Exploring Malaysia 
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Kek Lok Si Temple
The Kek Lok Si (the Temple of the Supreme Bliss) which benevolently gazes down from a hill overlooking the Air Hitam Valley is a key focal point for visitors to Penang. Among the myriads of magnificent buildings found in the sprawling complex the one that stands out most is the Pagoda of Rama VI, known popularly as the "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas". It towers just over a hundred feet and is reputed to be the largest pagoda in Malaysia. Other interesting features are lush scenic gardens, a turtle pond, shrines and beautiful sculptures which includes the magnificent bronze statue of Kuan Yin.
State Mosque
The State Mosque in Jalan Masjid Negeri is a clever mixture of Islamic and modern architectural influences. The mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 people. Permission to visit the mosque can be obtained from the State Religious Department in Lebuh Pantai. Visitors will need to dress appropriately to enter.
Acheen Street Mosque
Built in 1808 the Acheen Street Mosque is believed to be the oldest existing mosque in Penang. The architecture is a unique mix of the Achehnese, Anglo-Indian and Chinese elements with prominent features such as a pagoda-like minaret; swallow tailed roof and fanlights. The tomb of the founder remains in the compound of the mosque. The Acheen Mosque restoration was awarded the Restoration and Preservation Award by the Ministry of Higher Education, Saudi Arabia in 1999, in conjunction with the centennial celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Kapitan Kling Mosque
Located at the former Pitt Street (now called Jalan Kapitan Kling), this mosque was named after Indian Muslim merchant and headman of the South Indian community, Caudeer Mohudeen, who is credited with building the mosque in the 1800s. Initially an old rectangular shaped building with a sloping roof on all sides and surrounded by a stone bench it has undergone extensive modifications over the years. The mosque now features a dome-shaped minaret and architecture that reflects Indian Muslim influences.
Nagore Shrine
The shrine, a memorial to the 13th century Muslim saint, Syed Shahrul Hamid, is one of the earliest Indian Muslim Shrines in Penang. It is located at the junction of Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh King and is still in its original condition. Brought to Penang by Tamil Muslim traders, faithful devotees still come to offer prayers here.
Wat Chayamangkalaram
This Buddhist temple of Thai architecture, built in 1945, houses a 33-metre long gold plated reclining Buddha, one of the longest in the world. Fearsome looking creatures stand guard at the temple entrance with huge dragon-headed serpents for company. Urns containing the ashes of devotees are kept in the temple. Mythical beings and religious icons can be found around the grounds.
Dharmikarama Burmess Temple
The Dhammikarama built in 1803 was the first Buddhist temple in Penang. The entrance is guarded by a pair of stone elephants, while inside you find figures of varied mythical creatures. Of noteworthy interest is the enormous mural which depicts the Great Renunciation of Prince Siddharta, the future Buddha. Within the temple grounds are a Bodhi tree and a wishing pond. The temple is the venue of many interesting festivities, especially during the April Buddhist water festival.
Khoo Kongsi Temple
The grand Khoo Kongsi temple is situated in the historic Armenian Street-Acheen Street-Cannon Square historic enclave. Built to serve as a clan-house for members of the Khoo family the temple was rebuilt in slightly smaller scale in 1902 after the original grand scale structure was razed by fire. The walls, pillars and roof are richly decorated with intricate carvings bearing the marks of master craftsmen from China and the beams are from wood of the finest quality. During the seventh lunar month, the temple comes alive with Chinese operatic performances.
Kuan Yin Teng Temple
This famous temple is decorated with finely crafted dragons and lion sculptures. It is the oldest temple in Penang and was built in 1800 as a dedication to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy and Mar Chor Poh, the patron saint of seafarers. The temple is a hive of activity particularly during the celebrations of Kuan Yin’s birthday, celebrated thrice yearly on the 19th day of the second, sixth and ninth months of the Chinese lunar calendar.
St. George's Church
Convicts built this Anglican church situated at Jalan Farquhar in 1818. It is regarded as the oldest Anglican church in Malaysia and one of the oldest buildings in Penang. The most striking feature of the church's architecture is without doubt the huge Grecian columns outside the front entrance. The pavilion, which sits in the lawn, adds to the Grecian ambience.
St. Anne's Church
Founded by Father F.P Sorin in 1888 the church gained popularity in the 1900s when tales of vows being fulfilled and miracles were attributed to St. Anne. This led to the Feast Day of St. Anne becoming an occasion for a major annual pilgrimage attended by thousands from all over the region. Today, the Feast of St. Anne, held towards the end of July, is a nine-day affair where the climax is a spectacular candlelight procession.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Built in 1883 and located in Lebuh Queen, this temple is devoted to the Goddess Mariamman, featuring the goddess in various incarnations. During the Navarathri festival the statue of the goddess is placed on a decorated wooden chariot and paraded through Little Madras. The interior of the temple which features various deities is a feast for the eyes. During the annual Thaipusam festival, the temple comes alive with colour and the sounds of spiritual chanting.
Nattukotai Temple
Nattukkotai Temple situated at Jalan Kebun Bunga is dedicated to Lord Bala Subramaniam. It is at its height of activity during the Thaipusam festival which is celebrated in grand scale with processions and festivities.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
This famous indigo-blue Chinese Courtyard House in George Town was the residence of Cheong Fatt Tze, a prominent Chinese figure in the Penang straits settlement during the 19th century. Built in the 1890s by master craftsmen from China, its layout is based of feng-shui principles and filled with rare collections and antiques. In year 2000, the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion was conferred the inaugural Unesco Asia Pacific Heritage Conservation Award. The mansion, which incorporates 38 rooms, 5 granite-paved courtyards, 7 staircases and 220 windows, is now open to visitors who can even stay here.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Though not a Baba himself, Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee chose to build a home based on an architectural style which is a fusion of Eastern and Western elements, at the end of the 19th century. Kapitan Chung was the leader of the Penang and Perak Hai San groups in the Larut Wars from 1860 to 1884. His mansion features full-length French windows, exquisite ceramic tiles and solid iron pillars embellished with detailed Chinese carvings. It now houses a ‘museum’, showcasing antiques and collectible depicting the opulent lifestyle, customs and traditions of the Peranakans. The 'museum' is located in the main building while the annexure houses the ancestral temple.
Dewan Sri Pinang
Located at Lebuh Light, West of Fort Cornwallis, the hall houses the Penang State Library and Penang Art Gallery. The island’s colourful culture is reflected in the many artworks on show. It is also the venue of many art and cultural events. Details on shows and performances can be obtained from the Penang Tourism Action Council at (04) 262 0202.
Islamic Museum (Syed Alatas Mansion)
The former home of Syed Alatas, a wealthy merchant and leader of a Muslim underground society, is an example of upper-class Muslim residence of the 19th century incorporating a blend of European, Indian and Malay cultural influences. The building situated at the junction of Lebuh Armenia and Lebuh Acheh has been converted into the Penang Islamic Museum in an effort to preserve the mansion and retain the Islamic/Malay significance of the Achehnese community.
