Tua Pek Kong Temple

The basics

Kuching’s Chinese-Malaysian community still worships here at this small but atmospheric Taoist temple. and you may see offerings of food and fruit on the altar in front of white-bearded Tua Pek Kong. While there are many grander Tua Pek Kong Temples than this, the temple’s heritage status makes it a popular stop on Kuching city sightseeing tours, which generally also visit nearby attractions such as the Square Tower, Kuching Old Court House, and Kuching Mosque.

Things to know before you go

• The Tua Pek Kong Temple will be of most interest to history buffs and people with an interest in Chinese diaspora culture.

• There’s no entry fee to visit the temple.

• The temple is tiny: you’ll likely have seen everything in 10 minutes.

• The Tua Pek Kong Temple is accessed by steps, so it’s not wheelchair-friendly.

How to get there

Kuching’s Tua Pek Kong Temple sits opposite the Chinese Museum, just back from the center of Kuching Waterfront, which runs along the southern bank of the Sarawak River. Most travelers explore the area on foot, but you can also drive, hire a driver, take a taxi, or opt for Malaysia’s homegrown Grab rideshare app.

When to get there

The Tua Pek Kong Temple is open daily and is rarely crowded. Drop by when you’re exploring the waterfront. The best time to visit Kuching in general is from April through October—though Borneo is hot and humid year-round, you’ll encounter the least rain during this dry season.

Where to discover Kuching’s Chinese heritage

Around 600,000 people of Chinese descent live in Sarawak today. Right by the Tua Pek Kong Temple, the old Chinese court, built in 1912, houses the Chinese Museum, which tells the stories of the different waves of Chinese immigration that shaped Kuching. Other interesting Taoist temples include the Hong San Si Temple, built in 1895, and the Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple, built in 1863.