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Bukit Mertajam: Tua Pek Kong Cheng Temple

The Tua Pek Kong Cheng Temple in Bukit Mertajam, Penang, is a significant Taoist temple dedicated to Tua Pek Kong, a deity worshipped for protection, health, and prosperity. The temple is known for its rich history, dating back over a century, and its vibrant cultural practices, particularly during the Hungry Ghost Festival.

The temple’s architecture reflects traditional Chinese design, with intricate carvings and decorations. It serves as a focal point for community gatherings and religious ceremonies, attracting both devotees and tourists interested in Penang’s cultural heritage.

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.

Bukit Mertajam: An Old Town

The Bukit Mertajam town (normally called BM) is a small old town located near the foot of the very hill which it derived its name from. The town is located in Seberang Perai, the mainland side of Penang. The streetscape of the Bukit Mertajam town is similar with George Town’s heritage area, with pre-war style shophouses lining up along its streets.

Nearby attractions in Bukit Mertajam area include the St Anne Cathedral and the Berapit Siamese Hill Temple.