Khaw Kongsi, or Saw Khaw Lean (Heah) Kongsi, is the clan association of Chinese Teochew clansmen belonging to the surname Saw, Khaw and Lean. Among those surnamed Khaw includes those whose surname is written as Koh and Khor. Prominent members of the Khaw clan association, or Khaw Seh Koe Yang Tong, includes Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, the former chief minister of Penang, and Khaw Sim Bee, the governor of Ranong and Phuket, in the late 19th century. Khaw Sim Khim, the brother to Khaw Sim Bee, was one of the co-founders of the Khaw Kongsi. The clan temple of the Khaw Kongsi is named Koe Yang Tang, and was founded so that Khaw clansmen has a place to worship their patron deity, Xu Zhen Jun.
Getting there
Saw Khaw Lean (Heah) Kongsi is within walking distance from the Komtar Bus Terminal. Walk along Lebuh Tek Soon towards Jalan Penang. Cross Jalan Penang and then turn right. Walk along Jalan Penang until you reach the pedestrian bridge. Use the bridge to cross Jalan Burma. Walk along Jalan Burma until you arrive at Saw Khaw Lean Kongsi on your right.
What to see or do
Admire the Teochew architecture of the Saw Khaw Lean Kongsi, the painted door gods, and curving roof ridges. The temple is not a major tourist sight but worth exploring.
Nearby Sights
The Saw Khaw Lean (Heah) Kongsi is located near the following sights which are also along Jalan Burma:
Malaysian Hakka Heritage Centre
Masjid Tengah: Small heritage mosque along Burmah Road
Masjid Titi Papan: Small heritage mosque at the junction of Khoo Sian Ewe Road and Burmah Road
Kuan Yin See: Temple of the Goddess of Mercy which is better known as the annual venue of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival
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!
Gate and archway of the Khaw Kongsi. (12 December, 2007)
Khaw Kongsi Clan Temple (16 July 2008)
The door god of the Khaw Kongsi (16 July 2008)
The Koe Yang Tong ancestral altar with ancestral tablets (16 July 2008)
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