Chin Swee Caves Temple, Genting Highlands: History and respectful visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Chin Swee Caves Temple

Construction began after Genting Highlands Resort was completed in the 1970s and took about eighteen years. The temple officially opened on 29 March 1994. Lim Goh Tong donated the land and chaired the Chin Swee Temple Society.

The temple sits on a rocky, forested site of about 28 acres. It honours Master Qingshui, venerated in Fujian, and the Reverend Chin Swee, whose birthday on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year is marked with celebrations.

Useful facts

Chin Swee Caves Temple facts at a glance

Location

On the Genting slope, a short drive below the summit resort

Faith

Taoist and Buddhist (Mahayana)

Dedication

Master Qingshui and the Reverend Chin Swee

Opened

29 March 1994

Visitor note

Many steps; cover shoulders and knees

Getting there

Awana SkyWay stops at Chin Swee station

Why it matters

Why Chin Swee Caves Temple is worth your time

Most of Genting Highlands is a purpose-built entertainment resort. Chin Swee Caves Temple is the one place where the hill's religious life is on show, and it draws devotees from Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, China, Thailand and Indonesia. It is dedicated to Master Qingshui, a monk venerated in Fujian, China, for bringing rain and driving away evil spirits.

The temple also tells the story of the resort's founder. Lim Goh Tong, who came from Fujian, donated the land and chaired the temple society, and a statue of him stands in the grounds. For Indian visitors, it is a useful look at Chinese Mahayana practice: incense, blessing lamps and shrines, with a different set of customs from a Hindu or Jain mandir.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   The pagoda and giant Buddha

   The tall pagoda and the Buddha statue behind the main hall are the landmarks of the hillside, with views over the Titiwangsa range on clear mornings.

2. 02

   The main hall

   The Reverend Chin Swee's statue faces south, and the outer walls carry inscriptions about his life and work.

3. 03

   The vegetarian restaurant

   A meal in the lobby is a natural pause, with mountain views; ask about egg and dairy before ordering.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Reach the temple by the Awana SkyWay, getting off at the intermediate Chin Swee station, or by car or taxi along the hill road; the temple is a short drive below the main resort. The cable car is the more pleasant way, because you float over the forest and arrive without dealing with road traffic or parking.

Start at the main hall, where the statue of the Reverend Chin Swee sits facing south, and read the inscriptions on the outer walls telling his story. Then follow the paths up to the pagoda and the giant Buddha statue behind the hall. The rock face, the man-made stream and the handcrafted doors are all worth a slower look. The temple also has a gallery known as the Ten Chambers of Hell, which is graphic in a traditional Chinese way, so think twice before taking young children.

Leave time for tea or a meal at the vegetarian restaurant in the temple lobby, then ride back up to the resort. If you come at the Lunar New Year, expect large crowds and long queues for the cable car.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Genting slope, below the summit resort, Genting Highlands

Time needed

1.5 to 2.5 hours, longer with a meal

Best time

Morning, before cloud and the afternoon crowd; Lunar New Year is busy

Walking level

Demanding

Senior comfort

The site is built on a steep, rocky hillside, so expect many steps and slopes between the halls, the pagoda and the upper terraces. Pick one or two levels, rest often and carry water; it can be misty and damp underfoot.

Tickets and access

Check current entry rules, opening hours and any fees on the temple's official site before you go. Cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes where asked inside halls. Photography rules vary by hall, so look for signs.

Plan it with

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