Perak Tong Cave Temple

Founded in 1926, the Perak Tong Cave Temple is arguably one of Ipoh’s most popular attractions. The cave sits at the foot of a 120m-high limestone outcropping and was discovered by Chong Sen Yee and his wife, who came to Malaya from Jiaoling, China. Over the next 50 years, the couple worked laboriously to transform it into a beautiful place of worship. Visitors will be greeted by an impressive red and white facade, set amidst a backdrop of hills and lush greenery. Inside, a 15m-tall Buddha statue sits in the main prayer hall, surrounded by four guardian deities. One of the temple’s most distinctive features is the colourful hand-painted frescoes, depicting Buddhist deities and mythical creatures such as dragons and phoenixes alongside scripture calligraphy. If you’re up to some physical activity, climb a narrow staircase of 358 steps to reach a garden, a pavilion and a vantage point with breath-taking views of the valley below.