Relau Tua Pek Kong Temple (14 January 2006)
Location Map to Relau Tua Pek Kong Temple
Incense burner at the Relau Tua Pek Kong (14 January 2006)
Relau Tua Pek Kong Temple
Relau Tua Pek Kong Temple, or by its formal name Guang Yu Ci, is the principal Chinese Taoist temple in the village of Relau. This is the village temple for the local Taoists. It was first built in 1896 through the donation collected by Hokkien and Hakka benefactors in Penang and Perak. The temple is erected for the worship of Tua Pek Kong, literally Great Grand Uncle, the 18th century Hakka scholar by the name Zhang Li, who is worshipped locally as the god of prosperity.
Over the years, the appearance of Relau has transformed, from an essentially rural village to a suburb of the Penang metropolitan area. The temple and its immediate houses are now surrounded by high rise apartments. The temple itself has also been given a total makeover, and no longer resembling the small shed that it once was.
Getting there
It is best to explore this by car or hired car, as the Relau Tua Pek Kong temple is not a major sight, and hence you would not be spending more than 20 minutes here. If you are taking the bus, from the Weld Quay Bus Terminal, take Rapid Penang Bus 301. Seek help from locals to press the bell for you or to find out when you have arrived in Relau. From the Relau main road, walk a short distance down a little lane to reach the Tua Pek Kong temple (You can try saying in a mixture of Malay and Hokkien: Manakah Tua Pek Kong arm?).
What to see and do
The Relau Tua Pek Kong Temple is not a major tourist sight. It is more than likely to be frequented by worshippers and devotees. Nevertheless, wander around the temple and admire the Hokkien temple architecture.
Visiting Penang
If you're planning a trip to Penang, please go through the information I have assembled in Penang Travel Tips. You'd find there information covering all aspect about Penang, including accommodation, transport, food, shopping, places of interest and more. Everything you need to know Penang is right there at your finger tips!
Relau Tua Pek Kong Temple Photo Gallery
View of the Relau Tua Pek Kong Temple during Chinese New Year (14 January 2006)
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