~Mysteries of Cave Temples~

Here we go again! This time, let's discover the mystery of Chinese culture together. ^^

Our trip focuses on cave temples in Ipoh....

 The first destination we visited was Sam Poh Tong.
Sam Poh Tong temple is located at Gunung Rapat, about 5km South of Ipoh, as shown below:


It was discovered in 1890 by a monk from China. Subsequently, it was developed by the Buddhist community, and is now an international tourist spot!

It was awarded "The Best Landscaped Garden" 1993, in Malaysia  

 

Upon arrival at the entrance of the cave temple, an extremely beautiful garden decorated with pavilion and a fish pond was sighted.
 

The temple also has a 246-step staircase to an area with a view of Ipoh's surroundings, and a Japanese pond, representing 'longevity'.

We were amazed by the beautifully carved statues of Buddha amongst the amazing stalagmites and stalactites.

 

What a peaceful environment. Total peace of mind..
The temple is also said to have good ‘feng shui’!



Trying to mimic Buddha statues behind us. HAHA =D

 

There also was a tortoise pond at the backyard of the temple and a beautiful park outside the temple.



There were so many, we couldn't count >.<



The park was really stunning! =)



Visiting Sam Poh Tong is most meaningful during Wesak Day or on the 1st or 15th of every month in the Lunar/Chinese calendar, as special offerings and prayers are made.

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Our second destination was Perak Tong, and is located at Jalan Kangsar, Ipoh.



Perak Tong - The world's peacefulness..



 Discovered and developed 1926 by a couple from China, it soon became a tourist spot.



It is a favorite destination of ALL Malaysians of any ethnic background.

 Even foreign tourists! 

Inside, stood a 40 ft tall Buddha statue, and the air was surprisingly cool, without any fans or air-conditioners!

Awesome!!!

Families could visit Perak cave to pray for their members’ well-being, and also have their fortunes told by a fortune teller.

Lotus candles are also sold, for praying purposes..

Prayer for my family with a lotus candle..

Besides that, there were numerous wall paintings of Buddha in the cave.

There was also a staggering 450 step staircase that led us to the peak of the temple giving us a great view of Ipoh, and we experienced cold feet when we tried to look down!

What a great and memorable experience..



Half way up, but we failed to reach the top..lol



This destination is open for visits from 9.00am to 4.00pm everyday, and entrance is free!

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 Our third & final destination was Kwan Yin Tong or Goddess of Mercy Cave Temple, located at Gunung Rapat.

Wow! =)

Made of limestone hill, it is one of the highest cave temples in Ipoh, with a connecting bridge.
There were about 75 Guan Yin statues here!



 

There was a small maze garden beside the temple, filled with purple colored plants. 


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There was also a wishing well and wishing tree right beside the garden.
Visitors could also leave messages on the bamboo sticks outside the temple.



Smile =)

 



Message boards left by others...





The most interesting spot for lovers was the “Love Lock Spot”, where couples’ names were written on two padlocks, locked unto a 32.4 metre chain, and the key was thrown into a pond, so they would never separate.

 

Since entrance is free, you should check it out for yourself!

 Despite all this talk, you would never understand unless you were here yourself.
Come and be bonded with nature. You will surely enjoy it!

Hope you guys will support our next post
and

See you guys again~~~