Hong Sun Seah Temple is a very old Hokkien temple located in Green Lane behind Gembira Parade. The British settlement of George Town was still very young when the temple was established in 1805, by a group of Hokkien settlers that came from Nan'an, Yongchun and Anxi districts of Quanzhou, in southeastern Fujian Province, in southern China. Hong Sun Seah Temple was established for the Hokkien community staying in the coconut grove and plantations there, dedicated to the patron deity. On the wall of the temple is a stelae inscribed in 1864, documenting the names of the founders of the temple, namely Meng Chengjin from Yongchun district, Liang Guangting from Nan'an district and Yap Hup Keat from Anxi district.
Over the centuries, the place underwent development. In the early years, Green Lane, the main road that runs through the plantation, was nothing more than a country road. Over the years, as housing development sprout around it, Green Lane was widened a few times to take on its present incarnation, renamed Jalan Masjid Negeri. Hong Sun Seah Temple itself underwent several renovations to arrive at its present form.
Getting there
It is easiest to reach Hong Sun Seah by car. If taking public transport, Rapid Penang Buses No. T11, U206 and T304 pass through Jalan Masjid Negeri in front of Gembira Parade. Check the Rapid Penang Bus Routes here.
What to see
Hong Sun Seah is a spacious temple with an equally big compound. The walls are covered by titles. Inside the main prayer hall, look at the stelae (or tablet) embedded on the wall. Also on the wall are titles with pictures from Chinese mythology.
Finding Accommodation in Penang
If you're going to Penang, you now have the option of finding accommodation in a hotel, or look for one in hostels and guesthouses. To book a room in a star-rated hotel, use the Penang Hotel Guide for Budget Travelers. To find accommodation in a Hostel or Guesthouse, use the Penang Guide to Hostels and Guesthouses. Each link provides detailed listing of the type of accommodation you can expect in Penang. Be aware that you get what you pay for. If you need a certain degree of comfort, then a star-rated hotel may be an ideal option for you. On the other hand, if you are able to forego a bit of creature comfort, then hostels and guesthouses are clean, safe, and incredibly good value for money. For accommodation in other destinations, visit Hotel Guide for Budget Travelers or Hostels & Guesthouses Accommodation Guide.
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