Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple and Zen Gardens
Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple and Zen Gardens
4.5
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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- raysweePhnom Penh, Cambodia446 contributionsChinese templeA place of interest that is a must to visit when you visit Ipoh. This is another Chinese temple that is built inside the cave. The only difference is that there have a lake and garden behind the temple. This temple is good for elderly and family with children. It is free of charge and there is ample of free car park (which is recommended). The drive to there is about 5.7km from the cityVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 October 2023
- Vicki S3 contributionsSomething for all the familyFascinating temple in the cave, and the family enjoyed the opportunity to explore the limestone up close. But somehow it's the approach out of the cave and into lush garden greenery which makes it feel just a little bit magical. Kids enjoyed spotting fish and turtles in the lake, and trying the reflexology walk (ouch!).Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 February 2024
- Anand1351Singapore, Singapore3,790 contributionsNo 1 Attraction in IpohWow what a beauty and nature probably millions of years old. Natural cave temple and gardens. Take some time to appreciate the limestones formation in the cave temple - it’s huge. You may light a candle with your name and wish and buy the fish feed as there are 2 big ponds here. Beware of monkeys thoughVisited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
782 reviews
Excellent
361
Very good
349
Average
63
Poor
8
Terrible
1
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LRMcK
Cairns, Australia1,984 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Best to go see this on a weekday morning so it is not so crowded. Beautiful cave with Buddhist statues that you walk right through to a beautiful pond and well kept gardens. Not many stairs. Can rent a paddle boat 12 r for two people for 30 minutes. Bit of fun, but can't go far before you have to turn around. Allow an hour for total visit. Shame about the huge concrete factory behind that has taken away half the mountain and spoiled the view.
Written 22 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,803 contributions
Feb 2020
Kek Lok Tong is one of many cave temples in Ipoh, I think virtually all located in the southeast of the city. This one is well to the south and the only way I could get there was using a taxi. So the temple is built into a limestone cave, complete with the usual stalactite formations. The place is well maintained with flooring and stairs, so it does feel very safe to wander around.
The cave seems to be a mixture of Buddhist and Chinese temple, although the latter is often mixed with the former so that I can never quite tell if it’s dedicated one or both. The cave and sub caves are filled with statues of gods, some of which I could recognise as Bodhisattva and one was definitely the Maitreya Bodhisattva. Many of the statues are actually label, but I was too lazy to do a google translate to find out what they were. The goddess of mercy is easy to spot standing just outside the entrance to the cave.
Other than being about to wander around the caves, I though the next best thing about the temple was gardens with a mini lake set amongst lush greenery, surrounded by hilly terrain equally rich with greenery.
Well worth a visit when in Ipoh.
The cave seems to be a mixture of Buddhist and Chinese temple, although the latter is often mixed with the former so that I can never quite tell if it’s dedicated one or both. The cave and sub caves are filled with statues of gods, some of which I could recognise as Bodhisattva and one was definitely the Maitreya Bodhisattva. Many of the statues are actually label, but I was too lazy to do a google translate to find out what they were. The goddess of mercy is easy to spot standing just outside the entrance to the cave.
Other than being about to wander around the caves, I though the next best thing about the temple was gardens with a mini lake set amongst lush greenery, surrounded by hilly terrain equally rich with greenery.
Well worth a visit when in Ipoh.
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike M
Edinburgh, UK230 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Great cave, sympathetically lit to show the rock formations and patterns. Statues are also blended into the natural spaces of the cave. The garden is a haven of tranquility. The best thing about this cancer for me is that human intervention seems to make it's even better. Well worth an hour or more.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
limtsiew
Ipoh, Malaysia6 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
A Mahayana Buddhist temple in a beautiful limestone cave. Well managed & well maintained. At side of entrance are toilets. A tall Kuan Yin statue standing in a pool full of beautiful colorful koi fish. A walk through d cave opens up to a nice zen garden and a paved path round d garden for walks & jogs. Benches for visitors to sit and look beyond to d garden to soak in d serene view. Entrance is free but it would b good of u to donate towards upkeep.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frans d
San Antonio, TX234 contributions
Jan 2020
Although Kek Look Tong is not an historical temple, it is a very nice place to visit. The cave is large and has many stalagtites and stalagmites. Beautiful display of spiritual statues. Park behind the cave is tranquile and well maintained.
