Sam Poh Tong

This is Sam Poh Tong. A natural limestone cave of Triple Gems. Located in Ipoh, it is the biggest cave temple in the country. I remember visiting this cave temple when I was a little girl and coming back here after 30 years, it seemed a very small cave temple today. The place is not well maintained, unfortunately. I do believe that during Chinese New Year and other Chinese festivals, this place might be visited more often. I spoke to the lady caretaker and asked her why people in Ipoh do not speak the Hakka dialect any more. When I was little, I was always fascinated to listen to folks speaking in Hakka. Today, everyone speak Cantonese. Long lost the authentic Ipoh that I once knew.

According to legend, Sam Poh Tong was discovered in 1890 by a monk from China who was passing through Ipoh. He decided to make this cave temple his meditation home. He lived here for 20 years until his death.

This is the inner courtyard where there are plentiful of tortoises. They symbolize longevity.

Sam Poh Tong Temple
Gunung Rapat
Ipoh

Gopeng

I have visited Gopeng a few times in the past 2 years especially for the COFFEE. Look at that rich dark brown color and imagine the beauty of the taste. At RM2.40, it is The Best Coffee In The Whole World!!!

With history dating back to about 150 years ago, Gopeng is an older town compared to Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur. She was rich in tin mining and rubber plantations. Eu Yan Sang, the Asian leader in Chinese medicine were founded in Gopeng.

This is the stall in the food market that serves my FAVORITE coffee in the whole world!

This is another food stall in the market that serves simple AWESOME noodles. Operators are very friendly people.

 

Opened in 2009 in conjunction with World Heritage Day. Exhibits were donated by the local community.

Assortments of Chinese tea

 

Gopeng downtown

Gopeng Antique Kopitiam is an antique themed cafe which served fusion dishes. Interior decor is fascinating.

 

We ordered an assortment of meat bites. Awesome.