Thean Hou Temple

One of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, visitors pray to Shu Wei Sheng Niang, Tian Hour, and Guan Yin at the Thean Hou Temple.

The Hainanese community built the Thean Hou Temple in the year 1894 to commemorate the Goddess of Thean Hou (the Heavenly Mother). The main prayer hall is a modern Buddist Pagoda with a number of Buddha images enshrined in the octagonal hall. It contains altars to Shu Wei Sheng Niang (Goddess of Waterfront), Thean Hou, and Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy). This temple also features the Fortune Bridge, a Chinese Medicine Herbs garden, a Wishing Well, and a Tortoise pond. It also serves as the venue for Traditional Chinese exercises and martial arts activities such as Qigong, Tai Chi, and WuShu.

Location

The Thean Hou Temple is located on a small hill at Kuala Lumpur city, near the Mid Valley Megamall.

Opening Days and Hours

The temple is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, but might sometimes only open late at night during major religious festivals.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission to the temple is free.

How to Get There

The Thean Hou Temple is accessible by car, taxi, or Uber from KL Sentral.

Suggested For

This place is suitable for travelers of all ages, especially for those who are interested in Buddhism and temple architecture.

Time to Spend

Spend about an hour exploring the temple grounds.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

If you visit during major religious festivals like the Chinese New Year, Mooncake Festival, and Wesak Day, you can enjoy the temple’s light decorations and festive ambience.

Activities

• Visit the various prayer halls and altars.
• Visit the Fortune Bridge, Chinese Medicine Herbs garden, Wishing Well, and Tortoise pond.
• Join traditional Chinese exercises and martial arts classes such as Qigong, Tai Chi, and WuShu.

Food

There is a food court on the lower ground floor offering local Chinese dishes. For fancier Chinese food options, you may visit the Restaurant Siu Siu and Restaurant Kheng Heong, both of which are within walking distance from the temple. Located 3 kilometres away, Mid Valley Megamall and The Gardens Mall offer a wide variety of food choices from snacks, fast food, to fine dining.

Nearby Attractions

Buddist Maha Vihara, Temple of Fine Arts Kuala Lumpur – 2 kilometres away
Mid Valley Megamall, The Gardens Mall – 3 kilometres away

Stay

Visitors can easily find accommodation in the city of Kuala Lumpur, ranging from budget hostels, mid-range accommodation to luxury hotels.