Penang Buddhist Association 槟城佛学院, George Town

Penang Buddhist Association, George Town, Penang (30 March 2023)


Penang Buddhist Association (GPS: 5.41523, 100.31762; Traditional/Simplified Chinese: 槟城佛学院) is a religious institution along Anson Road in George Town, Penang. It was founded by a group of Straits Chinese Buddhists who wanted to study Buddhism in its pure, uncorrupted form, untainted by elements of Taoism that is prevalent among the local Chinese. To achieve that, they founded the Penang Buddhist Association in 1925.

The Penang Buddhist Association building was completed in 1931 in the Late Straits Eclectic style. Its interior is ornately decorated with polished floor titles, multi-tiered chandeliars, and mother-of-pearl inlaid furnishing. The high-vaulted main hall houses several statues of the various Penang Buddhist Association 槟城佛学院, George Towneincarnation of Buddha.

The housing estate behind the association was developed by it in the 1930s, hence the roads bear Buddhist names such as Dharma, Deva Pada, Bodhi and Nirvana. In 1964, the association also established the Penang Buddhist Association Kindergarten, a well-established kindergarten today.

How to go to the Penang Buddhist Association

The Penang Buddhist Association is located along Anson Road, which is a one-way street. If you are coming from the direction of Komtar, take Macalister Road and then turn left into Anson Road. The association is on the right side of Anson Road across from Padang Brown. If you require public transport, you can take Rapid Penang Bus 102 which passes along Anson Road.

Contact

Penang Buddhist Association
168 Anson Road
10400 George Town, Penang
Phone: +60 4 228 0910

Penang Buddhist Association is on the Map of Jalan Anson, Penang

Pagoda of the Penang Buddhist Association (4 February 2006)


Penang Buddhist Association (23 January 2005)


Pagoda and main building of the Penang Buddhist Association (23 January 2005)

What to see or do

More a devotional site than a tourist site, the Penang Buddhist Association is nonetheless worth a visit. Admire the eclectic-style architecture that combines western elements into a Buddhist temple, from its chandeliers to its Buddhist motifs.

Updates

16 March, 2013: Since January, 2013, the Penang Buddhist Association Senior Citizens' Home was established to care for poor elderly people who are still healthy The home is located on Perak Road, a short distance from the association.

Entrance to the Penang Buddhist Association (23 January 2005)


Main prayer hall, Penang Buddhist Association (4 February 2006)


Sitting room, Penang Buddhist Association (4 February 2006)


Images of the Buddha and his disciples, Penang Buddhist Association (4 February 2006)


Spiral staircase, Penang Buddhist Association (25 July 2012)


Corridor adorned with polished tiles, Penang Buddhist Association (25 July 2012)


Garden, Penang Buddhist Association (25 July 2012)


Bodhi tree on the grounds of the Penang Buddhist Association (25 July 2012)

Penang Buddhist Association on Google Maps Street View

Penang Buddhist Association (Feb 2021)

List of Buddhist Temples in Penang