Poh Oo Toong Temple
Location Map
Poh Oo Toong Temple
The Poh Oo Toong Temple is a Buddhist temple along a quieter stretch of Jalan Burma. It was originally the property of Yeoh Cheang Seng, a wealthy Penang merchant. His wife, Khoo Soh Oo, was a devout Buddhist. Together, they allocated a part of their home for the construction of the Poh Oo Toong Buddhist Temple, and sought the help of the monk from Pau Yue Kong Temple to realise it. They came up with the funds on their own. Construction of Poh Oo Toong Temple began in 1939. During the Second World War, quite a number of nuns stayed there for meditation. Poh Oo Toong was completed and opened to the public by Khoo Soh Oo after the war, on 2 August, 1947.
A famous monk by the name of Master Ci Hang came from China to Southeast Asia in 1941, staying in Penang for seven years. During this time, he travelled to Singapore, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh to give lectures. He was instrumental in establishing the Phor Tay Institution in Singapore and Penang as well as the Phor Tay Schools and Buddhist Associations in Singapore, Selangor, Ipoh and Penang. He also started a Buddhist magazine. The premises of the Malaysian Buddhist Association was at Poh Oo Toong. The Buddhist Association was initially very active in meditation and chanting but was eventually dissolved.
In the later years, Khoo Soh Oo became a nun and took on the title of Reverend Hooi Kong. After she passed away, a seven-tier pagoda was built in her honor. Master Ci Hang was present at the official opening of the pagoda. A tablet attributed to him was erected in front of it.
In 1978, Master Wen Chien was invited from the Kuala Lumpur monastery to be the abbot at Poh Oo Toong Temple taking over from Master Chuan Yen.
Today the Malaysian Buddhist Association also runs the Cheng Huah Kindergarten within the premises of Poh Oo Toong Temple.
Getting there
Poh Oo Toong Temple can be reached by taking the Rapid Penang Bus 101, U104 and 304. Check the Rapid Penang Bus Routes for details.
What to see and do
The Poh Oo Toong Temple is not geared to accept tourists. Unless you are seeking it for religious reasons, it is unlikely to feature highly within your list of sights to visit. Nevertheless, you can come to admire its temple architecture, pagoda and pavilion. The temple itself is likely to be locked if no attendant is on hand.
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.
Poh Oo Toong Temple Photo Gallery
Poh Oo Toong Temple (23 December 2006)
View of the roof and front facade of Poh Oo Toong Temple (23 December 2006)
Pavilion with the stalae or stone tablet (23 December 2006)
Close up of the stone tablet (23 December 2006)
Pagoda (23 December 2006)
Cheng Huah Kindergarten, within the premises of Poh Oo Toong Temple (23 December 2006)
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