Isn’t it funny how places you never even planned on seeing can become your favourite spots? That’s how I feel about Sin Sze Si Ya Temple in Kuala Lumpur.

It was only by chance that we decided to visit, being disappointed by the city’s Central Market we were there to see.

It was tricky to find, but often the best places are, tucked away in a side street off the sensory overload that is the streets of KL.

Stepping inside was like entering another world.

The yells of hawkers on the streets and honking car horns disappeared. The smell of incense was thick in the air. Quiet conversation between the temple workers and the worshippers was all you could hear. A little girl teased the resident cat. Prayer and contemplation was the order of the day. An uncle slept in the corner under a bright red calendar.

 

 

It’s said that this temple is the oldest Taoist temple in KL, and I loved that it was clearly still such a hub for the community. It was also very welcoming: one gentleman in particular came up and said hello to me in every room I stepped into.

To me it was a perfect example of the power of places of worship, even when you’re not religious yourself. The energy was calming and therapeutic. Leaving the temple after around 45 minutes I felt the same level of relaxed after doing a yoga class.

I wouldn’t hesitate to go back, and would recommend to anyone visiting KL. It’s the perfect foil to the typical KL experience.

Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, 13A, Jalan Tun H S Lee, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Open daily, from 0700 – 1700.