Perak Tong cave temple or just Perak Tong as the locals fondly call it, is a well-known attraction in the city. It sits by the side of a main road (Tasek Road) under the shadow of Gunung Tasek and is accessible from town.
And many visitors make it a point to visit this temple for its marvellous architecture and hilltop views! Learn more about what to expect before you go here!
History
The construction of Perak Tong dates back to 1926. A couple from Jiaoling, China took great pains (and half a century) to build a temple out of the cave they found.
Today, the temple owes its elegant palace-like façade to their family. Its beauty has gained it an international reputation as a must-see tourist attraction in the state of Perak!
You can read more on the history from the information plaque just outside the temple.
While the temple is free to visit, there are two things to note:
- This is a still place of worship. So, visitors are welcome to leave a small donation during their visit. There will sometimes be a lady at the entrance of the temple actively seeking donations for the temple.
- There will occasionally be some guys hanging around the car park too. They will guide you on where to park your car even if you do not want their service! And they expect a small fee (RM2) in return.
Furthermore, the temple may be a tourist attraction but still primarily serves as a place of worship for Buddhists and Taoists. Hence, visitors should cover themselves appropriately and try to keep quiet during their visit.
Opening Hours
The temple is open every day. If you want to make the climb to the hilltop pavilion, it’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the heat. Although the steps leading up to the outdoor gazebos are partially shaded by greenery.
Note that they do not allow anyone to climb up after 4pm! And there are several warnings on who should not attempt the climb.
Depending on how interesting you find the temple, you can spend 30 minutes or up to an hour here. Especially to catch your breath after the climb to the top!
What To See
1. Admire The Architecture
The main hall of the temple makes use of a large limestone cave. It is cooler here and very peaceful!
From here, smaller chambers branch out creating natural recesses for more deity statues to rest upon.
Past the main altar, is a passage that leads further into the cave. It’s quite dim in here so if you plan to take some photos, bring along a tripod!
2. Examine The Many Buddhist Statues And Paintings
When we entered the temple, the first thing that caught our eye was 40-feet tall gold Buddha statue with guardian deities at both sides.
There is Chinese calligraphy and colorful murals of figures from Chinese mythology and Buddhism on the walls of the hall. The interior of the cave has preserved these beautiful paintings well.
Other statues are all around the temple and temple grounds. Including different representations of Guan Yin, the revered Goddess of Mercy.
In fact, there are over 40 Buddha statues at this cave temple!
3. Climb Up To The Top!
If you can handle the steep and narrow staircase (left side) with approximately 400-500 steps, then you are in for a great little workout!
Hiking shoes or sneakers are advisable. And while kids may attempt the climb, do watch them carefully. The hike is not fully sheltered from the sun, and many of the steps are not in great shape. We had to be especially careful the higher we climbed.
Elders or those who are not able to climb should wait at the benches in the temple. The climb takes you up past the monks’ quarters and up out to the hillside.
There are more pavilions and gazebos along the way up the hill. The highest pavilion is a double-storey structure with good views of the surroundings!
Notes:
- Visitors are expected to leave a donation of RM3 to access the staircase.
- Staircase is closed from 4pm onwards
- Do not attempt the climb after it has being raining
4. Wander The Gardens
A landscaped garden in front of the temple features a pond with a large statue of Guan Yin. The gardens are minimal compared to the one at Sam Poh Tong but still well kept.
There are fish in these ponds but they’re not very big.
We didn’t stay too long here since it was getting hot in the afternoon. There are no gazebos in this garden to rest at.
5. Watch Out For Monkeys!
Monkeys or rather, long-tailed macaques are a common sight at the temple. Although we did not see any at all at our last visit to the temple.
They live in the jungle up the hill and are always taking the opportunity to pounce on unsuspecting tourists with food at the temple!
You are not supposed to feed them. But that doesn’t stop people from doing so. They have become accustomed to humans and will take food from children who are not aware of them.
Do try to keep a watchful eye on your stuff when you are here! They will steal and go through your bag if they get the chance! The sound of rustling plastic alerts them that there is food.
6. Pick Up A Souvenir
In the temple grounds, there are various stalls selling incense sticks, snacks, drinks, and trinkets like jade and other semi-precious stones.
You can try having your fortune told at one of these stalls too!
Tips For Visiting
- Staircase is run-down in places. Be careful as they can be slippery too.
- Access to the staircase to climb to the top will close at 4pm.
- Climbing down can be challenging as the steps are quite steep.
- To cool off after your climb, you can buy coconut and ice cream at a small stall at the temple.
- Avid photographers will want to bring a tripod to get more stable shots in the dimly lit temple
- Go early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day
- Expect many temple visitors during weekends and public holidays
Getting Here
From Ipoh Town, it is a 20-minute drive north on Federal Route 1 from Ipoh town to Jalan Kuala Kangsar where the temple is.
You can take a taxi or an e-hailing service from town to the temple, but it may not be as easy to get one back! So do keep that in mind.
Private Tour Service From Ipoh
Perak Cave Temple can be part of a custom tour itinerary for your private Ipoh day tour with RayTheTour!
Visit popular or hidden attractions like:
- Kellie’s Castle
- TT5 Tin dredge
- A pomelo plantation
Or extend your stay in Ipoh and go further!
- Gopeng ( Gua Tempurung and HOGA Gaharu Tea Valley Plantation)
- Sitiwan
- Cameron Highlands
- Taiping
- Kuala Sepetang
Contact RayTheTour through WhatsApp to find out more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is this cave suitable for children or elderly?
A1: Elders will most likely not be able to attempt the staircase climb. But children may under adult supervision.
Q2: Is there a toilet at the temple?
A2: Yes, but it is not clean and a small fee will be charged to use it.
Q3: Can you take public transport to Perak Cave Temple?
A3: Yes. Use Perak Transit bus routes, T31A & T31B.
Q4: Is it possible to take a Grab from Ipoh Old Town to Perak Tong?
A4: Yes. It is more difficult to get a return Grab back!
Q5: Do you have to pay to enter the temple?
A5: No, but you are encouraged to leave a small donation for climbing the staircase. And some unofficial parking attendants may expect some money too.
Q6: How long should I visit Perak Cave Temple for?
A6: 30 minutes to an hour.
Conclusion
We think you won’t regret a visit to Perak Cave Temple as it is a very beautiful temple inside and out! The access to the stairway leading up to the hilltop is an additional highlight that other temples in Ipoh do not have.
Kek Lok Tong
While Perak Tong is impressive, we recommend Kek Lok Tong if you want to see more limestone rock formations in a larger cavern!
Cave Temples In Ipoh
Perak Cave Temple is certainly a top choice when it comes to cave temples in Ipoh. But there are more, and you might like them better than this one!
