“It is the oldest and largest Buddhist cave temple in Malaysia, dating back to 1890, founded by a Chinese monk. It has a pond with turtles and koi fish, a popular spot for tourists to feed the turtles, which is believed to bring longevity and good fortune.”
The Ipoh cave temple complex is situated in a limestone valley in the southern part of Ipoh city, considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in the state of Perak. These limestone formations are over 250 million years old and have been eroded by water to form large cave cavities. Many of these caves have been developed into Buddhist temples that harmoniously combine Chinese and Thai art.
In the past, this area served as a meditation site for Chinese monks and ascetics who migrated and settled in Malaysia. Buddhists believe that the energy of these limestone mountains is sacred, and therefore temples were built as a spiritual center for the community. Today, these temples have become major tourist attractions in Perak, drawing both devotees and travelers from around the world. Each temple has its own points of interest.
For example, Sam Poh Tong Temple has a main cave housing multiple stone Buddha statues, and inside, there is a staircase leading to an opening on the mountain where visitors can view the city. Outside, there is a turtle pond where people often feed turtles for good fortune.
Perak Tong Temple is the most famous of all. It has ancient Buddhist murals on the cave walls and a staircase of over 400 steps leading to a viewpoint atop the hill, where one can see the limestone mountains stretching as far as the eye can see.
Kek Lok Tong Temple stands out with its spacious cave hall and a beautiful rock garden at the back. There is a walkway around the pond, creating a shady atmosphere, ideal for relaxation and meditation.
Around the area, there are souvenir shops, small cafes, and local food stalls offering items such as soy milk, tofu pudding, and traditional Malay desserts. Visitors can spend half a day to a full day exploring each temple.
The atmosphere of Ipoh Cave Temple reflects peace and reverence for nature. Every corner tells a story of art and faith, whether through statues of deities, wall paintings, or traditional Chinese architecture blended with the local Perak culture.
How to Get There
Private car/taxi/Grab :
- The temple is located about 5 kilometers south of downtown Ipoh. The journey is short, and you can use a navigation app (GPS) directly.
By bus :
- From Ipoh Bus Terminal, you can take a local bus or taxi to the Gunung area.
Travel Tips
- Dress modestly as it is a religious site. It is recommended to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for appropriateness.
- It is advisable to visit in the morning to avoid the heat and large crowds.
- The temple is located near other cave temples in the area, such as Lingxentong Cave Temple and Namtientong Cave Temple, which can be planned for a visit together.
Opening Hours :
- Open daily, generally from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (subject to change, please check in advance).
Admission Fee :
- Free of charge.