This neighborhood, Tengkat Tong Shin is known as a popular lodging to countless of budget travelers from around the world, however since December 2009, this one-way street has been different because of the conception of a unique boutique hotel, Anggun Kuala Lumpur.

Anggun Kuala Lumpur was transformed from an age-old building, even the transformation was painful and time-consuming, but the building was still well preserved with most of the original architectural designs. The owners surely support sustainable living and it shows in every way of how they renovated the building. For instance, the old railway hardwood sleepers were hugely utilized for restaurant floor, front-yard fence and garden fence, as well, all rattan furniture and light fixtures were either bought from or hand made by Aboriginals.

These initiatives set an example of how a hotel can promote a sustainable lifestyle in a more direct approach.

Anggun Kuala Lumpur is considered small, but absolutely luxurious. There are 18 rooms in total with 4 different types, Classic Room, Deluxe, Family and Anggun Suite. Anggun Suite has a private balcony overlooking the street of Tengkat Tong Shin, and is specially designed for honeymooners.

Passing through the courtyard atrium would be a short pleasant walk. In the daytime, the sunlight penetrates through the open roof, and a rather rustic feel is created to match its interior decor. As the hanging lanterns lit up at night, the mood instantly becomes more private and romantic.

On the top floor, it’s a beautifully named restaurant, Kupu Kupu, and it means ‘butterfly’ in Malay language. Sitting in one of the tables and surrounded by the lush potted plants, you would feel like having your meal in a garden. Kupu Kupu serves mainly Asian and European cuisine, and there’s no MSG added during the preparation of any dish.

A low key and stress-free stay is fully compatible to a uniquely different ambience at Anggun Kuala Lumpur, and you would fall for this hidden beauty…

Find Anggun KL
No. 7 & 9, Tengkat Tong Shin, Off Jalan Bukit Bintang
50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

View Anggun Kuala Lumpur in a larger map

Contact Anggun KL
Tel: +603-2145 8003
Fax: +603-2141 2800
Mobile Hotline: +6019-212 0784

Official Website
http://www.anggunkl.com/

It has a very distinctive exterior, bright yellow with red and orange stripe wrapping over the 4 storey building, and it has been known as ‘Chinatown Boutique Hotel’ since July 2009.

The hotel is situated right in the center of Chinatown Kuala Lumpur, and most of the time, the locals would refer it as ‘Petaling Street’.

Chinatown Boutique Hotel is a budget hotel with 47 rooms, one of the features that other budget hotels might not have, is the different themed feature wall behind the bed, and the available themes are ‘Honeymoon’, ‘Chinese Culture’, ‘Forbidden Citigates’, ‘Longevity’, ‘Forest Canopy’ and many more.

Honeymoon Room

Longevity Room

Forest Canopy Room

Snail Room

The rooms are pretty standard, and there are 3 basic types, ‘Deluxe Double’, ‘Deluxe Twin ‘ and ‘Deluxe Family’. Though the rooms aren’t so spacious, however, with the rates the hotel offers, it’s extremely worthy and practical.

Reception Area

There are no F&B outlet inside the hotel, indeed that isn’t a disadvantage, because you would be able to find plenty of delicious and inexpensive food along Petaling Street, and it’s a ‘real’ local food, you should give it a try!

If you’re on a long and cross-country Asia trip, then this hotel would do good for both your budget and your fatigued body.

Find Chinatown Boutique Hotel
No. 34 & 36, Jalan Hang Lekir, Off Jalan Sultan
50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

View Chinatown Boutique Hotel in a larger map

Contact Chinatown Boutique Hotel
Tel: +603-2072 3388
Fax: +603-2072 3389

Official Website
http://www.chinatownboutiquehotel.com

4pm ish.
I was on my way towards Jenjarom, Fo Guang Shan’s Dong Zen Temple.

The ride was smooth sailing, only with a stop at the Petronas gas station in Jenjarom town asking for a direction, because it was my first trip to Dong Zen Temple, so just making sure that the way was right!

