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Kinta District
Ipoh
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Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple
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Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple

See all things to do
See all things to do
Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple
3.5
325
#11 of 82 things to do in Ipoh
Religious Sites
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
325 reviews
Excellent
61
Very good
129
Average
104
Poor
26
Terrible
5
B T
London, UK962 contributions
Very picturesque but not much in the cave
Aug 2022
The temples are very nice, there is a very pretty building outside the cave entrance with a pond and nice gardens. There is not much inside the cave temples themselves. It is a 15/20 min bus ride from Ipoh Medan Kidd bus station (beside railway station). You can take the T34 or the 66 and they drop off and pick up outside the temple. Costs 1.30 RM each way. It does not take long to look, it probably takes longer to get to/from here than you spend here, but for me it was worthwhile.
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SuzieQ
178 contributions
Ipoh's oldest natural authentic Chinese Temple
May 2022
Natural limestone caves with monkeys, waterlily fish ponds and tortoises at Perak's heritage Chinese temple. Worth a visit to get away from newer touristy temples in Ipoh and Penang. Just a short ride from the Istana & race course, Sam Poh Tong can be found nestled in natural limestone hills with beautiful landscaped gardens.

However, like all older temples, Sam Poh Tong needs more funds to maintain its vast gardens, cave buildings, local memorial urns and cremation facilities. During heavy rains, there can be flash floods at lower levels with mud and water running down from the hill slopes. Best to visit during dry sunny days to enjoy walks around gardens, feed the fishes and take scenic photos of temples, cave tunnels and tortoises.
Written 19 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sukanto A
Bengaluru, India5 contributions
Over-rated ... most things closed
Feb 2022
Sam Poh Tong is a bit overrated for being on the list of the top things to do in Ipoh.
There is this enclosed valley, at the back, which has two of the main attractions of Sam Poh Tong. One of them is the red pagoda with it's bright colors against the grey cliffs. It looked very appealing but was closed. Looked like they have been closed for sometime.
Written 28 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
smenne
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia173 contributions
The best
Dec 2021 • Couples
If you have time for online one temple this one has to be. As you enter you are firstly struck by the beauty of the garden pond. When you enter the first chamber you wonder what you see doing there but at the back you follow the path yo the behind the Cave Temple. Majestic. On the opposite side there is a turtle pond. Not so nice but a n important chinese symbol for long life.
The temple is soon photogenic.
The fountain in European style is out of place but it is still beautiful.
All in all , don't miss it!
Written 29 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
b3achbuddy
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia150 contributions
100+ Turtle cave
Nov 2021
it's very under rated and low maintained temple. It may have been a beautiful cave on the old days. Hopefully they get someone to fund this place to make it beautiful/amazing again.
Written 11 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Natalie P
Bucharest, Romania261 contributions
A poor man’s Kek Lok Tong
Jul 2020 • Couples
After visiting the Kek Lok Tong we had fairly high expectations of this place. Sadly we were disappointed. Small road leads to temple, we’re many men sit on the side of the road begging. Parked in a muddy and dirty car park. Ventured inside (free of charge). There is a small pond which is kinda funky but next to a garage. Temple is built into the cave wall but place seemed dirty, slippery and with hoses running across the floor. Outside is tortoise pond, a good 50 or more animals penned in on concrete with a small bit of water. Looked like battery farm for tortoises, poor creatures. You can pay to buy food for them. Wouldn’t recommend, wouldn’t go back.
Written 23 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David N
9 contributions
Beautiful
Feb 2020
Unmissable if you are in Ipoh, but I highly recommend having a driver that can stay with you, because walking is too long and getting a Grab is very difficult.

The hidden temple (and turtle pond!) are the stuff of dreams!!!
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Koloblicin
Singapore, Singapore595 contributions
Pay respect to granny
Mar 2020 • Couples
The first thing after arriving in Ipoh is to come to Sam Poh Tong to pay respect to granny. The temple is quiet in the morning, and has many monkeys. RIP
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shane B
Perth, Australia212 contributions
My favorite cave temple
Feb 2020
This temple is my favorite. Its not the biggest, looks like a bit of maintenance needed but feels very peaceful and once you go through the cave temple you come out into an enclosed area with a tortoise pool. You can buy some food to feed them if you want. Get there early and enjoy how quite it is. Once you have had a good look you can move onto the next temple which is right next t it.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steph S
Darwin, Australia203 contributions
Feed the turtles
Feb 2020 • Friends
Lovely caves and lovely volunteers here. A number of stairs but a lovely place with various shrines. It's a must to feed the turtles... so much fun
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Sam Poh Tong Cave Temple, Ipoh

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