Beow Hiang Lim Temple
503 Hill Railway Road, 11500 Penang

Beow Hiang Lim Temple

Beow Hiang Lim Temple is a Buddhist temple and columbarium located on the way to the Penang Hill Railway Station.

Beow Hiang Lim Temple was built by two brothers, Lim Bing Zhao and Lim Bing Kun, so that a reverred Buddhist monk from China, Master Hui Quan, has a place to stay and preach. This took place between 1940, when Master Hui Quan arrived in Penang, and 1943, when he passed away. Master Hui Quan was born in Tong Ann district of Fujian province in 1875 from the Teoh family clan. He lost his father at the age of 7. His mother also passed away when he was 14. Seeing both his parents died within a span of less than 10 years, he realized that life was short, and he resolved to become a monk. After rigorous studies, he was successfully became a monk at the age of 19.

Along with a few of his companions, Master Hui Quan travelled throughout China to preach and at the same time, to learn from other masters. After they had completed their journey, they returned to southern Fujian province. At that time, war had broken out in China. Master Hui Quan found that by then, most people had neglected their religious beliefs. He endeavored to increase people's appreciation of Buddhism. Through his research and learnings on Buddhism, Master Hui Quan became an authority in Buddhist matters in Fujian, and was one of the three great Buddhist masters in the city of Xiamen.

In 1938, Xiamen fell to the Japanese in the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). Master Hui Quan fled to Southeast Asia, passing through several countries before arriving in Penang in 1940. Captivated by its fine weather and the hospitality of the people, he decided to set up base in Penang to preach and meditate.

Initially, he stayed at the Thnee Kong Tnua. However, the two brothers Lim Bing Zhao and Lim Bing Kun, decided to build a home and shelter for Master Hui Quan to carry on his ministry.

Master Hui Quan passed away in 1943 at the age of 70, having spent the past fifty years as a monk. His relics is now kept at Wan Shi Yan in Xiamen and at the Hui Quan Memorial at Beow Hiang Lim Temple in Penang.

Getting to Beow Hiang Lim Temple

Beow Hiang Lim Temple is located on the left side of Jalan Bukit Bendera as you go up the road towards the hill railway station. From the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, you can take Rapid Penang Bus U204 which goes up to the railway station.

Nearby Sights

Thnee Kong Tnua (Jade Emperor Pavilion)

Bat Cave Temple

Penang Hill

Huat Huah Liam Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple

Ayer Itam Maha Mariamman Temple

Visiting Penang

If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!