The beautifully decorated and illuminated Kek Lok Si temple during a Chinese New Year night in Penang.
Tag: ayer itam
The Jade Emperor Temple
The Jade Emperor Temple at the foot of Penang Hill.
During the ninth day of the Chinese New Year, Chinese Hokkien people will be celebrating the birthday of the Jade Emperor. This day is also known as the Hokkien people’s new year, and has its origin back during the Song Dynasty where Chinese Hokkien refugees were saved from being caught and killed by the Mongols on the same day of the Jade Emperor’s birthday. Hence, as gratitude and believing that the Jade Emperor had saved them, the Hokkien people soon marked this day as an important festival to be celebrated.
Most Chinese in Penang are Hokkiens, so this day is usually celebrated more widely (and ‘loudly’) here than the first day of Chinese New Year.
Ayer Itam: Rifle Range Flats
The Rifle Range flats at Ayer Itam are one of the oldest residential flats in Penang. The name was derived from the past when the area was actually being used as a rifle range. Built under a low cost housing project with an area size of 450-500sqf per unit, the flats were reportedly completed in the 1970s.
Ayer Itam: Kek Lok Si Temple Complex
The beautiful, famous and historical Kek Lok Si temple complex located at the hills of Ayer Itam, Penang.
Penang Street Art (Chasing after the Gorilla Rider)
This street art depicting two children chasing after a gorilla on a scooter, while an orang utan is looking on from a street pole, can be found at a small alley at the Ayer Itam town. The art mural appears to be created for a convenience store called Daily Shop.
Passing by Chung Ling High School
Chung Ling High School in Ayer Itam is a Chinese boys’ school and also one of the oldest and most well known Chinese schools in Penang. Founded by the local supporters of Dr Sun Yat Sen in the early 1900s, the school was originally established in George Town, before moving to several locations until it was finally relocated to its current location in 1923.
Ayer Itam Dam Nature Landscapes
The State Mosque
Passing by Penang’s State Mosque. Today marks the day of Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha or Hari Raya Haji.
Ayer Itam War Memorial Park
The Ayer Itam War Memorial Park is a small park that was renovated a few years ago to feature the Overseas Chinese Anti-War Memorial, the World Peace Memorial sculpture, the Penang Chinese Relief Memorial and a large intricately detailed mural depicting relief aids and operations being carried out in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (that was later culminated into World War II).
The white obelisk of the Overseas Chinese Anti-War Memorial, the park’s original and first memorial, was also built to commemorate the sacrifice and effort of the Chinese people in Penang during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
The Ayer Itam War Memorial Park is located just beside the Ayer Itam Roundabout in Ayer Itam, Penang.
