Location: Penang Island
Top Things to do in Penang Island
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What to do and see in Penang Island, Penang: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Penang Island, the most populous island city in Malaysia, is situated in the State of Penang. With a population of 738,500, it also forms Malaysia's second largest city by population, while Greater Penang, with 2.5 million inhabitants, is the nation's second most populous metropolis. Its capital, George Town, has also been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
Restaurants in Penang Island
1. Loo Pun Hong
2. Dharmikarama Burmese Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 870 reviews
Reviewed By JayashreeR53 - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India
I think this one has the world’s largest standing Buddha - it’s an enormous gold plated statue in a gorgeous golden Buddhist temple with intricate architecture. A must visit.
3. Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By kannan_pasam - Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
During my recent illness I made a vow that I would visit all the old Hindu Shrines in West Malaysia and offer thanksgiving prayers. I wanted to recite the Gayathri Mantra and Om Triambagam prayers 108 times in each of these halls of prayer. I have for many years wanted to visit the Penang Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani ( Waterfall ) temple ; however work commitments made me postpone my plans several times. Finally last week I got to fulfill my vow. We had booked into the Tropics 8 service suites ; the foyer of the hotel provided majestic views of the temple up on the hill. Early the following morning Angie and I climbed the 513 steps up to the temple ; the steps were broad and the gradient was gentle, so the climb did not require alot of exertion though we stopped several times to rest. We were also blessed with good weather - cloudy skies but no rain, so it was not hot when we were climbing. The surrounding trees and shrubs provided shade and our eyes were treated to the beauty of nature. Along the way we had stunning views of the Georgetown skyline. There were several monkeys frolicking but they did not pay attention to us - we had however taken the advice of other Devotees and kept the flowers we had brought as offerings, safely tucked into over back packs - the monkeys are known to have attacked visitors in their attempts to grab the flowers to play. The climb took us 30 minutes and at the end , our efforts were rewarded when the beautiful temple came into view. I would recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. The temple was initially located near the waterfall in the Botanical gardens. Records indicate that the temple was already in existence in 1800 ; local lore states that the temple site was chosen by a holy man, who dedicated it to Lord Murugan - the temple is thus busiest on Lord Muruga's birthday Thaipusam when an estimated crowd of 100000 devotees arrive from around the region to pray and seek His blessings. In 1914, the temple was relocated to its present site and in 1985, the temple rebuilt and the Mahakumbhashegam prayers conducted. It is said to be the largest Murugan temple outside India. Worshipping hours are 7 am to 9 am and 430 pm to 915 pm. There were very few devotees when we arrived early in the morning after having first said our prayers at the Ganesa temple sited at the base of the hill. I could say my prayers in peace and at the end the priest tied the prayer string around my right wrist. We were also privileged to be able to say prayers for some of my friends who were ill - I thus wrote in my whatsapp message to friends that it was a very satisfying visit as I could beseech Lord Muruga's blessings for an ailing father, a friend who was suffering from stage 4 colon cancer and a favorite nephew who was due to undergo a biopsy procedure.
4. Nattukottai Chettiars Temples
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
5. Kapitan Keling Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 639 reviews
Reviewed By NikosTheGreat - Singapore, Singapore
Very beautiful and majestic architecture, you can take a stroll at the gardens and take some really nice photos-located quite centrally, next to Little India.
6. Nagarathar Sivan Temple
7. Reclining Buddha Wat Chaiyamangalaram
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 761 reviews
Reviewed By JosieC426 - Brighton, United Kingdom
Definitely worth a visit to this and the temple on the other side of the road. This temple is highly decorative and has a wonderful calm atmosphere.
8. Kek Lok Si Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,906 reviews
Reviewed By Shortermtravelgoals - Dublin, Ireland
Absolutely delighted that we decided to stop off Kok Lee Si temple after visiting Penang Hill. Penang hill was very very touristy, this was a welcome haven. The temple complex is beautiful, with intricate craftsmanship. It's a lovely environment to walk round. I took the tram to the top. The statue of Kuan yin takes centre stage. I loved the pagoda the best. They are doing loads of renovation work, it would be great to visit and see the finished article.
9. Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Teng)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By LouisandJudiL - Mijas, Spain
This place was heaving with people on Saturday 25th January. The outside air in the courtyard was full of the scent of joss sticks (both small, large and ginormous), plus candles and flowers. Joss sticks were not allowed inside however. Inside there are altars receiving flowers, fruits, and special candles of remembrance and also paper requests from students wishing to pass their exams etc.... We were lucky enough to stand inside next to a lady who was an official guide to the Chinese temples on any other day of the year, but even on her day off she could not resist telling us about the various altars and the traditions therein. It made our day!!
10. St. George's Anglican Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 141 reviews
St. George's Church is a historic, biblical church, located in the heritage area of Georgetown, Penang in Malaysia proclaiming the gospel and making disciples of all nations. Built in the 19th century, it is the oldest purpose built Anglican church in Southeast Asia.
Reviewed By OOISIANGLUN
The most oldest church in Penang Island. St. George's Church is a 19th-century Anglican church. The church is built with a combination of Neo-Classical, Georgian and English Palladian architecture styles. Wedding photography is not allowed within the church area without permission.
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