Exploring Boon San Tong Khoo Kongsi
Victoria Street, Penang
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Boon San Tong Khoo Kongsi is the smaller of the two Khoo Kongsi clan temples in Penang. Unlike its "bigger sister", the Boon San Tong Khoo Kongsi does not receive throngs of photo-snapping tourists. Boon San Tong was built by a branch of the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi. It is the ancestral temple of the Khoo subclan known as the Hai Kee Kak, or "Sea Edge Pillar". They are the descendents of Khoo Kong Oon, a fifth generation Leong San Tong Khoo. The most illustrious member of this subclan is Khoo Thean Teik, who was intrumental in making Boon San Tong the most powerful component of the association. He was one of the founding members of the Boon San Tong clan temple in 1878.
The original entrance to Boon San Tong Khoo Kongsi was through a narrow passageway from Beach Street facing Seh Tan Court. When it was built, it commanded a good view of the sea.
In 1907, with the creation of Victoria Street on what was previously sea, the entrance to the temple was changed to the newly created street. Note the year 1907 on its gates as you enter. In all likelihood, the same craftsmen who worked on the Leong San Tong a year before was also the ones who completed the Boon San Tong.
Within Boon San Tong are the ancestral tablets of the Hai Kee Kak. these are in the main ancestral hall as well as the Boon San Tong. As one of the four main components of the Leong San Tong, the Boon San Tong owns a quarter share in the main clan association, and have representatives sitting in the Leong San Tong board.
Boon San Tong Khoo Kongsi, Penang.
Close-up of the clan temple. Note the chien nien roof ornamentation. To prevent defacement by birds and bats, a netting is wrapped over the temple.
BST and year 1907 are inscribed on the gates of the Boon San Tong.
Roof design of the Boon San Tong is relatively simple. Note the X-shaped iron bars reenforcing the structure.
Return to Penang Travel Tips for more information and tourist attractions in Penang!
Return to Clan Temples in Penang for list of clan temples.
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