Tua Pek Kong Temple
Tua Pek Kong Temple
4
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4.0
25 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
9
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5
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2
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0
Michael P
Tagaytay, Philippines1,291 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
Our walking map of Bintulu recommends visiting the Tua Pek Kong (Tai Pak Kong / God of Prosperity) Taoist temple for its beauty and history. It is believed to have been built in the 1890s; it has always been an important landmark in Bintulu and is closely associated with the life of the people, especially the Chinese community in the Division. Kapitan Tan Ching Zxi from China was said to be the temple’s founder. The early Chinese immigrants often arrived poor and deprived as indentured servants to the businessman backing their venture to get rich. Back then, it was common practice for the early Chinese immigrants to do two things — set up a school and a temple. The early Chinese found themselves in undeveloped land where the environment was hostile with hardly any medical facilities; the temple was built to venerate the local deity in the hope that it would protect the area from evil forces and various tropical ailments that often claimed the lives of the settlers.
Bintulu’s Tua Pek Kong Temple itself has survived the ravages of history, including the bombing and fire that destroyed old Bintulu town during the Second World War. It again escaped unscathed on Oct 21, 1975 when fire destroyed half of Bintulu town. It was the Temple that stood between the engulfing flames and the rest of the township.
Taoism teaches a person to follow their breath, to embrace wonder and the joy in living gracefully with style.
Bintulu’s Tua Pek Kong Taoist Temple is of the type “palace-like” with holy statues of Tigers set in front of the main gate to protect the temple. To the right of the stairs is the Charitable Trust Board with Dragons protecting the top of the round entrance and kylin at the base of the round entrance.
The kylin is an animal in ancient Chinese mythology. It is somewhat like a deer, with horns on the head and scales over the body. Its tail is like that of an ox's. The kylin is said to be an animal of longevity that could live for 2,000 years. It is also believed that the beast could spit fire and roar like thunder. The Kylin is one of the "Four Divine Creatures". Of all animals, the kylin was ranked second only to the dragon. This shows how important the Bintulu Chinese Charitable Board’s function is to the people.
To the left of the stairs is a round entrance with Phoenix at the top and the Kylin at the bottom. The phoenix appears at auspicious times, and is associated with sun, south, justice, obedience and loyalty.
At the top of the stairs are dragons on the incense burner, the incense burner platform and temple pillars.
Please obey the obvious signs requesting all who enter the temple to remove their shoes and respect the temple as believers perform their religious ceremonies. You will see the temple better inside increasing your joy in living and you may ask respectful questions of those in the shop area.
Once seeing Tua Pek Kong please do not mistake him for Tu Di Gong, because of their physical similarities. Tua Pek Kong (Grand Uncle) is one of the pantheon of Malaysian Chinese Gods. Looking around the temple please see all the intricate decorations that are to reflect the pursuit of a prolonged and fruitful life. Additionally the windows, doors, eaves, and girders are carved with Chinese characters for blessing, longevity & auspicious.
We fortunately used this visit to the temple to embrace the wonder and the joy in living and we hope you do also.
Bintulu’s Tua Pek Kong Temple itself has survived the ravages of history, including the bombing and fire that destroyed old Bintulu town during the Second World War. It again escaped unscathed on Oct 21, 1975 when fire destroyed half of Bintulu town. It was the Temple that stood between the engulfing flames and the rest of the township.
Taoism teaches a person to follow their breath, to embrace wonder and the joy in living gracefully with style.
Bintulu’s Tua Pek Kong Taoist Temple is of the type “palace-like” with holy statues of Tigers set in front of the main gate to protect the temple. To the right of the stairs is the Charitable Trust Board with Dragons protecting the top of the round entrance and kylin at the base of the round entrance.
The kylin is an animal in ancient Chinese mythology. It is somewhat like a deer, with horns on the head and scales over the body. Its tail is like that of an ox's. The kylin is said to be an animal of longevity that could live for 2,000 years. It is also believed that the beast could spit fire and roar like thunder. The Kylin is one of the "Four Divine Creatures". Of all animals, the kylin was ranked second only to the dragon. This shows how important the Bintulu Chinese Charitable Board’s function is to the people.
