Chemor seems like just another sleepy hollow in the rural areas of the country though it’s just a mere 18km from bustling Ipoh as well as being strategically located along the Federal Road 1.
That is how most people passing through will perceive this place to be although to the contrary, this is indeed a bustling little town with a hive of morning and night market-related activities, some of the best eating places in the country and surprisingly, some very hidden touristic and beauty spots as well.
Take the Seen Hock Yeen Temple (temple of virtues and education) for example as this magnificent gem of a religious site is not exactly on the tourist map and even more surprising, most people from Ipoh are unaware of its existence.
But the other surprise is busloads of visitors from as far as Japan have been visiting this place on weekends and school holidays in recent years.
The colourful and quite isolated temple is sited in a 1.2 ha walled ex-mining land which is surrounded by villages and palm plantations with both the Tititwangsa and Kledang ranges providing a scenic backdrop towards its eastern and western horizons.
Here, a blend of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucian characteristics are incorporated in several main and lesser shrines that are interspersed amongst pagodas, lotus ponds, golden Chinese zodiac statues, calligraphic couplets and ornate buildings.
At the entrance of the temple is an image of Sun Tzu, author of the Art of War while the Jade Emperor is the main deity at the temple and is worshipped at the temple’s main hall.
Other major deities worshipped by Taoists and Buddhists that are found here include that of Buddha, Goddess of Mercy Guan Yin, Di Zang Wang, and the Four Guardian Kings, and there is also a hall for Confucius and an for Mazu the Chinese Goddess of the Sea.
There is also long bridge for worshippers to cross with the idea of dispelling ill luck while a small shrine by a pond is where singles pray for a good husband or a wife.
The temple which started off small in the 70’s is becoming increasingly popular and according to local volunteers here, people from Singapore, Japan and South Korea also visit the temple.
Though this unique place of worship may be unknown to many locals, but for those seeking good health, good business, better careers, a good and happy family, and academic excellence, there is always a way to find hidden treasures such as the Seen Hock Teen temple.
The temples is located at 11/2, Railway Station Road, Kampung Cik Zainal Tambahan 1, 31200 Chemor, Perak.
