Hidden Temple By The Beach, Penang

A relic of the past, hidden among the urban jungle. It took us quite awhile to find this place. Thai Pak Koong Temple of Tanjong Tokong sits at the scenic beach of Penang. Not too scenic anymore with the water pollution.

As you stand at the entrance of the temple, the smell of incense will creep towards you from the interior. The waves crashing on the rocks sound melancholic and sorrowful, lamenting the forgotten stories of this place. Thai Pak Koong Temple is a peaceful place, undisturbed and uncorrupted by the vicious claws of human development. Indeed it is one place a monk would smile favorably upon as a meditative spot as he reflected upon the subtle aspects of life and death.

Small in size, but huge in history. These are among some of the oldest temples in Penang. There is a restaurant just beside it, selling fried toufu and squid on a stick.

The roofs are crested with beautiful carvings of mythological beasts that tells a unique story to those willing to hear.

Smoke from the incense will clog you throat and nostrils. Bring along a breathing apparatus. Just kidding.

Offerings made to the deity. The miniature doll house with a tablet inside signifies the idol that is being worshipped.

I have no idea what those stickers on the wall represent. For your info, the maintenance of this temple is entirely borne by tourist fund and donation from historical enthusiast. Do drop by and give the donation box a penny or two to keep this historical site up and running.

A nice break from the smoke filled atmosphere. The polluted water of Penang Island could not stifle the charm of this beach. At the side of the beach, the broken husk of a guard tower could be seen, bleached and battered by the elements.

A forgotten piece of humanity's violent history. In testimony to the sturdy British engineering, this pill box still stands in defiance to the test of time.