Taoist and Chinese temples
Chinese temples in Sabah honour Taoist deities and guardians such as Tua Pek Kong and the goddess Mazu, often alongside Buddhist figures. They are lively places of incense, prayer, festivals and lion dances, above all around Chinese New Year.
Read the scripture: Tao Te Ching (Chinese Text Project)Visiting
- Walk in quietly, and step over the raised threshold of the doorway rather than on it.
- Incense is offered with both hands. Ask before photographing people at prayer.
- Festival days are crowded; give way to worshippers and processions.
Questions People Ask
- Is a temple Taoist or Buddhist?
- Many are both, with Taoist deities in the main hall and Buddhist figures alongside. The temple's own name usually tells you.
- Which festivals matter most?
- Chinese New Year, the Hungry Ghost month, the Nine Emperor Gods festival, and each deity's own birthday.
- Can anyone pray there?
- Yes. Visitors of any background are welcome to look, and to pray or make offerings if they wish.
Taoist and Chinese temples: places near you
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Location is off, so distances are from Kota Kinabalu city centre.
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