Tag Archives: Heritage

A Peranakan Feast to Welcome the Year of the Horse

Star-topper Serabai or “Apom Bokwa/Berkuah” at 32 Mansion

Since the start of the year, it’s been a whirlwind of Peranakan delights for me. 

Today’a Nyonya food promotion at 32Mansion, nestled along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, was yet another cherry on top 🍒, Kah Hock and his team have truly nailed it!

The flavours… oh, the flavours 😍! It’s like a warm hug from Nyonya mum Nora (for those who know) herself. 

Each dish is a masterclass in balance, with the perfect blend of spices, herbs, and love ❤️. The stuffed asam fish with its tangy tamarind and fragrant lemongrass, transported me straight back to the kitchens of Peranakan grandmas. 

The pie-tee game here was also upped with crisp top-hat shells and a refreshing filling with just the right amount of chilli kick 🌶️.

But the show-stopper was the “serabai” which Nora’s daughter and I opted for dessert. 

Serabai, (also known as serabi in Indonesia), is a traditional Southeast Asian pancake or crumpet found in Penang made primarily from rice flour and coconut milk. It has a soft, spongy, and bubbly top with a slightly crispy base and is typically served as a sweet or savoury snack or dessert and enjoyed with a coconut and palm sugar syrup. 

Today’s lunch with Lil Sis Jo wasnt just a meal; it was a homecoming. 

A reunion of sorts, where the familiar flavours of Nyonya cooking bring back memories of loved ones and laughter shared around the dinner table. As we gather with family and friends for this Lunar New Year, there’s no better way to bond than over a feast of these comforting, soul-willing dishes. 

Kudos to Kah Hock and the team at the sea-fronting 32Mansion, for crafting a culinary experience that’s sure to leave you feeling like you’re back in the bosom of your (real or adopted) Peranakan family 💕. 

Can’t wait to return  for more! 😋 

#PeranakanCuisine #NyonyaFood #32TheMansion #FoodiePenang #ChineseNewYearFeast

32Mansion / Beach Blanket Babylon

32 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah,

10050 George Town, Penang

Tel: 604-2622232

From Jewels to Jiu Hu Char : Aunty Gaik Lean’s Old School Charm on Bishop Street

Jiu Hu Char (stir-fry jicama with cuttlefish)

In the heart of George Town’s heritage district, Bishop Street whispers stories of elegance, history, and reinvention. 

Once home to the prestigious B.P. de Silva jewellers, this iconic row carried a reputation for luxury, refinement, and timeless craftsmanship — with a clientele that included royalty and dignitaries along with high society from across the region.

Today, in a delightful twist of heritage, that very space once filled with velvet-lined showcases now draws admirers of a different kind — food lovers. 

Entrance to the former B.P De Silva which is today home to Aunty Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery
Award-winning one star Michelin restaurant

Stepping into the four-times awarded one-star Michelin Aunty Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, feels like walking into a lovingly preserved memory — with warm Peranakan hospitality, family recipes, and an unmistakable sense of home.

A Taste of Nostalgia, Reimagined

What sets Aunty Gaik Lean’s apart is not just its rich, authentic Nyonya flavours, but its Muslim-friendly menu that has not compromised on quality or taste. It’s a rare and respectful adaptation of traditional cuisine, made accessible to more diners without losing the heart of its heritage.

The nasi ulam is aromatic and vibrant, and the sambal belacan — bold as ever. Even vegetarian diners, including many from the Indian subcontinent, have found the dishes flavourful and deeply satisfying — a testament to the careful balance and generosity in the kitchen.

Where History Meets Heart

To dine here is to savour more than food. You sit where once patrons browsed fine gems under chandeliers, in a building that quietly cradles Penang’s evolving story — from colonial-era commerce to culinary celebration. 

The echoes of B.P. de Silva’s prestige lend a quiet dignity to the eatery, while the cheerful clatter of cutlery and scent of shallots signal a more grounded kind of luxury: a meal made with love.

