Hong Sun Seah Temple is a very old Hokkien temple located in Green Lane (Jalan Masjid Negeri) 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. 11, U206 and 304 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.
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.
|
Hong Sun Seah Temple
Location Map
Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye
Main entrance of Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye
Door god of Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye
Main altar at Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye
Founding tablet, Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye
Picture tiles at Hong Sun Seah Temple (23 September 2008)
© Timothy Tye
|
