| Khoo Kongsi
The Khoo Kongsi is in Cannon Square close to the end of Lebuh Pitt. Khoo Kongsi
is a clan house, a building which is partly a temple and partly a meeting hall
for Chinese of the same clan or surname. Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, 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.
Penang has many kongsis, but this one, the clan house of the Khoos, is far the
finest. Its construction was first considered around 1853, but it was not built
until 1898. The complete building was so magnificent and elaborate that nobody
was surprised when the roof caught fire on the very night it was completed. That
misfortunate was simply interpreted as a message from the heaven that they'd
really been overdoing things, so the Khoos rebuilt it in a marginally less
grandiose style.
The present kongsi, dating back from 1906 and extensively renovated in the
1950s, is also known as the "Dragon Mountain Hall". It is a colorful
mix of dragons, statues, paintings, lamps, coloured tiles and carvings, and is
one part of Penang which definitely shall not be missed.
Photo Gallery
Getting There
You can walk to Boon San Tong Kongsi from Weld Quay Bus Terminal, a distance
of 430 meters (1400 ft). Cross Pengkalan Weld using the pedestrian bridge, then
turn left, walk along Pengkalan Weld until junction of Gat Lebuh Chulia, then
turn right. Walk a short distance along Gat Lebuh Chulia until junction of Lebuh
Victoria, then turn left. Walk along Lebuh Victoria until you reach Boon San
Tong on your right, about 250 meters from the junction.
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