Centipede Temple 蜈蚣山 — Attraction in Negeri Sembilan

The Centipede Temple, officially known as Then Sze Koon (天师宫), is a prominent Taoist temple located atop Wu Gong Hill (Bukit Jung) in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. Established in 1864 by a Taoist priest named Zhong San Koon, it stands as one of the oldest temples in the region. The temple is perched approximately 127 meters above sea level, offering visitors panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

To reach the temple, devotees and visitors ascend 264 steps, a journey that symbolizes devotion and perseverance. The temple complex features a three-story pagoda housing a laughing Buddha statue on its top floor, blending Taoist and Buddhist elements—a common characteristic of many Chinese temples in Malaysia. The main shrine is built into the rock face and contains historical artifacts, including a Qing Dynasty bell from 1863, ornate doors, antique lanterns, and intricate ceiling hangings.

A notable feature of the temple is the giant stone centipede sculpture, which is central to a local legend. According to the tale, a young man who neglected his mother was punished by the gods and transformed into a rock on Bukit Jung. A centipede, believed to be the reincarnation of his mother, was often seen beside this rock. Today, visitors consider spotting a centipede at the temple as a sign of good luck and prosperity.

The temple also houses a statue of Yue Lao, the God of Marriage. Couples seeking blessings for a harmonious union often attach lockets with red strings to a fence beside the statue, symbolizing their wishes for a lasting relationship. Other attractions within the temple grounds include statues of the Eight Immortals, a lucky tortoise pool, a koi pond overlooked by a statue of Guan Yin, and a pavilion dedicated to Guan Di. A golden toad statue with a coin in its mouth is also present, believed to protect wealth and ward off bad luck.

During the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Centipede Temple is adorned with vibrant decorations, enhancing its already picturesque setting. Red lanterns are hung throughout the temple grounds, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. The temple's architecture, combined with festive embellishments, creates a visually stunning and culturally rich atmosphere, attracting numerous visitors who come to offer prayers and immerse themselves in the celebratory spirit.

The Centipede Temple is not only a place of worship but also a cultural landmark that offers insights into local legends, architectural beauty, and the harmonious blend of Taoist and Buddhist traditions. Its serene environment and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for those exploring Seremban.

For a visual tour of the Centipede Temple, you might find this...

This is a nice free place to visit if you are visiting Seremban or Titi. It's a Chinese very old temple on top a hill. You can access it from the front and back side, from the back you need to walk up many steps. If you come from the front, you can try your luck to drive up and park at the temple carpark which is very limited, normally there are helpful Rela members assisting to divert traffic and let you know if there are parking at the top. Otherwise you need to park at the hill bottom and walk up, not recommended if there are old people above 60 coming with you. Just que to drive up would be wiser. There's no life centipede found at the temple, only the giant centipede which is the key photo point. Walk up to the top to see some God statues and pray to God of Relationship. There's some rabbits and a turtle pond as well. Toilets are available underneath the carpark or behind the hill access via the shrine. There's a big platform with a TaiChi symbol for your photo check in! It was also the spot for some local singer group MTV. What's special around this place is there's also a Mosque and Indian Temple just beside, really Satu Malaysia and Harmony! Love Bangsa...

Everything was fine, the statue the temple all was good.

Just when we want to go back, accident happen on my SISTER!

The lorry driver coming down from the hill, you know the road was very slanted. The lorry did not drive very fast but the road is slant so there’s still speed there.

The rear/back of the lorry door, they did not closed both door left and right, the container that they put their sembahyang (for prayer) stuff into it, the both door did not close, its fully open! So when they are coming down from the hill top, both door are swinging in and out, my sister was walking at the side of the road, she did not look to the back, the lorry door hit my sister head and body, she fell down to the grass, both knee injured and left hand injured too(scratches) and her back of the head swelling! Had to go to the hospital to check my sister condition. Luckily my sister did not have any...