The main gate opened right on the dot at 6pm. So surprisingly, I spotted quite many photography hobbyists at the temple compound. As the blue sky got deepened, visitors were apparently more. At the ‘Auspicious Tiger Lantern’, I met an elderly couple, and I even offered to help snapping a 2-shot of them.

The main theme of this festival is of course the tiger, and it’s called ‘Marvelous Malaysia Tiger’. The theme lantern is located at the back of temple compound, and the lantern comprises of 4 tigers, 3 smaller ones and one big one, and the tallest point reaches 20 feet.

The festival is held from the 12th until 28th of February, and various programs are lined up during the opening period. Pls check out the program list HERE.

Do visit the temple with your family during this new year. If you are traveling in Kuala Lumpur or the surrounding areas, do make time for this yearly event, a half day trip is good enough.
Meanwhile, I would like to wish everyone a ‘very happy’ Chinese New Year and of course Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!

Event Details
Date: 12/2/2010 – 28/2/2010
Time: 10am – 10pm
Enquiry: +603-3191 1533 / +603-7877 6533

Find FGS Dong Zen Temple
PT 2297, Jalan Sungai Buaya,
42600 Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia.

Location Map

Official Website
http://www.fgs.org.my/

The back of an island: BALIK PULAU

It’s located on the southwest of Penang Island, the unique name tells us that its location is right on the back of the island. Literally, ‘Balik Pulau’ means ‘the back of the island’ in Malay, and the locals also call it ‘Pulo’. Still, the village is retained much of its rustic charm accentuated with Hakka tradition.

The earliest residents of Balik Pulau were from southern Thailand. During the late 17th century, Penang Island and the mainland were ruled by the Malay kingdom of Kedah. When Burma threatened Siam, the Sultan of Kedah supported Burma with arms. This move enraged the King of Siam and later, Siam frequently threatened and planned attacks on Kedah. During this unstable period, Chinese residents from Phuket Island, and Malays living in the southern Thai districts, like Pattani, Yala and Satul, moved further south to Penang Island, and some even fled to the hilly Balik Pulau and settled down.

The early settlers started farming various crops, such as paddy, coconut, assorted fruits, coffee and etc. And by 1794, the East Indian Company started clove and nutmeg plantations. By the late 18th century, Balik Pulau became an agricultural center.

New Balik Pulau Market, the taste of Balik Pulau.

Mr. Koh Teng Huat, was born and raised in Balik Pulau, then left home for a short exploration, 16 years later, he returned to Balik Pulau and eventually realized where home is. He was our guide of this trip, and his humor brought us so much fun.

Due to the rain, Mr. Koh led us to the new market for a very localized lunch, the main reason was, the new building is quite accessible for our disabled friends.

Balik Pulau Laksa is a must-try at the new market.

The boss was preparing bowl after bowl of Laksa.

Mieng Kham is a Thai appetizer.

Mieng Kham is sold at the Wonton Mee stall, and made by the young Thai woman who married a local Chinese.

Lim’s Brothers Estate, a rustic lifestyle survived in modernity.

To us, the Lim family is a miracle, as well as a surprise.

Livestocks are being raised in different corners within the compound, and it’s filled with the smell of a farm. Assorted fruit trees are easily spotted, but most of it weren’t recognized by us, a bunch of typical city-dwellers. The estate has already earned their fame internationally, of course it’s due to their high quality durians. The annual tasting event even attracts visitors as far as the United States and Europe. Unfortunately, we had no luck on this trip, because the season was long over. However, we can always visit again!

Mrs. Lim told us, most of the daily routines are done by the workers, however, the chores in and around the estate would never be finished. Most chores are being done manually, even the daily 5-round collection of 7000 eggs is included. The farming live seems simple and relaxing, indeed it requires a lot of hard work and is truly a hardship.

Visit Lim’s Brothers Estate
No. 51, MK 5, Titi Serong, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang.
Tel: +604-866 8551
Contact Person: Mr. Lim Chong Teng/ Peng Siew

Roman Catholic Church, a new belief was brought in.