Whether you’re drawn by memories of kampung cooking or curiosity for the space’s storied past, Aunty Gaik Lean’s offers more than just lunch or dinner — it offers a taste of heritage, harmony, and hospitality.

So, pull up a chair. The past has never felt so warm.


Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery is located at 
1, Lebuh Bishop,
10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Contact +60 17-434 4398 (for reservations/inquiries)

Unveiling the History: the tale behind “Pritchard’s of Penang – Enterprise, Secession, and Murder”, by Marcus Langdon.

Presenting slices of precious insights into Penang’s retail scene (courtesy image: Marcus Langdon)

(BACK COVER BLURB)

Pritchard & Co. Ltd. (1888–1959) is a name which has almost faded from memory in Malaysia. Its foundation and development encompass a period when Malaya saw unprecedented growth driven by an export boom in tin, rubber, and other agricultural produce which coincided with advances in technology such as the invention of electricity, telephones, motorised vehicles, and aircraft. 

As the first widely-diversified department store in northern Malaya, with its main store in Penang and branches in Ipoh, Butterworth, and Sungai Petani, Pritchard’s became a key player in the growth of retailing in Malaya during the best and worst of times of British colonial Malaya. 

Drawn from family documents  and richly-illustrated with nearly 300 images, including many rarely seen photographs from inside the stores, this book captures spectacularly the essence of times past as it follows the fortunes, activities, and fate of the business and the family behind it.


9-11 Union Street, constructed by Pritchard & Co. in 1916, currently the Maybank building (Courtesy of The Robert Hussey Collection)

“Pritchard’s of Penang –  Enterprise, Secession, and Murder” featuring items from The Robert Hussey Collection is a thoroughly-researched and richly-detailed exploration of one of Penang’s most iconic retail establishments. 

Drawing from a wealth of memorabilia and personal insights provided by someone intimately connected to the Pritchard family, historian Marcus Langdon masterfully weaves a narrative that captures the essence of the island’s retail history from the British colonial era to modern times.


 15 Beach Street, where Pritchard & Co. began (Courtesy of The Robert Hussey Collection)

“During a research trip to Singapore around 2011, a well-spoken gentleman named Robert Hussey contacted me,” says Langdon in the book’s preface.

“In his possession were some old Penang photographs which had been left to him, and he wondered if they might have some historical interest.”

Langdon had recently relocated to Penang and Hussey, too, was making plans to move from Singapore to Penang—the place of his birth. Some three years later he made that move. 

“Over the next few years,” Langdon recalls “we met up regularly and I became aware of the extent of his collection.

“Essentially it was an assemblage of personal documents, photographs, drawings, and miscellaneous items relating to several generations of the Pritchard family, the core of the collection offered a wonderful insight into British life in Penang in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. 

“Understanding that Pritchard’s (as it was colloquially known) was acknowledged as the first true British-style department store in Penang and northern Malaya, we both felt it was important that the relevant portions of this rare collection were recorded for posterity.”

And so the book project took off and Langdon spent a great amount of time on it when what he dubs “a microscopic virus dubbed COVID-19”, came along.

“With Malaysia and the majority of the world’s population shut down and confined to our homes, and without the usual daily distractions of a publishing business, more work was accomplished at my desk in those far-too-many long months than thought humanly possible. 

“The backbone of this book,” he explains, “was forged at that time.”

“Again, other projects and complications got in the way, and it is only now that the final touches, and providential updates, have been applied.”

The book chronicles Pritchard’s journey as more than just a store—it was a symbol of upscale shopping and a bellwether of Penang’s socio-economic landscape during its heyday. 

Before the advent of Whiteaways—another historic department store that eventually became more dominant—Pritchard’s played a significant role in the retail landscape of Penang, embodying the colonial-era shopping experience. 

Over the years, as shopping habits and retail environments evolved, Pritchard’s gradually declined in prominence, but it remains a nostalgic symbol of Penang’s rich commercial history.

