One day during my trip to Kuala Lumpur, I set out to see the remarkable Thean Hou Temple complex. This attraction will appeal both to those interested in exploring religious sites of different cultures and to those seeking unique spots for memorable vacation photos. The temple impressed me with its vibrant design and a nice observation deck offering views of the high-rise buildings in the city center.
Thean Hou Temple: Walking Through the Complex
Thean Hou is one of the largest Chinese temples in all of Southeast Asia. Construction began in 1987, and the temple officially opened a couple of years later. Worship here is dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of seafarers, as well as the goddess of mercy and the goddess Shui Wei.
The temple’s six-tiered main building is truly striking. According to the complex’s official website, it incorporates elements of classical Chinese architecture, showcasing both southern and northern Chinese design styles.
The temple grounds are quite charming and can be divided into several zones. In addition to the main building with its shrine, there is an area with sculptures, an herbal garden, a park of serenity, and even a massive installation in the form of a giant Chinese chessboard on a hillside.
The complex hosts various events related to Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and the Mazu cult, as well as Chinese festivals and wedding ceremonies. The temple has parking for 450 vehicles and a banquet hall for up to 1,000 guests, used for receptions, lectures, and exhibitions.
On the lower level of the temple, you’ll find shops selling souvenirs, Chinese goods, and food. There is also a cafeteria, though it was closed on the day of my visit. I regretted not bringing enough water: there were no shops along the way, and the small stalls at the temple only accepted cash. By then, I had already grown accustomed to paying by card in most places during my stay in Malaysia.
How to Get There
I traveled here by metro. The nearest station is Bangsar, from which it’s about a 25-minute walk to the temple. You could probably save time by taking a bus or driving, but I wanted to walk and explore a non-touristy part of the city. You can plan your route using Google Maps.
According to the temple’s website, the complex is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, even on public holidays. Entry to the temple grounds is free, though visitors must remove their shoes before entering certain areas.
I returned to the city by taxi. A 16-minute ride using the Bolt app cost 26 ringgit (Comfort rate).
Next time, I’ll share my trip budget for Kuala Lumpur.
Have a nice trip!
