Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou Temple
4.5
About
This ornate Chinese temple dedicated to the Queen of Heaven, Thean Hou, protectorate of people who make their living from the sea. The temple borrows from Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian traditions. Some visitors believe the panoramic views of KL alone make the trip up the hill worthwhile.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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  • Parpanatha Pala... M
    117 contributions
    Positive feel
    Nice experience visiting this Chinese temple and its very clean & peaceful. I felt positive while being there and the temple is very prosperous place to visit. Had a nice snack (ice cream) and good souvenir store available.
    Visited March 2023
    Written 11 March 2023
  • Chloé H
    44 contributions
    Incredible and beautiful buddhist temple
    This place was incredible to visit. It was actively used by worshippers but everyone visiting seemed respectful. The temple itself was very grand and beautiful! You also have a very great view of KL but it would be quite a hike to get there. We were with kids so we took a cab and would suggest the same if you are not onteresting in a steep walk uphill. A must see place in KL
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 30 March 2023
  • Nour Hisham
    Cairo, Egypt25 contributions
    Gorgeous Chinese temple
    This temple is a must see ! If u r planning to visit Kuala Lumpur then do yourself a favor and go to this colourful beautifully built temple. The place is peaceful and has myriad of picturesque areas. There were some worshippers doing their prayers inside the Chinese shrine,but u can still take pictures and enjoy ur time nearby. It was such a great place to visit ! It is better to download app called ( Grab) to get a transportation there because there is no plenty of taxis passing nearby take u to and from the temple .
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 April 2023
  • Alex H
    Port St. Mary, United Kingdom1,313 contributions
    Colourful and picturesque
    Free entry into a beautiful temple just out of town, which holds beautiful views and makes for some candid photos. It’s also a place of worship to remember to be respectful and cover up accordingly. Definitely recommend visiting this colourful temple!
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 May 2023
  • Vaishali Limaye
    Pune, India167 contributions
    KL view from the temple is amazing
    Beautiful Chinese temple - a little outskirts of the city but beautifully perched on a hill. You can see the skyline of KL from this temple. The temple itself is very beautiful - we loved the wonderfully carved dome where people offer essence sticks. We sat on the white colored benches for a long time and felt the peace in that temple.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 3 July 2023
  • Mavi5
    Invercargill, New Zealand65 contributions
    Spectacular
    We inadvertently times our morning visit at the same time as many bridal couples came to seek blessings and have their photos taken, so it was very busy but with added interest. It was worth taking a walk around outside the temple proper and seeing the water pools and gardens. The architectural detail is spectacular. Well worth a visit if you are looking for one Chinese temple to visit, or if you like to see the variations in detail between temples. The Chinese zodiac animals - with the birth years helpfully written beside -are a great photo opportunity and an added interest if you are travelling with children
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 8 July 2023
  • mosto
    Hong Kong, China2,986 contributions
    It’s THE temple to visit - beautiful
    This destination is not only for Buddhist, I think everyone will find it beautiful, serene and meaningful. It’s also colorful and has many beautiful spots for spectacular photos. I encourage all to go at least once. It’s on top of a hill and you can also view some parts of the city from the temple. The only negative thing I can say about this place is - try and avoid the toilets.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 6 September 2023
  • Haytham Abu Firas
    Qatar14,378 contributions
    Buddhist Temple
    New experience to visit Buddhist Temple. Had a good stop at this place. Many believers, firing saint (Perfume), worship and check your luck, fortune and future. Seems marriage time, we saw 3 couples of bride and groom celebrating in there with their families.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 23 September 2023
  • wireless_in_CA
    United States4,900 contributions
    So Many Wedding Shoots
    The best way to get to the temple was via taxi since it was still a little walk from the nearest metro station. This was a multi story temple with a large stage and gathering area on the ground floor. We walked up the stairs to see the temple itself and were greeted with a lantern covered courtyard plus initials views of KL. We just had to avoid the multiple groups of wedding couples and their photographers. Some even had assistants and multiple sets of clothes for their photo shoots. We removed our shoes before entering the temple itself but at least photos were allowed. Inside was ornately decorated and lined with lots of small Buddha statues. The most unique feature was the rotating pillars of lit buddhas that seemed to shimmer as they turned. If you have time then go to the back of the temple. There were statues about the 24 Chinese filials and some of the stories were unusual (I.e breast feeding the mother in law). Also check out the huge Chinese chessboard and pieces on the side of the hill. A nice grouping of rabbit statues for CNY as well as all the Chinese zodiacs were off to the side of the temple. Well worth the side trip to this temple.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 October 2023
  • Komator
    Barcelona, Spain870 contributions
    Modern Chinesse Temple
    The Thean Hou Temple is a modern Chinese temple. It's located on a hill, from where you have a good view of Kuala Lumpur. If you've been to China and visited temples there, you might find it too modern and simple. However, it's still interesting and worth a visit.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Komator
Barcelona, Spain870 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The Thean Hou Temple is a modern Chinese temple. It's located on a hill, from where you have a good view of Kuala Lumpur. If you've been to China and visited temples there, you might find it too modern and simple. However, it's still interesting and worth a visit.
Written 19 October 2023
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.

