Sam Sing Kung Temple, Chinese temple in Sandakan, Malaysia
Sam Sing Kung is a Chinese temple in Sandakan with three main deities: Lord Guan representing justice, Mazu protecting fishermen, and the Wenchang Emperor supporting academic success. The temple holds a collection of 100 pre-printed Taoist divination poems that visitors can use for spiritual guidance.
The temple was constructed in 1887 during the North Borneo colonial period, marking the arrival of Chinese migrants from Guangdong Province. Its establishment reflected how these communities settled in Sandakan and anchored their religious practices in this new land.
Four Chinese communities - Hakka, Cantonese, Hainanese, and Teochew - established this temple as a shared space for religious and social gatherings. Visitors can observe how different groups come together here to maintain their traditions and stay connected.
The temple sits on Singapore Road in central Sandakan, making it easily accessible. Visitors will find the space most vibrant during local religious festivals when the communities actively gather and celebrate together.
A bronze bell inside the temple was donated by Fung Ming Shan, the first Kapitan Cina of Sandakan, and bears Chinese characters spelling the city's name. This object connects the leadership of Chinese communities to the spiritual identity they built together.
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