The Roman Catholic Church was originally an attap house when it was first built in 1854. During the late 18th and early 19th century, more and more locals converted to be the Catholics. Due to the increasing capacity, several rebuildings were taken place later, and gradually, the church building became today’s structure.

Till now, the church is still in use and offers services to the locals, therefore if you want to visit the church and view its interior, do drop by on weekends.

Viewing of Interior
Saturdays, 7pm – 10pm
Sundays, 11am – 2pm

Xuan Wu Chinese Temple, the tradition continues.

This old temple had been through several major rebuildings and renovations since 1900, though the present facade is totally a different version, but the beams are still the original ones.

Chinese opera is performed in front of the temple ground every March and July.

Pulau Betong Fishing Village, was once a bustling port.

Mr. Koh told me that this fishing village was attacked by the 2004 Tsunami, and the end result was a several casualties and a bunch of scary experiences. Eventually life moves on, but the pain of losing loved ones wouldn’t stay in the past, it would only heal bit by bit as the time passes.

No matter how busy the fishing village used to be, and today, it’s merely a port that carries fishing hobbyists out to fish, and a great spot for an evening stroll along the plankwalk.

Pantai Pasir Panjang, a secluded haven.

Walking along the sandy path, Mr. Koh started telling us his childhood reminiscence happened on this stretch of beach, meanwhile the sun began to set unnoticeably and quietly.

From here, we could see Pulau Betong, the turtle-shaped island.

Another wonderful memory was created by us, (from left, back to front) Mr. Koh, Kim Luan, Chin Teck, myself, Hsiao Hsia & Kim Eie.

Yeh Lai Siang, an everyday dinner place.

Our final stop was Yeh Lai Siang, obviously it’s our dinner place, just like most of the local families gathered around the table and waiting for the authentic Hakka dishes.

Five-Spice Braised Pork
Pi-Pa Duck
Seafood Claypot
Fish Head Curry
Chicken Chop With Mango Sauce
Yin-Yang Vegetables

As the night deepened, the place was getting crowded.

Dine at Yeh Lai Siang
No. 165, MK 4, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang.
Tel: 012-498 4052

On this day trip, we only got to see Balik Pulau briefly…
This village isn’t only situated in a great geographical location, as well, it’s filled with all sort of interesting people and stories. Also, it’s a perfect choice for a family outing.

Getting to Balik Pulau

View Directions to Balik Pulau in a larger map

A Chinese Root Floating on Water: CHEW JETTY

That was my first trip to Chew Jetty, I had seen it from close up, and in conclusion, I really like its simplicity.

Clan Jetties, is a very unique lifestyle in Penang, and it has long been a living heritage, especially those built along Weld Quay of Georgetown.

The water settlement was initially formed in around mid to late 19th century, and it’s due to a large number of Chinese immigrated into the area and worked as labors in nearby port. Very soon, these Chinese, mostly originated from Fujian Province of China, started to build houses on water with stilts, and then each water village was developed over time.

Initially, 8 water villages were formed, but due to city development, there are only 6 water villages left, there are Lim Jetty, Chew Jetty, Tan Jetty, Lee Jetty, Mixed Clan Jetty and Yeoh Jetty, and the two got demolished were Koay Jetty and Peng Aun Jetty.

Each water village was named after the surname of its residents. Indeed, it wasn’t a new idea, because in ancient China, residents of a village were usually descending down from the same lineage. Therefore, even these Chinese had left their homeland, they still carried out this tradition and started building a new home in a strange land.

Chew Jetty still remains as the largest water village among the rest. The main walkway isn’t really broad, sometimes, motorbikes or bikes would pass you by. Houses built very closely to the walkway, so you could see the interior of the house you’ve passed by. There are several split ways branching out from the walkway, and this is also leading to other residence.