Langdon’s meticulous approach shines through in his vivid descriptions and images of the store’s evolution, from its founding days during the British occupation, through the tumult of the Second World War, and into the post-war resurgence.


 George Henry Pritchard, 1927 (Courtesy of The Robert Hussey Collection)

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its detailed account of the advertising campaigns that helped cement Pritchard’s reputation as a premier shopping destination. 

Langdon’s insights into marketing strategies of the time, are illuminated via the photographs and graphics of how the store maintained its allure and adapted to changing times. 

The narrative also thoughtfully addresses the challenges faced during wartime, highlighting the resilience of the business and its ability to bounce back after setbacks.

What sets this book apart is the author’s ability to combine solid research with a personal touch, bringing to life the stories behind the memorabilia that made Pritchard’s a household name. 

It is a nostalgic yet informative journey that not only celebrates a storied business but also offers a window into Penang’s broader cultural and economic history.

In sum, “Pritchard’s of Penang – Enterprise, Secession, and Murder”, is a must-read for history enthusiasts, retail aficionados, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Penang’s colonial past. 


Inside the Union Street store, 1930s (Courtesy of The Robert Hussey Collection)

In crafting a compelling narrative that honours the legacy of Pritchard’s while providing valuable insights into the evolution of retail in Southeast Asia, Langdon has this to say:

“I cannot express how grateful I am to have been given the opportunity to bring this treasured cache of family and business history to light for a wider audience to share and preserve for posterity.” 

“Despite the ‘colonial’ period now being frowned upon by upcoming generations, it is nevertheless an integral part of the development of Malaya as it was—and something future generations will undoubtedly be researching. 

“Even today,” Langdon adds, “many Penangites, and indeed those further afield, would not have even heard of Pritchard’s. It was, after all, essentially an era long before their time. 

“Hopefully this book, with its remarkable photographs, will restore Pritchard & Co. and the families behind it to its small but rightful niche in Penang, and indeed, Malaysian, history.”

Marcus Langdon (courtesy image from the author)

Below are several excerpts from the book for interested history buffs and shopaholics:

(For many years, Pritchard’s had been the tailors of choice to the Royal Court of Kedah under Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah. 

Remarkably, it was the practice of the royalty and members of the Court to wear Western clothing outside their private abodes.

Lighter drill materials were used for office wear, and often heavy Tweed was donned for formal occasions. 

In his 1959 book Prince and Premier, Harry Miller stated that:

‘Twice a year an English tailor from Pritchard’s, a firm in Penang, travelled the sixty miles to Alor Star to measure members of the royal family for new clothes. 

He returned a few weeks later for fittings. When the sultan’s son, Tunku Abdul Rahman, was awarded a scholarship to Cambridge University in 1919, ‘The man from Pritchard’s in Penang was summoned to fit the sixteen-year-old prince with suits.’

Excitement is also said to have prevailed at the Penang store when King Rama VI of Siam paid a visit on 7 October 1924. 

After purchasing jewellery at B.P. de Silva’s store in Bishop Street, the King was reportedly hosted to tea at Pritchard’s.)

(“Pritchard’s of Penang – Enterprise, Secession, and Murder” will be launched during the George Town Literary Festival 2025 this November 28-30) 

About the Author 

Marcus Langdon has spent several decades researching the myriad fascinating stories in Penang’s developed history. Based in Penang, he also advises on historical projects and was a founding director of Entrepot Publishing Sdn Bhd.

Other titles by Marcus include:

• Penang: The Fourth Presidency of India 1805–1830

o Volume 1, ‘Ships, Men and Mansions’. Areca Books, 2013.

o Volume 2, ‘Fire, Spice and Edifice’. George Town World Heritage Incorporated, 2015.

o Volume 3, ‘Water, Wigs and Wisdom’. Entrepot Publishing, 2021.

