[2025 Sandakan Attraction] Travel Guide for Puu Jih Syh Temple (Updated Jul)

I found that Puji Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Sandakan. It was built in 1987. It is not only an important religious place, but also a tourist attraction. It has also appeared in the American TV series . There is also a famous check-in point here, which is a giant "swastika" trimmed with plants, which means auspiciousness. We didn't stay long that day. When we saw a dark cloud rolling up in the sky, we hurriedly took a few photos!

#kotakinabalutrip So there I was, huffing up 300+ steps to Borneo’s famous **Puu Jih Syh Temple**, when three things hit me: 1) The insane **360° views** of Kuching 2) The smell of **jasmine incense** swirling with jungle humidity 3) My thighs screaming **"WHY DIDN’T WE TAKE THE CAR?"** ### **The Holy Highlights** 🏮 **The Main Attraction**: A **giant golden Buddha** glowing against misty mountain cliffs. Pro tip: Come at sunrise when the fog makes it look *straight out of Kung Fu Panda*. 🙈 **Unexpected Moment**: A troop of macaques photobombed my temple selfie. One tried to steal my water bottle—apparently even monkeys need hydration for their monkey prayers. 🌿 **Hidden Gem**: The **hidden cave shrine** behind the temple (look for the unmarked path). It’s like Narnia but with more joss sticks. ### **Fuel for the Soul (and Stomach)** After descending, I demolished a bowl of **kolo mee** (springy Sarawak noodles) at the foothill stall. The auntie added extra char siu when she saw my shaky "just-climbed-a-mountain" legs. ### **Quick Itinerary:** ⏰ **6:30 AM**: Start climb (beat the heat + crowds) ⏰ **7:15 AM**: Sunrise prayers with the monks ⏰ **8:30 AM**: Explore hidden cave ⏰ **9:30 AM**: Noodle reward at base ### **Temple Tips:** - Wear **non-slip shoes** (those marble steps get slick!) - Bring **small change** for donation boxes - **Respect the dress code** (knees/shoulders covered) Puu Jih Syh was equal parts peaceful and pulse-raising. Would I climb those steps again? **Absolutely**—but next time I’m training like it’s Mount Everest. 😂 --- **P.S.** Tag your most spiritual (or most out-of-shape) friend! 👇 #TempleTrekking

🌈Puu Jih Shih Temple, located in the heart of Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, is not only one of the largest Buddhist temples in the area but also a spiritual sanctuary for the local Chinese community. It was built in 1980 with funds raised by the local Chinese community, costing RMB 16 million, and was officially completed in 1987.🏯 🕌The temple's architecture is unique, blending traditional Southeast Asian Buddhist temple styles with modern architectural elements. The temple features Chinese-style glazed tiles, large sculptures, and ornate porches, giving it a grand and magnificent appearance. Inside the temple, there are several Buddha halls and chapels, housing numerous Buddhist deities and statues of the Buddha, especially the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva in the main hall, which is solemn and compassionate, inspiring reverence.👑 🌅Puu Jih Shih Temple is popular not only for its grandeur but also for its unique location. The temple is built on the top of a hill at the southern end of Sandakan, offering a panoramic view of the entire Sandakan coastline. The combination of the mountain temple and the sea view makes Puu Jih Shih Temple a highlight of Sandakan, like a lighthouse for sailors and a spiritual refuge for them.🌊 🙏Every year, Puu Jih Shih Temple attracts a large number of devotees and tourists for visits and worship. The temple also hosts various Buddhist activities, such as Buddha's Birthday, prayer wheel activities, and meditation retreats, providing a place for devotees to seek inner peace and purification. Additionally, the temple has a Buddhist school and a practice center to preserve and promote Buddhist culture.📚 💖At Puu Jih Shih Temple, you can not only feel the solemn and majestic atmosphere but also enjoy the beautiful natural scenery. The entire temple area is lush with greenery, offering a pleasant and serene environment, making it an ideal place for people to seek tranquility and peace. Whether you are a Buddhist tourist or someone interested in Buddhist culture, this place will provide you with an unforgettable travel experience.✨

💞Reasons to Recommend: Nice sea view

#traveldiaries I think this is the most beautiful temple in Sandakan, and perfectly located on top of the hill facing the sea. There are quite a few Chinese Temples around Sandakan but this one stands out. The Buddhist temple is open to all, and you need to remove your shoes a d slippers before entering the main hall. Please be respectful and follow the rules whenever you visit a religious place. You are allowed to take photos and video. The view from the front of the time allows you to see the Sandakan bay area. Toilets are located outside. For photography, this temple is best visited in the morning, especially on a nice and clear day. I've shared some photos here, taken with my smartphone.