Along the main walkway, I spotted a couple of colorful signs, it displayed several particular shops or spots you could find on the walkway, such as temple, grocery store, hair saloon, or even where to get Balitong (a kind of sea snail). It’s such a thoughtful idea for tourists.

When I reached the end of the walkway, the horizon of Penang just sat right before my eyes. If it was evening, I would be treated to an incredible sunset of Chew Jetty. Definitely I missed it this time, however, I’ll come back for a sunset Chew Jetty!

Chew Jetty, see ya first!

(From left, front row) Kim Eie, Hsiao Hsia, Chin Teck & Kim Luan, had a cheerful shot at Chew Jetty.

Visit Chew Jetty
Weld Quay, 10300 Georgetown, Penang.

View Chew Jetty in a larger map

Activities Available at Chew Jetty
Chew Jetty Boat Ride

Click HERE for more details.

Eat at Chew Jetty
Option 1: BBQ Dinner
Option 2: Home Cook Lunch/Dinner

Click HERE for more details.

Stay at Chew Jetty
Home Stay Experience
Type 1: Twin Sharing Aircon Room
Type 2: Single Room with Fan
Type 3: Open Air Balcony with Fan

Click HERE for more details.

During a recent trip to Taiping, we got a chance to stay at Flemington Hotel, a brand new 3-star hotel in Taiping.

Flemington Hotel sits right within the vicinity of Taiping Lake Gardens, of course, some of the hotel rooms got a fantastic view of the Lake Gardens regardless of day or night.

The hotel houses 116 rooms and suites. All the rooms feature a wide range of facilities, and it would definitely make your stay a superb experience.

Several dining options are available in the hotel.
If you’re an urbanite, I think you would love Raintree Cafe, and it offers delicious local and international cuisine. If you’re on a family trip, then Hu Jing Ge Chinese Restaurant would be a much better option. Looking for a place to hang out before or after dinner, Sky Bar at the rooftop would be a great hideout spot. Besides the bar, there’s a swimming pool where you could enjoy a few laps of morning swim. Additionally, you could also enjoy the most terrific sunset here.

Raintree Cafe

Sky Bar

Swimming pool at rooftop

Even our stay was brief, and we didn’t get to try out everything there, however, our first encounter with Flemington was still great.

Find Flemington
No. 1, Jalan Samanea Saman,
34000 Taiping, Perak.

View Flemington Hotel in a larger map

Contact Flemington
Tel: +605-820 7777
Fax: +605-808 0177

Official Website
http://www.flemingtonhotel.com.my

A Must Visit in Taiping: BUKIT LARUT

After a good night’s rest, we’re ready for more adventures.

Ticketing & Information Office

After a dim sum breakfast at the kopitiam nearby Flemington Hotel, we proceeded straight to the base station of Bukit Larut. We arrived at the base station after 10 minutes drive. We parked our car further down the road due to no parking space near the gate. Our designated Land Rover was ready at around 8:30am, and our driver was Jamaluddin, who has been driving on this tarred road for 28 years.

Jamaluddin, our Land Rover driver.

Soon, the Land Rover rolled out from the base station. The ride up to the hill takes about 30 minutes, and it’s quite bumpy and full of adventures. Along the 13km road, there’re 72 hairpin bends, and the red number labeled on tree trunk or pole around the corner, is the number of corner along the road.

Trekking up to the hill on weekends has become a usual exercise for most locals, especially elders. They normally bring teapots up, and along the trail, they would collect spring water for making tea, later they would enjoy a cup of tea at the shed.

The entire hill is still pristine. The surrounding is perfectly tranquil and only filled with the sound of birds and insects. There’re several spots you could get a perfect view of Taiping city and its surrounding areas, one is from the observation tower which is located on a tableland nearby Cendana Hut. Camping is also allowed on the hill, but you can only camp at the tableland.

If you’ve been overworking, and are in need of an undisturbed getaway, Bukit Larut would be a perfect place to get closed to pristine nature.

