Penang Heritage | Yap Clan House (Kongsi)

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Penang Heritage | Yap Clan House (Kongsi) - Choo Chay Keong Temple

Yap or written in Chinese as 叶 is a Chinese clan name or surname. The forefathers of Yap families in Penang mostly originated from Fujian Province of Southern China . Looking for greener pasture was the main reason that made the Chinese migrated to Penang back in 19th century. Most of them were coolies at the beginning and soon turned into traders at the bustling port city of Penang.
Yap Kongsi (Clan House) - The facade of Choo Chay Keong Temple

Yap Kongsi (Clan House) - The facade of Choo Chay Keong Temple

One of the most famous Yap clansman in Penang is Yeap (Yap) Chor Ee. He arrived in Penang in late 1800s and started as a barber. Then, he ventured into trading the local products like sugar, rubber, tapioca and all kinds of farm production. Eventually, he diversified into banking and built Ban Hin Lee Empire. A man of kind heart, he had made enormous contribution in education and charitable works. One of recent instances was a huge land donated to build Wawasan Open University (WOU) in Penang.
Altar and intricate carving of Choo Chay Keong Temple

Altar and intricate carving of Choo Chay Keong Temple

The piece land where Yap Kongsi or Yap Clan house stands today at the intersection of Cannon Street and Armenian Street in the heart of George Town was also donated by this well-known philanthropist - Yeap Chor Ee. Sitting in the core zone that is listed in UNESCO's World Heritage Site, the clan house was built in 1924 on a land size of 10,000 square feet.
Front altar overlooking Armenian Street

The association building is called Lum Yeong Tong Yap Kongsi comprises Choo Chay Keong Temple and Yap Temple. Choo Chay Keong that houses Yap clansman deities is located right at the corner of the cross road. While the taller white building of Straits architecture adjacent to it is Yap Temple. It houses Yap families ancestral tablets.
Interior of Choo Chay Keong Temple (Yap Kongsi)

Interior of Choo Chay Keong Temple (Yap Kongsi)

From afar, Choo Chay Keong Temple is easily recognized by an extensive and colorful ornament of dragons and pearl on its green roof. The fine and intricate stone craving are demonstrated on its wall and pillars as well. This temple was restored in 1998 and renovation cost almost RM300K.

Visiting hours: Open daily
Entrance fee: Free
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Comments

0 #1 2011-08-31 04:02

I'm the great granddaughter of Yap Tauco from his son Felipe Fernando Yap. My uncles Pedro and Enrique Timbol Yap were brought in China last December 17, 1932.Are they registered in your Yap Temple?

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