Sam Poh Tong Temple

Sam Poh Tong Temple is a renowned Chinese Buddhist cave temple located in Gunung Rapat, about 6 km south of Ipoh in Kinta District, Perak. Built within a natural limestone cave, it is considered the largest cave temple in Malaysia. Notable for its ornate Buddha statues, stalactite caverns, tortoise pond and landscaped Japanese garden, it is a major religious and tourist site.

Visitors enter through a landscaped garden with a tortoise pond into a large limestone cave housing Buddhist shrines, statues of Buddha and Guan Yin, and natural stalactites and stalagmites. The complex includes prayer halls, a vegetarian restaurant, souvenir stalls and a Japanese garden outside the cave. Expect steps and uneven cave floors, incense-filled halls, and tranquil garden areas for walking and photography.

Founded in 1912 when a Chinese Buddhist monk from China discovered the limestone cave and used it as a meditation retreat. Over subsequent decades the cave was developed into a temple complex and expanded into Malaysia's largest cave temple.

Important Chinese Buddhist place of worship dedicated to Guan Yin and other Buddhist deities. Serves as a pilgrimage and prayer site for the local Chinese Buddhist community and is known for its tortoise pond, where releasing tortoises symbolizes longevity and good fortune.