Sam Poh Tong Temple

The Sam Poh Tong Temple is a popular cave temple that is situated in Gunung Rapat. Gunung Rapat is about 5 kilometers south of Ipoh. The Sam Poh Tong Temple is said to be the biggest cave temple in the whole of Malaysia and is out of its world in terms of its work of art. You will be able to see various statues of Buddha in the cave temple which can be easily found among the stalactites and stalagmites in the cave.

It was said that the cave was found in 1890 by a monk who came from China. The monk was passing through Ipoh and he decided to make the cave his home and as a place for him to meditate. The monk remained at the cave for another 20 years until he deceased. There are still nuns and monks who dedicate their lives to Buddha occupying the cave temple of Sam Poh Tong until today.

Other than being a Buddhist cave temple, the temple's compound includes a crematorium and a columbarium where ashes of the deceased are kept safe. The columbarium in Sam Poh Tong is like a four-storey blue colored building block. The cave temple is especially packed during the Ching Ming when the relatives of the deceased come to pay respect to their ancestors. They leave behind food and offerings to them.

Also, in front of the temple is a very beautiful garden with a large fish pond. Decorations in the garden include the Japanese stone lantern and pagodas that add a touch of beauty to the garden. It was said that in 1993, the garden won the award of the best landscaped garden in Malaysia.

Getting There

The Sam Poh Tong Temple located in Gunung Rapat. Gunung Rapat is about 5 kilometers south of Ipoh. If you're drive from Kuala Lumpur using North South Expressway (PLUS), you need to exit on Simpang Pulai exit and drive toward Ipoh, the Temple situated next to the main road toward Ipoh town center.

Attractions in Perak