Usually, when you see a spider, a cockroach, or, even worse, a centipede, your first desire is to kill, tread down, scream, or simply let it be and move away from it as far as you can. The Malaysians would not understand you. For them, a centipede is a symbol of good luck, success, and love. This insect got such an unusual attitude thanks to a temple of the same name, the Centipede Temple.

If you come to Seremban, you will need to get to the northern part of the city and go up 127 meters. To do this, you will have to walk 264 steps while enjoying picture-book views of the countryside, the suburbs of Seremban, and the city itself. If you complete the challenge, you will be justly rewarded with the view of the beautiful 140-year-old Centipede Temple. After an arduous climb, a light breeze blowing at the summit will welcome you sweetly.

As you climb the stairs and walk around the temple premises, watch your step. If you see a centipede, you are fortunate. This belief is related to an ancient legend about a young man who wanted fame, recognition, and wealth. He left his home in search of his dream. The gods were merciful to him, and he got what he wanted, and then returned home. But in his home walls, he misbehaved and didn’t show any respect to his mother. The gods didn’t like it. For his bad behavior, the young man was turned into a huge stone ship, which was gradually covered with forests. The young man’s mother grieved so much that she couldn’t leave this world after her death and turned into a centipede that still comes to the mountain to visit her son.

You are to meet at least one centipede for sure. There is a huge insect statue at the top. In addition to the sculpture of a centipede, there are many others in the temple. One of them is a statue of a good-natured old man in a red cloak who is laughing. It’s the Buddha himself. Among the rocks and trees, the statues of Eight Immortals are placed. Be sure to walk to the turtle pond and the statue of Guanyin.