Ching San Yen, also known as Green Hill Temple, sits above Kampung Muara Tebas near the Sarawak River delta. It is not a glossy new tourist stop. The charm is older than that: red walls, golden roof details, sea breeze, a staircase up the hill, and that quiet feeling you get when a place has been used by generations.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Esther Siaw, CC BY 4.0

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Esther Siaw, CC BY 4.0

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Esther Siaw, CC BY 4.0

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Esther Siaw, CC BY 4.0

Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Esther Siaw, CC BY 4.0

What to expect:

• A short uphill temple visit, with more than a hundred steps depending which path you take.
• Bright traditional Chinese temple details, especially the roofline, wall paintings and altar area.
• A peaceful Muara Tebas side trip that pairs nicely with seafood lunch.
• Best timing: morning or late afternoon. Midday can be hot on the hill.

Useful notes:

Address area: Kampung Muara Tebas, Kuching, Sarawak.
Distance: around 30km from Kuching city centre.
Entry: generally free, but bring small cash for donation or parking during busy festive periods.
Dress and manners: this is an active place of worship, so keep it respectful, avoid blocking devotees, and be careful with photos inside.

Would you go for the temple first, or seafood first? I think the best route is temple before lunch, then reward yourself after coming down.