The Sam Poh Tong Temple is believed to be the oldest cave temple in Ipoh. It was built within a limestone cave. It is beautifully landscaped at the front, with a large fish pond, Japanese stone lanterns and pagodas. Visitors can also climb up the 246 steps to an open cave to enjoy an excellent view of Ipoh and its surroundings.

According to folklore, Sam Poh Tong was discovered by a monk from China in 1890, who decided to stay and meditate there. The monk stayed there for 20 years until he passed on. Buddhist monks and nuns continue to occupy the cave until today.

Sam Poh Tong in Chinese means Cavern of Three Precious.  It is a Chinese Buddhist temple with facades dating back to the 1950s.

Presently, Sam Poh Tong is still being used by nuns and monks also to meditate. There is a statue of the reclining Buddha flanked by smaller statues inside the cave. The main attraction is the turtle pond where devotees release tortoises, hoping to balance their karma.