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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.