Round Trip Land Rover Transport
Drop-off Point:                      Adult Fare                    Child Fare (age 5 – 11)
Bukit Larut Station              RM 6.00                        RM 3.00
Bungalow Beringin
Bungalow Permai View
- – -
Bungalow Angkasa               RM 7.00                       RM 4.00
Cendana Hut
Bungalow Tempinis
Gunung Hijau Rest House
Bungalow Nest

Land Rover Service
Up          8am    9am    10am    11am    12pm    1pm    2pm    3pm
Down    8am    9am    10am    11am    12pm    1pm    2pm    3pm    4pm

Accommodation Options

 Bukit Larut Rest House
RM 120.00 per House, 4 Rooms, can accommodate up to 10 persons.

Bungalow Beringin
RM 200.00 per House, 2 Rooms, can accommodate up to 10 persons.

Bungalow Tempinis
RM 150.00 per House, 4 Rooms, can accommodate up to 10 persons.

Gunung Hijau Rest House
RM 120.00 per House, 4 Rooms, can accommodate up to 10 persons.

Bungalow Permai View
RM 150.00 per House, 3 Rooms, can accommodate up to 10 persons.

Bungalow Nest
RM 450.00 per House (w/o F&B), 6 Rooms, can accommodate up to 29 persons.
* Package deal is available at Nest.
RM50 per person per nite (3 meals + bed), RM30 for children under 12.
Kindly contact the following:
Uncle Lee at +6019-527 9788, or
Mrs. Lee at +6012-544 0488, or
the church at +605-805 1461.

Cendana Hut
For room booking at Cendana Hut, pls. contact +605-806 1777/2777, or email kamatravel@yahoo.com.

Where to Eat on Hilltop
1.   Canteen at Bukit Larut Rest House
2.   Cendana Cafe at Cendana Hut
3.   Self prepared. Most bungalows are equipped with kitchens, some even have caretaker to prepare meals. Pls call to ensure what you should prepare.

Contact
Bukit Larut Recreational Area Office
Tel: +605-807 7241/7243
Office Hours: 8am – 5pm
* You can ring the above number for booking Land Rover transport and accommodation.

View Bukit Larut Guide Map in a larger map

The Most Photographed Spot in Taiping: TAIPING LAKE GARDENS

After getting down from Bukit Larut, we drove around the Lake Gardens.

The Lake Gardens is located at the foot of Bukit Larut. There’s only one circular road surrounded the park, therefore, regardless of you’re going to or leaving Bukit Larut, you would certainly pass by this picturesque park.

Within the vicinity of the 62-hectare park, there are some great facilities and attractions, such as
- the lakes
- a recreation park
- a Japanese garden
- a lotus pool
- a zigzag bridge
- a pagoda bridge
- a roller-skating rink
- paddle-boat rides
- children’s playground
- jogging tracks
- reflexology tracks
- open air gymnasium

This is definitely the most beautiful park I’ve been to. The shady boulevard, the serene environment, and lush greenery, all the elements are man-made, can’t you believe it?!

Park Details
Admission: Free
Contact No.: +605-805 3928

The Breakfast Place: CONG YIN PORK NOODLES

It’s a family-run shop, the main hands behind the stoves are the husband and wife, and the children do mainly the ordering and serving. Therefore, you would find two cooking and preparation stations on both side at the shop front.

Pork noodles are popular almost in any area of Malaysia, you could find it in many food courts and kopitiams (Chinese coffee shop). Besides the extremely good taste, Cong Yin’s pork noodles aren’t any special compared to others. For achieving a good taste, it only needs fresh ingredients and long-hour simmered soup, and Cong Yin has got both. That’s why Cong Yin is really popular locally, especially during breakfast time.

If you’re craving for a good bowl of pork noodle, then Cong Yin would be your stop for breakfast or lunch.

Recommended Food
Pork Noodle RM 5 per bowl
Fried Dumpling RM 2 per plate

Find Cong Yin
No. 39, Lebuh Taman Ipoh,
Taman Ipoh Selatan,
31400 Ipoh, Perak.

