Photos

Nan Tian Dong Taoist Cave Temple ("Nam Thien Tong" in Cantonese) is sandwiched between Ling Xian Yan and the further inward, San Bao Dong Buddhist Cave Temple. It used to be ranked at par with the San Bao Tong and whenever you mentioned San Bao Dong, you will automatically associate it with the name of Nan Tian Dong. "Dong is referred as "cave" while "Nan" is South and the word "Tian" is sky; so if you translate that in English, it simply means, the Cave to host the various Buddhist figures from the southern Sky (heaven). As illustrated with the various colorful personalities and characters at the lower portion of the temple entry section; yes. This is a Taoist Temple in its nature and its another alternative name is Nan Dao Yuan ("Nam Tou Yun" in Cantonese), means College of Southern Religious Principles).

Similar to the San Bao Tong, this heritage religious site suffered a disastrous outcome from a mudslide occurred in 1973. However, the incident has the public awaken to the needs in reconstruction which resulted gradual development to its current state. Today, Nan Tian Dong can be regarded as one of the best maintained cave temple in Ipoh city. The progress of this temple indirectly reflects the following of school of Taoist is quite strong in the local Chinese community.

http://www.mir.com.my/leofoo/Thai-amulets/Ipoh/Nantian_Dong/index.htm