Taoist Temple in Cebu

The Taoist Temple is located in Beverly Hills Lahug, Cebu City. The Taoist Temple is open to all, non-worshipers or tourists. The temple was built in 1972 by the Chinese Community in Cebu. It is a place that is good for meditation because solemnity is highly observed. It would take a few rides if you commute. First you need to ride a jeepney that will pass the Beverly Hills subdivision in Lahug. When you reach at the mouth of the hill, you should ride a motorcycle or so called "habal-habal" in our Cebuano term. There are a lot of habal-habal waiting for you that would cost 10 pesos per person to send you to the subdivision's gate  and upon reaching to the top, you need to walk for few metres for there's no public vehicle that can get inside the subdivision.

temple's parking lot

So after for a quite long sweaty uphill walk, you can smell the scent of your success as you can already see the exquisite temple. You can already recognize the temple even when you're still few metres away because of it's amazing architecture. The entrance of the Temple depicts the great wall of China. You should 81 steps before you reach at the top.

The Taoist Temple seen few metres away

81 steps resemble 81 chapters of the scriptures of Taoism. The top of the temple is perfect for taking panoramic and scenic views as it is elevated 300 metres above the sea level with an adored landscape. However, you should mind of the things that you capture for the reason that you are not allowed to take shots of  the saints and their altars.

Me taking a selfie

My beautiful friend Katrin

The beautiful view

There are some signs around for the tourists to be guided. The architecture is unique and the beautiful ceiling paintings are awesome. The great Chinese dragons that are seen above the temple's roofs are really impressive.

Reminder for the tourists

I remembered that when I was 6 year-old, we had our kindergarten field trip. We went to the Taoist Temple for the very first time with my dad with me. We are tasked to take own pictures for our documentation. But we were really in a badluck that day because we forgot our camera at home. We couldn't borrow a camera to anyone nor ask somebody to spare some shots for us. So we never had pictures.

The great dragons on the roof

Out of my dad's brilliant mind, he drawn the beautiful Chinese dragon and the awesome pagoda. It took him awhile to draw so I made my chance to tour around the temple. I saw giant tortoise in the wishing well and made my first that someday I could visit there again. My wish was granted! I had a chance to visit the Temple for the second time. I saw the colourful works of art in the ceiling and the chapel's walls. I could describe the temple as a magical place because everything was really enticing.

colourful awesome painting

Ceiling painting

the old bell

Me using the coin-operated telescope

Katrin using the coin-operated telescope

Koi fish

wishing well

The Pagoda

The stair of life

Awesome pagoda

Me in front of the amazing red gate

Me and beautiful Katrin

You can spare a penny for every wishing well you see, get inside the chapels and visit the souvenir shops inside the temple. The place is solemn, minimal noise should be properly observed. Taking selfies inside the worshiping temple is not allowed. There is a ritual of worshiping, these include walking barefoot walking to the top of the temple and washing hands thoroughly before getting in as it will indicate cleanliness and purity. You should not forget to pray to Gods to grant your wishes. You need to light up an incense joss stick then proceed in front of the altar and kneel-down. Then after you pray, you should drop two blocks of wood shaped like ears as the result will indicate whether the answer of you wish is yes, no, or maybe. The captivating picturesque scenery will surely hold your breath and will make you want to visit again.








Photo Credit: Miss Katrin Angela Baguio
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