Tua Pek Kong Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Kuching, located along the city’s picturesque waterfront, directly opposite the Chinese History Museum. As one of the key landmarks along the Kuching Heritage Trail, the temple stands as a significant symbol of the city’s early Chinese community and cultural heritage.
The temple is believed to have existed prior to 1839, although documented records trace its history back to 1843. Over the years, it underwent several major renovations in 1856, 1863, and 1880 to preserve and strengthen its structure.
Remarkably, the temple survived the Great Fire of Kuching in 1884, which destroyed many surrounding buildings. It also remained structurally intact during the Japanese invasion in 1941, despite heavy bombing by the Imperial Japanese Army that caused widespread damage to the town.
When restoration work resumed at the end of 1964 — the first major renovation in 84 years — efforts were made to discover the original construction date. It was hoped that the date might be inscribed on one of the roof beams, following traditional Chinese temple practices of recording such details within the structure.
Today, Tua Pek Kong Temple continues to serve as both a place of worship and a treasured historical landmark, reflecting Kuching‘s enduring multicultural legacy.
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Sunday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact Info:
- Phone Number: +60 82-237 643
- Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak.