Hainan Thean Hou Temple 天后宮 — Local services in George Town

Penang’s Hainan Temple, also known as Thean Hou Kong Temple, is located on Muntri Street in George Town on the island of Penang. Thean Hou Kong Temple was funded and built by a group of Chinese immigrants from Hainan Island who dedicated the temple to the Taoist Deity Mazu (also referred to Ma Chor Po) who is believed to be the protector of seafarers. Immigrants who survived the long sea crossing from Hainan Island would come to the temple to give thanks to Mazu for keeping them safe on their journey.

The Hainanese community in George Town first established a temple to the Goddess Mazu in 1866. Thean Hou Kong Temple then moved to its current location on Muntri Street in 1895, funded by donations collected from the faithful over a period of nearly 30 years.

The significance of the temple to the local Hainanese community grew steadily over the next 30 year period and in 1925 a clan association called the Penang Kheng Chew Hooi Kuan Clan Association was formed with the temple as its headquarters. The name Kheng Chew Hooi is a reference to the village on Hainan Island, from where the temple’s founders originated. The name of the association changed in 1991 to the Hainan Clan Association as the outlook of the group changed to broaden the membership of the group to all residents of Penang who can trace their ancestry...

A Beautiful Sanctuary for the Patron Saint of Seafarers!

The Penang Mazu Temple is a stunning tribute to Mazu, the goddess of the sea and protector of sailors. Every detail here is a masterpiece — from the intricately carved statues to the vibrant murals, everything reflects the deep cultural and spiritual heritage of this temple. The craftsmanship is simply breathtaking, and it’s clear that the temple is very well-maintained.

Visitors can freely explore the serene surroundings and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re here to pray, admire the art, or learn more about the local traditions, this temple is a must-visit. Highly recommended for both tourists and...

A quiet place to visit on an afternoon. An elderly caretaker kindly allowed me to enter and take a few photos. A well maintained and restored temple, it is well worth to spend at least fiften-twenty minutes looking at the impressive wooden carvings and the guardian paintings on the inner leave of the front doors. This temple reportedly is similar to Thian Hock Keng Temple in Singapore. Founded in 1866 and completed in 1895, the Hainan Temple is built in the Hainanese style and...