Sam Kow Tong Temple - There Be Dragons

There's stark contrast between the roof design and the interiors of Sam Kow Tong Temple. While dragons populate above, the main prayer hall is less "adventurous", and this is evident upon entry into the temple lobby which has gray walls. There's a diorama of Chinese epic characters but they're mainly concentrated on a tableau. There are a few dragons inside and the main altar is decorated with several picture frames studded with gold bas relief. The deities are smaller too, unlike the huge golden Buddhas of other temples.

Sam Kow Tong Temple is another find borne out of my monorail commutes from KL Sentral to Imbi. The temple is located in the vicinity of KL Sentral, with its entrance along Jalan Thambypillai, parallel to the street where the monorail is (across KL Sentral). Since most of this area is dotted with Indian restaurants and garment shops, finding a Buddhist temple is unexpected. The entrance building is painted pink, and you get to enter through the side of the temple. There's a parking lot directly facing the temple. Hotel Sentral is visible nearby. Admission is free of charge.

I've long realized that the importance of a specific place is different among locals and among tourists. Those who practice their faith will surely render it more importance than those who are merely after beauty and intricate designs. Though this temple isn't particularly fetching to my tourist eye, I am quite sure that it's an important entity among the faithful who find solace in the corners of this dragon-filled temple.

This is the Eye in the Sky!

The temple's side entrance from Jalan Thambypillai.

Temple lobby leading towards the main prayer hall.

Diorama of legendary Chinese characters drawn on tiles.

Main central altar. Notice the golden frames placed side by side.

The back of the temple building along Jalan Thambypillai where the entrance is.

Old Town coffee house at the corner of Jalan Thambypillai.

Traffic along Jalan Thambypillai.