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Escape Into The Clouds At Chin Swee Temple, Genting Highlands, Malaysia
The Chin Swee Temple was a literal escape into the clouds for us during our amazing stay at the Resorts World Genting, Malaysia. It is one of the Genting Highlands attractions that lifts you from the ordinary and takes you to an extraordinary surreal plane. The Chin Swee Temple sometimes also referred to as Chin Swee Caves Temple is set on a ridge high up in the hills amidst scenic environs which tug at your heartstrings. It is always a pleasure to watch clouds floating or scurrying up in the skies, but walking inside a cloud is indeed giving wings to your imagination. But we walked straight into the clouds at the Chin Swee Temple and the experience was the stuff that dreams are made of.
Chin Swee Temple – Genesis of Chin Swee Caves Temple
It was in 1975 that the vision and dream of Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong took concrete shape and Resorts World Genting which was then known as Genting Highlands Resort was completed. After this, the visionary and founder of RW Genting turned his attention towards creating another structure that was linked to his childhood memories in distant Penglai, a village in China. Thus was born the Chin Swee Cave Temple, dedicated to Chin Swee also known as Quingshui a Chan Buddhist monk much revered in China. Chin Swee was known to possess supernatural powers and could summon rain at will. It is said that once he saved the town of Anxi in China from drought by summoning rain.
Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong gathered a group of liked minded people, most of whom belonged to the Anxi clan and the Chin Swee Temple took shape. He as always led from the front, donating 28 acres of land for the Chin Swee Temple and more than RM 8 million in cash. Apart from that, he characteristically donned the multiple hats of an architect, designer, planner, supervisor etc., to materialize the Chin Swee Temple into reality from the realms of dreams. That the construction of the temple itself was a risky and daunting task on account of the rocky and steep terrain did not deter the superhuman vision of Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong and the Chin Swee Temple officially opened on the 24th of March, 1994.
Chin Swee Temple – Getting There By Awana skyway cable car Genting
We felt quite refreshed after our trek in the Awana Bio Park, a beautiful rainforest that affords serene nature trails and the opportunity to see some exotic flora and fauna. It was befitting that the next on our itinerary for the day was a visit to the tranquil environs of the Chin Swee Temple.
We got into a gleaming glass-bottomed cable car of the Awana Skyway at the Awana station. Incidentally, the Awana Skyway is one of our favorite experiences at the Resorts World Genting, Malaysia.
As the gondola silently glided up the hill, the only sound audible was our own breathing and intermediate gasps of awe at the vistas that unfolded below us. Carpets of green vegetation whizzed below our feet as we entered into the enthralling world of clouds. The magical ride was short but sweetness personified.
We alighted at the Chin Swee station and took a series of escalators that take you downhill to reach the Chin Swee Temple.
The Awana Skyway cable cars run between the Awana station and the top of Resorts World Genting, one can get down at the Chin Swee station and get back after visiting the Chin Swee temple to continue your journey either way on the same ticket
Chin Swee Temple – Attractions
The ride on the escalators was iced with fabulous views from the glass windows that lined the walls of the corridor. Enticing views of the Chin Swee temple peeping out from the clouds, the shining red gondolas gliding in and out of clouds kept us company as we reached the Chin Swee Temple.
We emerged into the premises of the Chin Swee Temple and it was like emerging into a place that was beyond the frontiers of time. The temple stretched before us, bathed in a layer of mystical white. The 9 storeyed- Pagoda which dominated the skyline played hide and seek with the clouds, while the other temples unveiled their myriad colors behind the sheen of white which hugged them. As the clouds lifted for a moment we watched a spectacular tableau unfold before us. Mystical figures, serene statues, symmetrical and colorful structures and of course the Pagoda vied with each other to grab our attention. A burst of Chinese firecrackers somehow did not seem out of place in the serenity of the moment as we watched people scurrying around in a massive square that housed the different components of the Chin Swee Temple.
A grotto with the fierce looking statue of the Monkey God beneath a small waterfall grabbed our attention as we moved forward. Interestingly there were statues of monkeys reminiscent of Mahatma Gandhi’s Three Monkeys.
When you are at the Chin Swee Temple do not miss these attractions:
The Pagoda
The structure that scrapes the clouds and disappears behind them from time to time is the tall and imposing 9-storeyed Pagoda. This Pagoda is embellished with figurines of Buddha and the brilliance of 10,000 lamps lends a surreal feel inside the Pagoda. The lamps are known as blessing lamps and are for devotees to dedicate to anyone that they would like to be blessed with the grace of Buddha.
