Fortune Dragon tunnel in Batu Pahat, Johor
There are plenty of attractions in Johor to keep us entertained for days. Just as impressive, but lesser known by many, is Fortune Dragon, a dragon tunnel that stretches 351 feet in length – around 106.5 metres – and 16 feet in height.
Located in Batu Pahat, Johor, the structure is said to be one of the largest and longest dragon tunnels in the world. It’s become an attraction in the town of Yong Peng due to its sheer size. Visitors can even walk through the dragon’s body and view Chinese paintings and more while inside its ‘belly’.
Here’s what you can expect to see here.
Enter the tunnel through the dragon’s mouth
Dragons are mythical creatures considered a symbol of prosperity to the Chinese community. Fortune Dragon – also known as Prosperity Dragon – is a tunnel that takes on the shape of this majestic creature, complete with a wavy body and scaly exterior in vibrant colours of blue, orange, and green.
Image adapted from: Wikimedia Commons
This attraction is located on the grounds of Che Ann Khor Moral Uplifting Association in Yong Peng. It’s around a 7-minute drive from Dataran Gemilang Yong Peng, another historic landmark in town.
Unique as it is, Fortune Dragon isn’t the only dragon tunnel that can be found in Malaysia. Temples such as Tua Pek Kong Temple in Perak also house dragon tunnels. Nonetheless, Fortune Dragon happens to be the longest tunnel that you can walk through.
Image credit: @feishouahtom
The tunnel in Yong Peng was built in 2016, and took around a year and a half to complete with a whopping budget of RM6-8 million. Another impressive sum of 3,300 ceramic tiles was used to replicate a dragon’s scales.
To enter the tunnel, you’ll have to step into the dragon’s mouth. From here, visitors have to navigate the dragon’s curved and undulating body, which comprises 108 steps, to reach its belly where the exit is located.
The entrance of the tunnel located at the dragon’s mouth
Image credit: @lingeringart
While in the tunnel, visitors can view over 30 traditional Chinese paintings. These paintings depict various Chinese folktales, teachings of Buddha, and tales of the afterlife. As there are graphic images of the Ten Chambers Of Hell found inside, parents with children may want to take note and pass through this section quickly.
English translations are also provided for selected paintings.
No photography is allowed inside the tunnel, but you can take photographs at the dragon’s mouth, surrounded by its 36 huge teeth. Expect to spend around 30 minutes exploring the tunnel.
Image adapted from: Chresentia Eva Sadatal
Tickets for adults (RM25/pax) and children (RM10/pax) can be purchased at the entrance of the temple. Children under 110cm can enter for free, while senior citizens (RM10) and Yong Peng residents (RM10) with proof of their age and address are entitled to cheaper tickets.
Scenic Green Garden with koi pond and gazebos
The Green Garden, also called Fortune Garden, at the temple is not to be missed out on either. You can stroll through the garden for free to view its gazebos and a koi pond after exploring the dragon tunnel.
Image credit: @myhellokittypie
Here, various statues of Chinese deities and mythical figures decorate the landscaped garden. This includes zodiac figures scattered around the garden, which are accompanied by donation boxes where you can drop in spare change to benefit the temple and make personal wishes.
Image credit: @racheltre
If you’re a devotee, you can offer your prayers inside Che Ann Khor. Visitors here may access the second floor to take panoramic snaps and view the dragon tunnel from another vantage point too.
Image credit: @myhellokittypie
Fortune Dragon in Yong Peng, Johor
Yong Peng is located around an hour’s drive north from Johor Bahru. Fortune Dragon, considered one of the longest dragon tunnels in the world, is an attraction worth visiting in the town for the impressive scale of the dragon structure that you can walk through.
Address: Lot HS 2677, Pt 2446, Jalan Kota Impian 1, 83700 Yong Peng, Johor
Opening hours: 8.30AM-9PM, Daily
Telephone: 07-467 9800
For more things to do in Johor, check out these articles:
- 53 things to do in Johor, including theme parks, cafes and more
- RUD Karting in JB has rides from RM55/pax
- 10 cafes in JB with aesthetic interiors & yummy mains
Cover image adapted from: John MH Wong