No eateries or souvenir shops. Free entrance. Very quiet on a weekday..if not with your own transportation, you can use taxi or Grab to get there for around Rm 16 from Ipoh Parade Mall.
No eateries or souvenir shops. Free entrance. Very quiet on a weekday..if not with your own transportation, you can use taxi or Grab to get there for around Rm 16 from Ipoh Parade Mall.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ELAYTEE
London, UK233 contributions
May 2022 • Family
First visit was 8yrs ago and it was much better than today, but still a nice trip for an hour or so.
My main disappointment is that there is now a factory of some sort in the garden and some of the mountains that previously enveloped the garden are now gone, it is such an eyesore and a real shame. Looking at other reviews it seems like some point in 2020 they cleared some of the mountains for that favctory/mine.
Overall, we went in Raya week which was probably a mistake as it was absolutely rammed and not that peaceful. I also noticed that in the past, they had lots of donated ornaments and vases all around the cave that were interesting to look at which have now been removed.
There is some parking inside and near the cave and the surrounding areas. Toilets and vending machines are available on site.
The cave itself is very large with ponds, fountains lighting and different levels to take in the views of both the statues or natural formations and is still definitely worth seeing.
The garden is to the rear of the cave and has great views of the (remaining) cliffs including a walking path for your sore feet and a few seating areas to take in the views.
If you go at a quieter time it is perhaps a lot more tranquil and calming, but even if slightly busy it is worth a visit.
My main disappointment is that there is now a factory of some sort in the garden and some of the mountains that previously enveloped the garden are now gone, it is such an eyesore and a real shame. Looking at other reviews it seems like some point in 2020 they cleared some of the mountains for that favctory/mine.
Overall, we went in Raya week which was probably a mistake as it was absolutely rammed and not that peaceful. I also noticed that in the past, they had lots of donated ornaments and vases all around the cave that were interesting to look at which have now been removed.
There is some parking inside and near the cave and the surrounding areas. Toilets and vending machines are available on site.
The cave itself is very large with ponds, fountains lighting and different levels to take in the views of both the statues or natural formations and is still definitely worth seeing.
The garden is to the rear of the cave and has great views of the (remaining) cliffs including a walking path for your sore feet and a few seating areas to take in the views.
If you go at a quieter time it is perhaps a lot more tranquil and calming, but even if slightly busy it is worth a visit.
Written 12 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Princes of travel
Paris, France6,789 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., access to the temple is free. Ample on-site parking is available.
The layout of this temple is unique and similar to other Buddhist temples in the area. A cave full of stalactites and stalagmites welcomes visitors. The stalactites and stalagmites are highlighted to reveal their contours and colors.
Statues placed here and there populate the area as do thieving and prankster monkeys who are dislodged by the temple guards.
Once you have crossed the cave, you come out on a large body of water where you can go around it. We also enjoy a superb view of the mountains that surround the place. The place exudes serenity as everything is pretty, clean and calm.
A must-see temple if you are in Ipoh.
The layout of this temple is unique and similar to other Buddhist temples in the area. A cave full of stalactites and stalagmites welcomes visitors. The stalactites and stalagmites are highlighted to reveal their contours and colors.
Statues placed here and there populate the area as do thieving and prankster monkeys who are dislodged by the temple guards.
Once you have crossed the cave, you come out on a large body of water where you can go around it. We also enjoy a superb view of the mountains that surround the place. The place exudes serenity as everything is pretty, clean and calm.
A must-see temple if you are in Ipoh.
Written 19 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chow E
Singapore, Singapore251 contributions
Jun 2022
Was very surprised to find a temple located inside the cave. It was quite cooling once you walked inside the cave. There were quite many buddhist statues there and people walked to the end to find a opening where you can look down to see beautiful limestone scenary , plants, flowers. There were also many people around sitting down to enjoy the scenary too.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz T 14
Cheyenne, WY3,637 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
... in which you can walk a distance of 3.8 km - but you don't have to.
You get to this place via a very impressive, wide staircase. You are then surrounded by a mighty vault dominated by many statues and monuments, which has a very pleasant quality. It is filled with a very pleasant air, the temperature of which allows visitors to linger here even on hot days. This means that the tour does not push you to the limit of your strength.
