Lon Wa Temple (aka Long Hua Temple) is a beautiful Buddhist temple in Davao City. It is one of the biggest Buddhist temples in the Philippines and is the biggest one in Mindanao.
It is located along J.P. Cabaguio Avenue in Agdao District.
The architecture is certainly wonderful and the lush plants within the temple grounds add to the beauty and serenity offered by the place.
Entrance is free (donations are welcome) and the temple is open to the public. If you have never been inside a Buddhist temple before, you don't have to feel intimidated since this site is a popular tourist attraction not just for Buddhist or Chinese visitors. A Filipino guard named Emil Cervantes is there to show you around and to answer your questions.
Before entering the temple, you will be asked to remove your shoes. Also, you should be wearing a modest attire, so no sexy/short outfits please. Lastly, out of respect, you're not supposed to play with the things in there, especially the ones that make noise such as the drum and the bell. If you're well-versed with Buddhism and want to use the meditation bell (for example) in a serious fashion, I suggest you inform Manong Emil beforehand.
Aside from the main shrine, there is another section on the second floor of the building that is open to visitors. Manong guard will accompany you to that area. In there is another big statue and several exquisite wood carvings. Other areas of the building are off-limits to the public.
According to online resources I've found, the temple is open from 7:30am-4:00pm but there was one account where the visitors were not allowed inside the actual temple because the monks were eating lunch that time, so it's probably best not to time your visit during lunchtime if you want to see the temple interiors.
Near the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple is a Taoist one named Mindanao Taoist Temple. Unfortunately, when we got there, it was closed. This temple is not as popular as Lon Wa and I could not find online information about its hours.
Davao City, Philippines
Near the Lon Wa Buddhist Temple is a Taoist one named Mindanao Taoist Temple. Unfortunately, when we got there, it was closed. This temple is not as popular as Lon Wa and I could not find online information about its hours.
Lon Wa Buddhist Temple
J.P. Cabaguio Ave., Agdao DistrictDavao City, Philippines
Oooh, this makes me remember the temples in Chiang Mai! Didn't know we had such a beauty like this too! :) Thanks for posting :)
ReplyDeleteFeeling peace to see your post.Buddhists don't pray to a Creator God,however they do have reverential meditation practices which could be contrasted with praying.Emanating adoring generosity to all living creatures is a practice which is accepted to profit those creatures.The imparting of legitimacy is a practice where one commits the integrity of one's life to the event of all living creatures and in addition praying for a specific individual.Good day.
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