Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
KUAN YIN TENG
(Temple of the Goddess of Mercy; Lebuh Pitt; 24hr)
This temple is dedicated to Kuan Yin - the
goddess of mercy, good fortune, peace and fertility. The temple, which was built in the
early 19th century by the first Hokkien and Cantonese settlers in Penang, is not so im-
pressive architecturally, but it's very central and popular with the Chinese community. It
seems to be forever swathed in smoke from the outside furnaces where worshippers burn
paper money, and from the incense sticks waved around inside. It's a very active place,
and Chinese theatre shows take place on the goddess's birthday, celebrated on the 19th
day of the second, sixth and ninth lunar months.
The temple was being renovated when we were in town, and there's talk of adding a
visitor centre.
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
DR SUN YAT SEN'S PENANG BASE
(120 Lebuh Armenian; admission RM3; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat)
Dr Sun Yat Sen was the leader of the
1911 Chinese revolution, which overturned the Ching dynasty and established China as
the first republic in Asia. He lived in George Town with his family for about six months in
1910. This house was not his residence but was the central meeting place for his political
party. It was here the 1910 Canton uprising was planned - although unsuccessful, the up-
rising was a turning point for the revolution's success. Today the structure serves as a mu-
seum documenting Dr Sun Yat Sen's time in Penang, and even if you're not interested in
history, it is worth a visit simply for a peek inside a stunningly restored antique shoph-
ouse.
MUSEUM
ACHEEN ST MOSQUE
(Lebuh Acheh; 7am-7pm)
Built in 1808 by a wealthy Arab trader, the Acheen St Mosque
was the focal point for the Malay and Arab traders in this quarter - the oldest Malay
kam-
pung
(village) in George Town. It's unusual for its Egyptian-style minaret - most Malay
mosques have Moorish minarets.
MOSQUE
HAINAN TEMPLE
(Lebuh Muntri; 9am-6pm)
Dedicated to Mar Chor Poh, the patron saint of seafarers, this
temple was founded in 1870 but not completed until 1895. A thorough remodelling for its
CHINESE TEMPLE