• Biographical Dictionary of Mercantile Personalities of Penang, (contributing editor). Think City/MBRAS, 2014.

• George Town’s Historic Commercial and Civic Precincts(researcher/writer). George Town World Heritage Incorporated, 2015. 

• Epitaph: The Northam Road Protestant Cemetery, George Town, Penang. George Town World Heritage Incorporated, 2017.

• The Habitat Penang Hill: a pocket history, Marcus Langdon & Keith Hockton. Entrepot Publishing, 2018.

• Penang Then & Now: A Century of Change in Pictures.Marcus Langdon & Keith Hockton, Entrepot Publishing, 2019.

• Pastoral Port: An Agrarian History of Penang. Penang Institute, 2023.

• George Town & Adelaide: Sister Cities 50th Anniversary 1973–2023, Marcus Langdon & Rachel Yeoh, MBPP, 2024.

Sparkling Overlap … a tale of two celebrations

Every day is a celebration with these avatar-like vibes

In a diverse and multicultural nation like Malaysia, respect and sensitivity towards different cultures and religions should be at the core of every company’s values and practices. 

Recent observations highlight a concerning trend: before and during  the celebrations of Deepavali, (the Festival of Lights cherished by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists globally), and many establishments have swiftly transitioned to Christmas decorations, often without regard for the cultural significance of either occasion.

This apparent lack of sensitivity raises important questions about corporate awareness and respect for Malaysia’s rich tapestry of traditions. 

It’s not merely about seasonal decorations; it’s about acknowledging and honoring the cultural and religious identities that make our society unique. When companies jump the gun or fail to recognize the significance of festivals like Deepavali, it can come across as dismissive or tone-deaf, fostering feelings of exclusion or disrespect among communities.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Such oversights have happened before and, regrettably, are likely to occur again if there isn’t a conscious effort to foster cultural awareness. 

For local companies and foreign corporations operating here, it’s imperative to understand that celebrating diversity isn’t just a moral obligation—it’s good business. 

Respecting cultural sensitivities builds trust, enhances brand reputation, and demonstrates genuine commitment to the communities they serve.

Moving forward, companies should adopt a more thoughtful approach to their marketing and decor choices. 

Recognizing and celebrating each festival in its appropriate time and manner sends a powerful message of inclusivity and respect. 

Simple gestures like delaying Christmas decorations until after major festivals like Deepavali can make a significant difference.

Malaysia’s multicultural fabric is a source of pride and strength. Let’s encourage our corporations—both local and foreign—to be more perceptive, respectful, and culturally-aware. After all, true inclusivity is about celebrating everyone’s traditions, not overshadowing them.

Deepavali vibes in Penang’s Little India

(UPDATE)

The tendency of some Malaysians to wish all Indians a “Happy Deepavali” without recognizing its religious significance highlights a broader issue of cultural misunderstanding and superficial appreciation.

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is primarily a Hindu religious festival celebrating spiritual victory, light over darkness, and the triumph of good over evil. While it has culturally-rich traditions that many Malaysians observe, its core is rooted in religious beliefs and rituals.

This phenomenon may stem from a desire to be inclusive or show respect in a multicultural society.

However, it can inadvertently lead to the oversimplification of complex religious festivals into mere cultural events. Similarly, many people extend Christmas greetings without fully understanding its religious origins, viewing it as a cultural holiday celebrated worldwide rather than a Christian religious observance.

The core issue lies in awareness and education. Recognizing the distinctions between religious and cultural celebrations fosters genuine understanding and respect. It encourages celebrating festivals in their true spiritual context rather than as generic holidays.

As Malaysia continues to embrace its diversity, promoting informed appreciation of each community’s traditions can strengthen social cohesion while respecting the unique religious identities that underpin these celebrations.

From diyas to desserts …

Sweetness of Deepavali

More than just sugar and spice — these colourful treats are a celebration of light, love, and victory! 🪔

Deepavali (or Diwali) marks the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and hope over despair. As lamps glow in homes, so do hearts — and yes, so do dessert tables!  

