Divine destination: Ipoh’s Kwan Yin Tong cave temple

25-May-2021, 09:00

25 May 2021, 09:00

Up in the languid reaches of Gunung Rapat, Perak rests numerous religious monuments that pay homage to Kwan Yin.

Perak Kwan Yin Tong cave temple in Ipoh, Perak. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

Perak Kwan Yin Tong (also known as Tokong Kwan Yin Tong or Kwan Yin Tong Temple) is a cave temple located at the foot of Gunung Rapat on Jalan Gopeng, Ipoh, Perak.

Gunung Rapat is an impressive limestone karst tower which contains a number of other nearby cave temples such as Sam Poh Tong, Nam Thean Tong, Ling Sen Tong and Kek Lok Tong.

Scores of lanterns decorate the temple’s airy halls. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

The cave at Kwan Yin Tong extends for about 20 metres under the cliff. The floor of the cave has been paved over with marble tiles and the lower sections of the walls have been smoothed off and whitewashed. The upper walls and roof have been left in their original natural cave state.

Stairs off to the side of the temple lead to a higher level with a Buddha in seated position. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

The temple is Buddhist and dedicated to the Bodhisattva Guanyin commonly known as the Goddess of Mercy. Numerous statues of Guan Yin, both large and small line the walls of the cave temple, together with colourful murals.

On the left is a beautiful mural found at the temple and on the right, stands a terracotta pagoda outside the cave. (Malaysia Traveller pic)

The temple administrators are currently raising funds to give the temple a major facelift so the temple might look completely different in a few years time.