together, making the area easy to explore on foot. However, some attractions such as cave temples and natural parks are located outside the centre and may require a taxi, Grab ride, or rental car.

Can you visit Ipoh as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur?

Yes, it is possible to visit Ipoh as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur. The ETS train or bus connects the two cities in about two and a half hours. However, many travelers find that staying longer than 3 days allows more time to explore the Old Town, visit cave temples, and enjoy Ipoh’s food scene at a relaxed pace. Ipoh might not be as known as other parts of Malaysia but this city still has many hidden gems to explore!

Is Ipoh a good base for exploring other parts of Malaysia?

Yes. Ipoh is conveniently located between Kuala Lumpur and Penang, making it a practical base for exploring northern Malaysia. From Ipoh, it’s easy to reach destinations such as the Cameron Highlands, Pangkor Island, Penang Island, or Taiping. For travelers who prefer a quieter city, staying in Ipoh while taking short trips to nearby places can be a good alternative to busier hubs.