Ipoh is known for its hidden gems… not only for its delicious Ipoh food, but also scenic landmarks. One of them is known as Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village.

Born and bred in Ipoh for almost 2 decades, I must honestly admit that I didn’t know about this place… at all. Heh.

It’s so hidden in Gunung Rapat (which literally means “tight mountains” in Malay), that I’ve only discovered it recently.

Besides the usual cave temples in Ipoh, there are lakes surrounded by mountains which were developed as a recreational park.

Qing Xin Ling is a man-made cultural village featuring antiques and also the vintage aspect of the olden days. It feels like you’re somewhere in China when you’re within the vicinity.

Although it’s closely linked to the Buddhism religion, Qing Xin Ling is open to the public.

Getting to Qin Xin Ling requires you to drive through the residential area of Taman Saikat. The roads can be narrow as it’s a pretty small neighbourhood. Oh, GPS coordinates and location below!

On a weekend, the car park can be congested and it may be challenging to find a parking spot.

The entrance fee for Qing Xin Ling is RM6 (effective December 2015) while children below the age of 3 can enter for free.

Here’s how the entrance ticket looks like. In fact, they’re quite up-to-date on Social Media… they promote their Facebook page, and their website has an embedded chat function!

It’s amusing to see a traditional attraction like this in Ipoh being equipped with technological knowledge.

Qing Xin Ling is a nice place for family gathering and outing with friends. There are several spots for visitors to take photos with.

Since it’s surrounded by mountains, it’s definitely a place to admire the natural cave-stone formations.

Visitors can also juggle trek, ride a bicycle, and fish the fishes in the lake.

Apparently the wooden houses surrounding the lake serve as accommodation as well. The rate ranges from RM200 to RM600 per night depending on the size of the house.

I wonder if anyone would actually stay a night here. I mean… not creepy meh?

Anyway, that’s me with some Chinese phrases which I don’t even understand. There are several of these cards hanging on the wall barrier surrounding the lake.

If I’m not mistaken, the 2 phrases I was holding represent… handsome and wealthy!

Oh, they aren’t? Oh well… it doesn’t matter! ;)

There is a steep walkway that leads visitor to a high ground. There, you can see a better overall view of Qing Xin Ling.

As you walk up the walkway, there are some cliché features like love notes.

These love notes are hung along the fence.

Besides that, more antique and old school stuff can be seen well-arranged along a row of huts. The exhibition has old bicycles, radio boxes, and antique decorations… to name some.

So if you’re in Ipoh and have spare time in between meals, drop by Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village to take a stroll and let the food digest.

It can be quite hot and humid there… after all you’re still in Malaysia. So be prepared to be drenched in sweat as you explore Qing Xin Ling.

Perhaps after sweating, you can look for this Mermaid and take a swim with her.

Uhh… maybe not. She’s creepy!

Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village
22A, Persiaran Pinggir Rapat 5A, Taman Saikat, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
Business Hours: Daily 0900-1800
GPS Coordinates: 4.5619, 101.12423