Attractions, Kuala Lumpur

Thean Hou Temple

Set on a hill with views over the city center, this six-tiered temple is a mix of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism combined together. the temple is also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven. It is managed by Malaysia’s Hainanese community who descended from sea-faring fisher folk.

Contrary to it’s appearance, Thean Hou Temple is not old. It was opened in 1989. Upon closer inspection, it can be seen that underneath the traditional ornate decorative facade is a modern structure.The elaborate architecture pairs the contemporary craftsmanship with authentic traditional element.

Thean Hou Temple is among the largest Chinese temples in South East Asia. Aside from the Thean Hou altar (the Heavenly Mother who protect fisherman) other principal deities at the temple are the altar of Guan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy) and the altar of Shui Wei Sheng Niang ( the Goddess of the Waterfront). Additionally, there are also the statues of Guan Di (the God of War) and Wei Tuo to incorporate the elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

The temple also features a Chinese medicinal herbs garden and a tortoise pond along with a well. The devotees crossing the Fortune Bridge might find themselves sprinkled with holy water by monks for good luck. On the grounds of the temple you can find statues of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac and descriptions of the characteristics of those born under the respective signs.

Besides being a place of worship, it is also place for cultural activities. During Chinese festivals such as Wesak Day and Mooncake festival, thousands of devotees will go the temple.

The temple is a bit far from public transportation. It is advisable to use the car as a mode of transportation.

Image by: Andrew Lawson

Opening Hours

Daily: 09:00 a.m – 18:00 p.m

Admission

No entrance fee.

Location

65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

View map.

Hear From Others

Thean Hou Temple is probably the best place in Kuala Lumpur to visit during Chinese New Year. Not only that the entire temple gets decorated with brightly-lit red lanterns, but there will also be cultural activities that are open for visitors’ participation.

Wayne Liew
Kuaby

We spent around an hour or two at Thean Hou Temple. It was easy to walk around, appreciating the beauty of the place, and sitting on a bench people watching. I do not worship, but it was nice in itself to watch others praying, for their loved ones, for health, fortune and prosperity for the coming year.

Hannah
HannahInternational

This Chinese Buddhist temple is dedicated to the goddess Thean Hou, protectress of fishermen, sailors and others whose lives are dependent on the ocean. 

Arlee Weiss
The FullyLivedLife

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