Golden Burmese roofs
A rare style in Malaysia.
Marufish from Alor Setar, Malaysia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Marufish from Alor Setar, Malaysia — CC BY-SA 2.0 · shankar s. from Dubai, united arab emirates — CC BY 2.0 · Acred99 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Marufish from Alor Setar, Malaysia — CC BY-SA 2.0
The only Burmese temple in the state of Penang, dating back to 1803, when the Burmese community of Pulau Tikus built a small temple on land donated by a woman of the community; it grew in 1845 after the British government granted the community more land. Its style differs from the city's Chinese and Thai temples: tiered golden roofs in the Burmese manner, a gilded bell-shaped stupa, two white elephants at the gate and quiet gardens between the buildings, with a pond decorated by colourful sculptures of scenes from the Buddha's life. The temple is a working monastery where monks live, with a library and lodgings for devotees in its grounds. Entry is free, shoes come off at the halls, and quiet and modest dress are expected. It stands directly opposite the Thai temple of the Reclining Buddha, so crossing between them takes a few steps, and the Burmese community celebrates its water festival here in April.
A rare style in Malaysia.
A grand white entrance.
Colourful scenes from the Buddha's life.
Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus, opposite Wat Chayamangkalaram
Morning or late afternoon on ordinary days for calm, or in April to see the Burmese water festival, crowds included.