The Chin Swee Temple
The Chin Swee temple is a Taoist temple that is primarily dedicated to the monk Chin Swee. The main temple has a beautiful and ornamental roof supported by elegant red columns. The life and teachings of Chin Swee come alive on the inscriptions that grace the exterior walls of the temple. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, there is an image of the monk Chin Swee in a sitting position facing southwards as per the principles of Feng Shui. A natural rock with a man-made stream lends an aura of serenity to the temple where you are enveloped by peace from all sides. The water that flows from the stream is known as Dragon Mineral Water.
The Buddha Temple
This is a small temple dedicated to Buddha that stands in the center of the square. The exterior of the temple is really exquisite with a vibrant red color offset by colorful paintings of Taoist symbology. It is interesting to note that this temple is aligned to the main temple which is one level below. We bowed to the statue of Buddha inside the temple and also lit few incense sticks and as the fragrant smoke curled into a cloud and disappeared to merge with the larger clouds outside, we were enveloped in a haze of tranquility.
The Statue of Buddha
When you are at the premises of the Chin Swee Temple you are never far away from the benign grace of the Buddha. A 15-meter high statue of Buddha in serene meditation overlooks the temple and the beautiful vistas stretching below. The calm visage of the Buddha is rendered even more ethereal as clouds brush past it, gently caressing the divine presence.
The Statue of Guan Yin
While at one end of the big square you have the serene statue of a sitting Buddha, at the other end is the compassionate figure of a standing Guan Yin. Guan Yin or Kuan Yin is a female Bodhisattva and is venerated as an embodiment of compassion and mercy. The tall statue of Guan Yin seems to cast its compassionate glance on all the visitors to the Chin Swee Temple.
The Statue of Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong
The statue of Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong, the man who not only dared to dream but also ensured his dreams fructified stands behind the Buddha temple. The statue is a silent tribute in stone to the man, his vision, endeavors, and achievements. The statue stands in the midst of delightful water fountains flanked by plaques which describe Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong’s contribution.
10 Chambers of Hell
On the rocky fringes that skirt the Chin Swee Temple complex, we found a fascinating series of caves wedged in the rocks. There were 10 of them and each one depicted a chamber of hell. According to ancient Chinese belief which has a remarkable echo with the Hindu doctrine of Karma and reincarnation, one reaps what one sows and there are 10 chambers of Hell where sinners find themselves after death. Which chamber one lands up in depends on the nature and severity of the sins as each chamber has a different set of punishment awaiting the sinner.
The first chamber is a screening place where one’s deeds on the earth are scrutinized and the appropriate chamber of Hell assigned. Of course, if you are not a sinner you are sent for rebirth to the Western Pureland of Great Bliss. But those who are guilty of sins are sent for punishment, for example, those guilty of crimes like rape, murder, etc., are sent to the fifth chamber while those who have indulged in a robbery, disloyalty, etc., are dispatched to the third chamber, and so on. Colorful and at times frightening statues depict the punishment that sinners can “look forward” to in the caves that represent the chambers of Hell.
After the punishment in the assigned chambers, the 10th and the last chamber is where the dynamics of rebirth are decided. Again based on the severity of the sins the form, time, sex at rebirth are decided.
Sky Terrace
One of the later additions to the Chin Swee Temple is the Sky Terrace which was built to commemorate the 90th birthday of Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong. His son Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay donated an amount of RM 10 million for the construction of the Sky Terrace.
This is the large square where one feels one with the clouds and it is but fittingly called as the Sky Terrace or a Place for heavenly offerings.
Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong Hall
In the square towards the edge of the ridge framed against the backdrop of the hills is a picturesque little building. The place in front of the building was swarming with people taking selfies as the building made for a vibrant and lovely background. In fact, the Chin Swee temple complex is a bonanza for “selfieholics”, if we can coin that term!
The Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong Hall is a place for meditation and prayers which is used by devotees and students as well as general visitors.
Amenities At The Chin Swee Temple
The Chin Swee Temple complex and its sprawling area may tire you, but not to worry, there are gazebos which offer succor to tired limbs where one can sit and relax taking in the lovely vistas all around. If the pangs of hunger trouble you there is a vegetarian restaurant called The Chin Swee Vegetarian Cuisine which serves authentic vegetarian fare.
There is also an accommodation option at the Chin Swee Temple complex called Goh Tong Hall Residence which offers reasonably priced and decent stay options. However, this is open to religious devotees only.
After having spent some hours in the calming locale of the Chin Swee Temple we retraced our steps back to the Chin Swee station to catch another glass-bottomed gondola to the peak of Resorts World Genting. As the Gondola glided forward and we reached the glitter and razzmatazz of the Awana Sky Avenue, the serenity of Chin Swee Temple still lingered around us like a halo.