View Cong Yin Pork Noodles in a larger map

Contact Cong Yin
Mobile: +6016-592 8668
Mobile: +6017-583 9553

Business Hours
7:30am – 2:30pm, daily

The Visiting Spot: PERAK TONG

My last trip to Perak Tong was more than 10 years ago, and that didn’t even leave me any memorable sight of the cave temple. But this time, I had really enjoyed everything.

The cave interior features more than 200 pieces of calligraphies and murals, those were the masterpieces of famous artists from all over the world.

The staircase leading to the peak, is pretty steep and narrow, especially the last stretch of steps approaching the pagoda where you could view the entire Ipoh City. On the way up to the peak, you’d find several pagodas situated in various spots. Those are the good spots for a short rest.

We took more than 30 minutes to reach the peak. Although we’re sweating and craving for an energy bar, but as the incredible panoramic view opened up right before our eyes, all the exhaustion had flown away.

It would be better that the temple management could place some signs to show the way up to the peak, because I almost got myself lost and walked on a wrong path leading to nowhere, luckily I made a ‘U’ turn soon enough.

Perak Tong suffered a rockfall early this year, and it was just re-opened in July. During our visit in mid September, I didn’t see any safety measures taken within the compound, I hope the cave is still safe to visit for visitors.

Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Contact No.: -

Direction to Perak Tong
View Perak Tong in a larger map

The Lunch Place: RESTAURANT AUN LOKE

This simple restaurant is along the trunk road going to Pokok Assam, and it can be easily spotted.

The food is great, but not the environment. The restaurant is just sat aside the road, so there’s no proper parking space. Cars are side-parked along the road, so finding parking would be a headache during peak time.

Recommended Dishes

Curry Fish Head

Baked Salted Chicken

Fried Bean Sprouts

Omelette

Fried Bean Curd Skin Rolls

Find Aun Loke
Lot 160, Jalan Pokok Assam,
34000 Taiping, Perak.

Contact Aun Loke
Tel: +605-807 9660
Mobile: +6016-536 2657

Business Hours
12:00 noon – 8:30pm, daily

Sightseeing in Taiping: A HERITAGE WALK

Taiping town is quite small and concentrating. In the town centre, the roads were laid in grid formation, and the 2 main roads, also parallel roads are Jalan Kota (Kota Road) and Jalan Taming Sari (Main Road). Even if you’re not good with direction, you just need to remember these 2 roads, then you could always turn back on these roads.

Post & Telegraph Office

Town Rest House

Capitan Chung Keng Kooi’s Townhouse

Most of the old and heritage buildings are in town centre and within walking distance, so walking on foot would be a good way to take a closer look on these heritage buildings. Spending an afternoon strolling around town would be sufficient, and here’s the suggested route:-

You can park your car at Taiping Government Offices, where would be your start and end point, and then you can follow the route below.

1.   Start: Taiping Government Offices (Jalan Kota)
2.   Cantonese Association & Temple for The Immortal Girl (Jalan Tokong)
3.   Guan Hin Chan (19 Cross Street No. 4)
4.   Police Station/Clocktower (Jalan Kota)
5.   Taiping Market (Market Square)
6.   Tseng Lung Hakka Association (Jalan Pasar)
7.   King Edward VII School (Jalan Stesen)
8.   Town Rest House (Jalan Stesen)
9.   Post & Telegraph Office (Jalan Stesen)
10.   Capitan Chung Keng Kooi’s Townhouse (Jalan Barrack), it’s now Bee Poh Antique Shop.
11.   Shun-Te Hui Kuan (Jalan Kota)
12.   End: Taiping Government Offices (Jalan Kota)

View Heritage Tour of Taiping in a larger map

Place to Stay in Taiping: FLEMINGTON HOTEL

This hotel is the latest addition to Taiping town, it sits right by Taiping Lake, and occupies the nicest spot of Taiping.

