Ipoh’s Concubines’ Lane may have had a disreputable past but the area is now popular for its heritage value, writes Diana Yeoh
ONCE a choice accommodation area for second wives and mistresses in Ipoh, Yee Lai Hong (Cantonese for Concubines’ Lane) is now a tourist attraction because of its heritage value.
There are three lanes here: First Concubines’ Lane (Hale Lane), Second Concubines’ Lane (Panglima Lane) and Third Concubines’ Lane (Market Lane).
Before the Japanese Occupation, they all housed brothels, gaming houses and opium dens. It was believed that when an opium addict died, his corpse was simply thrown out the window.
The Second Concubine’s Lane now attracts tourists who come for Ipoh products such as biscuits, white coffee, tofu fah (beancurd pudding), and handicraft.
Except for Wong Koh Kee Restaurant, a Chinese restaurant that has been serving home-cooked food for 30 years, the other shops here are fairly new.
Thanks to its unique setting, the lane is also a favourite location with filmmakers, especially those shooting period movies.
The First and Third Concubines’ lanes are retained for commercial purpose but not much activities can be found here, except for a piece of mural art depicting Ipoh folk enjoying a cup of white coffee, drawn on part of the walls of Third Concubines’ Lane.
One can take photographs of the old buildings, some of which are quite dilapidated though a few have been refurbished into souvenir shops and restaurants.
The structure of these buildings remain strong and intact, and the architecture brings back memories of the old Ipoh.
University student Amieza Fazlin Man from Selangor is visiting Concubines’ Lane for the first time, after learning about it from friends.
Her friend, Iqbal Mohd Ilham, says he has read stories of Concubines’ Lane, and wants to find out more about its history for himself.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Lee from Penang, says her family enjoyed their visit to Second Concubines’ Lane as they are able to buy their favourite biscuits and other souvenirs.
“It is only a narrow lane but walking through the stretch of old buildings is like walking back in time,” she says.