It’s been almost two months since I explored Davao but it’s just now that I decided to write this article about my experience in Lon Wa Buddhist Temple, hehe. You see, I tend to get very lazy when I know I have lots of articles to write. But I guess it’s better late than never eh?
I love visiting temples (especially Asian temples), but unfortunately, I only visited a few and Lon Wa Buddhist Temple is as beautiful as what I expected (eventhough I didn’t get the chance to really explore the place, *sad face). I went there on a Sunday morning right after I stroll around Davao People Park and since its Sunday, there’s a mass being held there so obviously, I wasn’t allowed to see what’s inside the temple.
Lon Wa Buddhist Temple
The Lon Wa Buddhist Temple or also known as Long Hua Temple is a must-see tourist destination in Davao City especially if you’re like me who loves temples, *wink. It is one of the biggest Buddhist temples in the Philippines and the biggest in Mindanao. The temple’s structure is one to marvel too. It’s temple walls are laden with slabs of Italian marbles and the grounds are beautifully landscaped with lush greenery of several varieties of flowering plants and palm trees. You can walk freely inside the temple and take pictures, but unfortunately, the public cannot enter the tall tower behind.
Lon Wa or Long Hua, which means “Temple of the Dragon”, is home to Kung Fu monks and nuns of the Philippine Academy of Sakya, a Buddhist religion movement. Entrance fee is free and they are open to the public Mondays-Sundays 7:30AM to 4:00PM.
Location
Lon Wa Buddhist Temple is located along J.P. Cabaguio Avenue in Agdao Disttrict, some 3 to 4 kilometers northeast of the city proper.
How to get there
Ride a jeepney with the sign board Sasa or Route 10 or JP Cabaguio and ask the driver to drop you off at the Philippine Academy of Sakya (or just Sakya) since most of the locals don’t know the name Lon Wa Buddhist Temple. The temple is located just near the road so it’s very easy to spot.
Photos
Check out more photos on our Flickr account.
Travel Tips
- Always observe silence – the temple is a place of worships, so keep your voices down while inside.
- It’s best to go there on weekdays or Saturdays if you wish to see the inside of the temple.
You may also want to check out:
- My 2018 Davao Experience
- 3 Days Davao and Samal DIY Itinerary – Travel Tips & Expenses
- Review: Hotel Uno Davao
- A Visit at Museo Dabawenyo – People’s Museum
- Strolling Around Davao City
