Tua Pek Kong Temple in Perak
Beyond the well-trodden paths of Ipoh, you’ll find a treasure trove of charming towns in Perak filled with interesting attractions. In a local village along Jalan Pasir Panjang in Sitiawan, there’s Tua Pek Kong Temple, a grand seaside Chinese temple that stands out for more reasons than just its location and extravagance.
Overlooking the Straits of Malacca, this temple has an eye-catching collection of over 95 whitewashed statues, including the largest statue of Tua Pek Kong in Malaysia.
All you need to know about Tua Pek Kong Temple
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Tua Pek Kong is a century-old temple that overlooks the Straits of Malacca. With nearly 100 statues of Chinese deities and zodiac animals to marvel at, and breathtaking sea views to behold, the free-entry temple has become a must-visit attraction in Sitiawan.
The massive statue of Tua Pek Kong measuring 48ft tall has also been attracting visitors from near and far. It’s said to be the tallest statue of the deity in Malaysia.
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For the uninitiated, the main deity of this temple is referred to as “Grand Uncle” by the locals. A legend among the Malaysian Chinese pantheon of gods, this divine figure is said to have graced the shores of Penang 40 years before Francis Light in 1746.
According to Chinese folklore, Tua Pek Kong was once a man of immense virtue and wisdom, rumoured to be a savvy Chinese merchant who set foot in Malaysia centuries ago. After he passed on, he was transformed into a god linked with wealth, protection, and good fortune.
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The statue of the deity is not the only attraction at the temple.
A dazzling array of well-sculpted statues are scattered around the temple grounds, including over 10 of them that face the sea, a huge one of a Laughing Buddha, and another of the goddess Guan Yin.
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The temple is also encircled by a stunning castellated wall, which visitors can stroll along the ramparts to soak up unblocked views of the Straits of Malacca.
The pathways extend out over the mangrove forest, so you can get a better view of the surrounding scenery.
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Other attractions at Tua Pek Kong Temple
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At the heart of Tua Pek Kong Temple lies a dragon tunnel that visitors can venture into.
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Your journey through the dragon will begin at the “mouth”, followed by winding your way through its serpentine body where murals vividly illustrate the Ten Chambers of Hell and the grim warnings of hell’s perils. They serve as a striking reminder of the consequences of misdeeds – definitely food for thought as you wander through the tunnel.
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Legend has it that the temple’s fountain is a magnet for good fortune. For years, visitors have flocked to this spot, eager to catch a whiff of luck before testing their fate at the lottery.
Ask the folks of Sitiawan, and you’ll hear tales of locals who took a dip and struck it rich. Rumoured to be the ultimate pre-lottery ritual, many believe the temple’s wealth has been generously boosted by donations from lottery winners who sought luck and success here.
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Just next to the temple, you’ll stumble upon a row of shops selling snacks and knick-knacks.
Explore a temple of luck and fortune in a Perak village
Malaysia is a country blessed with a diverse culture and rich history. Tua Pek Kong Temple is one of many sacred places of worship that not only serves as a site for prayer for devotees, but an attraction with a wealth of statues of Chinese deities and eye-catching architectural that’s worth a visit.
Address: Jalan Pasir Panjang, 32000, Sitiawan, Perak
Opening hours: 7am-10.30pm, Daily
Cover image adapted from: @mohd.edzuan via Instagram, @flogeduin via Instagram, @john._.s9 via Instagram