Wat Mai Suwankhiri วัดใหม่สุวรรณคีรี, Tumpat, Kelantan

Wat Mai Suwankhiri, Tumpat (30 April 2017)

Wat Mai Suwankhiri วัดใหม่สุวรรณคีรี

(GPS: 6.17807, 102.18858) is a major Thai Buddhist temple in Jajahan Tumpat, Kelantan. It is located off Jalan Terbok-Sungai Pinang (aka State Route D172), in Kampung Bukit Tanah. The locals usually just call it as Wat Mai. In Malay, the temple is called Ketik Perahu Naga. The temple is also known as the Dragon Boat Temple, because it the iconic structure in its compound that was built to resemble a dragon boat.

According to the Tourism Malaysia interpretation plaque on site, Wat Mai Suwankhiri was established some 400 years ago with artisans from then Siam. (It is worth noting that Kelantan was under the suzerainty of Siam during that time.) Over time, it has been renovated and expanded many times. The present temple complex covers four hectares. There are many structures within its compound, including the ordination hall, monks' quarters, and even a crematorium.

Address

Wat Mai Suwankhiri
Kampung Bukit Tanah,
17020 Tumpat, Kelantan.
Phone: +60-9-725 7673

Wat Mai Suwankhiri is on the Map of Jajahan Tumpat, Kelantan

Close-up of the naga on the dragon boat. (30 April, 2017)

Stylised parasols on board the dragon boat. (30 April, 2017)

The porch of the dragonboat boathouse has columns of curling dragons that reflect Chinese influence. (30 April, 2017)

Hall inside the dragonboat. (30 April, 2017)

Imageries of venerated monks inside the dragonboat. (30 April, 2017)

Alcove with principal Buddha image of the dragonboat. (30 April, 2017)

Ceiling adorned with murals from Buddhist tales. (30 April, 2017)

Wat Mai Suwankhiri. The front building is probably the ubosot or ordination hall, used exclusively by the monks. (30 April, 2017)

Buildings within the Wat Mai Suwankhiri complex. (30 April, 2017)

Naga balustrades flank the steps leading up to one of the shrines at Wat Mai Suwankhiri. (30 April, 2017)

This building is probably the principal viharn of Wat Mai Suwankhiri. (30 April, 2017)

The principal viharn has a statue of a standing Buddha on top. Note the Chinese-style dragons curled around the columns of the porch. (30 April, 2017)