Penang is no stranger to gods, with profound religious sites across the island. The largest Buddhist temple and a floating mosque are some of Malaysia’s most famous. Other religious sites, including those built by the Chinese, are temples now synonymous with George Town and its status as a cultural center and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kek Lok Si Temple
The Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. The temple’s 40-year construction lasted from 1890 until 1930. It is no wonder since the seven-story pagoda is adorned with 10,000 statues of Buddha and a 36-meter-tall statue of Guanyin. Daily activity blends multiple styles of Buddhism including Malay, Chinese and Theravada. Penang’s Chinese community are frequent visitors to the temple for the celebrations of Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Address: Ayer Itam, 11500, Penang
Phone: +604 – 828 3317
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Admission Cost:
– Pagoda & Sky Lift: RM2
Website
Penang Floating Mosque
Located on the outskirts of George Town, the Penang Floating Mosque is also referred to as the Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque. First built in 1967, the mosque expanded in 1977. A new mosque was developed in 2003 and tricks visitors by “floating” on water, although the actual structure stands on stilts. It includes architectural elements that are local Malay and Middle Eastern. The venue can hold up to 1,500 people and features a seven-story high minaret used in the daily call to prayer.
Address: Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Bunga, 11200, Penang
Phone: +604 – 264 3456
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 5:00 am – 10:00 pm
Admission Cost:
– Free of charge
Website
Khoo Kongsi
In an area hailed as the oldest part of George Town, the Khoo Kongsi is one of the most visited religious sites in Penang. Completed in 1906, the temple’soriginal structures serve multiple functions including as an association building, traditional theatre, and as rowhouses for clan members. The structure followed an old clan house that was built in 1851 but destroyed by a fire in 1901. Many traditional events still operate at the venue, including Chinese opera. In addition, the site’s museum teaches visitors about the history of the Chinese clan responsible for Khoo Kongsi.
Address: No. 18, Cannon Square, George Town, 10200 Penang
Phone: +604 – 261 4609
Operating Hours:
– Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
– Saturday: 9.00 am – 1:00 pm
Admission Cost:
– 5yrs old & below: Free
– 6yrs – 12yrs old: RM1
– Adults: RM10
Website
