There was once a bridge in Paris – the Pont Des Arts - where lovers would chain padlocks to it to symbolize their everlasting love for each other. Sadly, the heavy padlocks were too much for the bridge to bear and the railings collapsed in 2014, prompting the officials to remove the padlocks the next year and bar anyone from continuing the practice.

It’s a shame, but the Pont Des Arts is not the only bridge bearing the weight of love (or at least padlocks from romantics). In fact, you don’t need to go all the way to Paris to manifest your love in the form of metal locks. We have our very own love bridge closer to home situated at the Kinta River Waterfront. At this moment, the bridge is laden with all sorts of padlocks including steering locks; perhaps the lovers who put it there had a love so huge that ordinary locks would not do. Or maybe they just love cars.

Not too far from the bridge, there is a place called PORT that caters to the artistic at heart who wants to explore the creative scene of Ipoh as well as Perak at large. The place is always alive with art festivals as well as small gigs held regularly. It is best to visit this place late in the evening to enjoy the ambiance of the multi-colored trees reflecting against the night river reflection. You can be excused if you never heard of this place before, but surely everyone knows Ipoh’s famous salted chicken which, incidentally, is available at a café here. It’s recommended you give it a try while you’re there.

Ipoh is also famous for the Loken Market (Pasar Karat/Vintage Market). For collectors, this is paradise. You can find many unique old valuables and oddities here. If you are into vintage shoes and clothing, classic vinyl or copper stuff, this is the place to be. If you come early in the morning, you can even try satay for breakfast at a food court in the market. There is always long queue but that’s how you know that it’s worth it!

Let’s just hope Ipoh’s love bridge doesn’t end up collapsing and pieces of it sold at the Pasar Karat.