MY · Kuala Lumpur · 3.12°N 101.69°E

thean hou temple

Red pillars, tiled roof dragons and city views from a temple above Seputeh.

Best time
Any time of year; mornings are cooler on the open terraces. Around Chinese New Year the courtyard fills with red lanterns, and with people. Come in the evening to see them lit.
How long
1–2 hours
Getting there
Drive or take a Grab from the city centre, about 15 minutes via Jalan Syed Putra; there's parking at the temple. Seputeh and Mid Valley KTM stations are about a kilometre away, but the walk is uphill beside busy roads.
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MY · Kuala Lumpurthean hou temple3.12°N 101.69°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Red pillars, tiled roof dragons and city views from a temple above Seputeh.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingThean Hou TempleMY, Kuala Lumpur
KLthean hou temple
≈ 2 km from KL, as the crow flies
Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: Alexey Komarov · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A six-tiered Chinese temple on Robson Hill, built by KL's Hainanese community and dedicated to the sea goddess Tian Hou. Red pillars, layered roofs and the skyline from the terraces make it an easy family stop.

Makan

  1. Banana leaf riceBrickfields is five minutes' drive downhill.Map ↗
  2. ThosaiBrickfields' South Indian restaurants also do a lighter breakfast before the temple.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The prayer hallTian Hou in the centre, with Guan Yin and Shui Wei Sheng Niang on either side, under carved and gilded beams.Map ↗
  2. The terracesWalk round the upper levels for views over Brickfields and the city.Map ↗
  3. The zodiac gardenFind your animal among the 12 statues, each with a plaque on its sign's traits.Map ↗
  4. Guan Yin by the waterfallA small statue among rocks and falling water, where visitors stop for a blessing.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Couples come to register their marriages, so expect wedding parties on auspicious dates.
  • Dress modestly and keep your voice down in the prayer hall.
  • There are plenty of steps between levels; take it slowly with older relatives.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.