Dinomania strikes: Cute dinosaur figures light up in different colours at night and are a crowd-puller at Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si temple in Skudai, Johor Baru.
JOHOR BARU: In a delightful twist to the usually chaotic Jurassic Park, the Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si temple in Skudai has become home to seven adorable and vibrant dinosaur figures, captivating visitors with their charm.
Standing tall outside the temple, the largest dinosaur measures 7.6m, accompanied by a 9.1m volcano and dinosaur eggs, creating a prehistoric wonderland just in time for Chinese New Year.
The temple’s abbess Venerable Ru Bin said that the cute models including the Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Parasaurolophus and Spinosaurus, have attracted thousands of devotees and visitors eager to take snapshots alongside them after their prayers.
“Not only are they not scary, the dinosaur models have cheerful expressions and cartoon-like features, which are a hit with both children and adults.
“The planning started in September last year and work began a month later.
“It took some 150 volunteers to create the dinosaur world from scratch by making the frame for the creatures and equipping it with a wiring system,” she said.
Adorned with 800 light bulbs, the dinosaur models illuminate the night, adding to the festive atmosphere.
“We wanted to create something refreshing to give visitors, especially the younger ones, a different type of festive experience this year,” Venerable Ru Bin added.
In addition to the dinosaur display, the temple is adorned with flowers and festive elements, enhancing the celebratory ambiance.
“Since Chinese New Year eve, visitors have flocked to the temple to usher in the Year of the Dragon, enjoying both the spiritual atmosphere and the festive decorations.
“The temple is also crowded even at night thanks to the school holidays,” she added.
The dinosaurs and festive adornments will be on display until this Sunday (Feb 25) allowing the public to continue enjoying them from 9am to 10pm.”
