Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple
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Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple
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.
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.
Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple Photo Gallery
Jelutong Tai Tay Yah Temple (14 June 2007)
Ceremonial bell of the temple (14 June 2007)
The inside of the Tai Tay Yah Temple (14 June 2007)
Dragon ornamentation on the roof, in chien nien broken pottery artwork (14 June 2007)
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