From ladoo to halwa to coconut candy, every sweet tells a story of heritage, joy, and togetherness.  

So go for it — take another bite. This festival is meant to be savoured! 

#Deepavali2025 #FestivalOfLights #SweetTraditions #GoodOverEvil #LightWins #CelebrateWithJoy #IndianSweets #CulturalHeritage

Forget the lights, I’m just here for the sweets!

A Timeless Legacy: Celebrating 70 Years of Culture and Creativity

In a world increasingly driven by the fleeting and the digital, there remains something undeniably noble about tradition, artistry, and the enduring power of culture.

 This October, one of Malaysia’s most revered cultural institutions, the Penang Arts Council, is celebrating  exactly that — a seven decade legacy of creative excellence.

On Saturday, 25 October 2025, the grandeur of Penang’s historic Eastern & Oriental Hotel will set the stage for a once-in-a-generation celebration: the Penang Arts Council 70th Anniversary Gala.

From 6:00PM to 10:00PM, guests will be immersed in an evening of curated musical splendour — a sweeping journey through some of the most iconic opera productions ever staged by the Council. 

Handpicked from decades of celebrated performances across Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, the repertoire will include beloved arias and ensembles from La Traviata, The Magic Flute, The Mikado, The Merry Widow, Carmen and Turandot. 

This tribute to operatic excellence will be brought to life by a distinguished cast of vocal talents: Chaing Yi Ling, Peter Ong, Tan Jin Yin, Wong Jun Wen, Wilson Loh Titt Tze, accompanied on piano by the acclaimed Loh Chun Han. It promises to be an unforgettable night — where every note honours the past, while echoing into the future.

But the evening is more than a concert. It promises to be a cultural gathering of note, a convergence of art connoisseurs, patrons, and visionaries. A highlight of the gala will be the exclusive Art Auction, showcasing works by some of the most respected names in Malaysian visual arts — including Chan Tat Wai, Da Niu, Foo Hong Tatt, Jason Min, Kek Hoon Pin, Lee Joo For, Lee Eng Beng, Tan Choon Ghee, Wang Xiao Ling, Alex Leong, along with contributions from The Art Gallery, Penang. 

Each artwork, generously donated, reflects a shared belief in sustaining Penang’s cultural vitality. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction bids will directly fund the Penang Arts Council’s 2026 cultural programmes, supporting the next generation of artists and ensuring continued access to the arts for the wider community.

The event is looking to be not just a gala, but an affirmation of identity, legacy, and the quiet power of the arts to shape who we are — as a people, a place, and a culture.

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in pre-dinner online bidding, with QR codes and links available via the official media flyer.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025  

🕕 Time :6:00PM – 10:00PM  

📍 Venue: Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang  

🎟 Tickets available: Click here to purchase](https://shorturl.at/zI0di)

Established in 1954, the Penang Arts Council stands as one of Malaysia’s oldest and most respected arts organizations.

For seven decades, it has served as a platform for artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners — fostering talent, preserving tradition, and promoting the arts across communities. Its influence stretches far beyond the island’s shores, shaping the cultural narrative of Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

(All images courtesy of the Penang Arts Council) 

From Sacred Echoes to Digital Dreams

A photo of the Assumption Church taken on a cloudy day . Transformed into an image on canvas with digitally-generated cotton representing the clouds based on actual photographs (courtesy image: Leonard Selva Gurunathan)

Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage core zone of George Town, Penang, the Church of the Assumption stands as a testament to the island’s rich history and cultural tapestry. 

Established in 1787, this historic Roman Catholic church has long been a spiritual and community cornerstone, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity. 

Among its treasured heritage is its magnificent pipe organ, fondly known as ‘The Old Lady’ – a majestic instrument that has echoed through generations, accompanying countless masses, religious ceremonies, and musical celebrations, and holds the distinction of being Malaysia’s oldest pipe organ.

