Sam Siang Keng: Where Gods, Ghosts & the Best Kaya Buns Collide 🏮👻

#johorbahrutrip Stepping into **Sam Siang Keng Temple** is like walking into a **Chinese mythological theme park**—golden gods with epic side-eyes, neon-red lanterns, and the *click-clack* of mahjong tiles from the old uncles gambling in the back. The air? A *thick* cocktail of incense, jasmine tea, and the buttery scent of **kaya buns** from the kopitiam next door. **Plot twist**: I accidentally joined a **ghost-feeding ritual** (think: tiny bowls of rice and burning paper iPads for the afterlife). A sweet auntie handed me joss sticks and said, "Just follow!" So I did—turns out, I was praying for someone’s *very* specific deceased uncle. Awkward? Maybe. Cool? Absolutely. **Secret level**: Up the **narrow staircase** (watch your head!), there’s a **hidden rooftop shrine** with a killer view of JB’s skyline. It’s where locals whisper secrets to the Moon Goddess 🌙—bring a coin to leave as offering. **Foodie must**: The **kaya-toasted buns** at **Hiap Joo Bakery** (5 min walk)—crispy outside, molten kaya inside. Pro move: Pair it with iced *teh tarik* and pretend you’re a 1950s time traveler. **Blitz Itinerary**: ⏰ **8:30 AM**: Arrive early to dodge crowds. Admire the **giant Guan Gong statue** (intimidatingly majestic). ⏰ **9:00 AM**: Get adopted into a random ritual (just roll with it). ⏰ **10:00 AM**: Stuff face with kaya buns. **Survival Kit**: - **Comfy shoes** (you’ll be kneeling/escaping ghosts). - **Small bills** for offerings and buns. - **Open mind** (this temple is *wild* in the best way). Sam Siang Keng isn’t just a temple—it’s a **cultural fever dream** where the past and present crash together. And yes, I *did* burn a paper iPhone for that uncle. Hope he gets good reception upstairs. 📱🔥