The Past and Future of Mistress Lane
Mistress Lane (二奶巷) is approximately 500m long lane is located at the heart of Old Town neighborhood in Ipoh. During the tin-mining era, many rich miners had their mistresses stayed in these houses, therefore this tiny lane got its name after the infamous history.
For decades, this narrow lane, with the rows of linked houses along both sides has been known by locals as a part of town where time stood by, as if it has been forgotten. Contrary from its golden days back in the 60's, this infamous lane is lined by vacant worn down houses, with the exception of two or three lots, which has been refurnished and now lived some elderly couples.
It has been my favourite photograhy spots in Ipoh, making sure that I'd visit this "old mistress" on my trips back to my hometown Ipoh.
Recently, this old place is given a second chance to relive its glory. Since the launching of direct flights between Ipoh and neighboring Singapore, Ipoh has been welcoming many Singporeans, who enjoyed the "slow lifestyle" (as they claimed it ) in this smaller city. Some even grew so much in love with Ipoh that they decide to take advantage of the great potential property market, by investing in redevelopments of old worn out properties.
With its high ranking of worn-out architacture and of course - LOCATION, the Mistress Lane came as a popular choice. Unlike many redelopments, this comes more as a "restoration", preserving its exterior while filling life by operating cafes and restaurants amongst it.
A boutique hotel is currently in operation, hiding behing the weathered walls, some kind of "secret garden" with its "secret entrance". A few cafes are now making their fame among the locals and tourists, with more to follow.
The Mistress Lane is once again filled with life, a crossway between the past and present.
What can be a better place to be, sipping in that 1985 Bordeaux red wine in a 1969 settings, while still able to snap a photo with your cell to glorify on Facebook?
Come take a stroll down the Mistress Lane with me: Reminiscing Mistress Lane
