The Centipede Temple
Centipede Temple is the nickname given to Then Tze Temple which is located along Jalan Temiang in the northern part of Seremban. The temple, sits on a ridge at the top of Wu Gong Hill (Bukit Jong) about 127 metres above sea level.
The temple is over 140 years old. Devotees have to climb 264 steps to reach the temple. There is a three storey pagoda with a laughing Buddha statue on the top floor. Although Then Sze is a Taoist temple, it does contain Buddhist images as well, in common with many Chinese temples in Malaysia
The main temple is built into the rock face and contains a drum, a Qing Dynasty bell, an ornate door, antique lanterns and ceiling hangings.
The Legend of the Centipede
The legend of Bukit Jong (or Junk Hill, in English) appears to be a local retelling of the tale of Si Tenggang's Homecoming:
There was once a young man who left home to seek fame and fortune. He achieved his dreams but when he returned home, he did not show gratitude and filial piety to his mother. The heavens punished the young man by turning him into a ‘rock ship’ that could never sail. After that, a centipede was always seen beside the rock and people speculated that this centipede was the reincarnation of the young man’s mother. Today, visitors to the temple hope to find a centipede here as it is believed this will bring good luck and prosperity.
A giant stone centipede has been erected at the site to mark the spot.
The Cache
The cache is a black magnetic container hidden beneath a red box at the coordinates. I will only be back a few times a year for maintenance, so, to avoid compromising the hide, please do not post any photos of the cache hiding spot or of the cache itself. However, feel free to post photos of the location and any other memories of your visit in your logs. Thanks!
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