To the left of the stairs is a round entrance with Phoenix at the top and the Kylin at the bottom. The phoenix appears at auspicious times, and is associated with sun, south, justice, obedience and loyalty.
At the top of the stairs are dragons on the incense burner, the incense burner platform and temple pillars.
Please obey the obvious signs requesting all who enter the temple to remove their shoes and respect the temple as believers perform their religious ceremonies. You will see the temple better inside increasing your joy in living and you may ask respectful questions of those in the shop area.
Once seeing Tua Pek Kong please do not mistake him for Tu Di Gong, because of their physical similarities. Tua Pek Kong (Grand Uncle) is one of the pantheon of Malaysian Chinese Gods. Looking around the temple please see all the intricate decorations that are to reflect the pursuit of a prolonged and fruitful life. Additionally the windows, doors, eaves, and girders are carved with Chinese characters for blessing, longevity & auspicious.
We fortunately used this visit to the temple to embrace the wonder and the joy in living and we hope you do also.
Written 3 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
atzeverkennis
Rotterdam, The Netherlands111 contributions
Nov 2019
Close to the old town of Bintulu, this Chinese temple is one of the (or maybe the) most beautiful building in the area. For sure something to visit when in Bintulu.
Written 24 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
inglee2016
Sibu, Malaysia4 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
This is a beautiful temple. If you are a visitor to Bintulu, you must take a picture with the temple, The photo will be very beautiful and colourful, better than you feel. Well kept and clean.
Written 9 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jools
Auckland Central, New Zealand442 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
~ but we did, having chosen a cruise that included Bintulu as a destination. We’re still not sure what Azamara were thinking when they chose Bintulu as an all day embarkation excursion. Not helped by searing heat and over the top humidity, we were less than enamoured with the place and I spent most of the afternoon back in my cabin recovering under the air conditioning. So... if you get stuck here, don't want to pay extortionate costs for a city guided visit, are not fit enough to do the only offerings in the National Park, then port to city costs USD15.00 (and return), but make sure you're taken to the old town. But really?
However, the temple itself is very lavish and lovely. But it's in Old Town, and nothing else worth striding about in 98% humidity, at 35 degrees is!
However, the temple itself is very lavish and lovely. But it's in Old Town, and nothing else worth striding about in 98% humidity, at 35 degrees is!
Written 2 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Villagetree
Gunsan, South Korea20 contributions
Nov 2015 • Business
I was third time visitor to Bintulu. Bintulu is small city. this temple is not so big. you just take 10 minute to see inside. I do not recommend strongly if you have tight schedule of trip. you can just visit if you have so much time to kill. please refer the attached pics.
from LEE WJ(nick name : village tree), south korean
from LEE WJ(nick name : village tree), south korean
Written 18 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mening j
Kuching, Malaysia59 contributions
Sept 2015
I went there with my brother to have an overall view of Bintulu Tanglung festival.
The temple was well decorated and we'll maintained.
Is a worthwhile visit to this temple once but not the second time.
The location of this temple is walking diatance to Pasar Tamu, Esplanade Bintulu and bintulu bus terminal.
The temple was well decorated and we'll maintained.
Is a worthwhile visit to this temple once but not the second time.
The location of this temple is walking diatance to Pasar Tamu, Esplanade Bintulu and bintulu bus terminal.
Written 24 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chinBahrain
bahrain12 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
It is old and traditional place to visit with interested history behind it. This temple have more than 30 yrs history.
Written 9 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YTCHENG
Hong Kong, China15,392 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
This colourful Chinese temple is situated centrally in the town centre of Bintulu, facing Kemena River. It is claimed that the temple is located in the best Feng Shui site and thus be able to make fruitful blessings for the local people. Many traditional festivals are to be held here periodically including the famous Wang Kong Festival as memory to the dead Worth to visit the temple and see the worship traditions for the local Chinese people in particular.
Written 28 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HTH
Kuching, Malaysia147 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
The temple is located at Bintulu town centre, along main bazaar Road .Opposite temple with wide broad space is Esplanade Bintulu and just nearby is Kemena River, the main river for the town.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wiliam M
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia58 contributions
Aug 2019 • Solo
Lovely temple. Staff were friendly and helpful. Very interesting as they have alot of dieties. Must visit when in bintulu
Written 22 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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