Recently, a passionate pipe organist and music enthusiast – Leonard Selva Gurunathan – embarked on an innovative project to trace and showcase the church’s musical roots. 

Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and a suite of cutting-edge tech tools with good old-fashioned research, he has crafted a compelling video narrative that highlights the journey of the pipe organ and its profound role in the life of the church.

The project began with meticulous research into the church’s history, archives, and the evolution of its musical traditions. 

A digital image of the Assumption pipe organ transformed into a diorama setting by Leonard Selva Gurunathan

“ The visual part of the video was done with the use of AI, “said Leonard, “while the rest of it was based on old-school research methods which included going through newspaper archives as I typed the information I needed into the prompts,” he added. 

The audio component of the video is based on a live recording put together by Leonard. 

“I curated the story,” he notes, “based on the duration of the music.”

To visualize the church’s and pipe organ’s rich history, Leonard employed AI-powered video editing and animation software. These tools transformed static images and archival footage into dynamic visuals, illustrating the organ’s physical changes, restorations, and its integration into the church’s liturgical life over the years. 

The entire production has served as a testament to how technology can serve as a bridge—connecting heritage, faith, and innovation.

The resulting video not only celebrates the Church of the Assumption’s storied past, but also highlights the enduring significance of its pipe organ as an instrument of worship and cultural identity. 

It underscores how the organ has witnessed generations of worshippers and has become an integral part of the church’s spiritual and community life.

This project exemplifies how modern tools can be harnessed to preserve, interpret, and share heritage in compelling ways. It also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding such cultural treasures within UNESCO’s protected zones, ensuring that future generations continue to appreciate the rich tapestry of history, faith, and music.

As the Church of the Assumption continues to serve its community within the vibrant streets of George Town, its story—enhanced by AI, technology and old-school research methods – reminds us that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand. 

By blending historical preservation with modern storytelling, Leonard’s creative endeavour invites us all to reflect on the enduring power of music, faith, and heritage in shaping our collective identity.

The Assumption Church building photographed by Leonard Selva Gurunathan is transformed into a diorama using natural materials
Continue reading From Sacred Echoes to Digital Dreams

Echoes in the church – Pipes, Drums and the Old Lady

The Jubilee Concert at the Church of the Assumption (courtesy image – Boon Tiong)

Two Saturdays ago, the Church of the Assumption in Penang became a living instrument for a concert that stitched tradition, youth, and reverent sound into one unforgettable evening. 

The church was welcoming, with the soft rustle of pews, as Saint Xavier’s Institution Corps of Pipes and Drums took the “stage”, their drums beating in confident, marching heartbeats and the pipes lifting like clear, silver voices. The opening procession felt less like a performance and more like a rite of passage—bold, bright, and glinting with pride.

The choir followed with a range soars-high and whispers-soft, a bright thread weaving through the nave. Their blend was lush yet precise, each phrase carried by a spine of harmony that filled every corner of the church. It’s a rare gift to hear a room feel both intimate and exultant at once, and that night, the choir’s voices did that subtle magic, lifting without ever shouting. Choir master Claude Richards’ baton moved with equal parts discipline and warmth, drawing clean lines and then dissolving them into shimmering colour, as if pulling rainbows through the arched ceiling.

Assumption Church Choir with His Eminence Sebastian Cardinal Francis, Bishop of Penang (courtesy image – Boon Tiong)

Between addresses and pieces, the “Old Lady”—the heritage church’s pipe organ—held court with patient majesty.

Resident organist Leonard Selva Gurunathan and neighbouring St George’s Church pipe organist, Matthew Arwinraj, took turns to  coax “conversations” which began with a whispered echo and blossomed into grand, cathedral-scale statements.

Pedals clicked like distant thunder, and the tonal palette—great, flute, principal—poured through the nave with a timber that felt both ancient and newly-minted for the moment. If the pipes are the church’s memory, the Old Lady spoke it aloud: a history lesson told in luminous chords, each note lingering in the vaults long after it was spoken.

