Category: Places to Visit / Attractions

Hungry Ghost Festival at Bukit Mertajam

The Hungry Ghost Festival in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, has been celebrated for over 130 years. This festival, rooted in Taoist and Buddhist beliefs, honors the spirits of deceased ancestors who are believed to roam the earth during the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The event features various rituals, including offerings of food, paper money, and entertainment like Chinese opera and puppet shows, to appease these spirits. The festival remains a vibrant cultural tradition, attracting both locals and tourists to experience its unique customs.

The festival also hosts the giant effigy of Tai Su Yeah (Chinese version of King of Hades) which will then be paraded in the middle of Jalan Pasar on the night of Aug 20, where it will be burned and “sent back to the other world”, a ritual witnessed by thousands.

Balik Pulau Scenes

Balik Pulau, located on the southwestern side of Penang Island, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rustic charm, and agricultural heritage. This tranquil area offers a stark contrast to the bustling urban centers, with its lush paddy fields, rolling hills, and traditional Malay villages. Balik Pulau is famous for its durian orchards, attracting fruit enthusiasts during the durian season. Visitors can explore local attractions such as the Tropical Spice Garden, enjoy scenic bike rides, and experience the authentic kampung (village) lifestyle, making it a delightful retreat from the urban hustle.

For more related areas in Balik Pulau, click here.

George Town Street View: Kapitan Keling Mosque in the Evening

An evening view of the old Masjid Kapitan Keling (Kapitan Keling Mosque). Located at the Heritage zone of George Town, the Kapitan Keling Mosque is one of the oldest and famous landmarks in the island.

The mosque was built by the the head of the Indian Muslim community in Penang during the year 1800, and is located at along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (formerly Pitt Street but was later renamed after the mosque). The historic mosque was also used previously as the state mosque of Penang. The name “kapitan keling” is used to denote the headman or leader of the South Indian Muslim community.

Light Street View: LED Tree Lights

George Town’s Light Street has been transformed into a vibrant tourist attraction with the installation of a new LED light display at the Esplanade’s Municipal Fountain Park. The Penang Island City Council’s initiative, costing RM261,000, aims to enchant locals and tourists alike, enhancing the city’s nightlife and boosting tourism. The LED strands, adorning trees, create a magical ambiance, receiving positive feedback from the community. With plans to refresh the display colors periodically and expand to other areas, George Town is set to maintain its allure as a must-visit destination.

George Town Street View: The Fountain Garden

Light Street View: Esplanade Trees Decorations

The enchanting sight of brightly illuminated trees along Light Street at night. These trees are located along the walkway of Esplanade, on the opposite side of the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

George Town Street View: LIGHT STREET

Penang’s Kek Lok Si CNY Lightings in 2024

Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang is one of the largest and most famous Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. It’s particularly renowned for its striking architecture, blending elements of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles. The temple complex also houses a towering seven-story pagoda, known as the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Additionally, Kek Lok Si is home to a massive bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, standing at a height of 30 meters (nearly 100 feet), making it one of the tallest of its kind in the world.

2024 Chinese New Year Fire Watching Festival at Penang Snake Temple

The annual fire-watching festival was held at the Penang Snake Temple during the 6th lunar day of the Chinese New Year this year (which was 14 February 2024). There were also various cultural performances held alongside the fire-watching ceremony, including a traditional puppet show, lion dance and fireworks.

Legend has it that the temple, dedicated to the deity Chor Soo Kong, was inhabited by venomous pit vipers centuries ago. According to folklore, these serpents, believed to be guardians of the temple, emerged from the nearby jungle and took refuge within its walls.

2024 Chinese New Year Lights at Kek Lok Si

Kek Lok Si Temple illuminated in a dazzling array of lights during Chinese New Year. As one of Penang’s most iconic landmarks, Kek Lok Si Temple comes alive with vibrant decorations and thousands of colorful lights, creating a magical ambiance that captures the essence of the festive season.

Penang Chinese New Year Scene at Kuan Yin Temple

Located in the heart of George Town, the old Kuan Yin Temple at Kapitan Keling Mosque Street is where age-old Chinese traditions come to life in a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and sounds. On the first day of the Chinese New Year, this historic temple transforms into a bustling hub of activity as devotees and visitors alike flock to pay homage and seek blessings for the year ahead. Kuan Yin is also known as the Goddess of Mercy.