Known as a country with thousands of tribes, Indonesia is also the home to around 6 million overseas Chinese immigrants. Although they make up less than 3% of Indonesia’s total population, this is the largest number among the countries in Southeast Asia. Like overseas Chinese immigrants everywhere else around the world, these immigrants who mainly came from Fujian (福建) and the Guangdong (广东) province in China a few centuries ago, have brought their culture and traditions to Indonesia; including hundreds of Chinese temples spread across the archipelago.
What can be found inside a Chinese temple? Apparently, there are many deities whom the Chinese believed to be ‘enlightened beings’. Some examples include the Goddess of Mercy known as Guan Yin (观音) and the Laughing Buddha (笑佛) who is believed to bring luck, health, and prosperity.
Below are the 5 most unique and historical Chinese temples in Indonesia, which are interesting to visit (free entrance for everyone), especially during the Chinese New Year where pilgrims gather to pray, and organise the traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance performances (舞龙舞狮) in and around these temples.
1. Sam Poo Kong Temple, built by the world explorer, Admiral Zheng He
Sam Poo Kong (三保洞), located in the city of Semarang, a coastal metropolitan city in the northern part of Central Java, is Indonesia’s most historical Chinese temple. This temple is known to have been built by Zheng He, a Chinese/Muslim admiral from the Ming Dynasty (a dynasty that ruled China from the 14th to 17th century) who arrived in Semarang with several fleets in or around 1416 AD during his international voyage mission assigned by the Ming Emperor at that time. There are replicas of Zheng He and his men in the temple’s yard, which are good spots for photography. Want to dress like an ancient Chinese king or queen? Yes, you can do it here! You can rent and choose the costume you like and eternalize this rare moment with your camera.
2. Hong San Tang Temple, Surabaya, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy
There are some interesting Chinese temples in Surabaya, but the one in the coastal Kenjeran Park, named ‘Hong San Tang’ (红善堂, also known as Sanggar Agung in Indonesian) is one of the most artistic temples in Indonesia. Not only is it located by Madura Strait, it also has gorgeous architectures right by the sea. Behind the worship altar, you’ll find the Chinese structure resembling a palace gateway guarded by 2 dragons, together with the sea and Madura Island as the background. There’s also a 20-meter-tall (66 ft) replica of the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, on top, together with her disciples along with other Chinese Gods, making it one of the biggest in the world. The Suramadu Bridge, that connects Java and the Madura Island, is also visible from here.
3. Kwan Sing Bio temple in Tuban, one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia
Located in a coastal district in the northeastern part of Java called Tuban, ‘Kwan Sing Bio’ temple, covering a 2.5-hectares (6 mi) land area, is dedicated to the God of War (关羽), and claims to be one of the biggest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. Like other Chinese temples, there are green dragon replicas in many parts of the temple, but here you’ll notice there is a giant crab replica - the mascot of the temple - perching on the roof of some of its buildings. These crab replicas are believed to drive the evil spirits coming from the sea away from the land. Good news for vegetarians as the temple provides meals (simple vegetarian foods like fried rice or noodles, omelettes, and soup with tea and coffee) and accommodation for its visitors. They are free of charge, although they accept donations.
Tuban, which is about a 2-hour drive from Surabaya, is located on the major road in northern Java (known as ‘Jalur Pantura’, or the Pantura route) that connects Surabaya city to Semarang, and all the way to Jakarta in the west. So if you travel by car through this route to or from Surabaya, it’s worth stopping by for a visit.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Maha Vihara Mojopahit in Mojokerto, home of the world's 2nd largest sleeping Buddha
When visiting Trowulan archaeological site, don’t forget to go to the nearby Chinese temple named Maha Vihara Mojopahit (it’s a Chinese temple with the name in Sanskrit). It may look just like a regular one, with a big altar for worshipping, and where people come to pray to their Gods and Goddesses. However, you may be surprised to find a giant statue of the sleeping Buddha in the complex, which has been known to be the second largest in the world after the one in Thailand.
5. Vihara Avalokitesvara in Madura Island, where ancient statues are housed
Vihara (temple) Avalokitesvara (also known as Kwan Im Kiong), the Chinese temple located in the Pamekasan district on Madura Island, which still belongs to the East Java provincial territory, has an interesting history too. In the early 20th century, a local Chinese family bought a land area. Thereafter, they found some statues buried in the ground and they turned out to be Chinese statues, including one of the most respected enlightened figures, the Goddess of Mercy. A temple was then built by the Chinese, dedicated to the Goddess, and all the statues were housed here.
Many other Chinese temples in Indonesia
These 5 temples are only some of the Chinese places of worship among so many other temples in Java, including other parts of Indonesia. Almost every city has at least a temple to accommodate the local Chinese for their religious matters. This phenomenon is the proof that Indonesia, the predominantly Muslim country, is a religiously tolerant country where it’s interesting to visit a Chinese temple nearby, especially during the annual Chinese New Year that will be happening on February 8th in 2016.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
12 Things To Do In Ubud At Night - Updated 2024Stephanie Anais -
Create an account to