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Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, Ipoh, Perak

Sam Poh Tong, Ipoh, PerakSam 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.

Sam Poh Tong, Ipoh, PerakEntrance arch of Sam Poh Tong (18 September, 2005)


Sam Poh Tong, Ipoh, PerakRock garden and pond within the monastery complex. (18 September, 2005)


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


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


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


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


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


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


Sam Poh Tong, Ipoh, PerakFigurine playing a Chinese lute. (19 August, 2006)


Sam Poh Tong, Ipoh, PerakFigurine holding sword. (19 August, 2006)


Sam Poh Tong, Ipoh, PerakImagine of the Budai. (19 August, 2006)


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


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


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


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


Sam Poh Tong, Ipoh, PerakMonastery surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. (19 August, 2006)


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


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


Sam Poh Tong, Ipoh, PerakTortoises 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.

Sam Poh Tong is on the map of Jalan Sultan Nazrin Shah, Ipoh

Sam Poh Tong is on the map of the Cave Temples of Ipoh

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About this website



Hello and thanks for reading this page. My name is Timothy and my hobby is in describing places so that I can share the information with the general public. My website has become the go to site for a lot of people including students, teachers, journalists, etc. whenever they seek information on places, particularly those in Malaysia and Singapore. I have been doing this since 5 January 2003, for over twenty years already. You can read about me at Discover Timothy. By now I have compiled information on thousands of places, mostly in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and I continue to add more almost every day. My goal is to describe every street in every town in Malaysia and Singapore.
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