The nearest temple to the highway is Ling Sen Tong Temple, which appears to be the most contemporary and tidy of the trio. Situated amidst the verdant cliffs, Ling Sen Tong offers a visual treat to the beholder.
The temples are conveniently located off the highway, making it easy to get there. Despite being a bit far from Ipoh Oldtown, we didn’t have trouble finding Grab drivers willing to drop us off or pick us up.
Normally, parking at Ling Sen Tong Temple is free, but during special holidays like Chinese New Year, there may be a fee. There is a parking lot across from the temple, or you could park at the enclosed lot at Nam Thean Tong next door. It might be a good idea to visit the temples in reverse order, so Ling Sen Tong is last. That way, you won’t have to drive far down the winding road to get back to the highway when you’re ready to leave.
Be careful of an aggressive elderly woman begging near the entrance of this temple. While walking up from Nam Thean Tong, she spotted us and hobbled towards us, shouting something in Chinese while extending her hand. Despite politely declining her request for money, she continued to follow us, yelling until we reached the entrance gate of the temple.
What To See
Ling Sen Tong Temple in Ipoh is a feast for the eyes, with its vibrant and contrasting colours reminiscent of a theme park like Singapore’s Haw Par Villa. The garden statues have a cartoonish appearance that might seem irreverent to some, but they are well-maintained with no signs of fading paint. To take a breather, a shaded resting area with benches is situated on the right side of the Tao deity donning a white robe.
In the main temple, locals can be seen making offerings and praying. The altar is adorned with lotus candles, flowers, and mini statues, while conical joss sticks hang from the low ceiling. Years of burning candles and incense have blackened the rock ceiling of the cave.
Beyond the colourful arches lies a small courtyard with Taoist figures and their respective donation boxes. Inside the building with two entrances, there is a prayer shrine for the “thousand eyes” god behind protective glass.
Stairs in the courtyard lead to the second level of the temple, where golden statues, including a reclining Buddha, are visible on the exposed roof. This vantage point offers an excellent view of the cliffs, the Ling Sen Tong courtyard, and Nam Thean Tong Temple next door. There is also a washroom available on this level. Further on is an open-air room for religious offerings, with a set of stairs leading down to the main shrine room just outside.
Ling Sen Tong Temple
Address: 4, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Taman Chateau, 30010 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM