We have taken a family holiday to Penang twice. Last year we went to Penang with our school aged son and the time before that, when he was a toddler.
During our trip to Penang with toddler we took a culture tour; included in this tour was a visit to Penang’s Chinatown.
We start at the Thai Buddhist temple Wat Chayamangkalaram built in 1845 by a Thai Buddhist monk.
Lewis is a little overwhelmed by the ornate serpents guarding the temple and won’t go in.
Inside the temple he misses seeing the famous 33m long reclining Buddha.
Plus more glittering ornate gold Buddha’s, statues and ornaments.
Across the road is the Dharmikarama Burmese Temple built in 1805.
Then we visit Khoo Khonsi a Chinese clan house that was built in 1851 as place to offer support for the Khoo family.
In the courtyard is a an Opera Stage that is still used today.
Have you been to Penang’s Chinatown or another city’s Chinatown?
How I miss Penang. You’ve photographed some of my favorite spots around town.
Penang is one of my favourite family holiday destinations as well Michele – I love the diversity.
I’ve been to Chinatown in San Francisco and in New York City – both places were incredibly overwhelming to me – so many things to see and so much to absorb. They’re like visual assaults…or at least they were for me.
I’ve not been inside a Buddhist temple – there are a couple in New Orleans that as I’ve driven by them, I’ve been very tempted to stop, but I don’t know quite what the protocol should be.
Thanks for joining us for Photo Friday again this week!
The protocol for visiting religious sites can be tricky if they are not set up as a tourist destination or you are on tour. Lots of research i would suggest Jen.
I love visiting Chinatowns in lots of different cities, and seeing the similarities and differences in all of them
isn’t it amazing Paula how Chinatowns in every city differ but all have lots of glittering gold and ornate features.
I visited a few Chinatowns around the USA, but Penang seems different. There are no Buddhist temples here.
Isn’t it amazing Anda how each Chinatown is a little different from the last.
Some beautiful pictures of what Penang’s Chinatown is like. Did you eat there? It doesn’t matter which city it’s in, I think Chinese food tastes different in Chinatown because they usually cook for Chinese taste buds.
Unfortunately Linda, we didn’t get to stop and eat as we were on a tour.
What a beautiful temple. The golden statues are really impressive. Thanks for the virtual tour.
You’re welcome Rhonda.
I’ve been to Penang but a very long time ago, pre-children. I’d absolutely love to go back with my boys, it’s such a cultural melting pot. #MondayEscapes
the kids would love Penang Phoebe so many fun things to see and do as well as that fantastic food.
Wow, breathtakingly beautiful.
Thanks Crysta
Great photos – and a shame Lewis missed out, but you’ll have to go again when he will go in 🙂 #mondayescapes
We have already been back to Penang Stephanie, but would love to go again such great food and fun things to do with kids.
Would love to visit Penang’s Chinatown one day. The temples there look amazing. Besides our Sydney and Melbourne ones, I’ve been to the Singapore Chinatown. Loved it!
We didn’t see Singapore’s Chinatown – another reason to return to Singapore.
Lovely – Penang is somewhere I’ve always wanted to see. #mondayescapes
Penang is definitely worth a visit Cathy – so far one of my favourite destinations in South East Asia
It’s been a few years since we’ve been to Penang’s Chinatown. Just mentioning it makes me want to go back!
Maybe I’ve inspired you to take a little holiday.
The tour looks interesting. Do you guys had an opportunity to do some eating in Chinatown?
We didn’t eat out in Chinatown Ruth, but seriously the food throughout Penang is fantastic – it is worth visiting here just to eat.
So lovely to be reminded of Penang. Unfortunately, I only had three days there to explore, but I remember loving all the temples. I’m not surprised the serpents scared Lewis! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
You must try and go back Ting so many family activities to do in Penang.
I have always heard such wonderful things about Penang in general. This is great to see about their Chinatown too. We’ve visited a few Chinatowns here in the USA and in a few other countries. No sightings of reclining Buddhas though. I love how much more ornate these temples look.
yes they are really visually impressive temples Mary
I visited these temples and the clan house when I was in Penang last summer. I also ate some delicious food in that area. Thanks so much for linking up. #TPThursday
We didn’t get time to stop for food Nancie, but as it is Penang I am so sure the food was scrumptious.