Hotel Lobby

Raintree Cafe

The hotel is chic and in style, and it has soon become the most happening hang out spot for the locals. There are 2 restaurants housed in the hotel, Raintree Cafe and Hu Jing Ge Chinese Restaurant. If you prefer something local or fusion, then Raintree would be your choice. On the other hand, Hu Jing Ge is the best option for family dinner which offers the best Cantonese cuisine in town.

Lake View Executive Suite

The rooms are really comfy and spacious, and it has everything a traveler needs. The rooms with the lake view are much more better than the ones facing the housing area. So, next time you check in to this hotel, remember to ask for a lake view room.

There are a swimming pool and a bar called Skybar on the roof top. The swimming pool faces the west, so here becomes the best sunset spot.

A great vacation always begins with a great stay, and Flemington is one of the best in Taiping.

Find Flemington
No. 1, Jalan Semanea Saman,
34000 Taiping, Perak.

Contact Flemington
Tel: +605-820 7777
Fax: +605-808 0177

Official Website
http://www.flemingtonhotel.com.my/

A Special Note to: HARRY HO – our special guide in Ipoh

During our short 2 and a half days in Ipoh, luckily we had Harry to bring us around and show us the places he knows. I know it was a tiring 2-day schedule for you, and you’re trying your very best to cope with us.

You told me that you spent more than 10 years to deal with your disability caused by an accident, and that was indeed a painful process. Now, you’ve already proven that your disability only stays on your physique, and not your heart.

I wish you well and happy, and hope to see you soon.

Ipoh city is situated within the limestone and granite ranges, and countless of caverns are within these limestone hills. Today, most of the caverns have been converted into places of worship, such as Sam Poh Tong, Perak Tong, Kek Lok Tong and so forth, as well, these cave temples have become very popular among the local and foreign tourists.

The transformation of these plain caverns to be the distinctive cave temples, is simply explained through the development of tin mines industry in Ipoh. Because of the accidental discovery of tin ore by Long Jaafar and the later exploitation, thousands of migrant workers from southern China shifted in, especially during the tin craze era of the 1910s and 20s. As the tin mine workers moving in, they also brought along their religious practices and cultures. It’s believed that there were monks and Taoists among the migrant workers, and they discovered some of the caverns and made it into the religious sites.

Hence, on our second day in Ipoh, we definitely couldn’t miss out the well-known cave temples here.

Nam Tian Tong

Nam Tian Tong means ‘Cave of the Southern Sky’ in Chinese, and the Southern Sky is often referred as ‘heaven’ in Chinese mythology.

On the temple facade, we find ‘Ba Xian’ (Eight Immortals) illustrated beautifully, so obviously, it’s a Taoist temple, because ‘Ba Xian’ is from Taoist mythology and they are the most widely known immortals throughout Chinese culture. The eight individual immortals represent a full range of life experience as youth, old age, poverty, wealth, male, female, the common public and the nobility.

The temple is more than 120 years. However, it’s well kept by the temple management committee, and the present chief Taoist priest is its fourth generation. Besides, the management committee also keeps a very comprehensive historical journal of the temple, thus, most of the incidents can still be tracked accordingly.

This stairway of 138 steps inside the temple would lead visitors to the top of the mountain range. Unfortunately, we didn’t climb up. So we couldn’t share the picturesque view here.

Both Nam Tian Tong and Sam Poh Tong suffered a disastrous mudslide in 1973. Later, the public donated funds to rebuild these 2 cave temples, and the reconstruction of Sam Poh Tong even took 6 years to fully recover back to its current state.

Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Contact No.: -

Directions to Nam Tian Tong
View Nam Tian Tong 南天洞 in a larger map

Sam Poh Tong

Sam Poh Tong is nearby Nam Tian Tong, and the entrance is on the same stretch of road as Nam Tian Tong’s, only further in.

The main difference between Sam Poh Tong and Nam Tian Tong is, Sam Poh Tong is a Buddhist temple. According to some informal journals, when the Taoist priests settled in Nam Tian Tong, other monks chose to settle in the neighboring cave, Sam Poh Tong.

