Ipoh Heritage Rickshaw & Cycling Trail

Tourism

By Mei Kuan

GoGo Leisure Venture in partnership with Cycledios, resumed its guided tour for rickshaws along its Ipoh Heritage Rickshaw & Cycling Trail yesterday (July 21) with strict adherence to the health and safety standard operating procedures (SOPs).

A total of 14 enthusiastic participants under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme came from Kuala Lumpur just to experience the 2-hour route with multiple stops led by Roselyn Lim, Chairperson and Founder of Perak Tourist Guides Association.

“Our aim is to promote the Ipoh heritage trail especially the hidden spots which are hard to reach by buses, too far to reach on foot under the blazing sun and when simply passing by in a car won’t do full justice to the heritage gems. Plus, it enables us to provide job opportunities and contribute to the economy,” Camees Foong, the Management General Manager of Cycledios who is also one of its founders, explained.

“Each 2-hour route is specially-designed to suit the customer’s needs. For example, today’s route is custom-made as well because the participants request for some rickshaws for those with walking difficulties. Thus, advance booking is advised especially during peak season. Besides being able to explore the hidden spots in Old Town, New Town and beyond, you do not need to worry about parking and can take a break whenever,” Michelle Chin, one of the representatives of GoGo Leisure Venture highlighted.

“Established in February this year, GoGo Leisure Venture is formed by a group of flexible tourist guides whose livelihood is affected by the pandemic to earn a living by offering affordable packages like these,” Roselyn Lim told Ipoh Echo. One of the oldest tour guides in Perak, she was honoured as the “Best Tourist Guide” by Tourism Perak a few years back.

Meanwhile, Cycledios is a homegrown brand in Perak touted to be the first in the market to launch a bike-sharing system with 15 types of bicycles equipped with smart locks which are ideal for daily family activities. It was founded in 2017 covering Ipoh (headquarters), Taiping, Kuala Kangsar, Marina Island and Tanjung Malim. 

“I love the two different tea stops that we had (Ho Yan Hor Museum and Tin Alley), they were exceptionally good. The other bits were lovely and very interesting,” Rosemary, who hails from Scotland and has been living in Kuala Lumpur for 14 years, shared at the end of the tour.

“Excellent!” enthused Hilda, a Canadian who has been living in Kuala Lumpur for 5 years.

Tours are conducted in multiple languages (Malay, English, Mandarin and Cantonese) with the following rates inclusive of vehicle rental, drinking water and the accompaniment of a licensed guide who is very amiable to boot:

• Rickshaw – RM250 (promotional rate till October 31)
• Single Bike – RM50 (buy 3 free one – RM150 for 4 people – promotional rate till December 31)
• Group rates are negotiable

Interested readers can call 019 543 6694 to book. For more info, visit GoGo Leisure Venture Facebook page.

*Video credit to Tan Kai Lek