Pek Kong Cheng (Bukit Mertajam) has a notable Chinese New Year decoration setup this year featuring lots of red lanterns plus a special “Leaping Fish” theme using fish-shaped lanterns. The installation consists of more than 300 fish-shaped lanterns in the area around Pek Kong Cheng Temple (also known as Hock Teik Cheng Sin) at Jalan Pasar.
Raja Uda (Butterworth) is Penang’s well-known CNY “lantern street,” with thousands of red lanterns spanning roughly a few kilometers and best enjoyed after nightfall. At night, the lanterns form a continuous red canopy that’s become a major “check-in” / photo spot in the area. It’s also a long-running local tradition that has been done annually (with pauses during the pandemic period). The lit-up stretch runs from the south junction of Jalan Telaga Air through Jalan Raja Uda.
An AR-enabled mural beside IKEA Batu Kawan at Ikano Centres adds a new interactive art spot in Penang, touted as the state’s second-largest outdoor painted mural. Created by Ikano Centres and IKEA Batu Kawan for the Creative Spark Batu Kawan initiative, the piece, titled “Building Yourself”, was produced with Can Can Public Art and painted by artist Leonard Siaw with support from three mentored art graduates. Visitors can activate the augmented reality effects by scanning a QR code on-site, standing on a marked spot, and pointing a phone at the mural to see it “come alive,” while the artwork’s theme highlights modern ambition, mutual support, and Batu Kawan’s growth as a township full of possibilities.
Design Village Penang transformed its open-air outlet mall into a festive “Jollylicious Christmas” setting with cheerful holiday decorations, including a dreamy pink-themed display and seasonal icons like gingerbread figures. Shoppers can soak up the festive mood while enjoying seasonal promotions, photo spots, and family-friendly attractions such as train and carousel rides that can be redeemed when you spend a certain amount at the mall.
The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a major Taoist celebration held during the ninth lunar month, honoring nine deities believed to control the movements of planets and bring good fortune. In Penang, especially at temples like Tow Boo Kong in Raja Uda, the festival is marked by vibrant rituals, long processions, vegetarian food offerings, and the lighting of massive incense sticks. Devotees often observe a nine-day vegetarian diet as an act of purification and devotion. The celebration is both spiritual and cultural, filling the streets with color, music, and prayers.
The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is steeped in legend and ancient Chinese cosmology. According to Taoist belief, the Nine Emperor Gods (known as Jiuhuang Dadi) are celestial beings representing the nine sons of Dou Mu, the Goddess of the North Star, who governs the universe and controls the life and death of mortals.
One of the most popular legends tells that the festival originated during China’s Qing Dynasty, when a secret society of devotees prayed to the Nine Emperors for protection against oppression. When the prayers were answered, the people began holding annual rituals to honor the gods.
During the festival, devotees welcome the gods on the eve of the ninth lunar month with a ceremonial procession to the sea or river, believed to be the portal through which the deities descend to Earth. After nine days of prayers, offerings, and vegetarian observance, the gods are sent back to the heavens through another water procession.
The Tow Boo Kong Temple in Raja Uda, Butterworth, is one of Penang’s largest and most impressive Taoist temples, dedicated to the Nine Emperor Gods. What began as a small shrine in the 1970s has grown into a grand complex featuring ornate dragon pillars, intricate carvings, and a beautifully landscaped courtyard. The temple becomes especially lively during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival in the ninth lunar month, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors for prayers, processions, and cultural performances that fill the streets with color and devotion.
Bukit Mertajam’s Hungry Ghost Festival, locally known as Phor Thor or Yu Lan, has been a deeply ingrained tradition in the town for over 130 years, blending spiritual reverence with community spirit. During the seventh lunar month, believed in Taoist lore to open the gates of hell, a towering effigy of the hell deity Tai Su Yeah (measuring nearly 9 meters tall) is constructed from bamboo and vibrant paper and placed under a tent for worship. Devotees lay out offerings of food, paper money, and prayers for ancestral spirits and wandering souls, as traditional Chinese opera troupes perform nightly to amuse both mortal attendees and supernatural guests.
On the 15th day (which is today), the highlight of the festival unfolds: the effigy is paraded through Jalan Pasar and ceremonially burned to send the deity and the spirits back to the underworld, a ritual witnessed by thousands of participants from across Malaysia and beyond. The event not only honors tradition but also teaches younger generations about filial piety, ancestor respect, and cultural continuity.
Sunway Carnival Mall is celebrating the festive spirit of Hari Raya with its EIDisi Manis campaign, running until April 6. This year’s theme honors traditional Malaysian sweet treats like kuih lapis, symbolizing unity and cherished memories across generations. Visitors are welcomed into a Penang village-inspired setting, offering a nostalgic kampung atmosphere that blends cultural heritage with contemporary flair.
Nestled in the heart of Bukit Mertajam’s old town heritage street, Hung Kung Kong Hoay stands as a significant Chinese clan association with deep cultural roots. This historic landmark reflects the rich heritage and traditions of the local Chinese community, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts exploring Bukit Mertajam’s vibrant heritage area.
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Penang at the Penaga district, Kampung Agong is a hidden gem that offers visitors a glimpse into the rustic charm of traditional Malaysian village life. This quaint agro-themed park, located in the tranquil area of Seberang Perai, is a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.
Kampung Agong consists of a vast area made up picturesque coconut groves, charming bamboo houses, and various iconic swing sets that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding paddy fields.
Various activities can be enjoyed at Kampung Agong, from cycling through the scenic countryside to picnic and horse riding, allowing visitors to reconnect with nature and experience the simple pleasures of life in a traditional Malaysian kampung (village).
For more details, do visit its website at https://kampungagong.com/
