Xian Ma Temple
A vibrant Tridharma temple in Makassar, blending Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian beliefs with stunning modern architecture and rich cultural narrative...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Xian Ma Temple
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Tridharma temple in Makassar, blending Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian beliefs with stunning modern architecture and rich cultural narratives.
"A unique and old Chinese temple in Chinatown Makassar, blending faiths beautifully."
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for worshippers. :pray:
📸 Ask Before Photographing
Be mindful of worshippers and sacred areas. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Five-Story Pagoda
Main Temple Building
A modern marvel with intricate carvings depicting the Romance of Three Kingdoms and Buddha's life.
Lion Dance Troupe
Temple Grounds
Witness the vibrant energy of their award-winning lion dance troupe, a symbol of Chinese culture.
Statues of Deities
Various Altars
Explore a vast collection of statues representing Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian figures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
Understanding the Deities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for worshippers. :pray:
📸 Ask Before Photographing
Be mindful of worshippers and sacred areas. :camerawithflash:
❓ Seek Staff Guidance
Friendly staff can explain customs and deities. :informationdeskperson:
🚶♀️ Take the Stairs
Admire the detailed carvings on the way up. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for worshippers. :pray:
📸 Ask Before Photographing
Be mindful of worshippers and sacred areas. :camerawithflash:
❓ Seek Staff Guidance
Friendly staff can explain customs and deities. :informationdeskperson:
🚶♀️ Take the Stairs
Admire the detailed carvings on the way up. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Xian Ma Temple as a significant Tridharma worship site with a welcoming atmosphere. Many appreciate the intricate carvings depicting Chinese legends and the life of Buddha, as well as the friendly staff. While it's a place of prayer, non-followers are encouraged to visit and learn.
"The temple for Tridharma people (Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucianist) to pray. The legend temple in the city. Located at Sulawesi road, the temple is at the left side of the road. It is easy to find. There are many statues of god here. Although you are not Tridharma people, you are still allowed to enter, to take photos, look around or do the divination (if you believe and have faith in this), led by experienced staff. The staffs are very nice and friendly."
Silvia Angelina
"Huge modern building for workship Chinese Buddha. Interesting to see."
yen nguyen
"A very unique and old chinese temple in Chinatown Makassar."
KF Yap
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Xian Ma Temple is located on Sulawesi Road, making it easy to find. It's a prominent landmark, often mentioned as being on the left side of the road when approaching from certain directions. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Makassar to take you directly to the temple.
Yes, Xian Ma Temple is described as a unique and old Chinese temple located in Chinatown, Makassar.
From the city center, a short taxi or ride-sharing trip will get you to Xian Ma Temple efficiently. The temple's location on Sulawesi Road is quite accessible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for Xian Ma Temple. Visitors are generally allowed to enter freely to pray, take photos, or look around.
Specific opening hours are not widely published, but temples of this nature are typically open during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the morning or afternoon.
Absolutely! The temple welcomes visitors of all backgrounds. You can enter to take photos, look around, or even try divination if you wish, with guidance from experienced staff.
While not strictly enforced, it's highly recommended to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Covering your shoulders and knees is a good practice.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the statues of various deities, explore the five-story building with its intricate carvings, and learn about Tridharma beliefs. The temple also has an active lion dance troupe.
Photography is generally permitted, but it's crucial to be respectful of worshippers and avoid taking pictures during prayer ceremonies or in restricted areas.
Yes, if you are interested and have faith, you can do the divination. Experienced staff are available to guide you through the process.
The carvings on the stairs tell stories from the 'Romance of Three Kingdoms' and the life of Buddha Gautama, offering a visual narrative for visitors.
Yes, a lift has been installed to cater to the elderly, making the upper floors accessible for everyone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific mentions of food stalls or restaurants within Xian Ma Temple itself. However, being located in Chinatown, Makassar, you'll find numerous local eateries and street food vendors nearby offering a variety of Indonesian and Chinese dishes.
The surrounding Chinatown area is known for its diverse culinary scene. You can find anything from traditional Indonesian fare like soto and nasi goreng to Chinese specialties and seafood.
📸 📸 Photography
The intricate carvings on the stairs depicting the Romance of Three Kingdoms and Buddha's life are excellent photo opportunities. The main altar areas with their statues also offer visually rich scenes.
While photography is generally allowed, always be respectful. Avoid photographing worshippers during prayer and refrain from using flash in sensitive areas.
Morning light can be softer and less harsh, making it ideal for capturing details. However, the temple's interior lighting can also create dramatic effects in the late afternoon or evening.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the temple is a place of worship, the vibrant lion dance troupe (if performances are scheduled) can be particularly exciting for younger visitors. Encourage children to observe respectfully and perhaps ask the friendly staff simple questions about the deities they see. It's a great opportunity for a cultural learning experience in a welcoming environment.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting in the morning for softer light that highlights textures and details. The modern architecture of the five-story building also offers interesting angles. Remember to be discreet and respectful when photographing worshippers or during ceremonies.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tridharma Faith at Xian Ma Temple
For those unfamiliar with Tridharma, the temple's friendly and experienced staff are a valuable resource. They can provide insights into the customs, rituals, and the significance of the various deities. This welcoming attitude ensures that visitors, regardless of their religious background, can appreciate the spiritual depth and cultural richness of Xian Ma Temple.
This blend of faiths creates a unique atmosphere, distinct from purely Theravada Buddhist temples. Visitors who are prepared to observe and respect these combined traditions will find the experience deeply rewarding. The temple's organization is also noted for its strength, including its own award-winning lion dance troupe, which adds another layer of cultural vibrancy.
Architectural Marvels and Artistic Details
As you ascend, the staircases are adorned with detailed carvings that narrate compelling stories. These include epic scenes from the Romance of Three Kingdoms, a classic Chinese historical novel, and the life story of Buddha Gautama. These visual narratives offer a unique educational experience, allowing visitors to connect with Chinese history and Buddhist teachings through art.
The temple's design is a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity, creating a space that is both spiritually significant and aesthetically captivating. The attention to detail in the carvings and the overall grandeur of the building make it a noteworthy landmark in Makassar.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit