Walter Ponce
Thean Hou or also known as the Temple of Lights is one of the most impressive Chinese temples in Malaysia. It is a 6-tier temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, located in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
The Thean Hou Chinese Temple is one of the best temples in Kuala Lumpur for its mixture of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian elements. Its intense reddish color and the hundreds of lanterns that hang from the roofs make the sanctuary a fantastic place to visit and enjoy. In addition, at night, the city turns on its lights, so the views from the temple hill are one of the best attractions to see in Kuala Lumpur.
Thean Hou or Temple of Lights
The Chinese Hill Temple covers a 6,758m² expanse of land at the top of Robson Heights in Lorong Bellamy, providing the best panoramic views of the city in KL, especially at night. The temple was built in 1987, but officially opened in 1989. And it was built by Hainanese (Chinese ethnic group living in Malaysia).
Visit Thean Hou Temple
The visit to Thean Hou is highly recommended, especially if you can visit it late in the day during sunset. This temple is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Malaysia, along with Batu Caves and Sri Mahamariamman, for its architecture and laborious decoration work. At night the temple remains illuminated so if you take a walk through the sanctuary the hundreds of red lanterns will dazzle your stay.
You can visit the temple together with the oldest Hindu shrine in Malaysia, the Sri Mahamariamman and Kuala Lumpur’s Masjid Jamek Mosque on the same day. The three of three different cultural ethnic groups which inhabit and merge Malay society and culture.
Thean Hou Temple Visiting Hours
The temple Thean Hou is open from 8 in the morning until 10 at night, daily. Visiting the Thean Hou Chinese Temple at sunset gives you the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of its illumination. But like all life you have to weigh. At the heart of the sanctuary is an inner courtyard where you can sample world-renowned traditional Chinese cuisine, which closes well before 10pm. Still we recommend trying their delicacies.
Price of admission
The entrance fee to Thean Hou Temple is free.
Although its interior square houses traditional Chinese food stalls. delicious! Bring some ringgits with you and indulge in Chinese cuisine in Malaysia.
How to get to Thean Hou Temple
To get to the Thean Hou Chinese Shrine you have two options: on foot or by taxi.
Walking: The temple can be reached on foot for about half an hour from KL Sentral station. From the KL Sentral, take Jalan Tun Sambanthan Road and at its end, continue onto Jalan Robson Road.
On the right hand side you will find Jalan Permai street which you have to take. Along the way you will also find signs with directions, so you can’t miss it. From here the journey is uphill as the temple is at the top of the hill.
You can take a taxi to get to the Chinese shrine from anywhere in the city.
Taxis in Kuala Lumpur are plentiful and not expensive at all. Simply ask the driver if he uses a meter. If so, all yours and if not, just ask the next one behind. Under no circumstances do we recommend negotiating the price, you will always lose.
Temple architecture
The temple with elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism is a grand structure and represents a successful combination of modern architectural techniques and authentic traditional design with towering pillars, spectacular ceilings, ornate carvings and intricate carvings throughout its structure. Its great architecture has made it a popular tourist destination.
The main entrance of the Thean Hou Temple features a multi-arched entrance with red pillars, the symbolic color of prosperity and good fortune, as well as representations of the animals of the **Chinese zodiac. **
Souvenir stalls and a canteen are located on the first level. The second level houses the multipurpose room, while the offices are located on the third level. The fourth level has three levels and the prayer room is located here.
Prayer room
The prayer room of the sanctuary Thean Hou Temple is the most sacred place. Its interior houses three altars, each with a sculpture of a deity or goddess. Upon entering the prayer hall, the altar on the right is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Tian Hou is in the center, while Shui Wei Sheng Niang (the goddess of the coast) is on the left. In the middle of the room and between the altars there are two pairs of Kau Cim oracles that can be used by visitors.
**Address Thean Hou Temple: **65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
**Website Thean Hou Temple: **https://hainannet.com.my/
Festivals at Thean Hou Temple
The temple is especially beautiful during Chinese festivals, when extra lanterns and decorations go up:
- Chinese New Year: usually in late January or February, the busiest and most colourful time to visit
- Mid-Autumn Festival: with lanterns and mooncakes, usually in September or early October
- Mazu’s birthday: celebrated on the 23rd day of the third lunar month
Expect large crowds at these times, so go early or on a weekday if you prefer a calmer visit.
Tips for Visiting
- Dress respectfully. Cover shoulders and knees, as it is an active place of worship.
- Be quiet in the prayer hall and avoid photographing people who are praying.
- Check current opening hours before you go, as they can change, especially during festivals.
- Use Grab if you prefer not to walk uphill. Ride-hailing is widely used in Kuala Lumpur.
- Bring water, as the climate is hot and humid all year.
Nearby Places
- Brickfields (Little India): colourful streets with Indian restaurants and shops, close to KL Sentral
- Perdana Botanical Gardens: a large green park near the city centre
- National Museum (Muzium Negara): a good introduction to Malaysian history
More photos
FAQ
Is Thean Hou Temple free to visit? At the time of writing, entry was free.
What is the best time to visit Thean Hou Temple? Late afternoon into sunset, when the lanterns light up and the city views are at their best.
Is there a dress code? Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
How do I get to Thean Hou Temple? By Grab or taxi, or on foot from KL Sentral in around half an hour, with an uphill final stretch.
Who is Mazu? A Chinese sea goddess, also known as Tian Hou, believed to protect sailors and fishermen.