The ripple of the Corps of Pipes and Drums kept the energy alive even as the choir’s velvet harmonies settled the room into hushes of awe. When the final chord faded, the silence stretched, a shared breath between performers and listeners, before breaking into sustained applause that seemed to say, “Thank you for listening as deeply as you were listened to.”

Leaving the church, the night felt lighter, as if the walls themselves still hummed with the collaboration of youth, faith, and music. It was more than a concert; it was a celebration of community, tradition, and sound that lingers in the heart long after the bells have faded.

Choir master Claude Richards (extreme right, in white shirt) with his members and other concert performers (courtesy image – Boon Tiong)

Joy of Lent

Life is about balance

Indulging in a little sweetness during Lent! While focusing on reflection and growth, there’s always room for a scoop (or two) of artisan ice cream! 

These delightful flavours are the perfect treat to remind us that life is about balance. What’s your favourite way to enjoy Lent? 

#Lent #ArtisanIceCream #TasteofJoy

Wonkie Ice Cream is located in George Town at 21D, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 Penang (closed on Mondays)

A Celestial Experience: Capturing the Magic of Kek Lok Si Temple on Lunar New Year’s Eve

Penang’s Kek Lok Si Temple

As the sun dips below the horizon and the vibrant hues of twilight envelop Penang, the Kek Lok Si Temple transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle, particularly on the eve of the Lunar New Year. This iconic Buddhist site, nestled atop a hill, becomes a beacon of hope and gratitude, drawing not only our Buddhist sisters and brothers but also Malaysians from all walks of life and visitors from around the globe.

The atmosphere is electric with anticipation as families and friends ascend the temple grounds, each step a journey of devotion—giving thanks for the past year and seeking blessings for the one to come. The air is filled with the soft sounds of prayers, the rustle of red envelopes, and the gentle whispers of wishes that float like the incense smoke rising to the heavens.

Family and friends make their way to the grounds of the Kek Lok Si Temple

What makes this gathering even more heartwarming is the sight of diverse communities coming together. 

Malaysians (and tourists) of various races and faiths joined in unison, united by a shared appreciation for the stunning beauty of the temple, which glowed with thousands of LED lights. The sight was nothing short of breathtaking—a harmonious blend of spirituality and artistry that captivates the senses and inspires the soul.

Among the highlights of the Kek Lok Si Temple at Air Itam on Penang island, are its intricate pagodas and the towering statue of the Goddess Kuan Yin, which stands as a reminder of compassion, unity, and love. 

The Goddess Kuan Yin smiles down on all visitors against the backdrop of a fireworks display

As visitors pause to admire the architectural wonders and intricate details, they are also reminded of the values that bind us all together, transcending differences in belief and background. It’s a beautiful testament to the spirit of Malaysia—a melting pot of cultures, where respect and appreciation for one another flourish.

Lensman Mikail Ong had the unique opportunity to capture this enchanting scene on assignment, and he has generously shared his stunning photographs with us. 

His lens reveals the magic of the moment—each shot telling a story of joy, reverence, and the shared human experience. Aud and I, as his sisters in the media, can only dream of capturing such beauty; Mikail’s work encapsulates the essence of what makes Kek Lok Si Temple on Lunar New Year’s Eve a sight to behold.

A Lunar New Year icon … the Kek Lok Si Temple

As you scroll through the images in this post, let each photograph transport you to that hilltop sanctuary, where the glow of lights and the warmth of community create an unforgettable tapestry of life and celebration. 

Whether you are a seasoned photographer or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of the world, visiting Kek Lok Si Temple during this festive season is truly a treat for shutterbugs and a heartwarming reminder of the bonds that tie us all together. 

May the blessings of the new year fill your hearts with joy, compassion, and unity, just as they do at the Kek Lok Si Temple. Happy Lunar New Year!

Penang’s magical Kek Lok Si Temple