Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple
A bastion of Taoism in Penang, the Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple (also known as
Poh Hock Seah) was built by Chinese immigrants almost 165 years ago. Dedicated
to Tua Pek Kong, the temple was symbolic of the values of the community and
rituals conducted were very similar to what was practiced in the Fujian Province
where most of them originated from.
Constructed in 1845, the temple ravaged by time, underwent a two-year
renovation. Some 20 artisans from China completed it in 2006 at a cost of about
RM1.5mil, and the temple now stands as among the oldest and most well preserved
buildings in the heritage enclave. Interestingly, the temple was also the
headquarters of a Chinese secret society that would conduct various rites and
ceremonies in front of the deity.
One of the many unique features of the architecture is the roof. This temple is
the only one in Malaysia that has a `Kuan Kong' figurine perched regally on its
roof. The deity is synonymous with Chinese secret societies because it
represents loyalty. Another unique feature is the temple’s bungalow-like layout
– an architectural rarity as most prayer pavilions back then were on the ground
floor of smaller single storey buildings.
The tilting roof was constructed using the complicated “no nails” bracket
system. Besides it colourful ceramic and stucco figurines, paintings and
sculptures, the temple also boasts of priceless treasures like an ancient
hand-sewn cylindrical umbrella and secret society flags in its collection.
When restoration work was carried out at the Hock Teik Cheng Sin, triangular
fighting flags were uncovered. These were probably in use during the 1867 Penang
Riot, when the Hokkien Tua Pek Kong and the Red Flag Society fought against the
Cantonese Ghee Hin and the White Flag Society.
Warring factions were the state of affairs among the various Chinese clans in
Penang during the late 19th Century. To provide for an easy escape, there is a
secret passage at the side yard of the Hokkien Tua Pek Kong temple that leads to
the grounds of its ally, the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.
Contact Information
Armenian Street
George Town
Pulau Pinang
Admission: Free
Getting There
The Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple is located within its own compound at the corner
between Armenian Street and Cannon Street. It is accessed via a short
passageway. You can take Rapid Penang Bus 10, 12, 103, 301, 401 and CAT to Pitt
Street (Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling), then walk south till you reach the corner
of Armenian Street and Cannon Street. The entrance to Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple
is on your left.
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