Non-touristy holy grounds around Ipoh provide a rare and unpretentious example of pluralism where different groups can accommodate one another without loss of either identity or integrity.
To that extent Malaysia's history provides a model for other cultures and countries to learn and live together without any one group ignoring the rights and privileges of the others. Spend a wonderful day discovering why religious tolerance has made Malaysia a shining example.
Tour Itinerary
* 9.00am – Pick up at hotel. Introduction, trip briefings and safety procedures.
* 10.00am – Ganapathi Temple to view the only “white” clay temple in South East Asia which honours the elephant god Ganesha. In 19th century, Indian workers were brought in by colonial British to build vast network of rail lines and stations. Pockets of Indian enclaves naturally sprouted along rail tracks and temples were built to offer prayers and blessings.
The Ganapathi temple was nothing but a palm shack in 19th century but today, rich sons of rail worker communities have returned to their roots by funding and building an ornate clay temple to commemorate the sacrifices of their forefathers.
* 11.30am – Kuan Yim Tong Cave Temple. View a mystical Taoist temple carved from a million-year old limestone cave. Stalagmites and stalactites decorate its interiors and heavenly scents of burning “gaharu wood” greet visitors. Pray for good health and luck here.
* 1.00pm – Lunch.
* 2.00pm - Ubudiah Mosque. See the most sought after view for postcards in Kuala Kangsar, an ancient Malay kingdom riverview town. Designed by colonial English architect Arthur Benison Hubback and completed in 1917, it was perhaps the only mosque in SE Asia mooted by non-muslim.
And since the mosque is located at Bukit Chandan, a sprawling neighbourhood that houses Perak’s royal families, guests will also enjoy sights of palaces and heritage sites.
* 4.00pm – Simpang “Chinaware” Temple. See a quirky Chinese temple with roofs made entirely from kitchenware such as spoons, cups, saucers, bowls, pots etc. Legend has it that 200 years ago, villagers were too poor to fund the construction of a temple.
Hence, everyone chipped in with whatever they could spare from home and used culinary chinaware to decorate the roofings. Today, the temple is thronged by locals praying for fortune and prosperity.
* 5.00pm – Teatime.
* 6.00pm – Transfer back to hotel.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- One lunch and tea snack during excursion.
- Private English-speaking guide.
- Private transport to all destinations & activities.
Please note that all trips are private-type and require a minimum of 2 people to operate; surcharge applicable for 1 person trip. Discounts are available for self-drive, groups, retirees, students, families and nature clubs.
All packages are ex-Ipoh, a town 200km north capital Kuala Lumpur (KL) and 150km south Penang. To reach Ipoh from KL, hop on the daytime hourly bus services available at KL Puduraya bus station. The ride takes 2 hrs and cost USD4.20 one way, air con. Recommended bus services are Transnasional, Plusliner or Sri Maju. Hotels are cheap in Ipoh as the town is non-touristy. YMCA offers basic room for USD11.80, budget hotel USD24 air-con room, 3 star hotel USD47 room and 4 star hotel USD80 room.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Malaysia
Pilgrimage/Spirituality
Cultural Journey
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