Khoo Kongsi Temple: See Exquisite Architecture At This Heritage Gem

Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi or simply Khoo Kongsi, is a marvellous Chinese clan house and temple that’s right in George Town!

It has an impressive lineage of over 6 centuries! Visitors can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site to personally admire the exquisite architecture of the buildings.

Since there is a museum on-site as well, visitors can also learn more about the Khoo clan who built it. Want to know what else you should expect about this place? Keep reading!

Table of Contents:

• History
• Architecture
• Museum
• Opening Hours
• Entrance Fee
• Shows
• Getting To Khoo Kongsi

History Of The Khoo Clan

The Khoo clan are one of the 5 prominent Chinese clans (Five Big Clans) that were the foundation of the Hokkien community in Penang in the 19^th century.

Five Big Clans:

• Cheah
• Lim
• Tan
• Yeoh
• Khoo

The clans (or kongsi) were spread out in George Town from Chulia Street until Beach Street.

They preferred to stay close together with their direct and extended families. Forming a close-knit settlement with adjoining terrace houses like a village.

Members of the Khoo clan were rich traders that originated from Xiancheng in the Fujian province. They made their fortune in Malacca and Penang during the 17^th century.

By the 19^th century, the Khoo Kongsi had built an incredible clan house (in 1851) with their own government that managed education, finance and welfare affairs and the like.

The temple further marked their success in Penang when it was built in 1906. And is a place of worship for the clan with patron deities and ancestral tablets inside.

While Khoo Kongsi has long since ceased most of its former activities for the Khoo clan association, it remains a top Penang attraction of immense cultural value!

Architecture Of Khoo Kongsi

Today, it’s not the original clan house that stands as it was destroyed in a fire.

Supposedly the fire was started by lightning and many at the time, deemed it to be an act of anger by the gods, jealous of the building’s grandeur!

In any case, the clan house was rebuilt in a 4-year long project that was completed in 1906, albeit smaller.

However, the clan house is still a wonder to behold today with its intricate wood and stone carvings by master craftsmen from China!

Khoo Kongsi is south-west of George Town. The main building (the clan house) is called Leong San Tong.

As the heart of the complex, Leong San Tong served as the administrative center with its offices, and a meeting hall.

Other features at the clan complex include:

• An amphitheater (for opera shows)
• A small museum dedicated to the clan’s roots
• Spacious courtyard

The clan house is obscured from view from surrounding rows of terrace houses and shop lots. This was a deliberate defensive strategy that the Khoo clan that adopted against gang wars!

Therefore, keen visitors must navigate through these alleys before they reach the square where Leong San Tong is.

We used the Cannon Street entrance and at 9am, there were still many parking spaces close to the entrance. The guards on duty only open the gate at 9am sharp.

Museum At Khoo Kongsi

Underneath Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is a museum which you can access through an open arch at the side of the building. You don’t have to pay any entry fees to enter the museum.

Note: There is a visitor toilet block next to the museum entrance.

The arch leads into a traditional Fujian kitchen set up and a fountain.

There are a lot of passages and galleries next to the kitchen – these are quite dimly lit so watch your step as you move from one gallery to the next.

The galleries showcase the past and current activities of Khoo clan members. There are old photographs of the founding members too. As well as a miniature model of a modern columbarium for present Khoo clan use.

Another gallery has photographs and explanations of the building restoration and architectural highlights of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.

In hindsight, it might make more sense to check out the museum before going into the main building. Then you’ll know what details to look out for as you explore the building.

As it turned out, we couldn’t stay too long here but there is a lot of information to read. If you have a lot of time and interest in the subject of the Khoo clan, you might be able to pass 2 hours here.

Opening Hours At Khoo Kongsi

Much of the complex is not shaded so do go earlier to avoid the heat of the day! At 9am, the courtyard is still partially shaded.

If you go before 10am, you’ll have most of the complex to yourself too. During our visit, there were only 2 other visitors besides us. In contrast, the courtyard was full of tourists at by 10am.

• Location: 18, Cannon Square, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
• Contact: +604-261 4609
• Email: [email protected]
• Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 5pm

Entrance Fees For Khoo Kongsi

If you delight in architecture and culture, the entrance fee (RM15 per adult) will seem worth it!

• Adult: RM15 per adult
• Child (under 12 years old): RM1 per child
• Child (under 5 years old): Free entry

Shows At Khoo Kongsi

Occasionally (especially during Chinese New Year), there may be evening cultural shows at Khoo Kongsi.

Such event typically features Chinese cultural arts and performances that take place at the courtyard.

For recent updates of events at Khoo Kongsi, you can check the official website for Khoo Kongsi here.

Further reading:

• Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion) – Relive The Peranakan Glory Days
• Penang Peranakan Mansion – Make A Trip To This Worthy Historical Museum

Getting To Khoo Kongsi

1. By Tour Service

Unless you’re just going with the intention to take photos and look at the architecture:

Local insight you can get from a private tour will serve to deepen your experience at Khoo Kongsi!

Private Tour Service By RayTheTour:

• Reliable service
• Flexible tour schedule – go where you want from morning to evening
• Comfortable transport
• English or Chinese speaking guides are available
• We do trips for Taiping, Ipoh and Cameron Highlands as well!

Book a tour with RayTheTour on WhatsApp!

Further reading:

• 4 Best Ways For Getting Around Penang (With All Penang Transport Options)
• How To Get From Penang Airport To Georgetown (4 Easy Ways)
• How To Get To Penang Island From Kuala Lumpur (KL)

2. By Bus

There is no direct bus to Khoo Kongsi from George Town.

Instead, you can start by taking the bus from Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal.

Look for the Rapid Penang buses CAT, 301, 302, 303 and 401 that stop at Kampung Kolam. Which is walking distance from Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi!

Note: CAT stands for Central Area Transit – a free shuttle service for tourists wanting to see the main attractions in George Town! Kampung Kolam is one of the last stops from Weld Jetty!

Considering that it’s not possible to see the main building (Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi) from the street, here are some directions:

1. To find the main entrance, go along Cannon Street (Lebuh Cannon) in the direction of a mosque at Acheen Street.
2. An owl souvenir shop on your left marks the main entrance to the clan house!

Further reading:

• 21 Fun Things To Do In Penang With Kids (Ultimate Guide) + Food & Hotels
• 13 Best Things To Do In Georgetown Penang

Conclusion

Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is yet another place you can add to your list of things to do in Penang! The fact that it’s in George Town makes a visit more likely!

We think anyone who enjoys photography, architecture, history, and culture can appreciate the uniqueness and value of this place.

Khoo Kongsi provides a closer look into the lifestyle and importance of Chinese migrant clans in Penang. Along with the clan jetties of Penang!