The Boon San Tong Khoo Kongsi is the lesser known of the two Khoo clan associations in the inner city of George Town. It was built by a branch of the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, www.asiaexplorers.com/malaysia/khookongsi_leongsantong.htm. The Boon San Tong is the ancestral temple of the Khoo subclan known as the Hai Kee Kak, or "Sea Edge Pillar". They are the descendents of Khoo Kong Oon, a fifth generation Leong San Tong Khoo. The most illustrious member of this subclan is Khoo Thean Teik, who was intrumental in making Boon San Tong the most powerful component of the association. He was one of the founding members of the Boon San Tong clan temple in 1878.
Boon San Tong Khoo Kongsi, Penang.
The original entrance to Boon San Tong Khoo Kongsi was through a narrow passageway from Beach Street facing Seh Tan Court. When it was built, it commanded a good view of the sea.
In 1907, with the creation of Victoria Street on what was previously sea, the entrance to the temple was changed to the newly created street. Note the year 1907 on its gates as you enter. In all likelihood, the same craftsmen who worked on the Leong San Tong a year before was also the ones who completed the Boon San Tong.
Within Boon San Tong are the ancestral tablets of the Hai Kee Kak. these are in the main ancestral hall as well as the Boon San Tong. As one of the four main components of the Leong San Tong, the Boon San Tong owns a quarter share in the main clan association, and have representatives sitting in the Leong San Tong board.
When the Chinese immigrated to Penang in the mid 19th to the mid 20th century, they built ornate clan temples that are today heritage sites in Penang. Explore them with AsiaExplorers.
