Tua Pek Kong Temple, Kuching

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Tua Pek Kong Temple, or temple of the god of prosperity, overlooks a busy junction near the waterfront. Officially known as the Siew San Teng, it claims the title of being the oldest building in Kuching. The shrine dates to 1876, but written documents mention it as early as 1846. The earliest known renovation carried out on the temple - at that time nothing more than a small shrine on a hillock - was in 1856. The structure was made more permanent with roof tiles replacing thatch and some brickwork in 1863. The land title for the temple was issued by Rajah Charles Brooke on 29 August 1871.

When in Kuching, you probably will see this Temple, especially if you are walking the city area. It is located opposite the waterfront area, on a slight hill, this richly decorated temple caught our eye! Inside are very bright paintings!

Built for "good fung shui," it was dedicated to “Tua Pek Kong” ( “eldest grand Uncle) It is the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching, built in 1843 for the spiritual well being and social gathering points of hundreds of early Chinese immigrants workers during the 1800s. (located nearby is the Chinese Museum)
The Wang Kang festival to commemorate the dead is held here.

Entry is FREE,..... donations accepted.

Be careful crossing the road, it is a very busy area of the city.


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The ornately decorated temple is located on Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, opposite the Waterfront, and is the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching. It is believed to have been built in 1843, although official records only recognize its existence in 1876. The Wang Kang festival commemorate the dead is held here.

Various festivals are held here for example The Wang Kang Festival (to commomerate the dead) and Ghost Festival.

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The Tua Pek Kong Temple is the oldest tokong cina in the city. The temple is believed to have been built in 1800 on a site which was considered the best Feng Shui location in Kuching, i.e., toward the back of the top of a hill, in front of a small and smooth flowing river (the lost Sungei Kuching), and with the best front view of the highest peak in the area, Gunung Serapi. Like many of the early Chinese temples in Sarawak, in the beginning it was a small and simple hut. The first known renovation was done in the year 1856, and subsequently it was upgraded with ceramic roofing and partial brick walls in 1863. Be sure to read the history, the rest of the Feng Shui legend, and about the host deity's (Lord Tua Pek Kong) birthday on the website. The Wang Kang festival commemorating the dead is held at the temple.

Tua Pek Kong Temple set up in 1846 in honour of the patron diety of the overseas Chinese who had immigrated to what was then popularly known as Nanyang or South Seas. This is the oldest surviving structure in Kuching.

Buy a bundle of joss sticks to pray for blessings, then burn the papers inside an urn.

Tua Peh Kong is located on a small hill, right in downtown Kuching.

You will not miss it. It is the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching.

In this photo, you see a new addition of Kuan Yin, "Goddess of Mercy".

For many Chinese tourists, burning a joss stick at this temple is time well spent to ask for prosperity, peace, family well being and health.

The oldest Chinese temple in Sarawak, the Tua Pek Kong Temple is believed to have been around since 1843 although official records only recognised its existence in 1876. One of the city's more prominent landmarks, the Chinese pay homage to the Tua Pek Kong deity here for peace and prosperity. .

This Taoist temple is over 160 years old! (In Malaysia, that's considered REALLY old...)

Within walking distance of the Hilton Hotel and Holiday Inn, it is also close to the Chinese History Museum.

To this day, it continues to be attract Taoists & Buddhist who come from near and far seeking blessings from the Tua Pek Kong deity for good health, happiness and prosperity.

Note how it's outer walls are painted in vivid blues, yellows, greens and red (refreshed every year no doubt by devotees and the temple caretakers!) which shows how lovingly cared for the temple is.

This temple is similar in style to other olden day temples found in Penang, Johore and Kuala Lumpur, although its size is smaller. Certainly worth taking a photo or two here or perhaps you may wish to enter the temple to make an offering or seek a blessing.