Perak Tong Cave Temple

Perak Tong was founded in 1926 by a Buddhist priest from China and occupies a chamber in one of the limestone hills that stand along the road north out of Ipoh. The main hall holds a gilded Buddha around twelve metres high, and behind and above it the cave walls carry murals painted directly on the rock by artists from across Asia over several decades - landscapes, calligraphy and figures, more than forty of them, following the natural surfaces rather than flat panels. From the back of the chamber a stairway of about four hundred and fifty steps climbs through the hill to an opening near the top, where there is a platform with a view over Ipoh and the surrounding karst. The climb is hot and steep and there are rest points on the way.

What you actually see

• Murals painted on rock - more than forty, following the cave surfaces.
• A twelve-metre gilded Buddha - the main image in the entrance hall.
• 450 steps through the hill - climbing to an opening near the summit.
• A view over Ipoh karst - the limestone hills from the top platform.

When to go

All year; early morning before the heat for the climb. Two hours.

Honest expectations

The stairway is steep, hot and unshaded in places - not for anyone with mobility problems. It is a working temple. The roadside setting is noisy and industrial.

Nearby

Sam Poh Tong and Kek Look Tong are south of Ipoh; the old town is close.