It’s no wonder that Kek Lok Tong translates to Cave of Great Happiness! Visitors who look upon, let alone step into the temple will immediately know why!
Kek Lok Tong cave temple in Gunung Rapat, is one of many beautiful Ipoh cave temples that you can see on your Ipoh trip!
Read more on what makes Kek Lok Tong an exceptional cave temple in this post!
Table of contents:
- Kek Lok Tong Temple History
- Opening Hours
- Kek Lok Tong Entrance Fee
- What To Do In Kek Lok Tong
- Review For Kek Lok Tong
- Getting To Kek Lok Tong
- Frequently Asked Questions
Kek Lok Tong Temple History
The undoubtable beauty of Kek Lok Tong cave temple makes it something of a tourist attraction even in this quieter side of Ipoh.
In fact, Gunung Rapat has more than a few cave temples along its limestone outcrops!
But Kek Lok Tong (or Kek Look Tong) is one of the larger temples with a site size at roughly 12 acres!
And while it was initially a place of worship from 1920, there was a time back in the 1960’s when the cave was excavated for iron.
After a decade, the iron mining stopped and worship at the temple resumed.
To make it easier for people to visit the cave, the original cave floor was made flat and paved. Today, there are even benches, ambient lighting, a small elevator, ramps, and staircases!
Only the roof and cave walls are left untouched. So, visitors can admire the natural rock formations of the cave.
At one end of the cave, there are many Taoist and Buddhist statues – these came all the way from Taiwan!
Kek Lok Tong Temple Opening Hours
To make the most of your time at this temple, try to go early in the morning. Before the heat of the day kicks in!
The temple opens early too.
- Address: Pesiaran Sepakat 3, Taman Endah Jaya, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 7am to 4pm
- Contact: +605-312 8112
Kek Lok Tong Entrance Fee
Visitors can enter Kek Lok Tong cave temple for free.
But you can make voluntary offerings at the donation booth. Or buy fish food to feed the fish at the koi pond!
The donations go to maintaining the temple and for additional improvements – one of the newest additions is a small elevator.
What To Do In Kek Lok Tong
Unlike the rest of its counterparts in Ipoh, there are some activities to do at Kek Lok Tong.
So you may find yourself staying longer at Kek Lok Tong than you initially plan to because of how serene the premises are.
Note: If you go on a weekday, you will be able to hear drilling from the nearby quarry.
Here are the things you can do at Kek Lok Tong:
1. Admire Exquisite Cave Formations
The spacious cavern has large openings at either end which lets in natural light (and ventilation).
Thus, you will not need the use of a flashlight or headgear to explore the cave.
There are many stalactites that you can get close to using stairs!
Ambient lighting in the main chamber brings out many cave features like:
- Curtains
- Dams
- Columns
- Flowstones
2. Relax
After climbing up the stairs to admire the natural rock formations, you can sit on one of the numerous stone or metal benches in around the cave and just take a minute to appreciate the serenity.
There is usually a pleasant breeze passing through the cave!
3. Spot A Bat
While you check out the different tiers of the cave, be sure to keep your eyes open for some bats flitting around the darker corners of the cave!
4. Go Jogging In the Zen Gardens
Outside, join the locals for their morning exercise! The jogging path in the garden behind Kek Lok Tong circles two lakes with shade from mature trees and views of the surrounding limestone cliffs!
One of these limestone hills is sadly, a victim of heavy quarrying.
And if you’re up to it, you can challenge yourself by going barefoot on the reflexology footpath!
5. Feed Fish And See Turtles And Geese
From the top of the gardens (back entrance of Kek Lok Tong), you can look down on the Zen Gardens.
Right in front is a large attractive lake with geese, turtles, and fish! Behind it is another lake with 2 pagodas.
The lakes are evidence of the property’s history as a mining site!
There is also a small pond with large koi by the car park. As well as a sizeable statue of the goddess, Kuan Yin.
If you want to feed the fish, you can purchase fish food (RM3) at the counter inside the cave, close to the front entrance.
Note: There are signs all around to discourage people from releasing fish or turtles into the lakes. This custom is thought to bring luck to the doer of the deed but overpopulation of the lake can lead to suffocation of the animals.
