2025 - Tung Wah Tong 洞華東 Cave Temple, Ipoh

Pusat Meditasi Buddhist Tung Wah Tong is perched on the side of Gunung Layang-Layang near Tambun.

19.10.2025 - Whenever any of our children visit us in Ipoh, we usually take them out to look for food and explore interesting places. On this particular day, while we were driving toward Sunway Tambun, we unexpectedly noticed a temple on the hillside. Curiosity led us to climb up the hill to explore it. Walking up the steep flight of 159 stone steps to the top was an experience in itself.

The temple caretaker warmly welcomed us at the top and gave us a brief introduction to the history of the cave temple, as well as the cave wall paintings illuminated with beautiful lighting effects. The cave temple is located about 100m above ground.

It is believed that Tung Wah Cave was discovered in 1923 by a group of miners from the state of Pahang. However, in 1948, the place was abandoned for some time when the government implemented emergency laws. It was not until 1979 that a group of Buddhists redeveloped it and turned it into a meditation center.

There were many monkeys running around the temple ground.


There were many monkeys running around the temple ground.


Walking up the steep flight of 159 stone steps to the top.


The interior of Yán Bǎo Wáng Cáng De, a cave temple, features various images of deities.


This is the entrance to the main cave temple of Tung Wah Tong. The entrance is flanked by a pair of door gods, but unlike most temples, these figures are not painted on or carved into the doors themselves.


The main prayer hall of Tung Wah Tong Temple is located within a cave, and its principal deity is the Jade Emperor. The cave’s natural landscape is equally breath-taking. Inside the hall of Tung Hua Tong, the stalactite walls and the statues of the deities create an atmosphere of spiritual grandeur and serene majesty.

The huge stalactite stands prominently in the center of the temple hall.


A huge stalactite and a grand wall painting in the temple hall.

Ching Neng Bin at the stalactite and wall mural inside the temple hall.


Shevin and Ching Jin Wei beside the stalactite and mural in the temple hall.


Inside the temple hall stands a massive stalactite alongside a large, striking wall mural.


The main prayer hall of Tung Wah Tong Temple.


The 18 Arhats or Luohans, 十八羅漢, are revered in Chinese Buddhism as the original disciples of Gautama Buddha. They are individuals who followed the Noble Eightfold Path and attained the four stages of enlightenment. Having reached Nirvana, they are free from worldly desires and sufferings.


The Arhats or Luohans, 十八羅漢, of Tung Wah Tong Cave Temple.


At the main altar is the Supreme August Jade Emperor (God of Heaven).


Two major celebrations are observed at this temple each year. The first is the birthday of the Supreme August Jade Emperor, held on the ninth day of the first lunar month. The second is a festival celebrated on the sixth day of the eleventh month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar.


In addition to strolling through the hall and praying for blessings with faith, we also ventured into the Crystal Cave on the right side of the hall and walked up to a natural open space behind it.


The entrance to the Crystal Cave in Tung Wah Tong Cave Temple.


The Crystal Cave in Tung Wah Tong Cave Temple.


The Crystal Cave in Tung Wah Tong Cave Temple.


The Crystal Cave in Tung Wah Tong Cave Temple.


The Crystal in Tung Wah Tong Cave Temple.


We entered the Crystal Cave and walked up to a natural open space behind it. We had to step carefully along the dimly lit stone stairs before reaching a peaceful open space, where green trees and rocks coexisted in harmony. There was no noise, no disturbance from the outside world—just calmness, far away from the troubles of everyday life.

We entered the Crystal Cave and walked up to a natural open space behind it.


We entered the Crystal Cave and walked up to a natural open space behind it.


On the left side of the hall, there is another staircase that leads to a second natural open space, but it is locked due to the uneven ground.


The huge stalactite stands prominently here.


The natural open space is out of bounds due to the uneven ground.


As we walked down the temple stairs, we could admire the surrounding scenery.


As we walked down the temple stairs, we could admire the surrounding scenery. The view along the way was captivating— we paused halfway, gazing at the quiet community below and feeling the gentle breeze, which was especially refreshing. The natural beauty within the cave was equally remarkable, completely making up for the effort of climbing the stone steps. It was truly an experience that made the journey worthwhile.


As we walked down the temple stairs, we could admire the surrounding scenery. 


As we walked down the temple stairs, we could admire the surrounding scenery.

Cave Temples in Ipoh

1. Sam Poh Tong Temple

2. Kek Look Tong

3. Miaw Yuan Chan Lin Temple

4. Ling Sen Tong Temple

5. Tung Wah Tong Cave Temple

6. Nam Thean Tong Temple

7. Perak Tong Temple

8. Kwan Yin Tong Temple

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