Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, Ipoh

Sam Poh Tong, Ipoh, Perak (18 September, 2005)

Sam Poh Tong (GPS: 4.5643, 101.1151) is one of the most famous cave temples in Ipoh, Perak. This cave temple founded 1912, was dedicated to Sam Poh, which means "three precious," and is the name used for temples dedicated to the worship of Admiral Zheng He, not unusual in Taoism, with its penchant to immortalize and deitify persons of outstanding character, even one who happened to be a Muslim. As with the other temples in the vicinity, Sam Poh Tong has expanded over time, though the continuous infusion of funds from devotees.

As with many of the Taoist cave temples, Sam Poh Tong merges religious devotion with a touch of sightseeing and recreation. Inside the temple is a big cavern graced by a reclining Buddha, along with niches lined with other Buddha images. There are steep steps leading to different parts of the cave, some opening to wonderful vistas and panoramic views of Ipoh. There is also a passageway into a secret garden surrounded by soaring karst. Within the garden is a five-tier pagoda.

On the compound of Sam Poh Tong is a tortoise pond and a fish pond, as well as numerous statues and pavilions. The landscaping of Sam Poh Tong won the "Best Landscaped Garden" award in 1993.

Entrance arch of Sam Poh Tong (18 September, 2005)

Rock garden and pond within the monastery complex. (18 September, 2005)

The monastery of Sam Poh Tong. (18 September, 2005)

This stone boat is among the ornamentation of the rock garden at Sam Poh Tong. (18 September, 2005)

The stone boat at Sam Poh Tong features hulls with dragon heads. (18 September, 2005)

The rock garden at Sam Poh Tong. (18 September, 2005)

Stone bridge at Sam Poh Tong. (18 September, 2005)

Figurines of guardian deities at Sam Poh Tong. (19 August, 2006)

Figurine playing a Chinese lute. (19 August, 2006)

Figurine holding sword. (19 August, 2006)

Imagine of the Budai. (19 August, 2006)

Stairway through the caves of Sam Poh Tong. (19 August, 2006)

View of the rock garden of Sam Poh Tong. (19 August, 2006)

Roof of Sam Poh Tong temple complex. (19 August, 2006)

Cave passageway at Sam Poh Tong. (19 August, 2006)

Monastery surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. (19 August, 2006)

Western-style fountain at Sam Poh Tong. (19 August, 2006)

Tortoise sanctuary at Sam Poh Tong. (19 August, 2006)

Tortoises at Sam Poh Tong. (19 August, 2006)

Sam Poh Tong on Google Street View

Entrance to Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple (Nov 2017)

How to reach Sam Poh Tong

Exit the North South Expressway Northern Route (E1) at the Ipoh South Interchange. Coming out of the expressway, turn left and head south along Jalan Tasek (Federal Route 1). You will pass Tesco and Kinta City Shopping Centre (Jusco) on your left. Just continue along Jalan Tasek, which is called Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah beyond the junction of Persiaran Medan Ipoh.

When you reach a flyover interchange, turn left and head southeast along Jalan Raja Dr Nazrin Shah (formerly called Jalan Gopeng). When you see a Petronas petrol station on your left, get ready to turn in to a slip road that takes you to Sam Poh Tong as well as a few other cave temples.