Malacca Temples Photo Shots 29–30 May 2014

During our trip to Malacca, we did visit two of the oldest temples in the country.

One is Cheng Hoon Teng Temple and another one is Sam Po Kong Temple.

We do not take much of the photos as it was so hot in the afternoon during when we visit for both temples.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is located near the Jonker Street, and it is surrounded by the old houses, and actually just next to the Kling Mosque too.

Built in 1645 and taking pride in being an oldest Chinese temple in Malaysia, this temple is a unique confluence of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism.

The restoration is done with a lot of craftsmanship. On entering the temple grounds, one drifts into an unexplainable calm.

As the smoke from incense and sandalwood lull your being, you are brought back to your senses by the tingle in your smarting eyes. The wall panel, ceiling décor, inimitable shrines urns, temple utensils and artifacts – drugs your senses.

The view from the entrance arch is panoramic. You swing your eyes from complete left to right to take in the temple in full. The single storey structure is not an overpowering sight, but is a humbling one.

There are joss sticks, joss papers on sale for one to make offerings in prayer. The history behind this modest temple is real, back to the original Chinese settlement in Melaka in the 1500s, and it is well maintained at considerable expense.

Sam Po Kong Temple which is located at the foot hill of the Bukit Cina.

There is a well-known ancient well that is located right at the side of this temple, the local called it Perigi Raja but it is more known as Hang Li Po Well.

100 meters to the right of the temple is the Second World War memorial. This is a historical site for Malaysian Chinese.

It is a temple of multi functions; especially goddess, Tua Pek Gong is a local Taoism goddess controlling the local land and in charges of wealth.

Ma Zhu is the lady god managing the sea water to ensure safety of people with job related to sea life. Another picture that is being worshipped is the Kapitan of local Chinese during the Dutch era of Melaka history.

This Temple is located in the middle of Chinatown in Melaka. You can observe the Chinese population and their rituals here. It is a good place to understand and to learn about Chinese habits and traditions.