Khoo Kongsi, Penang

The dragon and warrior carvings on the roof ridge are absolutely extraordinary. You enter through a narrow alley off Cannon Square and suddenly this ornate clan temple appears in the courtyard — the contrast is dramatic. The gilded pillars and painted wall panels inside took craftsmen from southern China years to complete. RM10 well spent.

The grandest Chinese clan temple in Penang and you can see why. The intricate stonework and wood carvings are incredible. The museum on the ground floor with photographs tracing the Khoo clan's history is well worth reading through. The upper hall with the ancestral tablets has a solemn atmosphere. Compact site — 30 to 40 minutes is plenty.

Impressive temple but quite small. You could clear the whole site in 15 minutes if you rushed. I would recommend taking your time and looking at the details on the roof carvings and painted panels. The courtyard is a good escape from the heat outside. Located right in the street art zone so easy to combine with a walk along Cannon Street and Armenian Street.

The Hokkien Khoo clan built this in the 1890s and it was rebuilt after a fire in 1902. The amount of detail in the carvings is remarkable — dragons, mythical creatures, warriors everywhere you look. No guided tour available when we went which was a shame as having context would have helped. Worth the RM10 entry for architecture lovers.

Visited with a local guide who explained the history of the Khoo clan in Penang and it made a huge difference. The temple is a jewel — the intricate carvings and gilded details are on another level compared to other temples in the area. Note it is closed on Chinese New Year Eve and Day. The paved courtyard itself is photogenic.