Top 4 Things to See in Gurney Drive, Penang

Posted by traveller9 on February 17th, 2017

Gurney Drive in Penang is renowned for its happening eating places during the night. Not many are aware of the fact that that two of the most beautiful temples are located in its environs. The two Burmese temples located opposite each other on Lorong Burmah, the Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram and the Dharmikarama, are deemed worthy of visit if only to admire the impeccable beauty of its architecture. Accessible by bus, Gurney Drive is presently a hugely popular seaside venue with the locals crowding its open air hawker centre, lavish hotels and bustling malls. 

Travel Tip: It's convenient to take a bus to Penang, booking online bus tickets on redbus is simple and saves your time too. Travelling by bus is always cheap and helps to explore the roads of Malaysia.

Usually referred to as ‘The New Esplanade’ (distinguish it from original Esplanade in Georgetown), Gurney Drive is place of overwhelming hawker delights and dazzling restaurants that come alive after the sun goes down, offering an unique experience of dining by seaside.

Read on to learn more about the exciting things to sight in Gurney Drive:

1. Dharmikarama Burmese Temple- This is the only Burmese Buddhist temple outside Myanmar, with a pair of large stone elephants well poised in the front gates. Inside the grounds is a Boddhi tree, a wishing pond and apartments for monks.
2. The Tua Pek Kong Temple- The temple provides a glimpse into the Taoist-inspired beliefs of the local Chinese. The temple’s lengthy history makes it a very significant place for devotees.
3. Gurney Paragon Mall- The mall’s outdoor dining stretch is set within a converted restored heritage building. Shoppers can find an array of international brands like H&M, Sephora, Puma, Adidas and etc., after a long tiresome day of shopping, relax and sit back in many cafes and restaurants such as Ben’s Kitchen, and Starbucks Coffee.
4. Bodhi Heart Sanctuary-This is a non-sectarian Buddhist Society that is situated in the bustling city of Penang yet surrounded by lush greenery. A perfect place for those who prefer a quiet retreat rather than visiting crowded shopping hubs, the sanctuary is visited by residents and tourists for spiritual programs and meditation.`