6. Cycle On Land (Or Water)
Visitors can now hire paddles boats or bicycles (they have tandem bikes too) in the vast gardens out the back entrance of the temple.
There is a separate track for the bicycles away from the main jogging path in the gardens. Renting a bike for 2 pax costs RM6 for 30 minutes.
The paddle boats require you to use your legs too. And the platform is walking distance to the bicycle rental shack. It costs RM12 for 2 pax for ~30 minutes.
Opening Hours: 9am-4pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Bicycle & Boat Rental Pricing Table:
| Number Of Pax | Boat (Price / 30 minutes) | Bicycle (Price / 30 minutes) |
| 2 Pax | RM12 | RM6 |
| 4 Pax | RM20 | RM10 |
7. Bird Watch
Bird enthusiasts may be able to spot some rare birds here – like the red-whiskered bulbul or Javan sparrow!
Early mornings are the best time to bird-watch! Visitors tend to start pouring in after 10am.
Review For Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple
What You’ll Like:
- Cooling breeze and plentiful shade in the cave
- Many facilities available – toilets, ample car park slots, lift, vending machines, wheelchair ramp, swings etc
- Stunning cave formations
- You will not need to climb as much as for Gua Tempurung to see the highlights of the cave structure
- Garden is tidy and is pleasant to walk around in the early morning
- Close to other Ipoh cave temples
- Plenty of shaded parking
- Free entry
What You Will Not Like:
- The quarry that can be seen in the distance (and heard on weekdays)
- Not easy to get a Grab or taxi to take you back unless you make prior arrangements from town.
Tips For Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple
- Garden is best enjoyed in the early morning
- Insect repellent is a good idea to prevent mosquito bites
- Use Waze or Google Maps to locate the temple!
- The cave floor is slippery after rain
- Bring a tripod for those low light photos (if you’re planning to take photos of the cave formations)
- Watch your step inside the multi-level cave
- Allow an hour to visit this cave temple
- Keep a close eye on your belongings. Monkeys will take every opportunity to search your bag!
Read more:
- Ipoh Travel Guide – What Makes Ipoh A Must-Visit City In Malaysia
- 13 Things To Do In Ipoh At Night
- 27 Best Things To Do In Ipoh
Getting To Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple
It’s about 15-20 minutes’ drive south from Ipoh town to Kek Lok Tong. The temple is not in plain sight from the main road like Perak Cave temple.
Or the row of other notable but smaller temples in Gunung Rapat:
- Lin Sen Tong
- Nam Thean Tong
- Sam Poh Tong
Rather, Kek Lok Tong is on the other side of Gunung Rapat (Mt. Rapat)! The way to the temple car park winds through a quiet residential area.
You can include Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple as part of a private tour Ipoh trip itinerary!
Find out more by sending RayTheTour a message on WhatsApp or Facebook!
Frequently Asked Questions For Visiting Kek Lok Tong
Q1: When should you visit Kek Lok Tong temple?
A1: Early morning when the day is still cool.
Q2: How long should you stay at Kek Lok Tong temple?
A2: At least 1 hour. Or more if you really enjoy taking photos!
Q3: Is there wheelchair access at Kek Lok Tong?
A3: A wheelchair ramp and lift are available at the temple. They have disabled toilets too. It is not difficult to push a baby stroller or wheelchair through the garden but the cave has some stairs.
Q4: Are there refreshments at or close to Kek Lok Tong?
A4: There is a drinking water fountain and a vending machine with drinks at the temple site. There is also a small on-site cafe inside the main hall of the temple for Chinese tea.
Q5: Can you take a bus to Kek Lok Tong?
A5: No.
Q6: Where can you park your car at Kek Lok Tong?
A6: There is a car park close to the temple. Parking fees are not required.
Q7: Are there toilets at Kek Lok Tong?
A7: Yes. The toilets are close to the car park and free for public use. There are also toilets in the garden.
Conclusion
Many visit Kek Lok Tong cave temple for the large and gorgeous cave that does not involve much climbing! Plus, this cave temple is wheelchair-friendly.
There is no entrance fee and besides the cave, you can see the manicured gardens behind!
So if you just have time to visit one cave temple in Ipoh, consider the impressive Kek Lok Tong!
