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.
Also known as Pek Kong Cheng Hawker Centre, this hawker food centre is a popular food destination located near the Tua Pek Kong Cheng Temple at Jalan Pasar in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. It offers a wide variety of local Malaysian street food, including favorites like char koay teow, curry mee, chicken rice, and Hokkien mee. The hawker center is known for its lively atmosphere, with many food stalls and seating areas that attract both locals and tourists. It’s a great place to experience authentic Penang cuisine and the local food culture.
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.
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.
A breathtaking view from Penang Hill showing the eastern side of Penang. One might spot the Bukit Mertajam hill at the distance.
The Mengkuang Dam finally re-opened to the public in December 2020 after six years of upgrading and expansion works. Unlike the old dam which had more trees and shades, the new expanded dam provides a wider space for recreational activities (but the area can be very hot during the noon).
The dam is accessible freely to the public from 7am to 7pm daily. Note: there will be crowd control during movement control order. Google Map link – click here.
Here are some scenic views of the newly upgraded dam:
Located on the outskirt area of Bukit Mertajam, which is called Machang Bubok, Hai Dong Ma Temple is a Taoist temple dedicated for the worship of Chinese deity Thean Hou (also popularly known as Mazu). The temple compound also houses various Chinese mythical beings statues including a set of Chinese animal zodiacs.
View of the mainland portion of Penang across the Malacca Straits sea.
A ferry crossing the Straits of Malacca from Penang Island to the Butterworth mainland during an evening, with the Bukit Mertajam hill in the background.
