Xuan Wu Temple (Hean Boo Suah 玄武山)

Xuan Wu Temple, Balik Pulau (20 December 2008)


Xuan Wu Temple (GPS: 5.35395, 100.23594) is a Chinese temple in Balik Pulau. It is also known as the Hean Boo Suah (Traditional/Simplified Chinese: 玄武山). This is the main Chinese temple in Balik Pulau, drawing worshippers from the Chinese community which comprise labourers, farm workers from the Hokkien, Hakka, Teochew and Hainanese dialect groups.

360° View of Xuan Wu Temple on Google Street View

Xuan Wu Temple, Balik Pulau (20 December 2008)


Xuan Wu Temple traces its history to the 19th century. The present temple is the result of subsequent renovations and expansions that were carried out in the 20th century. The temple comprises a temple porch with guardian lions, the main prayer hall, and wings with side houses. Hanging over the porch is a large bell cast in 1895.

Feast days of the deities of Xuan Wu Temple are in the months of March and July. During these times, the temple ground takes on a festive mood as worshippers from all over Penang converge to pay homage to its deities.

Hean Boo Suah door plaque (20 December 2008)


Roof of the Hean Boo Suah Temple (20 December 2008)

Getting there

Xuan Wu Temple is located on Lorong Bukit Penara off Jalan Balik Pulau. The nearest bus stop is along Jalan Tun Sardon. It is served by Rapid Penang bus 401, 401E, 403, 404, 501 and 502. From there, it is about 10 minutes' walk to the temple.

Location of Xuan Wu Temple on the map

List of Chinese Temples in Penang and Chinese Temples in Malaysia