Kek Lok Tong

The Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple is translated as Cave of Ultimate Bliss. The temple cave is situated in the natural and picturesque area of Gunung Rapat, Ipoh. It sits on a 12 acre site and was used as a place of worship since early 1920’s. But it was only open to visitors in the 1970’s.

The limestone hill where the temple was built is made up of light grey to white crystalline Kinta limestone inter bedded with about 5 mm to 1 cm thick argillaceous material bands. Primary iron can still be seen within the limestone. Upon entering the temple, there is a koi fish pond. The floor has been leveled and paved and much of the lower walls are lined with marble tiles. The roof and upper walls however remain in their natural state with some impressive stalactite formations.

Being a spacious cavern with large openings at each end, it enjoys good natural lighting and a refreshing breeze blows through the cave. This airy atmosphere serves as a refuge from the overwhelming heat. The central altar features golden statues of Buddhist and Chinese mythological deities.

This temple cave also has its award winning Zen Garden that features a jogging path that circles two lakes. The gardens include gazebos, a reflexology path and a massive electricity pylon.

Image by: hams Nocete

Operating Hours

Daily: 7.00 a.m – 6.00 p.m

Admission

There’s no entrance fee. However, donation is encouraged.

Location

Gunung Rapat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.

View map.

Hear From Others

What so amazing about this place is the vastness of the cave and view of magnificent cave pillar structures; cooling flow of air and cleanliness.

Jeff
3SGJeffery

The magnitude of the cavern was impressive and this showed only about half of its actual length. Roof was pretty smooth (making me wonder if there has been some alterations to them) with interestingly shaped stalactites spotted on the sides.

CavinTeo

Kek Lok Tong is the preferred option for Ipoh’s numerous splendid cave temples due to its spacious parking, airy feel and aesthetically pleasing garden landscape.

David3816

Nearby Attractions

Han Chin Pet Soo

Han Chin Pet Soo is Malaysia’s first Hakka tin mining museum. It is located at the edge of Ipoh’s Old Town and was opened to public in 2015. The museum was initially the home of the Hakka Tin Miners Club that was founded in 1893.

Birch Memorial Clock Tower

The Birch Memorial Clock Tower is a clock tower in Ipoh, Perak. It was constructed to commemorate James W. W. Birch, the first British Resident of the state of Perak.

Concubine Lane

In July 2016, Lonely Planet listed Ipoh as one of the best Asian destinations to visit. Photos of the Concubine Lane started appearing in news articles making it one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ipoh.