MUSICAL FOUNTAIN PERFORMANCE ATTRACTS VISITORS TO SI THIAN KONG TEMPLE

By Sarinah Mat Kasim

KUALA PILAH, 26 Jan (Bernama) -- The musical fountain performance by Si Thian Kong Temple has become the main attraction for the Chinese community as well as local and international tourists to the Kuala Pilah district.

The show, lasting between 15 and 20 minutes, is enhanced by vibrant laser displays accompanied by harmonious music, captivating the attention of visitors who gather to watch the performance in the upper outdoor area of the temple.

According to the temple’s vice-chairman, Loh Kok Wah, the temple, built on a 7.2-hectare site, opened in 2015  and surrounded by nature, holds significant historical value. Its beauty is particularly striking at night when the building is illuminated by an array of colourful lights.

"The temple attracts tourists from Singapore, China, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia, in addition to local visitors. It once recorded over 10,000 visitors in a single night. The musical performance is held every Saturday and Sunday," he told Bernama recently.

Loh, 60, said the number of visitors is expected to increase, particularly those from outside the area, with the Chinese New Year approaching as various activities will be organised for the celebration, including concerts, musical water fountain shows and food carnivals.

He said that for this year’s celebration, the temple management has specially ordered a range of decorative lights, primarily LED displays from China, at a cost of nearly RM400,000, to brighten up the temple.

"The temple grounds are adorned with LED light decorations and more than 100 lanterns, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere," he added.

Loh, a native of Kuala Pilah, also noted the diversity of visitors.

"We welcome people from all backgrounds—Chinese, Malay, and Indian alike—who come to witness the joy of the Chinese New Year celebration. There are even Malay wedding couples who choose this temple as a backdrop for their photos, creating beautiful memories," he said.

Meanwhile, visitor Yong Ker Sin, 39, from Perak, said she and her family are planning to stay in Kuala Pilah until the Chinese New Year celebrations conclude.

She said her family was captivated by the temple’s musical fountain performance, which can be enjoyed free of charge.

“We choose to spend our holiday here to see the musical water show at the temple. It’s incredibly fascinating... The decorative lights are also stunning, making us feel like we’re abroad,” said Yong.

For Tay Chan Yew, 37, from Johor Bahru, this was her first visit to Kuala Pilah to experience the beauty and unique architecture of the temple firsthand.

The mother of two shared that, in addition to worshipping, her family was thrilled to explore the decorations at the temple which include intricate designs of cherry blossoms, dragon motifs, and fountains.

-- BERNAMA