Chooi Bee Keong Temple, literally "Temple of Beautiful Waters," is a small temple beside Tanjong Tokong Road, right next to Marine Bay condominiums. It was built in 1882 for the worship of Chu, Ti and Lee Wangye, at a time when the curving bay between George Town and Tanjung Tokong was really "beautiful waters". Incidentally, the Bagan Jermal river which flows close to the temple could also be another possible reason for the name, although today the river has been reduced to nothing more than a drain.
There is a beautiful plaque here presented by Khaw Soo Cheng (1786-1882), patriach of the Khaw Family which includes Khaw Sim Bee and Khaw Sim Khim, founder of the Khaw Kongsi.
Getting there
There is a bus stop in front of Marine May condominiums. If coming by public transport, the Rapid Penang Buses that pass through Tanjong Tokong Road includes 101, 103, and U104. Check the Rapid Penang Bus Route for details.
What to see
Although first built in the late 19th century, Chooi Bee Keong Temple appears new due to the renovations done on it over the years. Hence, the original wooden pillars have now been replaced by masonry.
Stretching your budget in Penang
If you are a prudent traveller, you can spend less than $20 per day in Penang, including your accommodation! Here's some useful tips for budget travellers to Penang, to help you manage your budget and have a great time.
Penang Tour Guides
If you're on a shoestring budget, you can explore Penang using the travel articles in Penang Travel Tips. You may print them out for your own personal non-commercial use. However, nothing compares to having a professional tour guide to show you around. If you need a tour guide, contact me and I'll arrange one for you, according to your schedule and interest. If I happen to be free, I would gladly show you around too. Just write to me at:
Finding Budget Accommodation in Penang
If you're coming to Penang on a budget, you'd be pleased to know that there's quite a number of places in George Town as well as in Batu Ferringhi that offers good clean accommodation without costing you an arm and a let. If I am allowed to be biased, I would recommend Hotel Mingood, which happens to belong to a friend of mine. If it is occupied, there are plenty of other places that cost less than US$12.00 per night. Here are some suggestions:
Hutton Lodge, from US$8.25
Baba Guesthouse, from US$7.57
E.T. Budget Guesthouse, from US$6.05
YMCA Penang, from US$6.53
Ali's Ferringhi Guest House, from US$9.63
Despite the best intentions to provide you information that is as accurate as possible, do be aware that prices may have changed and exchange rates fluctuated since I wrote this. So please personally and carefully screen through the available accommodation before making your booking, to avoid any disappointments.
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Chooi Bee Keong Temple
Location Map
Chooi Bee Keong Temple (23 December 2003)
© Timothy Tye
Chooi Bee Keong Temple (23 December 2003)
© Timothy Tye
Chooi Bee Keong Temple (23 December 2003)
© Timothy Tye
Chooi Bee Keong Temple (23 December 2003)
© Timothy Tye
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