The end of the cave is also very spectacular. Behind it there is a park surrounded by steep walls on three sides. The latter is spacious and very pleasantly designed. It also includes a lake. You can go for a very well-kept walk here.
You get to this place via a very impressive, wide staircase. You are then surrounded by a mighty vault dominated by many statues and monuments, which has a very pleasant quality. It is filled with a very pleasant air, the temperature of which allows visitors to linger here even on hot days. This means that the tour does not push you to the limit of your strength.
The end of the cave is also very spectacular. Behind it there is a park surrounded by steep walls on three sides. The latter is spacious and very pleasantly designed. It also includes a lake. You can go for a very well-kept walk here.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Highadventurer
Singapore, Singapore5,036 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
Firstly the lady whom post 'so so ' has got her bearings wrong. She is referring to Nam Tin Tong and not Kek Lok Tong which is in a different location ! A shame other reviewers don't point that point nor is there a process to advise TA it is erroneously posted.
How many stars depends on your interest ie religious, tourism or you simply like nature and rocks/caves.
To be fair, I like rocks and nature and have no interest in buddhism or Taoism so the cave structure does not interest me as much as the rock formations(see my pictures). The caves were once surrounded by mountains 360 degree but too bad the greedy developers have blasted whole mountains of limestone for the cement making ingredients.
To each their own, enjoy your religious or rock /cave tours. At the least this cave is clean and entrance is free as with toilets. Thank you, caretakers.
How many stars depends on your interest ie religious, tourism or you simply like nature and rocks/caves.
To be fair, I like rocks and nature and have no interest in buddhism or Taoism so the cave structure does not interest me as much as the rock formations(see my pictures). The caves were once surrounded by mountains 360 degree but too bad the greedy developers have blasted whole mountains of limestone for the cement making ingredients.
To each their own, enjoy your religious or rock /cave tours. At the least this cave is clean and entrance is free as with toilets. Thank you, caretakers.
Written 8 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m afraid I don’t know but I assume they will be open now but with social distance rules in place.
Written 15 December 2020
Just wondering how tough is the walking? Dicky knee :-)
Written 8 December 2019
Other than the steps to get up to and down from the cave, the ground of the cave is smooth and even concrete floor. The path along the lake garden is even concrete too. It is not those nature trail.
Written 9 December 2019
We are a party of 4 adults and 1 toddler. Is it easy to get a grab to come back to town?
Written 10 August 2019
It's still within Ipoh, so no problem getting Grab from there. In fact, it's easy to get a Grab in Ipoh. And there's temple staff manning a counter/office near the entrance you can go to for assistance, if needed.
Written 12 August 2019
No but you can carry the person up the stairs and let them sit then you can carry the wheelchair and you can show them around.
Written 20 December 2018
Hallo,
wartet das Grab-Taxi oder wie habt ihr das mit hin und zurĂĽck gemacht?
Wie lange dauert der Ausflug, wie weit weg ist das vom Zentrum?
Danke.
Written 13 October 2018
we took a grab to go there. It did not wait, but we found another grab very easily to go to another caves. Do not bother ask the driver to wait for you. We visited the place for something like 30 minutes
Written 14 October 2018
What activities can carry out if we are going in field trip for kids between age 6 to 12?thank for the reply
Written 13 October 2017
There is a big parking lot where bus & cars are parked and it is sandy definitely you cannot carry out your activities there so there is no choice for you other then to have your activities at the zen gardens and it also depends the type of activity as it should be a very simple one for e.g, have them seated in a circle put a handkerchief behind anyone of them and run around and maybe like 10 children standing in a row passing a balloon filled with water backwards from the front child to the 10th child at the back something like that it is my opinion only.you can think of something when you are there yourself
Written 13 October 2017
The roads are wide enough for a Tour bus to drive in and the car park is pretty large.
Written 25 September 2017
How much is the entrance fees for zen gardens?
Written 31 August 2017
The entry is free, you can buy some fish food to feed the carp. I believe the local businesses and community upkeep the temple through their patronage. You may make offerings and it is strictly voluntary.
Written 1 September 2017
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