The Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, happens to be the oldest and largest temple in the Southeast Asia Region and is a popular tourist destination.
History
The Temple was built in 1894 by Kuala Lumpur’s Hainanese Community. It is dedicated to Tian Hou, a goddess said to protect fisherman and Guan Yin, the goddess of Mercy.The temple also features a traditional Chinese medicinal herb garden and a tortoise pond.
Location
Set on a hill which offers wonderful views of the city, the Thean Hua Temple is located along Jalan Klang Lama overlooking the Federal Highway, and tourists can easily arrange transport from many a 5-star hotel in KL including the likes of Berjaya Times Square Hotel.
Architecture
Also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Heaven, the six-tiered holy building represents a unique combination of contemporary architectural style and traditional designs with intricately carved embellishments and murals.
Things to do
While the temple is at its busiest during Chinese festivals such as the Mooncake Festival, tourists can burn joss sticks, make offerings and even get fortunes read along with other devotees. One may if the one has the inclination, engage in a traditional Chinese exercise class or in martial arts activities such as Tai – Chi.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
