Cebu Taoist Temple

Cebu has a very popular religious landmark located on the hill of Cebu city. The artistic appeal, structure, and religious importance made it very popular among believers and non-believers. It is a Chinese style architecture created in 1972. Cebu Taoist Temple is the best place to get away from the city. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the city, waterbody, gardens, and Mactan Island. There are 81 steps of the temple for the 81 chapters of the Taoism scripture. Devotees believe that ascending on them means being into the holy book. The religion was created on the teaching of the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tze. Chinese traders and immigrants brought religion to Cebu city. You will find most of the devotees belong to the business families.

How do you get to the Taoist temple in Cebu?

Beverly Hills subdivision, Lahug is the home to the Cebu Taoist Temple. It is located inside a private subdivision so the private car is the easiest way to get there. Only cabs and Private vehicles are allowed to get inside and if you cannot arrange or own any of them then hop on a habal-habal from the J.Y. Square. It is like a motorbike and you can tell the driver to drop you off at the temple. This bike will drop you at the entrance so you can walk further.

Some other options to get there are:

In Mactan Cebu Airport:

You can get the Mybus from Mactan to reach Cebu city in almost 45 minutes. Take a jeepney for route 04L which will drop you at the Sudlon Lahug intersection. Ask the driver about the way to the temple, from there you can easily walk to reach.

From Pier 1 Cebu:

Take a jeep for the route 02B and stop at Colonnade Mall. From there ride Jeepney with the route 17B, 17C, 04h, or 04C to get to the temple.

Pro Tip: If you cannot find the vehicle or remember the routes, then hire a taxi. This is a very expensive way to get to the temple. However, do not forget to negotiate before getting into a taxi or cab.

What should I wear to Taoist Temple Cebu?

It is a worshiping place that practices the Taoism religion. They respect the place, icons, and meanings. It is very important to be respectful of culture, tradition, and religious activities. Wear appropriate clothing and cover your body properly. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless dresses, and body revealing clothes. Slippers and flip flops are allowed inside whereas it is better to carry an extra bag to keep your footwear. You can dress conservatively in a comfortable way. Wear very comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walks to reach the temple and get around.

Photos are restricted in some areas like the altar and prayer room. There is a statue of the philosopher who created this religion. Clicking the photos of the sculpture is also not allowed. Think carefully about the question of prayer and be specific. Do not take a very long time inside the prayer areas because people wait outside to visit. It is highly recommended to behave properly in the temple and does not do anything improper like making noises, laughing loud or passing remarks on people and surroundings.

What is a Taoist temple called?

The Taoist temple is a holy hall where Taoism is practiced and it is generally known as Gong, Miao, or Guan. The Taoist priest is called Daoshi or the master of Tao. It is one of the ancient religions which are still practiced in different parts of the world.

How do you pray in the Taoist temple?

Taoist praying procedure is very simple and interesting. There is a pair of kidney-shaped wooden pieces where people take support to pray to god or ask any question. These are known as Jiaobei.

First thing is to wash the hands for cleanliness. Hold the incense stick close to the heart. This shows enlightenment and guidance. You can get them at the temple entrance. Hold the blocks (jiaobei) flat side up and ask the question or make a wish. Drop the blocks to see the answer from the god. The question should be simple yes or no. The position of the wooden blocks is used to determine the answer of God. After completing the prayer throw the jiaobei and check the answer by the side of the pieces. If one flat side is up and one round side is up, then your question is not asked properly or it is not specific yes or no.

Before starting the prayer, hold the incense in your right hand and then place the left hand over it. It is kept close to the heart and after completing the prayer, incense is placed into the incense burner. In ancient times three incense were put into each of the burners. However, now one incense is placed.

How to enter

There are three doors in most of the Taoist temples. In ancient times, the right and left doors were used by the people. However, the middle door was reserved for the god and the king. Although there are people going inside the temple whereas if you cannot find out where to go, then enter from the right door and exit from the left. These were the practices in ancient time, now there are different rules for entrance so ask the monks or staff of the temple.

Donations

Donations can be given to specific places or the staff giving out incense. It was believed that the smoke of the incense is the signal to the god to recognize the prayer.

Many tourists also visit the temple to see the place.

It is not mandatory to belong to the Taoism religion to visit this beautiful worshipping place. Cebu Taoist temple is the major attraction for the visitors because of its historical and cultural importance. Apart from the religious believes, the temple is very well maintained, with unique architecture and a panoramic view of the city.

There are no benches or chairs in the temple whereas there are rectangular shaped cushions that are used for kneeling and support while praying.

The right side of the temple has a wishing well. There are vases inside the well. People throw coins in the well and make a wish. The well has a similar appearance to the main temple. After prayers, you can head towards the oracles or poems area. You can read by yourself or ask the staff to help you.

The entire praying process is very interesting, and it is a wonderful place to spend a day.

Taoist temple Cebu entrance fee?

Temple opens every day at 8 am and closes at 5 pm. There is no parking or entrance fee for the temple. People with the problem of climbing the stairs face problems in reaching the temple. However, they can see the exterior. It is a very unique and attractive place. The main gate and building have intricate designs in green and red colors with dragons, symbols, and Chinese characters. The symbols and sculptures in the temple are carefully placed in the direction to face the worshipper.

Chairs and tables

There are chairs, tables, and umbrellas below the temple on the right side. You can bring your snacks to enjoy the amazing surroundings.

Hall

There is a spacious hall in the temple that is used for the feasts and ceremonies on different occasions. It is decorated with colorful charms and lanterns on events.

Souvenir shop

A small shop is located on the right side of the hall where you can buy lucky charms and small products related to Taoism. They can be purchased as souvenirs.