While Lucas was off on his teen adventure across Malaysia, we spent a week exploring Ipoh. Accompanied by three other worldschooling families, our time in Ipoh was more than just a vacation; it was an experience filled with laughter, learning, and deep connections.
One of the highlights of our stay was an afternoon spent in DR Seenivasagam Recreational Park. The park, with its lush greenery and serene lake, offered the perfect backdrop for bike riding. They had bicycles built for one, two, three, four, and five! Some of the bikes were hard to maneuver, but we all had a great day.
We spent one afternoon walking along the Heritage Trail. We saw a mix of local culture, street art, and peaceful river views. We stopped for refreshments at Cafe 9 1/2. It is a cafe for witches and wizards, but it is not affiliated with Harry Potter.
No trip to Ipoh would be complete without a visit to Kellie’s Castle. It provides an insight into Malaysia’s colonial past. As we explored the unfinished mansion, the kids imagined what life would have been like in the early 20th century. They enjoyed exploring the ruins and hearing the mysterious stories surrounding the castle.
Our accommodations for the week were nothing short of perfect. We all stayed together in a spacious house that quickly became our home away from home. Henry and his friends Dexter and Vivian shared a room with three double beds. The house was equipped with everything we needed for both fun and relaxation: karaoke, ping pong, air hockey, and a pool table. Every evening, after a day of exploring, we enjoyed hanging out and playing games.
The late-night conversations truly made this trip special. We shared our hopes and challenges, discussed future travel plans, and bonded over our shared experiences as worldschooling families. It was during these moments that we realized how much we value this community, this chosen family we’ve found on the road.
As our week in Ipoh came to an end, We all boarded a bus together to head off to our next adventure in Kuala Lumpur.
We left Ipoh with more than just memories of the city. We left with strengthened friendships, new perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for the worldschooling lifestyle. Our time in Ipoh was a reminder that learning happens everywhere, but it’s the connections we make along the way that truly enrich the journey.