Wat Phothikyan Dragon Temple Bachok

"A breathtaking & unexpected surprise while travelling from Besut to Kota Bharu. Tucked away along D5 Jalan Bachok, the standing Buddha statue is visible from a distance. It was such a magnificent sight!

Known colloquially by the local as 双龙寺(Double Dragon Temple), the Wat was quiet at the time of visit, offering a tranquil environment - perfect for self-contemplation & of course, photography without crowds 😉

The stunning Sino-Thai architecture with elaborate designs & cultural motifs reflect Kelantan’s rich border-state heritage, blending Thai & Chinese influences harmoniously. Plus, a large canopied wishing tree adds a touch of tradition & charm to the premise.

The Wat ground was well-maintained & clean - including the restrooms. Hence, this is a hidden gem worth pulling over as a perfect short-stop to break a long road trip.
Also, great for photography enthusiasts to have the opportunities to explore intricate Wat architectural details in Kelantan.
No entrance fee required & opening hours is from 7am to 730pm daily.

Enjoy the photos!"

E. T.

"Tucked in Kampung Balai near Tumpat, Wat Phothikyan Phutthaktham feels like Thailand took a small holiday in Malaysia and decided never to leave. The temple grounds are a riot of color, coiled dragons guarding gates, golden stupas glinting under the sun, and a massive white Buddha seated serenely as if observing the world’s chaos from a safe distance.

This isn’t a quiet shrine, it’s visual poetry in bold font. The air hums with incense, birds, and the occasional curious tourist trying to pronounce the name correctly on the first try. Monks move calmly through the temple, their orange robes glowing like lanterns against the emerald trees.

Beyond the towering Buddha statue, there are murals depicting Buddhist teachings, smaller shrines, and ponds filled with lazy fish who seem to have mastered the art of meditation. The surrounding serenity feels ancient, yet welcoming, a peaceful pause in the rhythm of rural Kelantan.

Built in the early 1970s, Wat Phothikyan Phutthaktham is one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues in Malaysia, standing about 30 meters high. Legend has it that the temple’s design was inspired by visions seen in a monk’s meditation, proving that enlightenment occasionally comes with excellent architectural taste."

The Compass Guy

"On the tourism Malaysia signboard, this temple is known as Wat Dua Naga. Famed for the twin dragons that surrounded the temple compound. One of the dragons made to appear from a hole underground. The inscription also mentioned that the length of the dragons are 598 meters. In the afternoon you can enjoy the herbal steam bath and fried banana fitters. Standing tall is a whitewash Buddha known to be one of the tallest in Malaysia. You can also find huge dinosaurs and other beautiful attractive structures."

Forest Ang