Captured by the beautiful architecture of Khoo Kong Si on the postcards, Chiffon and I decided to take a look.

Khoo Kong Si is an association built for the welfare of Chinese migrants in Penang with the surname "Khoo". Khoo Kong Si literally translate to "Khoo Company". In my grandfathers' era, such associations were important as it gave a sense of belonging in a foreign land. Ceremonies such as birth, weddings and funerals are held by the members. Moreover, scholarships and grants are given to the poorer members.

Khoo Kong Si has undergone ranovations and is now one of the heritage sites to visit in Penang. To learn more about this place, visit their site at: http://www.penangresort.com/khoo.htm

Chiffon wears a handmade Chinese samfoo, which blends with the oriental surroundings.
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This shot overlooks one of the vacant Chinese shophouses on the entrance of Khoo Kong Si. In the past, several poorer migrant families would stay in a shophouse. Those who are wealthier will have a shophouse to their family.


The corridor of Leong San Tong, a temple built with the donations of the Khoo clan members. The temple is richly decorated with carvings, lanterns, banners, stone lions and splashes of red and gold to symbolize prosperity and good luck.


Chiffon is sitting on the stone carving of a dragon head.


An overview of the temple and the clan house. Note the stone lion guarding the temple. They come in a pair (male & female, the other lion is blocked by Chiffon's head). These stone lions are commonly found in front of traditional Chinese architecture.
On the left hand side of the picture, there is a trishaw. Interestingly, trishaw peddlers are still readily available in Penang.