Anastasia Smith
Penang is famous for culture, history, and its religious allure. If you’re planning to visit this wonderful island, here are six must-visit temples that are sure to add depth to your experience.
This temple is unlike no other. Be prepared for a surprise – the Penang Snake Temple is indeed home to snakes. Chor Soo Kong, a Buddhist monk and a healer, gave shelter to these snakes while the temple was still being built. Ever since that happened, these snakes have been residing at the temple. The temple was completed, and the monk passed away, but the snakes continued to live here. In fact, their number grew over time. The idea of visiting this temple might inject fear into your heart and rightfully so, but there’s nothing to worry about. These snakes live in tanks and are defanged. If you’re daring, you could pay a small fee and go up to the exhibition hall to get all personal with the snakes. When there are festivals, more snakes can be seen at the premises; they’re drawn by the food offerings. The temple is open from 6 AM to 7 PM. To get here, take the bus from Geroge Town.
The biggest Buddhist temple in the country, Kek Loki Si Temple is also known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss. The temple was built by a Chinese immigrant, who was a devout Buddhist. There are three sections to the temple: the hilltop, temple grounds, and the midsection. The temple grounds are home to food stalls, souvenir shops, and the Liberation Pond, where hundreds of turtles live. The midsection features prayer halls, gardens, and the seven story pagoda inside which you find various Buddha statues. Get to the hilltop for panoramic views of the area, where you’ll also find a large statue of Kuan Yin. The temple is open to visitors from 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM. It’s only 15 minutes from Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang, a popular recommendation for those looking for a hotel suite in Penang.
Built in 1928, Kuan Yin Temple is also called the Goddess of Mercy Temple or Penang Guan Yin Temple. It’s a two-story temple of great religious importance. The temple was the courtesy of early Chinese immigrants; they wanted to honour the Goddess of Mercy by building a temple. Famous for its Chinese architecture, stone pillars, and high ceiling, Kuan Yin Temple is a must-visit for anyone visiting Penang. From Georgetown, you can get here by car from 5 AM to 6 PM.
One of the most important temples in Penang, Tanjong Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple honours Zhang Li, an 18th century Hakka scholar. As per historical records, Zhang Li was on his way to Sumatra when the boat was driven off its planned path and rerouted to Penang. Once he was here with his group, he started building a Chinese settlement at the site where you find the temple today. Zhang Li is revered and worshiped today and is believed to be a god of prosperity. On the 14th night dictated by the Chinese New Year, the temple hosts Chneah Hoay, a flame watching ritual. The temple is open from 6.30 AM to 7 PM. To get here, take the bus from Georgetown.
Also called Penang Hainan Temple, Penang Thean Hou Temple honours Mar Chor Poh, a guardian of mariners. The temple showcases the Hainanese style with a number of impeccable stone carvings. From Georgetown, it takes only 10 minutes to get here. Also, the temple is open from 8 AM to 6 PM.
These temples are a testament to the various Chinese communities living in Penang. They are not only architecturally marvellous; they’re also historically important. Each one of these temples are associated with a particular Chinese group or family and bears the family or community name. With lavish decorations, intricate carvings, and bright colours, these temples draw tourists from around the world. Beyond their historical significance, the temples serve as community hubs where Chinese people gather for various celebrations. Among these temples, Khoo Kongsi, Cheah Kongsi, and Yap Temple are the most famous.
