The temple was founded in 1878, originally established to serve the needs of gold miners settling in the area.
It is locally known as Vihara Dharma Raya or Tua Pek Kong Temple by the Singkawang community.
The temple is the epicenter of the city's annual Cap Go Meh celebration, which is considered one of the largest such events in Indonesia.
Architectural features include 'jian nian' decorative arts, which involve using pieces of ceramic and porcelain to create 3D mythological figures on the roof ridge.
The location is often referred to as the 'City of a Thousand Temples' landmark, confirming Singkawang's demographic heritage.
Tri Dharma Bumi Raya Temple serves as the spiritual and geographic anchor of Singkawang, West Kalimantan, recognized as the city's oldest Chinese temple. Established in the late 19th century, this Taoist site functions as a community hub for the local Chinese-Indonesian population. The architecture reflects traditional southern Chinese design with intricate wooden carvings and vibrant vermilion accents. It sits directly at the city's heart, acting as the primary ceremonial focal point during large-scale regional festivities. The temple complex is dedicated to the deity Tua Pek Kong, worshipped for his role in protecting the settlers of the region. Despite its central location, it remains an active place of worship rather than a museum-style attraction. The site is noted for its high concentration of daily incense burning and ritual offerings by residents.
The main entrance gate featuring the intricate roof ornaments and the traditional courtyard facade.
Visit during early morning hours to observe authentic prayer rituals before the peak heat of the day.
Maintain a respectful distance from active prayer altars to avoid disturbing local worshippers.
Remove hats and sunglasses when entering the inner sanctum of the temple.
Avoid taking photographs of worshippers while they are in the middle of active prayer or lighting incense.
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Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; remove shoes before entering the main prayer hall; maintain a quiet voice.
