DRAMATICALLY perched on a forested cliff at 1,402 metres above sea level, the Chin Swee Temple is a sight to behold. Its iconic nine-tiered pagoda radiates a deep, red glow at dusk, each lamp-lit tier gleaming against the encroaching twilight. Spread across a sprawling 11.33ha plot of rocky land, this temple in Genting Sempah, Pahang, offers a breathtaking panorama of the Titiwangsa mountain range.
Officially opened on March 29,1994, the temple overlooks lush green slopes of virgin forest and the winding road to Genting Highlands. Its construction, led by Genting Highlands founder Lim Goh Tong, was a monumental feat.
With steep, rocky terrain making modern machinery unusable, Lim and his team relied on manual labour, digging 24 to 31 metre-deep foundations by hand. Over 18 years of painstaking effort, the temple rose to completion — an incredible achievement with no reported accidents.
You can drive right up to the temple and enjoy the convenience of free parking. But if you're looking to add a touch of adventure and breathtaking views to your journey, take the cable car! Begin your ride at Awana Station and glide above lush rainforests to Chin Swee Station, where the temple awaits your exploration.
BLESSINGS IN THE PAGODA
During our visit to the temple, we discovered it was undergoing renovations, which meant we couldn't take the usual direct path from the station. Instead, we hopped on a free shuttle that ferried us back and forth. Despite the detour, the clear blue skies and warm morning sun painted a stunning backdrop for the temple grounds.
The nine-tiered pagoda was our first stop, a striking structure that invites exploration. If you're up for the climb, take on the spiral staircase to the top (285 steps) and be rewarded with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the temple grounds.
Inside, the air is filled with the soothing chants of prayers and the gentle aroma of incense, creating a serene atmosphere. The pagoda also houses 10,000 "blessing lamps", installed for devotees to dedicate to loved ones, seeking blessings from Buddha.
WELCOME TO HELL
From the towering 15-metre-high Buddha gazing serenely from his elevated perch, to the statues of His disciples (or Lohans) and the deities representing Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, the Chin Swee Temple radiates peace and introspection. But don't let this sense of serenity lull you into complacency.
Amidst the tranquil grounds lies a stark reminder of the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness. Haunting depictions of punishment for moral transgressions contrast sharply with the temple's calm atmosphere.
These vivid cautionary scenes showcased in a series of grottos cut into the hillside serve as a sobering lesson, reinforcing the importance of leading a virtuous life in the face of divine serenity and spiritual devotion.
The 10 Chambers of Hell offer a graphic and unsettling depiction of the punishments reserved for various wrongdoers. Adulterers, gamblers (an ironic inclusion considering this IS Genting Highlands!), murderers, those who disrespect their parents, cheaters, rapists and others are vividly portrayed enduring their excruciating fates. These haunting scenes serve as a stark reminder of the karmic consequences of immoral actions, leaving visitors with a chilling sense of the temple's moral teachings.
Blood, gore and graphic depictions of torture dominate the scenes, offering either a powerful deterrent or a morbid fascination for visitors. While these gruesome renderings of punishments are thought-provoking, they're not for the faint-hearted. And as for the kids, leave them out of this one unless you're ready to deal with weeks of nightmares!
DEITIES AND FAIRIES
Step past the gruesome grottos and emerge into an open vista, where the towering Guan Yin statue rises gracefully into the sky. Her compassionate gaze seems to offer solace, as if commiserating with you on the harrowing journey you endured to reach her serene presence.
You might also catch a glimpse of the radiant smiles of the "Seven Fairies". gracefully descending from heaven. Following them are the three Gods named Fook, Lok and Sou, representing Luck, Wisdom and Longevity. Adding to the celestial scene is Wang Mo Liang Liang, the Mother Goddess, descending to earth in her majestic heavenly chariot.
There's plenty to discover here, making it easy to spend at least half a day leisurely strolling through the expansive temple grounds. Informative signages share fascinating stories and details about the gods and deities that reside within the temple.
Take your time, soak in the tranquil atmosphere and snap plenty of photos to capture the beauty around you. As we step back into the cable car for another breathtaking ride, the temple and its iconic pagoda shimmer under the golden afternoon sun.
While the journey to enlightenment may be arduous, this hilltop temple's grim depictions of hell might serve as a compelling motivator, driving worshippers toward the path of righteousness more effectively than any gentle sermon ever could.
Yet amid these warnings, the gods smile benevolently, as if to remind devotees that mercy prevails, offering hope and redemption to those who seek it.
CHIN SWEE TEMPLE
WHERE: Exit 68, Genting Sempah, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
OPENING HOURS: 8am to 7pm daily