Hean Boo Thean Floating Temple, Penang

A temple on stilts over the sea — such a unique setting. The upper deck has the Kuan Yin shrine and wide views across the Penang Strait to the mainland. The lotus mural on the lower deck is beautiful. We came in the late afternoon when the low sun hit the ornate roofline and the light was perfect. Free entry and very peaceful.

Located just two minutes south of Chew Jetty along Weld Quay near Yeoh Jetty. Easy to combine the two. The temple is built right over the water and you can hear the waves below. The granite-adorned sanctuary on the lower level is calming. Not crowded at all when we visited on a weekday morning. Great spot for photography enthusiasts.

Had a bit of trouble finding it — you need to walk through some small alleys between residential houses near Yeoh Jetty to reach the entrance. Once inside though it is lovely. The two-storey design with the sea underneath gives it a floating feel. The Kuan Yin statue upstairs is the centrepiece. About 20 minutes is enough for a visit.

One of the more unusual temples in Penang. The floating design over the Strait is eye-catching and the views from the upper deck looking across to the mainland are really nice. Originally built in 1972 and expanded in 2012. The waterfront is calmest in the late afternoon which makes for a serene visit. No admission fee. Highly recommend combining it with Chew Jetty.

Quiet and off the beaten path compared to the more famous temples. The location right on the water is the main appeal — during Chinese New Year the temple has extended hours and decorations that make it even more photogenic. The ornate roofline catches the light beautifully in the afternoon. Small temple but worth the detour if you are already at Chew Jetty.