Ng Fook Thong Temple
United Cantonese District Association, 407 Lebuh Chulia (Chulia Street), 10200 Penang, Malaysia
The Ng Fook Thong Temple, at 407 Lebuh Chulia, is an exquisite clan temple of the United Cantonese District Association. It was built in 1898 on a site provided by Kapitan China Chung Keng Kwee in return for their original site on 29 Lebuh Gereja, which he used to build the Chung Keng Kwee Ancestral Temple. Chung Keng Kwee brought craftsmen from Fook San in China to work on his family temple, and in all likelihood, these same artisans worked on the Ng Fook Thong Temple as well.
Ng Fook Thong Temple, Chulia Street.
Passing through the front gate, you pass through a forecourt. Then you arrive at the entrance of Ng Fook Thong Temple. Entering it, you come to an inner courtyard. Take note of the elaborately carved and gilded fascia board - some of the gold leaf is pealing off and probably need some form of restoration. On both sides of the main altar are ancestral tablets. The pillars and columns are of unadorned granite. Porcelain figurines adorn the roof ridge and gables.
The Ng Fook Thong Temple is definitely worth a visit for those who appreciate the culture and craftsmanship of southern China.
How to go to the Ng Fook Thong Temple
The Ng Fook Thong Temple is located along Lebuh Chulia, Penang's backpackers haven. If you are coming from Penang Road, look for it on the right side of Lebuh Chulia. From the direction of Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, it is on your left side. Look for the overhead sign with the words "Cantonese Districts Association". Directly opposite it is Yeng Keng Hotel. Ng Thong Temple can be contacted at +60-4-2620643.
Gateway into Ng Fook Thong Temple.
Entrance of Ng Fook Thong Temple.
Main hall of Ng Fook Thong Temple.
Ancestral tablets at Ng Fook Thong Temple.
Gilded fascia boards at Ng Fook Thong Temple.
Inner courtyard of Ng Fook Thong Temple.
Porcelain ornamentation of the roof ridges of Ng Fook Thong Temple.
|
