Kuan Yin See, Temple of the Goddess of Mercy, at night, during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival (8 October 2005)
Location Map to Kuan Yin See
Main entrance of the Kuan Yin See (16 October 2004)
A side entrance of the Kuan Yin See (16 October 2004)
Kuan Yin See
Kuan Yin See, or Temple of the Goddess of Mercy, is a Taoist temple along Jalan Burma. This is a different temple from the Kuan Yin Teng, also translated as the Goddess of Mercy Temple, of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
The Kuan Yin See was founded in 1922 by Ben Zhong, the second abbot of Kek Lok Si Temple who was also the one who built the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas. At the entrance to the temple is a name plaque and on either sides are pillar couplets, with calligraphy written by Chen Baochen, an official in the former Qing imperial court.
The Temple of the Goddess of Mercy has become associated with the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, so much so that many people thought this is the Nine Emperor Gods Temple of Penang, which is a different temple located in Lebuh Macallum. Nonetheless, the Kuan Yin See is the busiest during this festival, with stalls erected at the front selling vegetarian meals and confectioneries.
The Kuan Yin is was once the home of Fa Kong, a flamboyant monk whose legacy included founding a zoo in Air Itam, in what is now Jalan Zoo. An inscription attributed to him, of Zen verses, can be seen on the rock in the garden of Kek Lok Si Temple.
Getting there
From the Komtar Bus Terminal, walk along Lebuh Tek Soon towards Jalan Penang. Cross Jalan Penang and turn right. Walk along Jalan Penang until you reach the pedestrian bridge. Use the pedestrian bridge to cross Jalan Burma. Walk down Jalan Burma until you reach Kuan Yin See on the right side of the road.
What to see and do
The Kuan Yin See presents a photography opportunity to capture scenes within a Taoist temple. While the worshippers will not bother with you, be respectful and do not intrude on those who in the midst of worshipping. The best time to come is during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, when the temple becomes extremely crowded and busy.
Nearby Sights
Malaysian Hakka Heritage Centre
Masjid Tengah
Masjid Titi Papan
Saw Khaw Lean Heah Kongsi
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.
Kuan Yin See Photo Gallery
View of the Kuan Yin See during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival (16 October 2004)
Door gods at the Kuan Yin See temple doors (16 October 2004)
Worshipper lighting incense (16 October 2004)
Incense spirals on the ceiling (16 October 2004)
Another front view of Kuan Yin See (12 December 2007)
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