Best Place To Explore In Gurney Drive
Gurney Drive is most well known for its happening eating places at night. Perhaps then, not many people know that two of the most beautiful temples in Penang are located in the vicinity. The two Burmese temples located opposite each other on Lorong Burma, Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram and the Dharmikarama, are deemed worthy of a visit if only to admire the striking beauty of its architecture. We also found several attractions such as religious institutions dating back to the 1800s as well as World War II relics – all within driving distances from the ever-bustling Gurney Drive. We definitely recommend a road trip to our top ten attractions after having your fill of tasty hawker food and seafood.
Dharmikarama Burnese Temple
Dharmikarama Burmese Temple is the only Burmese Buddhist temple outside Myanmar. Located in Georgetown Penang, it stands opposite Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple, with a pair of large stone elephants flanking the front gates. Inside the pagoda grounds is a Boddhi tree, a wishing pond and apartments for monks. Devotees have contributed many statues of Buddha, so his serene-faced image can be found at almost every corner in different meditation poses. The walkways have a series of panels with beautiful murals depicting scenes of the journey of Prince Siddharta (dressed in typical Burmese fashion) achieving Nirvana and becoming Buddha.
Built in 1805, one of the most notable features found in the Dharmikarama Burmese Temple are two Panca Rupa (guardian protectors of the world) images, which stand over a globe. These mystical creatures are said to be the masters of water, land and air respectively and have the head of a lion, trunk of an elephant, body of a fish, wings of the mystical Garuda, ears and hooves of a horse, and the horns of a deer. The first Buddhist temple in Penang, the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple is one of two major Buddhist temples located within the Theravada Buddhist co-op on Burma Lane. It was built on land donated by a Buddhist devotee known as Nyonya Betong.
Opening Hours: 05:00 – 18:00
Address: 24 Lorong Burmah, 10250 Penang
Location: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple
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Penang Bodhi Heart Sanctuary
Penang Bodhi Heart Sanctuary is a non-sectarian Buddhist Society that is situated in the bustling city of Penang yet surrounded by Mount Erskine’s lush greenery. A getaway for those who prefer a quiet retreat rather than visiting crowded shopping hubs, the sanctuary is visited by residents and visitors for spiritual programs and calming meditation.
It hosts a number of activities for those who want to learn, reflect, and understand the beautiful teachings of Buddha. Its spiritual centres include a number of tea houses, open-air meditation, prayer and activity centres, a meditation hall, a pond, as well as a welfare village that houses organisations such as The Shan Children Home. The many stone-carved statues of Buddha and almost untouched natural surroundings make Penang Bodhi Heart Sanctuary the perfect place to recharge spiritually and rediscover one’s inner peace.
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Opening Hours: 09:00 – 21:00
Address: 677-G, Jalan Mt Erskine, 10470 Tanjong Tokong
Tel: +604 227 4702
Location: Penang Bodhi Heart Sanctuary
World War II Relics @ Tanjong Tokong
The Tanjong Tokong World War II Relics are remains of a military installation on the coast of Tanjong Tokong, Penang. Constructed during the World War II era, the coastal defences were built by the British in anticipation of Japanese invasion. After the war, these relics were left in a state of disuse. Although they are still standing today, nothing much has been done to preserve them.
A retaining wall was built along the coast in front of the Tua Pek Kong Temple in the 1960, which forms a mini promenade for those who want enjoy the sea breeze. Local philanthropist Aw Boon Haw also erected a pavilion in the area, and is now integrated into the Sea Pearl Lagoon Cafe, a local seafood restaurant. Visitors to Tanjong Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple are recommended to have a look at the remnants of Penang’s past as the war relics are located on the promontory facing the sea in front of the temple.
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Address: Tua Pek Kong Temple, 338 Mukim 18, Tanjong Tokong
Location: Tua Pek Kong Temple
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