Perak Tong is one of the more popular cave temples in Perak. There is an information plaque outside the temple which provides some background of this cave temple which reads as follows:
"In 1926 Chong Sen Yee and his wife Choong Chan Yoke who came from Jiao-Ling province of China, discovered Perak Tong.
Upon obtaining approval from the Perak State Government, Chong and his wife started to develop the cave temple. As Chong Sen Yee was mainly involved in the planning and development of the cave temple his wife went all out to look for donations to carry out the plan, locally and internationally.
Chong Sen Yee passed away in 1980 and his wife Choong Chan Yoke in 1983, handing the heritage to the son Chong Yin Chat. He put even greater effort into the temple and thus enhanced Perak Tong into an international tourist spot in Perak."
The Cave Temple
Upon entering the cave through the narrow entrance passage, the limestone cave opens up into a hugh space with a high dome with hidden recesses and grottoes. A 40 feet golden sitting Buddha statue dominates the temple. He is flanked by four guardian deities at his side. The walls of the cavern are decorated with colourful murals depicting characters and events from Chinese mythology and Buddhist scriptures. Chinese calligraphy also adorns the walls some of which was painted by Chong Yin Chat. There are numerous statues and carvings scattered around the temple, including a female Goddess with 18 arms. The strong aroma of incense mixed with the earthy cave smell lends the cave a special atmosphere.
Behind the main alter at the back of the great chamber, there is a flight of narrow staircase going up into the far recesses of the cave and out through an opening on the side of the hill. Visitors are requested to give some donation for the upkeep of the facilities at this temple, including the facilities beyond the point. Visitors can proceed to climb to the top of the hill from 9am to 4pm only.
At the start of the narrow staircase, there is a signboard with health warning to visitors with the following medical condition to not attempt the climb : - Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, history of balloon angioplasty, Heart By-pass surgery and Bronchial asthma.
The stairs continue to wind their way up the hillside passing gazebos and pavilions where people rest and enjoy the views of the surrounding area. Upon reaching the highest pavillion with a hugh Chinese Character, turn right to take the narrow staircase up.
Walk until the end of the staircase. You will see a Buddha sitting on an elephant.
The cache
The cache is a tube located just on the right side of the Buddha image just outside the path. Please do not climb out because there is No need to. Bring your own pen.
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