Chor Soo Kong Temple, Batu Maung

Cheng Chooi Keong, the Chor Soo Kong Temple of Batu Maung (12 August 2005)


The Chor Soo Kong Temple in Batu Maung is one of the two temples in Bayan Lepas dedicated to this deified 11th century monk. Its official name is Cheng Chooi Keong. The name "Cheng3 Chooi4" refers to the monastery in China which was built by Chor Soo Kong. The other Chor Soo Kong Temple in Bayan Lepas is the world famous Temple of Azure Clouds, better known as the Snake Temple. The Chor Soo Kong temple of Batu Maung was originally sited on a knoll facing the rising sun and the sea. There are steps leading up towards it. As such it is similar to the Snake Temple, which is also built on a knoll facing the rising sun. From its vantage point, visitor to the Chor Soo Kong Temple can get a good view of the Batu Maung village below.

Not much is known about the Chor Soo Kong Temple of Batu Maung, as it is eclipsed not only by the Snake Temple, but within a stone's throw is another world-famous temple, the San Poh Footprint Temple of Batu Maung. What I do know is that a temple already existed here in the early seventies. The temple has since been renovated in the eighties.

Another view of the Chor Soo Kong Temple (12 August 2005)


Side door at the Chor Soo Kong Temple (12 August 2005)


Interior of Chor Soo Kong Temple (10 June 2006)


Prayer Hall at the Chor Soo Kong Temple (12 August 2005)


One of a pair of Guardian Lions at the Chor Soo Kong Temple (12 August 2005)


Side view of the guardian lion (10 June 2006)

Original ocation of the Chor Soo Kong Temple

Update

18 January, 2013: I learned that the Chor Soo Kong Temple has in fact been located to a knoll at Teluk Tempoyak. As I write, the temple has just been completed. It is also building an archway gate which, I was told, will be completed two weeks or so after this visit. I am describing the relocated Chor Soo Kong Temple on a different page, by its official name of Cheng Chooi Keong Temple.

23 January, 2012: As I have expected (and feared), the Chor Soo Kong Temple has been entirely demolished. In fact, the whole hill was being carved away before my eyes. At this point in time, I can only assumed that the Chor Soo Kong Temple has been compensated and that the temple has been relocated elsewhere.

Bundles of joss sticks (10 June 2006)


Site of Chor Soo Kong Temple (21 July 2012)


The steps that led up to the Chor Soo Kong Temple (21 July 2012)


Site where the Chor Soo Kong Temple was (21 July 2012)

List of Chinese Temples in Penang and Chinese Temples in Malaysia