Month: May 2017

Penang Isle: Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple

Located at the coastal area of Tanjung Tokong, this Tua Pek Kong Temple is famous for its flame watching ritual (an event known as “Chneah Hoay” event) on the 14th night of Chinese New Year, which is also the eve of Tua Pek Kong’s Birthday. This event held annually, involves the observation of the flame of the temple’s ceremonial urn which will forecast the economic health of the year according to the local belief. This temple is also the origin of the name Tanjung Tokong and is believed to be the first temple built to worship the Tua Pek Kong, a Chinese Taoist deity in the country.

Recently, the temple area further underwent some renovations with a small outdoor park being built around a small hill behind the temple. The park features LED flowers and at night, it transforms into the Penang Avatar Secret Garden.

Penang Street Art (The Rotan Cane Sculpture)

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This steel rod art sculpture can be found beside the wall of a rattan shop in Chulia Street, George Town. The caricature depicts a mother buying a rattan cane while a boy was hiding behind the bush, for fear of the cane (or locally known as “rotan”). The rattan cane was commonly used as a ‘disciplinary tool’ back at home and in school during the old days.