Ceramic reliefs
Fish and birds on the gables.
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A small Chinese temple at the foot of Bukit China in Malacca, beside the King's Well known as Hang Li Poh's Well. The Chinese Kapitan Chua Su Cheong founded it in 1795, in the Dutch era, and it is dedicated to the god Tua Pek Kong. The temple was first built as a place to pray for the souls of the early Chinese traders buried in the hill's cemetery, who died far from their families with no one to pray for them, as rites held on the hill itself were often spoiled by rain and wind. The building is simple in the southern Chinese style, with a curved tiled roof and gables decorated with colourful ceramic reliefs of fish, birds and dragons, and inside are a carved altar and stone tablets recording the temple's history. Entry is free. A visit is short and best combined with Hang Li Poh's Well next door, followed by a climb up Bukit China and its old cemetery.
Fish and birds on the gables.
Prayers for traders' souls.
Where the climb begins.
At the foot of Bukit China, beside Hang Li Poh's Well
Hang Li Poh's Well (King's Well)The oldest well in Malaysia, dug in 1459 by the followers of the Chinese princes1 minute walk
Bukit ChinaA wide green hill east of the old town, tied to one of Malacca's best-known stor4 minutes walk
Church of St Francis XavierA twin-towered neo-Gothic Catholic church overlooking the Malacca River a few mi7 minutes walk
Melaka Sultanate Palace MuseumBefore the Portuguese arrived in 1511, Malacca was the capital of a Muslim sulta8 minutes walk4.3
Proclamation of Independence MemorialAn elegant museum in a white building crowned by two golden onion domes, built i9 minutes walkThe temple stands right beside the well, practically in the same compound, so you see both in a few minutes before climbing Bukit China.