Leong San Tong is a spectacular clan-house belonging to the most distinctive Chinese clan in Malaysia.

It has a lineage that can be traced back 650 years ago!

_{Walking up.}

_{The ornamental Leong San Tong Too Khongsi greets you as you walk through square.}
The Khoo Kongsi is one of the Five Big Clans (Cheah, Lim, Tan, and Yeoh Kongsi) of the Hokkien community in Penang.

It is also the least known and hardest to find.Although I promise it is worth the effort!

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Architecture.

The architecture of the kongsi is traditionally Southern Fujian (Qing Dynasty era). It is mesmerizingly intricate, and ranges from woodcarving and stucco to traditional cut-and-paste styles and tile.

Refined timberwork takes centre stage.Handcarved by many master craftsmen, some pieces are painted gold while others are gilded gold.

Particularly interesting to me, was the depictions of Sikh stucco figurines on the rooftop!

You know, Malaysia Truly Asia….

The two statues of the turbaned watchmen at the Prayer Pavilion, the occidental figurines on the roof truss and the stucco figurines of Sikhs on the rooftop are all a demonstration of the eclecticism of the society and an epoch in which Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi was established.

With such an opulent exterior, I didn’t think there would be more to see.There was!

_{Ornate cut-and-paste ridges.}

Join me as I walk you through the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi…

Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.

_{Find this door to your right and walk right in!}

Short Info-Screening.

Once through, you come to an open area with screenings on the history of the Khoo Kongsi and Cheng Soon Keong temple. - lasts about 5 minutes and is full of information.

Hall Ways

There are many long, narrow hall ways as you explore. This is typical of traditional homes, and is common Penang.

Stone Carvings.

Spot the stone carvings!
It’s almost like a treasure hunt because they blend into the walls (ornamental beauty everywhere!).

_{This round stone window depicts the “Castle of the Guan Family”}

The Periwinkle Blue Kitchen.

_{I came across what I’m assuming, used to be the kitchen.}

_{Today it is set up as it would have been, and there are wax figures depicting Life back in the day.}

_{The periwinkle blue on the walls is so lovely!}

Cheng Soon Keong Temple.

Hands down, the most ornate temple I have been to!

Cheng Soon Keong, the central hall of Leong San Tong, enshrines Ong Soon Yah (the Great Duke) and Tua Sai Yah (the Noble) who are the patron saints of the Khoos.
~ Khoo Kongsi

The temple also worships other deities, other deities such as “Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy), Poh Seh Tai Tay (God of Medicine) and Mah Chor Poh (Goddess of the Sea)”, believed to protect those who travel abroad.

I zoom into these photographs just to admire the detail. Standing on the verandah attempting to take it all in, is futile. Every inch is detailed with the most exquisite craftsmanship!

_{The main altar.}

The verandah boasts intricate stone carvings and art.

That's the gist of it, folks!
You must drop by if you find yourself in Georgetown, and if locating the Khoo Kongsi proves difficult, ask anyone! Locals are warm and always willing to help with directions.

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Follow me @BelleKaur.

📸 Images are my own.

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Penang Travels:

• Travel Diaries: Artsy Penang - The Malaysian Island dedicated to Art.