Khoo Kongsi

Khoo Kongsi is the most spectacular of the Chinese clan houses in George Town, Penang, a magnificent, ornately decorated temple-and-meeting hall built by the Khoo clan, one of the wealthy Hokkien families that shaped the city. Set around a granite-paved square (with its own small opera stage), the main hall is a riot of intricate carvings, gilded woodwork, painted beams, dragon sculptures, and elaborate roof ornamentation, among the finest examples of Chinese clan architecture outside China. It reflects the prosperity and heritage of the Straits Chinese community.

It's a centrepiece of George Town's UNESCO-listed historic core, and a window into the clan-association system that organised immigrant Chinese life. There's a small museum on the clan's history. Combine it with George Town's other clan houses, street art, and shophouses for a rich heritage wander.

Don't miss

• The lavishly carved and gilded main hall
• Dragon sculptures and elaborate roof ornamentation
• The granite clan square and opera stage
• A small museum on the Khoo clan's history
• Its place in George Town's UNESCO heritage core

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Khoo Kongsi

Cheapest way inGuided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town4.5★ · 500 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$6 per personSee dates →Most bookedStingray City and Starfish Experience with Coral Reef Snorkeling4.6★ · 1,035 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$62 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleLocal Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang5★ · 11 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$62 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Look up, the carved beams and roof ornamentation are the masterpiece.
• There's a small museum on the Khoo clan's history.
• Combine it with George Town's famous street art and other clan houses.
• Dress respectfully; it's an active clan temple.

A bit of history

The Khoo Kongsi was built by the Khoo clan, Hokkien Chinese who emigrated to Penang and prospered in trade. The grand current hall dates from the early 20th century (rebuilt after a fire); it stands within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage zone as a masterpiece of clan-house architecture.