From Racehorses to Retail. Exploring Asia’s First Stable Market in Ipoh
Ever wondered what happens to a historic horse stable when the racing world slows down? Well, Ipoh has given us one of the coolest answers imaginable. Forget your typical modern malls. I spent an entire morning wandering through the Ipoh Stables Market, also known as ISM, and let me tell you, this place is a true breath of fresh heritage air.
Located at the legendary Perak Turf Club, ISM officially opens its doors on January 18, 2026. I was lucky enough to visit after the soft launch to get a first look and share some insider impressions with you.
The Entrance: A 60-Year-Old Secret
As soon as we pulled up, the first thing I noticed was the space. There’s a massive parking area, and yes, it’s free, shaded by lush trees that make you forget you’re right in the middle of the city.
But the real showstopper? The gate.
This isn’t just any entrance. It’s a majestic 60-year-old mechanical gate that was shipped all the way from the United Kingdom in the 1960s. It traveled by sea to Penang before finally finding its home here in Ipoh. Even more impressive, it still operates fully mechanically, with no fancy hydraulics at all, just pure old-school engineering. Walking through it honestly feels like being “cleared” for a race.
A Dash of History
Before we dive into the market lanes, you’ve got to appreciate the sheer scale of this project. Back in Perak’s tin mining glory days, this was the place to be. We’re talking about a site that once housed around 800 horses across more than 1,000 stables.
Today, 137 of those stables have been thoughtfully revitalized into a lively community hub. What’s truly heartwarming is that about 70 percent of the original timber beams and long corridors have been preserved. You can still feel the soul of the old stables while browsing modern crafts and local brands.
Even better, this project is a big win for the local community. Nearly 80 percent of the vendors are under the age of 35, and many are proud Ipoh locals who have returned from abroad to build their dream businesses right here. It’s a beautiful blend of heritage, creativity, and youthful energy
Walking the Lanes: Which One Matches Your Vibe?
The Ipoh Stables Market is cleverly divided into themed “Lanes” (or Lorongs), each with its own unique personality. Here’s a quick tour of what I discovered:
- Mahu Lane (Ambition Lane). “Mahu” means “want” or “desire” in Malay. This lane is for dreamers and creatives. When I visited, they were hosting the Child’s Creation Art Exhibition, a beautiful space where local young artists showcase their talent.
- Manja Lane (Pet Lane). For all the animal lovers! “Manja” means to spoil or pamper, and that’s exactly what this lane is about. There’s a pet-friendly zone, a veterinary clinic, and even an aquarium club for fish enthusiasts.
- Maalaf Lane (Comfort Lane). Named after the Arabic word for horse, this lane is a food lover’s paradise. It has a Western vibe with bakeries, gelato, and pizza. All the food is pork-free, making it inclusive, but they also serve bottled beer for the international crowd.
- Mata Lane (Vision Lane). “Mata” means “eye,” and this lane is a feast for them. It’s all about handicrafts and culture. I stopped by a shop called Woody Love, where they can turn your favorite family photo into a beautiful wood art piece in just 30 minutes. I grabbed a few myself—the quality is stunning!
- Market Lane. The go-to spot for fresh daily produce and traditional snacks, perfect for taking a little taste of Ipoh home with you.
- Mari Lane (Invitation Lane). This is where you’ll find your local soul food. From Indian delicacies to Japanese desserts and Ipoh specialties like Chee Cheong Fun, it’s a true culinary melting pot. And do not—I repeat, DO NOT—leave without trying the Petai Pau (Stinky Bean Bun). It sounds wild, but it’s a unique Ipoh specialty that actually works!
Walking through the lanes feels like a journey through heritage, culture, and creativity all in one place. Which lane matches your vibe?
Xin Yuan Long Restaurant (新源隆)
Right next to the parking area is a gorgeous bungalow turned restaurant called Xin Yuan Long. Open since late 2024, it features classic Chinese design and plenty of outdoor space to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
It’s the perfect spot to grab a cup of the famous Ipoh white coffee ☕ before or after exploring the market. A little pause with great coffee makes the whole experience even better!
Why You Should Visit
This isn’t just a market; it’s a heritage lifestyle hub. It’s about supporting young entrepreneurs, preserving the rich history of the Perak Turf Club, and enjoying a slow, relaxing afternoon in a space that feels truly authentic.
Whether you’re here for the pets, the art, or the famous Petai Pau, there’s something genuinely magical about seeing these old stables come to life with a new purpose.
Facilities note: The market has very clean public toilets at the end of the lanes, and the whole place is designed to be quite accessible, making it easy for everyone to enjoy.
Planning your Ipoh trip?
If you’re looking for more hidden gems, check out my other guides where I cover the best heritage walks in Ipoh Old Town and my best restaurants in Ipoh list.
