Locals may know of its existence, but tourists will consider Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple a hidden gem. Because it’s not as easily accessible as other Ipoh temples.
Furthermore, Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple is not built into a cave like well-known Sam Poh Tong or Kek Lok Tong.
So, what then makes this place so special? Find out in this post!
Table Of Contents:
Where Is Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple?
Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple is deep in an industrial area in Chemor, Perak. The route here is sketchy looking since there are very few people about.
Let’s just say you would not want to drive in here after dark.
The immediate road outside Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple has warehouses on the opposite side, and vacant overgrown land on the other side.
There is no prominent signage, grand archway or beautiful perimeter walls (as with Sam Poh Tong) to mark Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple at the outside of the compound.
And from the outside, the Buddhist temple looks like it consists of just one building. Most of the temple grounds that you can see from the outside is the large open-air visitor car park.
Entrance Fees For Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple
It is free to enter Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple.
If you wish to join in a prayer procession with the temple staff, this can cost around RM5 per person minimum.
Donations of any amount are welcome.
Customs To Note At Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple
It is tempting to wander around the temple grounds and admire the lotus pond when you first come to Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple.
But if you want to pay respects to the deities in the temple, remove your shoes and light some incense inside the main building first.
There’s a particular order to follow as well. Starting from the prayer chamber at the back of the building and working your way to the front of the temple.
Prayers At Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple
Many locals come to Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple to pray for a good outcome in their studies.
If you’ve already finished your academic studies, you can still come here to pray for the success of your business, health, etc.
For those that join in the guided prayers, these will take you one full circle around the temple grounds. The whole session is something around 20 to 30 minutes (depending on the pace of your group).
During the prayer session, there will be prayers at different deities (e.g., Sky Dragon, Guanyin, Buddha, etc). The temple staff will chant on your group’s behalf, and you just need to let them know where you’re from.
Visitors can make donations, cross over the lotus pond via the long bridge, and ring a gong at the other end of the pond. Prayers end after crossing the last bridge which take you back to the main building.
Facilities At Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple
Aside from the vast car park (which is free for visitors):
The main visitor toilet at Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple is close to the entrance. There are a few benches close to the main prayer hall too.
Highlights Of Visiting Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple
Firstly, the temple architecture is lovely. There are beautiful examples of craftsmanship for the roof tiles.
Secondly, it all looks extremely grand because of how large the temple grounds are. Moreover, there are usually only a few visitors. And even less if you come here before 10am.
Landscaping is generally well-maintained except for a few sections in the middle that are prone to flooding after heavy rain.
The lotus pond is another highlight of Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple. In the early morning and on cloudy days, the flowers remain open.
You can feed fish and turtles at Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple. Their food is sold at RM1 per packet at the main prayer hall.
Conclusion
Even though Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple is out of the way for most, it is worth a visit. The temple’s beauty rivals other reputable temples in Ipoh.
And it feels very peaceful here since a lot less people visit it. This temple looks completely different from other temples in Ipoh with its spacious grounds and lotus pond.
We highly recommend visiting Seen Hock Yeen Confucius Temple if you have had enough of Ipoh cave temples and want to see something different.
Want more things to do in Chemor? Try the Bangkong Hill Trek.
