Ipoh, the capital of Malaysia’s northwestern Perak state, has seen its fortunes rise and fall. At one time the centre of a great tin mining boom, it drew migrant labourers from across southern China – predominantly the Hakka people – until eventually the mines ran empty and its era of prosperity ground to a halt. The city was left to quietly fade. An ensuing period of neglect saw much of the architecture remain untouched, skipping the widespread architectural overhaul of the late 20th century. Today a distinctive visual character remains, along with a rich culinary tradition inspired by the Chinese influence - qualities that draw people back once again.
Pentax 67 medium format, Kodak Portra 400
