Chinese New Year Eve Countdown 13 Feb 2010

On the eve of Chinese New Year 13th Feb 2010, approximately 150 people gathered at the Tong Wah Cave temple to celebrate the countdown. The occasion also the burning of giant joss sticks by worshipers and well wishers.





Many came with their family members to offer prayers to the Lord of the Land, the guardian of the temple. There were also lion dance being performed at the foot of the hill before performing in the cave located 155 steps above.



By 11.00pm, the names of donors and worshipers were called to collect their sticks dipped in kerosene to be used to light up the giant joss sticks.



At 11.45pm sharp, the giant joss sticks were burned. It was then followed by the lion dance performance. Fire crackers were lighted up at 12.00am to mark the start of the year of Tiger.





Mandarin oranges donated by well wishers were given away by the lion dance. By 12.45am, everyone started to descend and travel back to their destinations.



According to Mr. Chang, who is one of the committee members of temple, this is the first time that they received huge support from the public in terms of donation and number of giant joss sticks.







The temple opens daily from 9.00am till 6.30pm. For further information, kindly contact Mr. Chang at 016-5186178

About Tong Wah Cave Temple

February 26, 2010

Welcome to the blog of Tong Wah Cave Temple. This temple was founded about 140 years ago by some monks and later financed by philanthropists of the Kinta Valley, which was once well known as the number one producer of tin in the world.

The temple as seen from the foot of the hill

The entrance of the temple

At the front of the temple

Among the generous individuals who help set up the committee of the temple include Leong Sin Nam, who is an ex-tin miner.

Inside the temple


Located about 2 km from the Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh, this cave is visible from the Tambun road after passing the Lost of Tambun and the Banjaran Hotspring. Almost every week, the temple receives a few hundred visitors and worshipers from all over Malaysia as well as from other countries. The temple is also an attraction to many tourist now. No entrance is charged but visitors can make any contribution towards the maintenance and development of the cave.

Location map of Tong Wah temple (click on image to enlarge)

Committee members of the temple

The temple was located in a cave which is about 100 m high. Special stair case has been constructed to enable visitors to climb up the hill. From the temple, we can catch a very nice view of the limestone hills around.

Inside the temple

A view from inside out of the the temple

The signboard at entrance reads: "If you are able to climb up the hill - it is fate. If you are able to come down from the hill - it's your luck".