Yalinie Mathan
Kek Look Tong and Qing Xin Ling are open again at the foot of Gunung Rapat in Ipoh. Both shut in 2024 after rockfalls. Both now run with new safety measures, The Star reported. The cave temple reopened in October, and the cultural village followed on 28 October.
However, the closures were not linked. Qing Xin Ling shut first, after a death. The cave temple shut later in the year, citing flooding.
Overall, here is why the sites closed, what has changed and how to plan a visit.
Why the two sites closed
Qing Xin Ling closed in April 2024. A 44-year-old man died on 8 April when a rock fell at the village. Police confirmed the death at the time. The village is in Taman Saikat, at the foothills of Gunung Rapat.
Ten days later, Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin gave an update, according to a Malay Mail report. Qing Xin Ling was the only foothill attraction closed so far. Moreover, other spots were running as usual. Rumaizi said a state committee on caves and foothills was expected to issue a circular.
The temple closed in October 2024. Its management said the closure was indefinite because of flooding, The Rakyat Post reported. The same report says a large rockfall also hit the site that month.
As a result, two of the best-known stops around the hills stayed shut for years. Overall, the reopenings end closures that began in 2024. Qing Xin Ling was closed for about two and a half years. The temple was closed for about two.
What has changed on site
At Kek Look Tong, handrails now line the stairwell at the entrance. Anti-slip mats cover the floors to cut the risk of falls. The temple has also added staff and tightened its checks.
The temple has also written weather into its rules. It will now stop operating when conditions turn bad. Therefore, a wet day may mean a closed gate.
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Qing Xin Ling has taken a more technical route. It has put up signboards and safety nets along the hills. In addition, an AI-based system now tracks movement on the slopes, rainfall and wind speed.
The village says it improved its measures after consulting the Mineral and Geoscience Department and other experts. However, no costs or contractors were announced. Furthermore, it stays closed on Sundays and public holidays to limit crowds.
Planning a visit
Neither site has published hours, entry fees or parking details in the reports we found. Therefore, call ahead before you travel. Prices and hours may have changed since 2024.
Weather decides a lot here. The temple now stops operating when conditions turn bad. In addition, heavy rain has put parts of Perak on flood alert this month. Therefore, check the weather first.
Meanwhile, Qing Xin Ling shuts on Sundays and public holidays to limit visitor numbers. It is not an option on those days. Plan a Saturday or weekday visit instead. Wear shoes with a good grip, and stay out of any roped-off areas.
In short, Kek Look Tong and Qing Xin Ling are back with new safety measures. Check weather and opening days before you go.
Sashidaran Gunathevan
CJMY
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