Khoo Kongsi (Khoo clan temple), Penang

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Perhaps Penang's most recognisable tourist attraction, the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi or simply Khoo Kongsi for short, is the finest Chinese clan temple outside China. It was was founded in 1835, on the 8th day of the 5th moon of the Chinese calendar, when 102 members of the Khoo clan gathered to form an association to look after the welfare of Khoo clansmen in the Nanyang. It was to be similar to another Khoo association in China, the Ee Kok Tong. One of the functions of the association was to keep records of the clan ancestors and descendents. The result of this meticulous exercise is that the Khoos have one of the most complete genealogical charts of all the clans in Penang.

The Khoo Kongsi is in fact a miniature clan village set into the city of George Town. Many of the town houses surrounding the Khoo Kongsi clan temple bear the sign "Sin Kang", as do the gateways leading into Khoo Kongsi. The original building was truly opulent and took some eight years to build. It was made from wood but just three weeks after completion in 1902 it burnt down. Superstitions abound that the clan house burned due to jealousy from the Gods as the house was too opulent, rivalling the temple and heaven.

The current building was built in 1906 from the ashes in half the time but is still a marvel. The four granite columns at the entrance way symbolise each year of construction and are intricately carved. The splendour of Khoo Kongsi lies in its highly detailed wood carvings, wall frescoes and roof decorations. The entire roof structure is said to weigh 25 to 50 tons, and is the best example of the cut-and-paste chien nien technique, where shards of ceramic bowls are used to form patterns, beasts and beings.

Open: Daily from 9am-5pm. Admission: RM5.

The Khoo Kongsi is the finest Kongsi in Penang. A Kongsi is a Chinese clan house, part temple & part meeting hall. On the night it was completed the roof caught fire, this was considered as a message from above that they'd overdone the design. It was rebuilt in a less grandiose scale.

The building is full of dragons, statues, painted lamps, coloured tiles & carvings. It shouldn't be missed on a visit to Penang.

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Let's see, Khoo Kongsi is a famous stop for tourist for being the grandest clan temple in Penang. What can be seen here is the amazing architectural sturcture comprising of stone and wood carvings. The walls were decorated with murals of beautiful pictorial folklores and art.

However, do you know that there is a hidden coin somewhere besides the handrail of the grand staircase where the two monks are? Well, look for the hidden coin then touch/rub it before proceeding to rub on the laughing monk 3 times for luck! Remember ONLY rub on the LAUGHING Monk!

Believe It or Not? Can U find It? It's a secret between U & Me then!

One more thing, do you know Anna & The King was filmed here? The filming was done at the courtyard--Cannon Square. It was tranformed into a market. I was there as an extra and I do say it was an enjoyable experience.

A Kongsi is a clan house of Chinese Families with the same last name. It is partly a temple, partly a hall of fame and partly a meeting place for that clan.

The Khoo clan has the nicest Kongsi by far and attracts many visitors from all over the world. It is very interesting to see such a place as a western guy, as we lack such places. Imagine to have a place built by your ancestors showing the life of your extended family, where they have studied, what companies they have built up and to see the family tree.

Especially the little temple is a beautiful place to visit.

The whole kongsi was built in 1835, but has not been finished until around 1900.

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One of the most visited clanhouses in Penang is Khoo Kongsi. A clanhouse under the family surname of Khoo.

Traditionally, Chinese practises ancestor worship. Here, you will see wood tablets with engraved Chinese characters of famous sons of the Khoo clan members on the altar in one of the side rooms.

There is an traditional theatre stage located opposite the clan temple.

The main room of the temple is a living room with a private back room as well as two side rooms. The temple roof has intricate designs of mythical animals. The temple columns has impressive stone carvings.

During the Chinese New Year period, this courtyard is often open for festivities and outdoor performances.

On other days, there is now an admission charge of RM5 for adult and free for children under 12 years. This has reduced the number of local visitors.

Worth visiting for any first timers.

This is the modest entrance to Khoo Kongsi. Walk pass this gate to enter the old world. I almost missed the entrance as I expected a grand entrance!

If you are walking on Jalan Pitt (Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling) towards Jalan Acheh, the entrance is on your left before the end of road.

Admission: RM5 (adult) inclusive of a postcard

The walls of Khoo Kongsi Temple is decorated with deities from Chinese legend. It is beautiful and painted so carefully. The very modest almost black and white mural is a contrast to the rich gold colour of the architectural decorations.

I think what makes this small temple so unique is the details. All carefully carved by artisans and painted in gold colour. You have to look up and really appreciate the fine decorations on the ceiling too. Definitely worth a visit!

Interesting to read from the museum that the style of this temple is not pure chinese. It has colonial influence too.

Entrance fee: RM5 (inclusive of a postcard)