MY · Melaka · 2.20°N 102.25°E

cheng hoon teng temple

The oldest working Chinese temple in Malaysia, carved roofs and the three faiths of Harmony Street.

Best time
Any time of year. Early morning is quietest, before the Jonker crowds arrive and while worshippers light the first joss sticks. Chinese New Year and Guanyin's feast days are the busiest.
How long
1–2 hours, longer with breakfast
Getting there
About 2 hours' drive from KL. It's on Jalan Tokong in the old town; park by the river and walk in, as the heritage lanes are narrow and one-way. Buses from TBS run to Melaka Sentral, about 15 minutes away by Grab.
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MY · Melakacheng hoon teng temple2.20°N 102.25°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,The oldest working Chinese temple in Malaysia, carved roofs and the three faiths of Harmony Street.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingCheng Hoon Teng TempleMY, Melaka
KLcheng hoon teng temple
≈ 122 km from KL, as the crow flies
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple - the oldest chinese temple in Malaysia. Malacca City, Malacca, Malaysia.

Photo: Marcin Konsek · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Founded in 1645, Cheng Hoon Teng is the oldest working Chinese temple in Malaysia, one street up from Jonker Street. Its carved and lacquered halls won a UNESCO award for their restoration, and a mosque and a Hindu temple stand a few doors along the same old street.

Makan

  1. Dim sum at Low Yong MohAn old-school dim sum house opposite the Kampung Kling Mosque, known for its big pork buns. It thins out by late morning.Map ↗
  2. Nyonya kuihPick up kuih from the Peranakan shops along Jonker Street and Heeren Street.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. The main hallDedicated to Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, under carved and lacquered beams. Side halls honour other deities and the ancestors.Map ↗
  2. The roofs and flagpolesLook up at the dragons and little figures along the roof ridges, and the pair of tall red flagpoles out front.Map ↗
  3. Harmony StreetWalk along Jalan Tukang Emas past the Kampung Kling Mosque and the Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in the country.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Low Yong Moh isn't halal, and neither are most kopitiams in this part of town.
  • Visitors are welcome in the halls. Dress modestly, keep your voice down and don't photograph people praying.

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