Tam Kung Temple
A temple at the end of Coloane village dedicated to a sea deity, holding a whalebone boat.
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The Tam Kung temple stands at the far end of the Coloane village waterfront, built in 1862 and dedicated to a deity venerated by fishing communities along this coast as a protector at sea. Its best known object is a model dragon boat carved from a single whale bone, about a metre long, with tiny figures of oarsmen aboard. The temple is small, dim and heavy with incense, and it is still used by village families.
What you actually see
- The whalebone boat - a dragon boat carved from a single bone with figures aboard.
- The 1862 building - the temple at the end of the village waterfront.
- The sea deity - Tam Kung, venerated as a protector by fishing communities.
- The village use - a temple still in regular use by local families.
When to go
October to December is dry and cool. The temple keeps daytime hours. Tam Kung's festival day brings the village out.
Honest expectations
The temple is very small and fifteen minutes covers it. Incense smoke is heavy indoors. Photography of worshippers needs care.
Nearby
The Chapel of St Francis Xavier is along the waterfront, and Cheoc Van is south.
What to pack for Tam Kung Temple
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.