Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple is one of the top Ipoh cave temples to visit! Along with Sam Poh Tong cave temple are two others you can visit right next to it!
But back to Sam Poh Tong, this is the oldest cave temple in Ipoh! The humble Buddhist temple has been welcoming worshippers and visitors for many years!
Highlights of this temple are the elegant front garden and entrance way as well as a secret pagoda!
Table of contents:
- Sam Poh Tong Temple History
- Opening Hours
- What To Do In Sam Poh Tong
- Review For Sam Poh Tong
- Getting To Sam Poh Tong
- Frequently Asked Questions
Sam Poh Tong Temple History
Legend has it that a Buddhist monk from China made a discovery of the cave back in 1890 while passing through Ipoh.
It became his home and for the next 20 years until he passed away. And ever since then, Buddhist nuns and monks live at Sam Poh Tong.
Sam Poh Tong translates to the three jewels of Buddhism:
- Buddha (Teacher)
- Dharma (The Teaching)
- Sangha (The Buddhist Community)
Sam Poh Tong temple entrance, Ipoh – photo credits to jusamurai13 (Instagram)
Although the temple was built in 1912, the present exterior dates back to 1950.
There was a time that visitors could go up the staircase with 246 steps to the top with commanding views of Ipoh! Alas, the staircase remains locked to this day.
Statue In The Peaceful Garden Of Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple In Ipoh
The temple is busiest during the annual Chinese festival, Ching Ming (Tomb-Sweeping Day)!
Relatives will come to the temple’s columbarium to pay respects to their ancestors. By clearing the graves, lighting incense and leaving offerings of food!
Note: A columbarium is a place where ashes of the dead are stored.
Sam Poh Tong Temple Opening Hours
It costs nothing to enter the temple (or its neighbors) but visitors are welcome to leave a donation behind in the respective donation boxes!
Sam Poh Tong tends to close earlier than its stated opening hours. Usually at 2:30pm instead of 4pm.
Address: Kampung Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, PerakOpening Hours: 9:30am – 4pm
Contact: +605-255 2772
Entrance Fee: Free
What To Do In Sam Poh Tong
1. Stroll The Ornamental garden
You’ll definitely not want to miss this!
To the side of the main entrance into Sam Poh Tong:
Is a small delicate garden with a sizable fish pond decorated with bonsai trees and miniature Chinese figures if you look closely!
Sam Poh Tong Temple in Ipoh – photo credits to samlock1995 (Instagram)
Though the garden has an award for the Best Landscaped Garden in Malaysia that dates back all the way to 1993:
It’s still a pleasure to admire!
2. Take A Step Back To Admire The Archway
Before you go into the temple, take some time to notice the intricate white marble carvings of the steps leading up to the temple entrance!
Grand Archway At The Main Entrance To Sam Poh Tong In Ipoh
The entrance is framed by an elaborate archway and the face of a limestone hill!
Read more: 27 Best Things To Do In Ipoh
3. Go Inside The Temple Cave
Your first impression of the cave may not be as you expect:
The main chamber is not very big with much of the floor tiled up. However, there are many wonderfully carved statues of Buddha and other deities among the stone formations.
Note: In a dark corner lies a locked staircase that leads up to the hillside. This path has long been closed off to visitors.
4. Find The Hidden Pagoda
If you go past the altar, there is a cool cave tunnel that leads out to a back entrance.
Tunnel Leads Out To The Back Of Sam Poh Tong Temple
Signs for a tortoise pond and natural light will guide you out easily enough.
On your left, is an incredible sight of a red pagoda surrounded by towering limestone.
Pagoda At The Back Of Sam Poh Tong Temple In Ipoh
You cannot go into the pagoda as it is behind a fence and a locked gate. But with the sunlight streaming in, it is enchanting!
Note: Good to have some mosquito repellent on hand!
5. Feed Turtles And Tortoises
It is local belief that releasing a turtle at the temple can balance bad karma. Maybe that’s why the temple has hundreds of tortoises and turtles at their enclosure!
Tortoises In Their Compound At Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple In Ipoh
A study by turtle conservation volunteers in 2009 found more than 200 turtles here! With 5 different native species. Except the red-eared slider which is a common household pet in Malaysia.
Note: The turtle pond and enclosure is off to the right when you exit the cave tunnel from the temple.
Visitors can feed the turtles and tortoises fresh produce sold by one of the temple keepers inside the temple.
Read more: 13 Things To Do In Ipoh At Night
Review For Sam Poh Tong Temple
What You’ll Like:
- The “secret” garden
- Intricately carved entrance way and statues inside the temple!
- Decorative fish pond and small garden at the front
- Little to no climbing required
- You can feed tortoises and fish here
- Kind temple guardians
- Sometimes, there is a mobile fruit stall at the entrance to the temple
What You Will Not Like:
- No shade at the front of the temple
- Cave is not very big
- Not open in the evening
- Visitors can no longer climb up to the top
- Turtle pond looks unsanitary
The gardens at Sam Poh Tong cave temple in Ipoh – photo credits to iam_anyiyu (Instagram)
Tips For Visiting Sam Poh Tong
- The car park can be a little muddy after rain
- It costs 20 sen to use the toilet. Bring your own toilet paper! Toilets are not that clean!
- Stay clear of the monkeys!
- See this temple first before Perak Cave temple or Kek Lok Tong
- Make sure to go through the tunnel to the back garden!
Read more: Ipoh Travel Guide – What Makes Ipoh A Must-Visit City In Malaysia
Getting To Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple
Sam Poh Tong cave temple is at the base of a limestone range in Gunung Rapat. In a row of temples including Nam Tian Tong and the colorful Ling Sen Tong!
You’ll see the turning for the slip road opposite of Hillcity Hotel if you go south from Ipoh via Jalan Gopeng to Simpang Pulai!
It’s not too difficult to get a taxi or Grab driver to take you to these temples but why not include this place as part of a private day tour in Ipoh?
RayTheTour offers a flexible itinerary from morning to evening. As well as an experienced local guide to show you around Ipoh and more!
Drop us a message on WhatsApp or Facebook if you have questions!
Frequently Asked Questions For Visiting Sam Poh Tong
Q1: Is it convenient for elders to visit Sam Poh Tong?
A1: In comparison to other cave temples around Ipoh, Sam Poh Tong is relatively level with few steps.
Q2: When is the best time to visit Sam Poh Tong?
A2: The opening hours are irregular. It’s advisable to visit in the morning when it is most likely open.
Q3: How far is Sam Poh Tong from Ipoh town?
A3: 10 minutes’ drive.
Q4: Is there an entrance fee to visit Sam Poh Tong?
A4: No.
Q5: What is the average duration to visit Sam Poh Tong?
A5: ~30 minutes.
Conclusion
If you do not have much time in Ipoh, Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple may not be worth your while. Kek Lok Tong and Perak Cave are more impressive!
But Sam Poh Tong is not without its charms! So if you do have some time in Ipoh, it’s worth checking it out! Doesn’t hurt that it is neighbors with two other cave temples in Gunung Rapat!
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