SLEEPING BUDDHA IN TUMPAT SYMBOLISES RELIGIOUS, ETHNIC TOLERANCE

Beyond its moniker Negeri Serambi Mekah (Veranda of Makkah), reflecting the strong Islamic values upheld by its people, Kelantan is also home to the world’s third-largest Sleeping Buddha statue.

Located in Kampung Jambu here, the 41-metre-long statue has welcomed visitors to Wat Photivihan since the 1970s and has since become a popular attraction for both domestic and international tourists.

However, the role of the statue and the wat extends well beyond serving Buddhist devotees—particularly those of Siamese descent. It transcends ethnic and religious boundaries, having also functioned as a refuge for residents during flood disasters.

Set against the backdrop of the iconic statue, the wat has become a meeting ground where people of different races and faiths gather to share stories and life’s concerns. It has also created livelihood opportunities for small traders—Malay, Siamese and Chinese alike—from nearby villages.

ORIGINS OF WAT PHOTIVIHAN

Recounting the history of the Siamese Buddhist wat, Chief Monk Soon Kok Wai, 57, said the temple is believed to be more than 300 years old and has been led by six chief monks to date.

Soon, better known as Phrawai, who has served at the wat for 27 years, said it was formerly known as Wat Pokok Bhodi, named after the oldest Bodhi tree in Kelantan, planted there after being brought from Sri Lanka about a century ago.

“Construction of the Sleeping Buddha statue began in 1973, inspired by then chief monk Phra Khru Prasas Prachakorn (Lee Ah Guan), who passed away 12 years ago.

“The construction took six years, involving local craftsmen, village architects and the strong spirit of gotong-royong among residents of Kampung Jambu, Kampung Ana and surrounding areas,” he told Bernama during a recent visit.

Completed in 1979, the Sleeping Buddha measures 41.15 metres in length, 10.67 metres in height and 10.36 metres in width. The entire complex was completed in 1984 at a cost of RM1.2 million.

“A protective roof was later built to reduce weather erosion. At the rear, there are standing and seated Buddha statues, as well as 800 ash storage niches for devotees, making it easier for descendants to visit and pray,” Phrawai added.

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY TIES, TOURISM APPEAL

According to Phrawai, in Buddhist belief, the reclining Buddha symbolises reverence for the sacrifices of Gautama Buddha and serves as a reminder of the teachings of the Dhammapada, which emphasise peace and moderation.

“It also strengthens bonds among devotees as the wat becomes a centre for worship, celebrations and consensus-building. Noble values such as unity, humanity and mutual respect are strongly emphasised,” he said.

Located in Kampung Jambu here, the 41-metre-long statue has been welcoming visitors to Wat Photivihan since the 1970s.

The statue’s construction also aims to remind Buddhists to remain steadfast in their teachings, not merely ritual practices.

Wat Photivihan is a key celebration hub for the Siamese and Buddhist communities, particularly during Songkran or the Water Festival in April.

“Songkran is observed through rituals of seeking forgiveness from parents, teachers and elders, followed by symbolic bathing as a form of purification. It usually draws more than 500 participants each year, including tourists,” he said.

The wat also offers free religious and Thai language classes for the younger generation, conducted by volunteers.

Phrawai said Wat Photivihan receives an average of 20,000 visitors annually, including local tourists, school groups and foreign visitors from the United States, Europe and Southeast Asia.

“Fridays to Sundays are the busiest. Many come to take photographs, learn about Siamese culture or visit this historic complex,” he said.

In front of the wat, which is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, a row of stalls operated by local residents offers traditional Siamese delicacies, often complemented by fresh coconut water.

SYMBOL OF RELIGIOUS HARMONY IN KELANTAN

For Phrawai, the presence of the wat in a Muslim-majority state reflects the tolerant nature of Malaysians.

“Muslims, Chinese, Siamese—everyone comes here. During floods or gotong-royong, everyone helps. There’s no difference,” he said.

The temple is believed to be over 300 years old and has been under the leadership of six head monks so far.

This sentiment is echoed by Kampung Ana resident Hamzah Yusoff, 73, who lives next to Kampung Jambu.

“We’re accustomed to their ceremonies. If tourists get lost, villagers will even help point the way,” he said.

Che Hasim Yaacob, 67, said the Sleeping Buddha has long been part of the district’s identity and is well accepted by residents regardless of religion.

“We respect their place of worship, and they respect ours. Most importantly, it has become a tourist attraction that helps generate our income,” he said.

Village head of Tanpa Mukim Kampung Jambu, Chua Nancy, representing the Siamese community, said the presence of the Sleeping Buddha has brought renewed vitality to the village as one of the area’s main tourist attractions.

She said that whenever official events or large-scale programmes are held, the local community works together to prepare food and facilities for visitors from within and outside the district.

“During such events, residents living nearby usually help manage parking, ensure security and keep tourist routes orderly,” she said.

She added that the wat also provides a platform for the Siamese community in Malaysia to foster understanding of their culture and beliefs among the wider public.

HOPE TO PRESERVE KELANTAN’S CULTURAL HERITAGE

Phrawai hopes the wat will continue to be preserved as part of Kelantan’s cultural heritage and as a spiritual tourism product for Malaysia.

“What matters most is that all races stay united. If there’s a problem, we resolve it together,” he said.

The construction of the Sleeping Buddha statue began in 1973 based on the idea of ​​Chief Monk Phra Khru Prasas Prachakorn (Lee Ah Guan) who passed away 12 years ago.

To him, Wat Photivihan is not merely a place of worship, but a landmark of interfaith relations nurtured over centuries.

“This harmony is not built through slogans, but through real experiences of mutual respect, gotong-royong and a willingness to understand each other’s cultures. That is the uniqueness of Tumpat and Kelantan,” he said.

POTENTIAL OF THE SLEEPING BUDDHA AS A TOURISM ATTRACTION

Kelantan State Tourism Information Centre director Mohd Azwan Ab Rahman said the Sleeping Buddha’s value as a tourism product could be further enhanced through more structured collaboration.

“There is great potential to establish a ‘Buddhist Cultural Route’ in this district, while also strengthening Muslim-friendly tourism by aligning major wats in Tumpat, Bachok and Pasir Mas into an integrated tourism network.

“We have a strategic advantage to elevate the Sleeping Buddha as an international tourism icon,” he said.

However, he stressed that such efforts must be carried out prudently, emphasising heritage values and cultural tolerance, and ensuring they do not conflict with the Membangun Bersama Islam policy.

“The Sleeping Buddha is also a cultural heritage that must be preserved to ensure its continuity,” he said.