George
Artemida, Greece1,518 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A picturesque place, a holy Buddhist Temple in the centre of Kuala Lumpur. Free entrance. Don't miss it when in Malaysia
Written 15 October 2023
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.

wireless_in_CA
United States4,900 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The best way to get to the temple was via taxi since it was still a little walk from the nearest metro station.

This was a multi story temple with a large stage and gathering area on the ground floor. We walked up the stairs to see the temple itself and were greeted with a lantern covered courtyard plus initials views of KL. We just had to avoid the multiple groups of wedding couples and their photographers. Some even had assistants and multiple sets of clothes for their photo shoots.

We removed our shoes before entering the temple itself but at least photos were allowed. Inside was ornately decorated and lined with lots of small Buddha statues. The most unique feature was the rotating pillars of lit buddhas that seemed to shimmer as they turned.

If you have time then go to the back of the temple. There were statues about the 24 Chinese filials and some of the stories were unusual (I.e breast feeding the mother in law). Also check out the huge Chinese chessboard and pieces on the side of the hill.

A nice grouping of rabbit statues for CNY as well as all the Chinese zodiacs were off to the side of the temple.

Well worth the side trip to this temple.
Written 14 October 2023
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.

eCe7XY*l
15 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Absolutely beautiful! A huge hemple with so much to see and learn about Chinese culture/religion. Free to visit and dress code is relaxed but modesty is expected.
Written 1 October 2023
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.

Escape To Find Peace
United Arab Emirates688 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
The Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Entry to the temple is absolutely free! The Chinese sea goddess Mazu is worshipped in the six-tiered Thean Hou Temple. Shops with souvenirs and food court with non-vegetarian non-halal meals are located at the LG level. High priced food. The courtyard and temple are on the 2nd floor. There is no elevator; you must use the stairs to get to the top.

The easiest way to reach here is by taxi. This location can also be your next Instagram post if you are here in Kuala Lumpur! Decide for yourself if this will be a must-visit location during your visit to Malaysia. If you ask me, I loved this place, it was a beautiful and calm place! I loved the colorful lanterns too!
You can also get a view of the city from the top.

I highly recommend you come here late afternoon so that you also get the chance to see the night view of the temple! The lanterns would be lit up and you will not be disappointed to visit here! Unfortunately, I couldn't stay up late. But I have heard that the sunset over Thean Hou temple is impressive.

The opening hours are from 9 am to 6 pm. The temple does, however, extend its hours late during holidays. Check the channel for more!
Walk around and you will some rainbow staircases right behind the temple. Tourists can't yet enter this area because it is still being renovated.
Written 30 September 2023
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.

Haytham Abu Firas
Qatar14,378 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
New experience to visit Buddhist Temple. Had a good stop at this place. Many believers, firing saint (Perfume), worship and check your luck, fortune and future. Seems marriage time, we saw 3 couples of bride and groom celebrating in there with their families.
Written 23 September 2023
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.

annminky
United States1,591 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
It is a huge temple. During my visit there were 3 couples who got married plus several people were doing their morning worship, it’s an ok temple to visit, not too impressive.
Written 18 September 2023
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.

mosto
Hong Kong, China2,986 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
This destination is not only for Buddhist, I think everyone will find it beautiful, serene and meaningful. It’s also colorful and has many beautiful spots for spectacular photos. I encourage all to go at least once. It’s on top of a hill and you can also view some parts of the city from the temple. The only negative thing I can say about this place is - try and avoid the toilets.
Written 7 September 2023
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.

Coreena W
Mundaring, Australia20 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
This is a beautiful temple and very worthy of a visit. Be sure to see and read about the lives of people made into statues around the back of the temple. Their life stories are very interesting & grounding.
Written 31 August 2023
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.

Chrisoulla
London, UK54 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
A beautiful temple. Part of a tour where we stopped and went inside. Had great views of KL too. Such interesting details in the temple.
Written 3 August 2023
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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Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur

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