Best time to visit Chin Swee Temple, Genting Highlands, Malaysia
Genting Highlands weather is very cool. Genting Highlands temperature ranges between 14 to 22 degrees Celsius all the 365 days a year. Best time to visit Chin Swee Caves temple and Resorts World Genting Highlands Malaysia is all year round.
Genting Highlands Tourism
How To Get To Resorts World Genting Highlands Malaysia
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How To Book Your Stay When Visiting Resorts World Genting Highlands Malaysia
Genting hotels – If you are planning to visit Resorts World Genting Highlands, Malaysia then you must be wondering where to stay in Genting, Malaysia or the best hotels in Genting Malaysia. Stay options to suit your budget are available at RWGenting and can be easily booked. For best accommodation – hotels in Resorts World Genting, Malaysia we suggest checking out our favorite sites to book here. We always use these sites to book our stay. Genting booking can be done through HotelsCombined or Booking.com to save huge and get best deals on booking your stay in Resorts World Genting Highlands, Malaysia.
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Driving around Genting Highlands, Malaysia
If you are looking at getting the best deals on car rental in Malaysia, then look no further. You can rent a car in Kuala Lumpur to explore and experience amazing Malaysia, and in and around areas and embark on a road trip of exploration and discovery of beautiful Malaysia.
Travel, Explore and Enjoy with peace
Before you head off on your travels do not forget to take the travel insurance just tailored for you. The insurance also provides free airport lounge access if the flight is delayed for more than an hour.
So when you are at the Resorts World Genting and are able to free yourself from the allure of its multifold attractions, do spend a few hours on literally another plane at the Chin Swee Temple.
Have you been to Resorts World Genting? Which is your favorite attraction there? Have you also experienced the tranquil atmosphere of the Chin Swee Caves Temple? Do let us know your thoughts and comments. We always value them as they help us in creating the best content.
We were hosted by Resorts World Genting, Malaysia. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.
Our related posts on Resorts World Genting, Malaysia:
Genting Highlands Attractions – Resorts World Genting, Malaysia
Awana Bio Park – Resorts World Genting
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Visiting the Chin Swee Temple looks like an amazing experience. I love all of the architectural details. I can’t wait to visit Malaysia.
How incredibly difficult must it have been to build this complex up high. I imagine the skyway was used as one of the methods to bring materials up? Or is there a trail that can be taken to go up instead of the skyway perhaps? The ten chambers of hell made me think of Dante’s “Divine Comedy” where he lays out the circles of hell: 7 concentric circles where the further in you go, the greater the sin though, in his view, once in hell, you were stuck in that circle for eternity!
What an experience. I would love to see the temples. They are so gorgeous. You can’t see stuff like that in America.
Oh my gosh that is absolutely gorgeous! All those colors in that temple are just beautiful. I love to explore different parts of the world and I hope at some point I will be able to go here. These pictures are absolutely gorgeous.
That looks so beautiful. I would love to visit Malaysia one day. It would be a wonderful desintation for a family vacation.
Beautiful pictures. I’ve never been to that part of the world before. Looks like a lovely place to visit
What a magical experience! I’d love to visit this part of Malaysia, and rising up into the clouds to visit Chin Swee Temple sounds just the kind of experience I know I’d also enjoy, plus I’m am absolute sucker for cable cars, just LOVE them! Great to read the history of the temple, created by Genting to reflect his childhood memories of China.
Look at all those different and beautiful temples. The detail and color is amazing. Would be awesome to be able to visit one day.
What a beautiful temple! The pagoda alone would be worth the visit to see.
What an incredibly beautiful place. I love it! I will have to keep these locations in mind when we plan our trip here. Thank you!
I was in Malaysia for 1 month in spring but I hadnt heard about this place so I didnt visit it! I would not guess it is in Malaysia though as it is 100% Chinese ! This pagoda is very beautiful! Thanks for the detailed info!
Chin Swee Temple seems like a great place to explore and it certainly have a mysterious feel to it being enveloped by the clouds! The temple and its surrounding buildings are so brightly colored and it must have been such a joy to walk the grounds of such a serene place! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
What a gorgeous temple! I love the color. I would love to go there someday.
Chin Swee Temple looks like an amazing place to visit, not to mention a workout to get there. Looks totally worth it though.
This looks like a beautiful and interesting place to visit. Malaysia looks gorgeous!
We truly love adventure and travel and this looks like such a scenic place! Great photos, that tram just looks incredible!
wow! I have been to Asia but never Malaysia. This makes me want to go though! Those temples! That artchitecture! Absolutely stunning.
