Khoo Kongsi
PenangSentral.com » Penang Tourist Attractions » Khoo Kongsi
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi (Simplified Chinese: 龙山堂邱公司; Traditional Chinese:
龍山堂邱公司), or Khoo Kongsi for short, is one of the most distinctive Chinese clan
associations in Malaysia. It is well known worldwide for its extensive lineage
that can be traced back 650 years, as well as its closely-knit and defensive
congregation of buildings and a magnificent clanhouse.
The present Khoo Kongsi in Penang was built by Chinese architects in 1906 to
celebrate the prosperity of the Khoo Clan during that time when the Chinese
people first settled in Penang. The idea was conceived by the Khoo family from
Sin Kang village in the Hokkien province of China. The name is derived from two
words, Khoo is the surname and Kongsi meaning clan or family house.
The Khoo group settled in Penang in the 18th century and flourished in
population soon to form a clan and build a Kongsi. The Khoo Kongsi temple in
Cannon Square is known for its beauty. Though originally built as a clan-house
with its own government and other institutions in 19th century, it was later
rebuilt in early 20th century in today’s form after it was burnt down. You will
be impressed by its show of décor, tiles and paintings showcasing the best of
Chinese architecture.
In Khoo Kongsi, there is a hall with intricate carvings. The two storey temple
has a porch treated as the prayer pavilion. There is a museum in the ground
floor of the temple. The main ancestral hall, Ee Kok Tong has an altar
containing tablets of the Khoo ancestors. There is a stage in the courtyard for
Chinese Opera held during Chinese New Year and other festivals.
Surprisingly, famous as it is, its location appears to be unknown to many
Penangites. It is situated at the southwest of Georgetown, and its pivotal
building, Leong San Tong, is hidden amidst the crowded gridiron of terrace
houses and shophouses. To make it to Leong San Tong, which is perhaps the most
majestic clanhouse in South East Asia, you will need to tread through an alley
between two rows of 19th century terrace houses and bypass the opera stage,
before you see it stand majestically on the granite square.
Contact Information
Address: 18 Cannon Square, 10200 Penang, Malaysia.
Tel: +604 261 4609
Fax: +604 262 2591
Email: info@khookongsi.com.my
Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (Daily, including Sundays and Public Holidays)
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