Cuti Cuti Malaysia - Sam Poh Tong - Ipoh Perak

Sam Poh Tong is a famous cave temple located in Gunung Rapat, about 5km south of Ipoh. It is said to be the biggest cave temple in the country, and is an impressive work of art and faith, with various statues of Buddha interspersed among the stalactites and stalagmites.

According to legend, the cave was discovered in 1890 by a monk from China who was passing through Ipoh; he decided to make it his domicile and a place for meditation. He remained there for 20 years until his death. Till today, nuns and monks who dedicate their lives to Buddha still occupy the Sam Poh Tong.

The present temple facade dates back to the 1950s and a stiff climb of 246 steps will lead you to an open cave with an excellent view of Ipoh and its surroundings. Other attractions at the temple include a beautiful Japanese pond full of Japanese carps and tortoises (symbols of longevity) located outside the cave and a vegetarian restaurant.

Within the temple visitors could discover the artistic works of man and nature - beaytyfully craved statues of buddha in various forms in a backdrop of unusual formations of stalacties and stalagmites.

Getting there
Sam Poh Tong is 5km south of Ipoh (towards Kampar) and a 20-minute bus ride.

Note: No entrance fee (free)

Cuti Cuti Malaysia - Cave of Great Happiness - Ipoh Perak

Introduction
Opened in the 1970s, Kek Lok Tong ('Cave of Great Happiness) is the most recent of the Ipoh cave temples and perhaps the most spectacular of them all. The temple is set in a huge cave in the limestone outcrops behind Gunung Rapat, about 5km south of Ipoh City.

The temple has impressive works of art, with statues of Buddha in various forms among natural stalactites and rock formations. One can savour vegetarian food, served here at the temple, in peaceful surroundings amidst lotus ponds. Nestled on a 4.5ha land, it is managed by the Kek Look Seah since its inception in 1982.

Site information
The easiest route to the temple is through the Sungai Rokam housing area, where you just follow signs leading directly to the site.Alternatively, the longer route via picturesque Tambun district will take you for a trip through groves of pomeloes farm and abandoned tin mines.

Getting there
From the North-South Expressway, exit at the Tambun Interchange. The easiest route to the temple is through the Sungai Rokam housing area, where you just follow signs leading directly to the site.

The main entrance to the cave

The Cave from a distance

The cave from different angle

Inside the cave


Model wannabe at Kek Lok Tong known as Karl and Andi.

Note: My friend and I went there on 10th January 2010, we have good time and snap amazing pictures from our lense. After Kek Lok Tong Cave we went to Sam Poh Tong Cave then Gunung Lang... later Kellies Castle... I will post the picture later..

Mode: tired