Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Penang

Wat Chayamangkalaram is the official name of the Siamese Temple located in Burmah Lane, Pulau Tikus, George Town. The temple was built by a Theravada Buddhist monk who came from Siam (now Thailand) called “Phor Than Kuat” or “Powerful Monk”, who apparently had such a love of Penang Laksa, that even to this day, devotees bring a bowl of this sourish fish noodle soup to his shrine as a offering.

The five acres of land was donated by Queen Victoria in 1845 as a gesture of goodwill to the local siamese community and to Siam via the East India Company.

The main shrine and pagoda were built in 1900 originally with Chinese architectural features in the design. Subsequently the main shrine was renovated and its present appearance is of a more modern conventional building with Thai Buddhist decorative elements.

Inside the main shrine, there is a 180 foot long gold plated statue of a reclining Buddha. The Buddha lies on his right side with his head resting on the palm of his right hand, and his left leg lying over his right one. A peaceful serene smile graces his face.

Behind the reclining Buddha are niches with urns containing the ashes of devotees as well as murals on the surrounding interior walls.

While there of course nicer and more atmospheric Thai-style temples in Thailand itself, this temple stands as a testament to the local siamese community and the historic links that have always existed between Penang and Siam.

 

Wat Chayamangkalaram

Address: 17, Lorong Burma, 10250 Penang

Opening hours: 7.00am - 6:00pm everyday

Titi Kerawang Waterfall, Penang

Penang is a relatively small island and is not particularly noted for its waterfalls. The largest waterfall on the island itself lies within the Botanical Gardens but which unfortunately has been off limits to the general public since the Sixties.

Therefore, the next best alternative if a waterfall is on your bucket list on your visit to Penang, is the Titi Kerawang falls. Located on the western side of the island on the scenic road between Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang, the falls are nothing spectacular but can be taken as a useful stop on say, a round-the-island trip, or as part of a visit to the durian plantations located in the area.

Coming from Balik Pulau, a small winding road meanders up the hills and the views towards the western coast of Pantai Acheh get more and more spectacular. Eventually you will come to this bridge:

Slow down as you cross over the bridge, which actually crosses over the lower part of the falls. You will see this sign, confirming that you have arrived at the waterfall.

Titi Kerawang means “decorated bridge” in Malay; so perhaps the name of the waterfall comes from this old bridge.

Immediately after the bridge, the road bends sharply to the left, where you will see this row of fruit and souvenir stalls.

Park your car along the roadside, this may be difficult to do during the weekend, as space is limited.

Walk along the trail beside the bridge and follow the water supply pipe upwards. Eventually you will come across this foot bridge over the lower falls.

Look downstream from the footbridge at the lower part of the falls. 

From the footbridge you will hear the roar of the upper falls and see it in the distance. You will have to get off the footbridge and clamber over the rocks to get further upwards.

The falls were evidently bigger in the past before the Water Authority began using it as a source of piped water - hence the water pipes to the right of the falls.

At the base of the upper falls is a small pool, where you can go for a quick dip in the cool water.

The Titi Kerawang falls are easy to get to, about a 5 minute trek from the road. 

After visiting the falls, you can visit the Bao Sheng durian farm which is located at the other end of the fruit stalls along the road. From here there is also a spectacular view to the western coast of the island.

Khoo Kongsi, Penang

Ever since the founding of George Town in Penang, and the immigration of the Chinese to the island, Clan Associations were the mainstay of the immigrants to unite and protect their interests in their new homeland.

The Five Big Clans were the Khoo, Cheah, Yeoh, Lim and Tan. Of the Five, the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, or Khoo Kongsi for short, is probably the most famous of the Clan Associations.

Khoo Kongsi is one of the most distinctive Chinese clan associations in Malaysia. It is well known for its extensive lineage that can be traced back 650 years, as well as its closely-knit and defensive congregation of buildings and a magnificent clan-house.

The main building, Leong San Tong (“Dragon Mountain Hall”), is hidden amidst the crowded gridiron of terrace houses and shop-houses. 

To make it to Leong San Tong, you will need to find the nondescript Cannon Square entrance, tread through an alley between two rows of 19th century terrace houses. 

At the last house on the right, pay RM10 per person for entrance fees. Then turn right and bypass the back of the opera stage, before you see it stand majestically on the granite square, completely hidden from the outside world.

Khoo Kongsi is one of the unmissable sights of heritage Penang and is a must visit if you are in George Town and looking for culture and history.

Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

Address: 18 Cannon Square, 10200 Penang, Malaysia.
Telephone: +604-261 4609
Opening Hours : 9:00am to 5:00pm

Burmese Temple, Penang

George Town in Penang has always had historical links to Burma, both being former British outposts in South East Asia. Evidence of this can also be seen in the road names in the Pulau Tikus area of George Town, where you will find roads such as Burmah Road, Lorong (Lane) Burma, Solok Burma, Lengkok (Crescent) Burma, Jalan (Road) Moulmein, Jalan Mandalay, Jalan Irrawadi, Jalan Tavoy and Jalan Salween - all placenames from Burma.

This suggests that there was a sizable Burmese community living in George Town. In fact records show that there was a Burmese village in the Pulau Tikus since the 1800's, most probably founded by Burmese fishermen who settled there and formed a colony.

A Burmese lady named Nonia Betong purchased a plot of land from the British in August 1803 in order to establish a temple to serve the community. The temple was originally called the Nandy Moloh temple and the first four trustees were all ladies.

Today, the Burmese Temple still exists on the original plot of land bought by Nonia Betong and is now officially known as the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple.

 

The hawkers at the gate selling souvenirs indicate that the temple is not only a place of religious importance, but also a place for tourism.

 

The sign at the entrance indicates that the temple is open from 6am to 6pm.

 

The Sima Shrine Hall is to the right of the main entrance. Two mythical creatures guard and flank the main entrance to the shrine.

Inside the Sima Shrine Hall, a tall all-marble Buddha stands imposingly looking down on you. Originally built in 1838, the shrine hall was rebuilt in 1995 to cater for the increase in the number of the faithful.

Out back behind the shrine, you will find a wishing well where you can throw coins in revolving bowls in order for your wishes to be granted, as well a a big pool of carp and pleasant garden.

In the main shrine in the centre of the compound, you will find another Buddha. You can also get blessed by the monks here if that is your desire.

Finally at the back of the grounds, you will find the recently constructed Golden Pagoda Bell Tower. Officially declared open in 2011 it house replicas of Buddhists shrines from various other countries.

 

The Burmese Temple is a pleasant place to visit if you have half-an-hour to spare whilst in George Town.