Wow. So stunningly beautiful. what a trip this would be, I’d love to visit!
Those Buddha temples look amazing! I’ve been to Getting Island.. actually my cousin, his family and I almost lost our life because the taxi driver was drunk and sleepy, the car swerved and it went really bad. Luckily God was still with us.
Visiting Malaysia is on my bucket list and I hope I can visit it soon! The Chin Swee Temple complex looks amazing and there are so many things to see! Those glass-bottomed cable cars sound like a great way to go to visit the temple.
I think I would fall I. Love with the place and never want to leave. This is absolutely gorgeous and what a trip
Some really nice photos you took there, especially those from the cable car.
I can only imagine what it is like to take the cable car through such pristine greenery and to climb into the clouds. I mean, it really is like – climbing into the clouds, you’re so right. That mist gives a fascinating detail to your photos, love it. 🙂
Glad to learn few details about Chin Swee, seems so interesting that he could summon rain. Would love to visit the temple and to climb up to the 9th floor of the Pagoda. Thanks for the guide, hope I’d be able to visit next year. 🙂
It feels so werid to see all this in Malaysia, it does look like China to me. I love the spooky feel with the mist. Would love to check this place out on my next visit to Malaysia.
A glass bottomed cable car! Wow! Nothing like arriving in style. What a fascinating place. I’m really not a fan of cold weather but I think I could make an exception for this. How long did you guys spend up there?
Extremely thorough post. The statues are very impressive. Especially th Buddha statue.
15M high Buddha statue? Incredible! I also want to get in the road driving in Malaysia! Do we need Intl Driving License? Bec in some countries like Vietnam and Myanmar – they don’t really require it.
Chin Swee Temple surely looks like a mystical place that one can get lost in and not mind at all. So peaceful and calming. It must’ve felt awesome to walk in the clouds. And that view from the cable car ride seems spectacular. The architecture of the pagoda and those statues are so amazing. Thanks for sharing!
Wow! This place looks so magical! I would love to visit Malaysia one day!
This is one of my regrets, not being able to go to Genting Highlands when I was in Malaysia. I absolutely love Malaysia and I heard this is like their version of Sentosa.
It seems like you truly we’re transported to a magical land in the clouds at Chin Swee Temple! I think a ride in glass-bottom cable car would be such a cool experience – though maybe not for anyone afraid of heights!
I have always wanted to see more of Malaysia as I have never made it outside of KL. Perhaps I’ll put Genting Highlands on my list!
Whoa! The location is mind blowing! Right in the middle of clouds! It is amazing how the faith of one person transformed the whole place into something so magical. Hope I can see in real.
Thanks for bringing this place to my attention, I had never heard of Chin Swede Temple. It looks like an incredible place to visit! It must have been awesome to be walking among the clouds, definitely on my list now!
That pagoda is incredible – the scale is huge and it is such a beautiful thing to see in the skyline. If I ever visit Malaysia I would love to visit the Chin Swee Temple, although the cable car might scare me!
Is this one of those places that is just perpetually cloudy? I imagine that the views on a clear day must be beautiful.
Really interesting blog and history behind this beautiful place! I loved all your photos, the contrast between the dark sky and there colourful temples / pagodas / buildings!
I can’t believe the colors how they pop at such an elevated location. These temples are amazing and it is awesome to think at such a high altitude, they were built so beautifully. Great pictures.
I love the gondola, looks like the views were amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience.
What time of the year was it when you went to Malaysia? It seems all misty and so lovely. The cable car ride would have been so beautiful with the forests beneath you.
The Chin Swee temple really looks like a dreamland. Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong was surely a visionary to have built the resort and the temple having so many attractions.
What a fabulous Taoist temple. I loved reading the story of the monk Chin Swee who is the inspiration for the temple. It looks like there is so much to see and do. I admit, I would be one of those taking a selfie (although I am not naturally inclined to do so). I’m sure the gondola ride was a great respite and also made you appreciate that you did not have to hike up to Chin Swee Temple!
I thought Resort World Genting is everything at Genting and now reading about this Chin Swee Temle has given me more motivation to visit this place in Malaysia. Good to know about Chin Swee and Supernatural powers. And finally, when you mentioned about availability of vegetarian food, I had me there.
Glass bottom gondolas!? I can’t begin to imagine how beautiful the views must’ve been. No wonder it’s one of your faves! I’m planning to visit SE Asia next year and reading this is seriously getting me super excited!
Building this temple would have been like a huge project and it has come out beautiful beyond words. I loved the vibrant color of the temple everywhere and seriously I would have been just clicking clicking. Walking among the clouds and Gandola ride too will be super fun. Great deatiled write up as always.