Discovering Penang: route of the most impressive temples in Penang

Discovering Penang: itinerary of the most impressive temples in George Town, Penang

Because of the cultural tapestry that has conformed the communities in Penang over the centuries, you can find many temples of different cultures basically in every corner of George Town! I made a little summary of the most important temples in George Town, Penang including the main religions in the area, as well as a map of where to find them.

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1. Buddhist temples in George Town, Penang

Khoo Kongsi Temple

One of the temples of the Kongsi clan. The Khoo family hired craftmen fom China to build the most impressive clan temple in Southeast Asia, and they succeeded! It boasts intricate details in its pavilions and deity statues.

Cheah Kongsi Temple

Another temple of the Kongsi clan. It is the only temple clan temple in the island that fuses Malay style with traditional Straits Chinese and European. It is one of the biggest temples in towns and worth a visit!

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram

A Thai Theravada Buddhist temple which land was given to the siamese community by Queen Victoria during the Straits Settlements and built with the help of the Chinese Buddhist community.

Dharmmikarama Temple

Standing next to Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, this temple is Burmese and also of the Theravada Buddhist religion. It is the only Burmese temple in the state. The architecture is strongly Burmese, so if you haven’t been to Myanmar this is a great example of their religious architecture. Its main function is as a monastery.

Kuan Yin temple

This temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy is famous for its beautiful dragon carvings on its stone pillars.

Hainan Thean Hou temple

Although not as flashy as the Thean Hou temple in Kuala Lumpur, this emerald temple is also a great addition in a Penang itinerary. Built in Hainanese style and dedicated to Mar Choh Poh, the patron saint of seafarers.

Buddhist temples outside of George Town, Penang

There are many interesting Buddhist temples in Penang outside of George Town. The most obvious one to mention is the gigantic and gorgeous Kek Lok Si temple in Air Itam. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Penang so I suggest you have a look at my guide to Kek Lok Si.

→ Ultimate guide to Kek Lok Si temple in Penang, Malaysia

Another temple worth mentioning is the Snake Temple in Bayan Lepas. Although the architecture is not particularly impressive, the snake theme is brought to the next level, having pit living cobras and python snakes all over the temple. They let tourists pose for pictures with them, which is not very ethical in my opinion, but I had to mention it.

Mosques, Muslim Temples in George Town, Penang

Kapitan Keling Mosque

Kapitan Keling Mosque was built in the 19th century by Indian Muslim traders. The land to build a mosque was given to the leader of the chulias by Sir George Leith in the early 1800s and it remains the first Muslim institution established in the area.

Malay Mosque in Lebuh Acheh

This is another 19th century mosque built by the Acehnese of Sumatra, located in the original Muslim settlement of the time. In contrast to Kapitan Keling Mosque, Malay Mosque has a strong Moorish influence and an Egyptian-style minaret.

Mosques outside of George Town, Penang

There are quite a few other Mosques around Penang, but two of the most impressive ones are the Penang State Mosque in Air Itam, which is massive and you’ll see on your way to Kek Lok Si temple, and the Penang Floating Mosque in Tanjung Bungah, which is a beautiful sight on its platform over the sea, giving the illusion that it is floating on the water when there is high tide.

Hindu temples in George Town, Penang

Sri Mariamman Temple

The Sri Mariamman Temple is located just in front of Kapitan Keling Mosque and is the oldest Hindu temple in the whole state of Penang, built in 1833. It can only be visited in the morning and evening.

Penang Nagarathar Sivan Temple

Nagarathar Sivan is a South Indian temple dedicated to Shiva and with a side shrine for Shakti. It’s most important feature is the 5-tiered tower (gopuram) showing intricate and colorful representations of deities and beasts.

Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple

Just on the foothills of Penang Hill in Pulau Tikus, and next to the entrance to some of its main trails you can find Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple. This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Murughan, and its 7-tiered tower has been named the largest Murughan temple outside of India. With a climb of over 500 steps, the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple requires a longer climb than the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.

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Churches, Christian Temples in George Town, Penang

St. George’s Church

The most recognizable church in all of Penang is St. George’s Anglican Church in George Town. It is actually the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia built for that purpose in 1818, and it gained the status of cathedral.

Church of Immaculate Conception

This Roman Catholic Church is the second oldest of the diocese, dating back to 1811. It was rebuilt in the 1960s in Italian style.

Church of the Assumption

Another Roman Catholic church, the oldest one in the state and the third oldest functioning church in all of Malaysia, after St. Peter’s
Church and Christ Church in Melaka.

Map of temples in George Town, Penang

How to Get to Penang

Despite being an island, Penang is very well connected to the rest of Malaysia and even internationally! You can access Penang by car, taxi or bus through the . Another option is to arrive by ferry, either from the nearby Butterworth, which only takes around 10 minutes, or from the island of Langkawi. The latter is a long and arduous trip, so it only happens during the dry season.

Lastly, Penang is home to its own international airport, so there are frequent flights from Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi or Ipoh, as well as some international destinations such as Bangkok and Singapore.

Where to Stay in Penang

Penang is a very well developed island and George Town is an important cultural and urban center, so there are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. The best area to stay in Penang is definitely around the center of George Town. It is close to many of its main attractions and also well connected to other areas in the island that you may visit. If you prefer something more relaxing or you’re traveling as a family, Batu Ferringhi may cater better to your needs. If you’re in a honeymoon and are looking for more private or resort-style accommodations, then Tanjung Bungah beach is your area!

Budget

Looking for a cozy spot without breaking the bank? Chulia Mansion is your jackpot. Right at the heart of the action, this place is a steal for its central location. If you’re into that rustic charm and counting pennies, head over to The 80’s Guesthouse. Tucked away on the quieter side of Love Lane, it’s a budget-friendly quirky gem surrounded by popular restaurants and bars.

Mid-range

If you won’t sacrifice comfort but don’t want to spend all your hard earned money, Reunion Carnarvon is a solid choice. This boutique hotel offers small but comfortable and beautiful rooms very close to all of George Town’s attractions but with some privacy, and right next to some of the city’s best eateries!Another popular option is Campbell House, an old Chinese shophouse turned boutique hotel.

Muntri Grove Hotel and its sister Muntri Mews are other gems in the mid-range category. Think heritage vibes, spacious rooms, and a rooftop pool that’s perfect for lazy afternoons. If you can splurge a bit more, check out Areca Hotel Penang, offering 48 rooms accross 12 Chinese shophouses, all beautifully decorated.

Luxury

For luxury, Edison George Town is a stunner, an actual colonial mansion turned into a jaw-dropping stay. The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion Hotel, is perfect for those looking to stay in a cultural heritage building with all the luxury it entails! And then there’s Eastern & Oriental Hotel, where colonial style meets dreamy location.

For a beach vacation, head to Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang or Lone Pine in Batu Ferringhi. Private villas, epic pools, spas to die for, and a fitness center that might just inspire you to exercise on vacation.

Closing statement

As you can see, there are many beautiful and diverse temples to visit in Penang. It is a true testament of how culturally diverse the island is. In your next visit to Penang, make sure to save some time to understand the heritage behind each of this temples! I hope this guide through the most important temples in George Town has been useful.

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If you’re visiting Penang, I suggest you read my dedicated post on things to do in Penang, as well as the more specific posts that you can get to from it:

→ What to do in Penang, Malaysia: the island of cultural tapestry

And if you’re traveling around Malaysia, I think these posts can be useful!

Kuala Lumpur: discovering the Malaysian capital

Melaka, Malaysia: a Journey through Cultural Heritage

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia: where wild and tamed nature meet

Langkawi, Malaysia’s adventure island

 

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