There are 3 main attractions in Sam Poh Tong:-

1.   A landscaped garden at the front of the temple.
It’s awarded ‘The Best Landscaped non-Muslim house of worship’ in 1993.

2.   Pavilion of the Goddess of Mercy (Guan Yin).
It’s located in the open courtyard at the back of the cavern.

3.   The tortoise pond.
It’s the home of hundreds of tortoises and terrapins. Visitors are allowed to feed the tortoises and they can buy ‘kangkung’ (a type of vegetable) at the entrance.

Additionally, the temple houses many bronze Buddha figurines, which are placed in the main chamber, it becomes a unique feature and also attracts devotees here to offer prayers.

Opening Hours: 9am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Contact No.: +605-312 0813

Directions to Sam Poh Tong
View Sam Poh Tong 三宝洞 in a larger map

Kek Lok Tong

Kek Lok Tong is the most recent cave temple, and built in the 1970s.

After visited most of the cave temples in Ipoh, Kek Lok Tong naturally becomes my favorite one. Reason is quite simple, because inside the cave, there are numerous unique shapes of stalactites and stalagmites, and the rock formations took thousands of years.

In addition, the cavern is depicted as a dragon carp. The entrance is facing the northern sky, and it’s similar to a widely open mouth of the carp, and the carp’s tail is the 2 flights of stairs right at the back of the cave which’s leading to the huge garden.

Opening Hours: 6:30am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Contact No.: +605-312 8112

Directions to Kek Lok Tong
View Kek Lok Tong 极乐洞 in a larger map

There are many great cave temples in Ipoh, however, not all is accessible for the disabled tourists. Only Kek Lok Tong has a wheelchair ramp next to the carp fish pond, and wheelchair users can at least get in to the main chamber. Therefore, Malaysia still has a long way to go on building a better infrastructure for both the able and disabled.

Ipoh Railway Station was our first stop in Ipoh.

The whole white building is fronted by a beautifully landscaped garden. From far, the building is gracefully in sync with the backdrop. Compared to the Old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, both myself and the camera guy think that Ipoh Railway Station is more unique, perhaps it’s due to the well-crafted surroundings.

The Majestic Station Hotel Ipoh is the 2-star budget hotel on the 2nd and 3rd floor of Ipoh Railway Station, and it’s where our beds would be too.

Our rooms were on the 3rd floor, and it opened out to a 200-metre long verandah.

Though the rooms didn’t look like the deluxe rooms in any city hotel, but to us, it’s so worth staying for such a great back-in-time experience, and an exclusive atmosphere that was created through history.

Because of the announcement at the train station was still going up until nearly 3am, so my first night sleep was a little uneasy. For those light sleepers, this could be one great disadvantage of staying at The Majestic.
Another quick note for car travelers who would love to experience the unique stay at The Majestic is, to park your car at the parking space that is located on the side of the railway station. If your car was parked in any parking space on the garden side, you’d get a parking ticket in less than 5 minutes.

Ipoh, a small city within the valley, has quite a fickle weather…
Our afternoon schedule was delayed by a sudden shower, and it came fast and a little unexpected.

After a quick lunch at Woolley Food City, we followed Harry to the Old Town, an area where most heritage buildings are located.

Ipoh Padang

HSBC Building

Royal Ipoh Club

For being a real sight-seer, we’d spent a whole afternoon in the Old Town area, and the biggest reward was a great discovery, it was Rojak Ipoh. A great local snack that can’t be missed out if you’re happened to be here.

Rojak Ipoh

Location: In front of Fatt Kee Kopitiam, along Jalan Bandaraya
Business Hours: 11am – 6pm, daily
Choices:
RM 3.00     Rojak
RM 3.60     Rojak Mee
RM 3.00     Mee Goreng (Fried Noodles)
RM 3.00     Mee Rebus

Watching the night-fall at the railway station was magnificent.
Soon, the darkness was escalating, and the surrounding activities started to decline.
At last, the presence of this building was only accompanied by the engine sound of the coming and leaving train…