Malaysia’s largest temple complex opens to public

SIBU: Malaysia’s largest temple complex was opened to the public amid much fanfare with the celebrations lasting 10 days, ending only on Tuesday.

The Yu Lun San Tien En Si (Jade Dragon Temple) at KM26 of Sibu-Bintulu Road is believed to be the largest temple complex not only in Malaysia but also South-East Asia. It houses the places of worship for Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Besides its religious and cultural significances, the temple complex has also become a tourism landmark for Sibu which lacks natural tourism products. The Sarawak Tourism Ministry is likely to include the temple as one of the state’s new attractions.

According to a temple spokesman, more than 5,000 local and foreign tourists visited the temple in the last six months when it was nearing completion. This number does not include the several thousand guests and visitors who thronged the complex during the opening and throughout the celebration over the past week.

The temple complex was the brainchild of Yu Lun San Tien En Si founder, 70-year-old Hii Siew Onn who also sits on several other temple committees in Bintulu and Miri.

Construction of the complex, spread over 6.5ha, began in October 2004. It cost about RM60mil, which was entirely raised from devotees and well-wishers in Malaysia and overseas.

Most of the construction materials were imported from China. The workforce included Chinese nationals and native Ibans who did an excellent job on the wall paintings and statues.

The whole complex is elegantly and extensively decorated with colourful statues, multi-coloured tiles and wall paintings, heavenly dragons, ponds and flower gardens.

Visitors are greeted by a tall, impressive arch near the entrance. Holding court are four large buildings for worshippers from the various faiths. Each building has a large hall housing statues of Gautama Buddha, Smiling Buddha, Dashizi Bodhisattva and the four-faced Goddess among the many Chinese deities.

Other accessory buildings and attractions include a cultural and resource centre, two bell-and-drum towers, a theatre, a hall where the sutras are kept, Chinese Zodiac Garden, 7 Heavenly Sisters, as well as a lodging house and restaurant.

Admission is free.