Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple, Tanjung Tokong, Penang

By | April 16, 2018

The Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple is one of the oldest temples in the region. The Tanjung Tokong town itself actually got its name from this old “tokong” (“tokong” is the Malay word for temple). Tua Pek Kong is believed to be a Chinese merchant named Zhang Li, who lived and died on Penang Island. He is believed to have arrived in Penang 40 years earlier than Francis Light, in 1746. Tua Pek Kong’s grave is also located within the grounds of the temple.

The main entrance to the temple has the official name Thai Pak Koong Temple Tanjung Tokong, which is based on the Hakka dialect.

Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple

Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple Entrance

My most recent trip to the Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple was on 1 April 2018 (Sunday). There was a religious ceremony going on. I managed to take some pictures of the ceremony.

Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple Ceremony

Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple Ceremony

Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple Ceremony

There is a Chinese Opera stage in front of the temple, for “entertaining” the Tua Pek Kong deity during special occasions or religious ceremonies.

Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple Chinese Opera Stage

The beach area of the Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple is decorated with statues and sculptures. There are statues of the Dragon King of the Four Seas and his sentinels. There are also sculptures depicting fishes and dolphins. The Quayside Condominium is visible from here.

Statue Of Dragon King Of The Four Seas At Tua Pek Kong Temple

Statues Of Fishes And Dolphins At Tua Pek Kong Temple

View Of Quayside Condominium From Tua Pek Kong Temple

Beside the Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple is the Penang Avatar Secret Garden, which was built with the sponsorship of MBI Group. The Penang Avatar Secret Garden was opened to the public since early 2017. Around the garden, there are statues of Tua Pek Kong and Fu, Lu & Shou (Sanxing). The garden is very relaxing, and visitors can feel the breeze from the sea. If you visit the Penang Avatar Secret Garden during nightfall, you will be able to see the garden illuminated with various lightings.

Tua Pek Kong Statue At Penang Avatar Secret Garden

Fu Lu Shou Statues At Penang Avatar Secret Garden

Penang Avatar Secret Garden

Here is the location of the Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple:

One thought on “Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple, Tanjung Tokong, Penang

  1. Eng Chew Wah

    Dear sir,
    How are you? i am keen to learn on the history of Tua Peh Kong if keen email me some information
    my email address is chewwah.eng@gmail.com
    In future we may organise tour to your temple ?
    Look forward to hearing from you thank you
    Regards
    Eng Chew Wah

    Reply

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