Khoo Kongsi
Coming out of the mosque's compound, walk straint ahead onto Lebuh
Cannon. This street is so called after a hole in the ground made by
cannon balls fired into the area during the Penang Riots of 1867.
These were the secret society wars, fought between local groups,
which the British tried to suppress.
The Straits Chinese from the surrounding clan associations together
with the Acheen St Mosque community formed an alliance against later
Chinese immigrants and the Rope Walk Mosque community.
On your left, you will see a row of Straits ecletic-style terrace
houses from the late 1930s, faced with Shanghai plaster. On your
right are a plainer row of shophouses from the late 19th century.
Enter the porte cochere in the middle of the row to visit Penang's
most famous historic monument, the Khoo Kongsi at Medan Cannon.
You will walk through a charming street flanked by rows of mid-19th
century shophouses. Turn right and you will see the recently renovated
Khoo Kongsi office building before you come to the majestic Khoo
Kongsi, a gloriously ornate late-Ch'ng dynasty temple.
The Khoo Kongsi is a clan association of the Leong San Tong (Dragon
Mountain Hall) clan, whose forefathers came from Sin Kang clan village
in Hokkien province. The Khoos were among the wealthy Straits Chinese
traders of 17th century Malacca and early Penang. In the 19th century,
the clan complex resembled a miniature clan village, with its own
self-government as well as educational, financial, welfare and social
organisations. The clan temple was built in 1906 when the Khoo clan
was at the height of wealth and eminence in Penang society.
Opening hours:
9.00am to 5.00pm - Mondays to Fridays
9.00am to 1.00pm - Saturdays
Permission to enter must be obtained from the Kongsi office.
Address: No.18 Cannon Square, 10200 Penang
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