Lon Wa Buddhist Temple in Davao

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 at 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 (even though I didn’t get the chance to really explore the place, *sad face). I went there on a Sunday morning right after I strolled around Davao People Park and since it’s Sunday, there’s a mass being held there so obviously, I wasn’t allowed to see what’s inside the temple.

Table of Contents

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 marble 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.

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.