You know that tiny pause you get when you step off a busy Kuching street and suddenly everything smells like incense, old timber, and red lanterns? That is the mood at Hiang Thian Siang Ti Temple. It is not the kind of place where you rush in, snap one photo, and cabut. Go a bit slower here. [image: 1784945306885-hiang_01_interior.jpg] Source: Kuching Old Bazaar [image: 1784945307143-hiang_05-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photos [image: 1784945307850-hiang_06-resized.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photos [image: 1784945308238-hiang_08.jpg] Source: Trip.com traveller photos This temple is tucked along Carpenter Street and dedicated to Xuan Tian Shang Di, the Deity of the North. Sarawak Tourism says the present temple replaced an earlier site in 1863, was badly damaged in the 1884 fire, then rebuilt in 1889. KCH Old Bazaar also records the Teochew link very clearly: locals know it as Lao Ya Keng, and the annual deity procession is still one of those old Kuching traditions that can fill the street with drums, flags, and people. What I like about this stop is that it feels small but alive. Tripadvisor reviewers keep saying the same thing in different ways: it is colourful, well maintained, historically meaningful, and worth a quick look even if temples are not usually your thing. One traveller said to remove your shoes and go inside; another liked that the information board outside gives the temple story without making you guess. Trip.com travellers lean more into the photo side: red pillars, roof carvings, murals, ornate altar, that old-school Carpenter Street setting. Wanderlog-style review summaries also mention the same calm feeling, especially early morning or late afternoon when it is less busy. Airial's review roundup adds practical reminders that match the place: speak softly, dress modestly, take off shoes before entering the main hall, and do not touch religious items. Practical stuff: Address: 22, Carpenter Street, 93000 Kuching, Sarawak. Opening hours: Trip.com lists it as 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Some visitors have mentioned seeing it open later during preparations, but I would not gamble on that. Entry: Free. Best timing: morning for quieter photos, or late afternoon if you want softer light around Carpenter Street. Nearby makan: Lau Ya Keng is just opposite, so this is an easy temple-plus-kolo-mee stop. Good to know: remove shoes before entering, keep your voice down, and give space if devotees are praying. My take: this is not a huge tourist attraction, and that is exactly why it works. It is a 10-20 minute stop, but a nice one. If you are walking Carpenter Street with a visitor, bring them here before makan and let them see a quieter side of old Kuching. Anyone here still remembers watching the procession when it passed through town?

The oldest temple in Kuching — and probably the toughest. Honestly, when you stand in front of Tua Pek Kong Temple, it's hard to believe what this building has been through. 1884 — The Great Fire of Kuching burned the whole street to ashes. The temple? Untouched. 1941 — Japanese Imperial Army bombs rained down on the city. Buildings around it were destroyed. The temple? Still standing. Nearly 250 years later, the incense is still burning. [image: 1781230879510-img1-resized.jpg] Credit: 愛子棋枰 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA) Tua Pek Kong Temple (also called Siew San Teng Temple) is the oldest recorded Chinese temple in Kuching, believed to have existed before 1839. It started as a simple thatched hut, and through major renovations in 1856, 1863, and 1880, it evolved into the temple you see today. [image: 1781230880238-img2.jpg] Credit: Damian Pankowiec / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA) The older generation in Kuching will tell you this temple has the best Feng Shui in town — backed by hills, facing the Sarawak River. In 1871, Charles Brooke, the second White Rajah, issued the first official land title for the temple. Royal endorsement, you could say. The main deity is Tua Pek Kong (God of Prosperity), and many local business owners come here to pray for good fortune. During the 1st and 15th of the lunar calendar, it gets so busy you can smell the incense from down the street. [image: 1781230880711-img3-resized.jpg] Credit: Boonjinchung / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA) "Small but very atmospheric, the incense and red lanterns make it feel incredibly authentic" — Australian visitor "Right by the waterfront, 2 minute walk from the river. Free entry, surprisingly peaceful inside" — Singaporean visitor "Oldest temple in Kuching, a must-stop on the heritage trail" — UK visitor Over on TripAdvisor, the sentiment is similar. Many say it's not the biggest or grandest temple, but it feels more genuine than the large tourist-oriented attractions. What struck me is that locals don't really view this as a "tourist spot" — they're actually here to pray. Hang around for 10 minutes and you'll see elderly folks lighting incense, casting divination blocks, burning joss paper. It's everyday religious life, not a performance. [image: 1781230881352-img4-resized.jpg] Credit: Flickr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY) Visitor Info: Location: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (opposite Kuching Waterfront, next to Chinese History Museum) Hours: Daily ~6am to 6pm (no strict enforcement) ️ Entry: Free Getting there: 2-min walk from Kuching Waterfront Dress code: Casual is fine, but it is a place of worship — keep it respectful Photos: Allowed, but be discreet when people are praying Xiao Wei's tips: Go around 5pm — the golden hour light hitting the temple interior is stunning for photos After visiting, cross the street to the Chinese History Museum (also free) Avoid the 1st and 15th of the lunar month if you prefer a quieter experience Have you been to this temple before? Or have you walked past it a hundred times without going in? Drop a comment Xiao Wei, your Kuching Places Hunter — see you next week!