Johor Bahru Ancient Temple Travelogue 🛕✨

Walking between the skyscrapers in the heart of Johor Bahru, an unexpected sight appears before your eyes: the Johor Ancient Temple (新山古庙). Amidst the bustling city, this temple exudes a tranquil atmosphere, as if you've stepped back in time. It's the oldest Chinese temple in Johor Bahru.

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🏮 An Oasis in the City

Arriving at the temple, the area was bustling with cars and people, but the moment you step inside, the atmosphere changes dramatically. The small but neatly decorated courtyard, the altar wafting gently with incense, and the warm glow of red lanterns create a soothing atmosphere.

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🌏 A Special Temple Enshrining Five Gods

This temple was reportedly built by the Chinese community in the late 19th century. What's interesting is that it doesn't worship a single deity, but rather five main deities (五大主神) brought by immigrants from southern China. This makes it a symbol of Johor's unity and diversity.

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🙏 A space where people live and work

When I visited, locals were quietly praying, and even I, a tourist, naturally blended into the atmosphere. The peaceful faces of those leaving after their prayers were truly impressive. I could sense that this was not just a tourist attraction, but a temple where people's lives and beliefs are still alive.

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🎉 The center of a colorful parade

Johor Ancient Temple is also famous for its annual Chingay Parade. This grand event draws tens of thousands of people, with deity statues paraded through the streets from the temple. Although I wasn't there at the time, the locals explained that this festival is a moment when the entire city unites.

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📝 Travel Tips
• 📍 Location: Johor Bahru City Center, near Jalan Trus
• ⏰ Opening Hours: AM - PM (Recommended to visit before sunset)
• 🎟️ Admission: Free
• 👟 Tip: It's small, so it's perfect for exploring the surrounding Old Town (Tanhiokni Cultural Street, Sarawak Cafe, etc.).

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💭 Overall Review

The Johor Bahru Ancient Temple isn't a flashy tourist attraction, but it's a meaningful place that reflects the city's roots and community spirit. Pausing in the fragrant space for a moment brought a sense of calm even in the bustling city.

If you're visiting Johor Bahru, while you might enjoy the shopping malls and modern attractions, I highly recommend stopping by this temple to experience the city's ancient history firsthand.

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