Lao Zi Temple
Kuantan
Whether or not one is a believer, Lao Zi Temple in Kuantan (along the Kuantan – Sungai Lembing Road) is certainly one place to visit when in Kuantan. About 12km from Kuantan town is Lao Zi Temple also known as the Dragon Temple; pays homage to Laozi, the founder of Taoism.
The Dragon Temple
The temple is also known as the “Dragon Temple” because it is home to one of the longest dragons in the world. Worry not. It is not a real dragon but a manmade one. This golden dragon is 823 metres long and is listed in the Malaysia Book Of Records as the longest dragon statue in the country.
The head of the golden dragon.
There are two ways to reach the temple from the car park. One is to climb some steps; a shorter less interesting path but cheaper, at RM3.00 (at time of visit). The other is a walk through the dragon starting at the tail and exiting at its head. The fee for this walk is RM5.00 (at time of visit) but is surely worth the walk just for the experience.
The entrance at the tail of the golden dragon.
Inside the dragon, written on its walls are words said to be from the Book called “Tao Te Ching,” a book for philosophical and religious Taoism. Along with these words are pictures. These texts are written in Chinese and a translator will certainly be of help should one not be able to read Chinese.
The walk through the golden dragon is very good exercise as it is a long walk up a winding slope. The inside of this dragon can get really hot especially when the weather is hot and thus I recommend bringing along a bottle of drinking water and a battery operated fan.
Pictures and texts on the walls of the golden dragon.
After a long walk one exits through the dragon’s mouth. A ball also known as the dragon’s pearl awaits one at the exit. Touching the ball is said to bring good luck, something that everyone needs (the good luck and not so much the ball). Exiting the dragon’s mouth brings one to the compound of Lao Zi Temple.
One exits the dragon via its mouth. The dragon’s pearl is there for one to touch.
Temple Grounds
At the compound of the temple are lots of statues of deities, various goddesses, animals of the Chinese zodiac, and a statue of Laozi himself. They all depict various scenes with certain meanings. There are a few water features around the compound as water is known to bring good luck. Then there is the temple where believers can go to and worship.
Statue of deities at a water feature; said to bring about healing.
Animals of the Chinese zodiac.
There are a few other dragons around the temple grounds.
Jurassic Park
Just off the temple grounds is a garden with a Jurassic era theme. There are large statues of various dinosaurs roaming about. There are also rocks here inscribed with words of wisdom. This garden that looks like a small orchard (it probably is an orchard) certainly is a fun place to take some photos. There is also a house here that houses antiques from China. Further down the garden are a steps that leads back down to the parking area.
A menacing dinosaur trying to frighten birds, and other things at the garden.
Another dinosaur eating fruits off a fruit tree.
Things To Bring
Here are some things that I recommend one brings when one visits Lao Zi Temple.
Bottle of drinking water
Battery operated fan
Comfortable walking shoes
Note: The walk through the dragon may not be suitable for those who are claustrophobic.
A moat that surrounds the temple grounds.
Summary Of Things To Do
Walk inside the dragon.
Checkout pictures on the walls.
Checkout the statues.
Touch dragon pearl for good luck.
Checkout the antiques
Hangout with the dinosaurs.
A green dragon at the temple grounds.
Miscellaneous Information
Opens daily: 8am – 6.30pm
Contact: +609 566 8459
Address: Lot 362, KM12, Kampung Padang, Sungai Lembing, Kuantan.
Contact numbers:
Person: Mr. Kui Fook Weng)
Opening hours: 8am – 7pm (daily)
