Just north of Ipoh at Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Perak Tong, a limestone cave temple, houses over 40 statues of Buddha. 385 steps in a cave behind the main altar lead up to a magnificent viewpoint, from where one can survey the surrounding countryside. Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong, near Gunung Rapat, are impressive cave temples where statues of Buddha stand alongside magical stalactites and rock formations. Both temples have Buddhist vegetarian restaurants in the temple grounds.
Kuala Kangsar is the birthplace of the rubber industry. In 1877, nine rubber trees were first planted here and the industry was born. Three of the town’s most beautiful buildings include Istana Iskandariah, the royal palace, Istana Kenangan, the former royal palace now home to the Perek State Museum, and the Ubudiah Mosque.