Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
Johor
Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, locally known as the Old Temple, is a historic Chinese temple located on Jalan Trus in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Surrounded by modern skyscrapers, it stands as one of the city's oldest structures and a cultural symbol uniting seven major Chinese dialect groups: Teochew, Hoklo (Hokkien), Cantonese, Hakka, Foochowese, Henghua, and Hainanese. Founded between 1870 and 1880 under the encouragement of Sultan Abu Bakar, the temple was established by Tan Hiok Nee, the head of the Ngee Heng Company. The temple preserves important cultural relics including a century-old bronze bell, incense burner, and wooden tablets. Its main alcove houses the image of the principal deity, Yuan Tian Shang Di, alongside four other deities worshipped by different ethnic groups. The temple is renowned for its annual Chingay parade, a vibrant four-day event where deities are paraded through Johor Bahru's city center, attracting hundreds of thousands of participants and spectators. Renovated in the 1990s, the temple maintains much of its traditional architectural and cultural design, serving as a living testament to Johor Bahru's Chinese heritage.
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Tip: The best time to visit the temple is during the annual Chingay parade held in the first lunar month, typically between the 20th and 23rd, or from the 1st to 15th lunar month as updated in 2021. Visitors are advised to plan ahead for this popular event, which attracts over 300,000 people. Tickets or entry are generally free, but arriving early ensures a better viewing experience. Exploring the temple on weekdays or outside festival periods offers a quieter atmosphere to appreciate its cultural artifacts. Discounts or special access are not typically required, but checking the temple's official Facebook page for updates before visiting is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •The temple is a symbol of unity among seven Chinese dialect groups in Johor Bahru.
- •It houses a century-old bronze bell and historic wooden plaques inside.
- •The annual Chingay parade attracts over 300,000 participants and spectators.
- •The temple was founded with encouragement from Sultan Abu Bakar to foster good relations between the Chinese community and the Johor monarchy.
- •The main deity, Yuan Tian Shang Di, is worshipped primarily by the Teochew community.
History
The temple dates back to between 1870 and 1880, founded during a period when Sultan Abu Bakar encouraged the local Chinese community to establish places of worship and burial grounds by granting land.
Established by Tan Hiok Nee of the Ngee Heng Company, the temple has long served as a spiritual and cultural hub for Johor Bahru's Chinese population.
In 1981, plans for renovation were proposed, with the project commencing in 1994 and completed by December 1995.
The renovation preserved key cultural elements and artifacts, maintaining the temple's historic integrity while adapting to modern needs.
Place Guide
Main Alcove and Deities19th century
The central shrine houses the principal deity Yuan Tian Shang Di, along with four other deities worshipped by different Chinese ethnic groups: Hong Xian Da Di (Hoklo), Gan Tian Da Di (Hakka), Hua Guang Da Di (Cantonese), and Zhao Da Yuan Shuai (Hainanese). Each deity represents the faith and cultural heritage of their respective communities.
Historic Artefactscirca late 19th century
Inside the temple are important relics including a century-old bronze bell, incense burner, and wooden tablets. These artefacts have been preserved through renovations and serve as tangible links to the temple’s 19th-century origins.
Annual Chingay ParadeTraditionally since 19th century, ongoing
This vibrant four-day event takes place annually in the first lunar month, featuring a grand procession of the temple’s deities through Johor Bahru’s city center. It is one of the largest cultural festivals in the region, drawing over 300,000 participants and spectators who celebrate Chinese heritage and community unity.
Contact
Phone: 07-213 4098
