Chin Swee Cave Temple is dedicated to the Buddhist saint Chin Swee. Many believe that he possessed supernatural powers and the ability to perform miracles. The stunning temple attracts visitors from all over the world. It is on top of a mountain in Genting Highlands, Malaysia.
History
Lim Goh Tong, the founder of Genting Highlands, constructed the temple. This was a year after he built the first resort and casino in Pahang, Malaysia in 1975. He selected the site as it was reminiscent of his village in Fujian, China. The misty 28 acre plot of forested land is at height of 4,600 ft. The temple overlooks lush green slopes of a pristine forest. Within the temple is a statue of Master Chin Swee. He was a Buddhist monk who was renowned for his magical abilities to bring rain and extinguish evil spirits.
The temple was built in 1976 and has undergone many renovations. Today it is an architectural wonder that merges traditional Chinese and modern segments.
Huge Statue of Buddha
One of the most striking features of Chin Swee Cave temple is a towering statue of Buddha which is 15 m tall. The statue is made of bronze and weighs 40 tons. Visitors can climb up the statue and offer prayers or just savour the beautiful views. It represents Siddhartha Gautama who attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The statue is surrounded by smaller statues of the eighteen arhats who were the original followers of the Buddha
The temple complex also features a garden, fish pond and pagoda. The pagoda is a seven-story construction which accommodates many Buddhist statues, scriptures and other artefacts. Visitors can climb up to the top of the pagoda and enjoy the panoramic views. The pagoda is a symbol of the harmony and integration of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. It houses the statues and relics of the three religions. The pagoda also has a bell tower and a drum tower. Visitors can ring the bell and beat the drum for good fortune.
Construction of the Temple
Due to the steep and rocky terrain, construction of the temple was back-breaking and treacherous. It was impossible to use modern machinery for basic jobs such as piling. Lim Goh Tong had to go with manual labour for excavations. His team gouged holes 80 to 100 ft deep on the steep hillsides. Despite the labour-intensive nature of the project, the temple was completed in 18 years. There were no casualties or work-related accidents during the construction project.
Other Features
Another popular attraction is the Sky Terrace which has a glass-floored platform. It extends out from the side of the mountain. The Sky Terrace provides a fascinating experience as visitors can look down at the sheer drop below and take in the stunning view of the landscape.
The temple has a vegetarian restaurant on the premises. It serves enjoyable Chin Swee cuisine which is a blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian tastes. The restaurant is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm, and offers a choice of dishes such as noodles, rice, curry, soup and desserts.
The temple has ornate Chinese decorations and intricate carvings. Visitors can appreciate the details of the temple’s architecture and wonder at the skill and dedication of the artisans.
Dress Code
Visitors should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops and hats. They must refrain from smoking, drinking, eating or littering within the premises. Visitors may follow the instructions of the temple staff and volunteers.
Getting There
- By Bus: Catch a direct bus from Kuala Lumpur’s Pudu Sentral or KL Sentral to Awana Skyway Car Park.
- By Car: Drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Highway (E1).
- By Awana Skyway: For the spectacular route, park at the Awana Skyway Car Park and take the cable car. Alight at the Chin Swee Station which is the second stop of the cable car.
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