What to do and see in Penang, Malaysia: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites

January 25, 2022 Malia Yoakum

Penang is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Malacca Strait. It has two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley) on the Malay Peninsula. The second smallest Malaysian state by land mass, Penang is bordered by Kedah to the north and the east, and Perak to the south.
Restaurants in Penang

1. Dharmikarama Burmese Temple

24 Lorong Burmah, George Town, Penang Island Malaysia
Excellent
45%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 870 reviews

Dharmikarama Burmese Temple

Reviewed By JayashreeR53 - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India

I think this one has the world’s largest standing Buddha - it’s an enormous gold plated statue in a gorgeous golden Buddhist temple with intricate architecture. A must visit.

2. Shree Muniswarar Kulil Waterfall Temple

Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 Malaysia +60 4-261 6663
Excellent
25%
Good
75%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Shree Muniswarar Kulil Waterfall Temple

3. Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth

Lot 894 & 896 Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth 12300 Malaysia +60 4-331 8717 [email protected]
Excellent
49%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 47 reviews

Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth

Rumah Berhala Tow Boo Kong Butterworth, or Tow Boo Kong Temple for short, is one of the most distinctive Nine Emperor Gods Temple in Malaysia. Located in Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang, this majestic temple stands on 2 plots of land with a total area of 40, 000 square feet.From a small unknown attap shed 40 years ago to an opulent renowned place of worship, Rumah Berhala Tow Boo Kong Butterworth had a humble beginning and had grown steadily throughout the years. Built in 1974 and fully completed on 26th April 2000, the building of this temple is made possible through the generous contributions and support of the government and its devotees. The existence of this impressive temple is a form of affinity that brought the devotees and the temple together.

Reviewed By masyhurnyabagan - Butterworth, Malaysia

This is a Taoist temple constructed in 1971. Also known as Temple of Nine Emperor. Beautiful architecture with grand entrance. A must-visit place in Butterworth.

4. Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple

Jalan Kebun Bunga, George Town, Penang Island Malaysia http://www.penang-traveltips.com/balathandayuthapani-temple.htm
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 167 reviews

Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple

Reviewed By kannan_pasam - Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

During my recent illness I made a vow that I would visit all the old Hindu Shrines in West Malaysia and offer thanksgiving prayers. I wanted to recite the Gayathri Mantra and Om Triambagam prayers 108 times in each of these halls of prayer. I have for many years wanted to visit the Penang Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani ( Waterfall ) temple ; however work commitments made me postpone my plans several times. Finally last week I got to fulfill my vow. We had booked into the Tropics 8 service suites ; the foyer of the hotel provided majestic views of the temple up on the hill. Early the following morning Angie and I climbed the 513 steps up to the temple ; the steps were broad and the gradient was gentle, so the climb did not require alot of exertion though we stopped several times to rest. We were also blessed with good weather - cloudy skies but no rain, so it was not hot when we were climbing. The surrounding trees and shrubs provided shade and our eyes were treated to the beauty of nature. Along the way we had stunning views of the Georgetown skyline. There were several monkeys frolicking but they did not pay attention to us - we had however taken the advice of other Devotees and kept the flowers we had brought as offerings, safely tucked into over back packs - the monkeys are known to have attacked visitors in their attempts to grab the flowers to play. The climb took us 30 minutes and at the end , our efforts were rewarded when the beautiful temple came into view. I would recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. The temple was initially located near the waterfall in the Botanical gardens. Records indicate that the temple was already in existence in 1800 ; local lore states that the temple site was chosen by a holy man, who dedicated it to Lord Murugan - the temple is thus busiest on Lord Muruga's birthday Thaipusam when an estimated crowd of 100000 devotees arrive from around the region to pray and seek His blessings. In 1914, the temple was relocated to its present site and in 1985, the temple rebuilt and the Mahakumbhashegam prayers conducted. It is said to be the largest Murugan temple outside India. Worshipping hours are 7 am to 9 am and 430 pm to 915 pm. There were very few devotees when we arrived early in the morning after having first said our prayers at the Ganesa temple sited at the base of the hill. I could say my prayers in peace and at the end the priest tied the prayer string around my right wrist. We were also privileged to be able to say prayers for some of my friends who were ill - I thus wrote in my whatsapp message to friends that it was a very satisfying visit as I could beseech Lord Muruga's blessings for an ailing father, a friend who was suffering from stage 4 colon cancer and a favorite nephew who was due to undergo a biopsy procedure.

5. Nattukottai Chettiars Temples

Nattukottai Chettiars Temples 138 Penang Street, Penang Island 10200 Malaysia +60 17-455 5450 [email protected] http://pttemple.com/
Excellent
43%
Good
57%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Nattukottai Chettiars Temples

6. Kapitan Keling Mosque

Chulia Street, George Town, Penang Island 10200 Malaysia +60 4-261 4215 http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/us/places/states-of-malaysia/penang/kapitan-keling-mosque
Excellent
27%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 639 reviews

Kapitan Keling Mosque

Reviewed By NikosTheGreat - Singapore, Singapore

Very beautiful and majestic architecture, you can take a stroll at the gardens and take some really nice photos-located quite centrally, next to Little India.

7. Nagarathar Sivan Temple

110 Jalan Dato Keramat, George Town, Penang Island 10150 Malaysia https://www.facebook.com/PenangNagaratharSivanTemple/
Excellent
25%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 4 reviews

Nagarathar Sivan Temple

8. Reclining Buddha Wat Chaiyamangalaram

17, Lorong Burma, George Town, Penang Island Malaysia +60 16-410 5115 http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/portal3/what-to-see/attractions/wat-chayamangkalaram.html
Excellent
37%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 761 reviews

Reclining Buddha Wat Chaiyamangalaram

Reviewed By JosieC426 - Brighton, United Kingdom

Definitely worth a visit to this and the temple on the other side of the road. This temple is highly decorative and has a wonderful calm atmosphere.

9. Kek Lok Si Temple

1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, Air Itam, Penang Island 11500 Malaysia +60 4-828 3317 http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/places/states-of-malaysia/penang/Kek-Lok-Si
Excellent
44%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 3,906 reviews

Kek Lok Si Temple

Reviewed By Shortermtravelgoals - Dublin, Ireland

Absolutely delighted that we decided to stop off Kok Lee Si temple after visiting Penang Hill. Penang hill was very very touristy, this was a welcome haven. The temple complex is beautiful, with intricate craftsmanship. It's a lovely environment to walk round. I took the tram to the top. The statue of Kuan yin takes centre stage. I loved the pagoda the best. They are doing loads of renovation work, it would be great to visit and see the finished article.

10. Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Teng)

Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, Penang Island Malaysia
Excellent
33%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 193 reviews

Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Teng)

Reviewed By LouisandJudiL - Mijas, Spain

This place was heaving with people on Saturday 25th January. The outside air in the courtyard was full of the scent of joss sticks (both small, large and ginormous), plus candles and flowers. Joss sticks were not allowed inside however. Inside there are altars receiving flowers, fruits, and special candles of remembrance and also paper requests from students wishing to pass their exams etc.... We were lucky enough to stand inside next to a lady who was an official guide to the Chinese temples on any other day of the year, but even on her day off she could not resist telling us about the various altars and the traditions therein. It made our day!!

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