Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple

Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple
Location Map

The Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple, or by its official name Cheng Leong Keong (Qing Long Gong), is a Taoist temple in Jelutong. The principal deity of this temple is Bao Sheng Dadi, the physician god. As with most Chinese deities, Bao Sheng Dadi began as a human that was later deified. In this case, it was a Song Dynasty physician by the name of Wu Tao. Having attained Enlightenment, Wu Tao chose to delay his passage into nirvana, choosing to remain in the mortal world so that he could help mankind deal with the diseases that afflict them. As a result, the Chinese began to build temples and to worship Bao Sheng Dadi.

The Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple was built in 1886. In addition to Bao Sheng Dadi, the accompanying deities within this temple are Shen Nong Dadi and Qing Shui Zushi.

Getting there

Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple can be reached by taking the Rapid Penang Bus 11, 301, 302, 303, 401, U502, and U704. Check the Rapid Penang Bus Routes for details. Assuming you are coming from Weld Quay Bus Terminal, get down at the bus stop near Jelutong Pos Office. Cross the road in the direction of the post office, then enter Lebuhraya Jelutong. Walk about 120 meters and then turn left into Taman Jelutong. You will find the Tai Tay Yah Temple at the end of the road.

What to see and do

The Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple is not geared to accept tourists. Most of the visitors are devotees who already know the purpose of their visit. As a tourist, you may just wander around, taking a look at the altar, the bell, the ceremonial drum hung near the ceiling, but unless you speak Chinese, you may not be able to get any information out of the caretakers.