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Popular
Places |
Sam
Poh Tong Temple
Sam
Poh Tong temple, an impressive work of art and faith with various statues
of Buddha among natural stalagmites and stalactites, is situated in Gunung
Rapat, approximately 5km south of Ipoh city. There is a wishing well for
those seeking better fortune and a pond where visitors can feed tortoise
(symbol of longevity) with stalks of kangkong, a type of vegetable. There
is also a vegetarian restaurant outside the temple where one can enjoy
a simple meal amidst tranquility.
Perak
Tong
Built
in 1926, Perak Tong Temple is nestled within the huge limestone caves
of Gunung Tasek, 6km to the north of Ipoh. The temple, built by a Buddhist
priest from China, houses more than 40 Buddha statues with the center
piece being a 12.8 m high sitting Buddha. Beyond the main altar, one can
have a panoramic view of Ipoh and the surrounding countryside by ascending
a flight of 385 steps at the back of the cave. This temple serves Buddhist
vegetarian fare too.
Lata
Iskandar & Lata Kinjang Waterfalls
The
Lata Iskandar Waterfalls, on the way up to Cameron Highlands from Tapah,
is an ideal picnic area and favorite stopover. Its surrounding jungle
is home to one of the largest variety of exotic insect and plant life
in the world. Traditional earth pottery is crafted near here at Kampung
Kerayung. Besides Lata Iskandar, there is also Lata Kinjang, which is
located a mere 18km from Tapah. This set of falls can actually be seen
whilst traveling along the North-South Highway. The main attraction at
this waterfall is the impressive series of cascading waters winding down
a 100m drop. This too is an ideal spot for picnickers.
Kellie's
Castle
A
30 minute drive from Ipoh takes you to the ruins of Kellie's Castle. This
unfinished castle was the brainchild of William Kellie Smith, a Scottish
rubber tycoon during the late 19th Century. Located in Batu Gajah, the
castle though commonly referred to as Kellie's Castle, is often spoken
of as Kellie's Folly. The castle, which was meant to be a gift to his
wife and unborn son, was never completed as Smith - in the midst of its
construction - left for England on an ill-fated trip and never returned.
Shrouded in dark mystery, it is believed that Kellie's Castle has hidden
rooms and a secret tunnel. The road leading to this abandoned structure
follows the contours of the land in a dizzying, maze-like fashion, adding
to the mystery and romance of the place.
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