Dhammikarama Burmese Temple
George Town, Penang
A visual feast of red and gold with a towering Buddha, the 19th-century Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is one of few Burmese Buddhist temples outside Myanmar. Besides a gilded stupa, a spire-clad pavilion, a candy-colored bell tower, and a fish pond, a wealth of multi-colored temple guardians protect the incense-wreathed prayer hall.
The basics
There’s no charge to visit the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, although the monks appreciate donations. Most travelers spend a few minutes wandering the spacious grounds, admiring the sculptures, guardian creatures, memorial chedi, and a mural of Siddhartha Gautama, the prince who Buddhists believe became the Buddha, making his decision to give up worldly goods. It’s a common stop on George Town tours, including private tours: Any tour that visits here is likely to also stop at Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram), the Thai Buddhist temple across the road.
Things to know before you go
- Dhammikarama Burmese Temple will be of interest to history buffs, photographers, temple fans, and Buddhists.
- This is an active place of worship, so it’s best to dress modestly. Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you’ll need to remove them to enter sacred spaces both here and at the Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Temple.
- While the grounds are flat and paved, steps and narrow entrances mean the temple is only partially accessible with a wheelchair.
How to get there
The Dhammikarama Burmese Temple sits right across the road from the Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Temple in George Town’s Pulau Tikus neighborhood, about 2 miles (3 kilometers) northwest of the Komtar building. Bus options include the 101 and 103 or you can drive yourself, take a taxi or rideshare, or join a tour.
When to get there
The temple is typically open from 9am to 5pm every day. Visit midweek for a quieter, more contemplative experience, or during festivals—such as Wesak Day in late May or early June or Myanmar New Year (Thingyan) in mid-April—for a livelier, more photogenic day.
Temple-hopping in Penang
Because of its rich multicultural history, Penang shares a UNESCO World Heritage Site listing with Melaka. The city’s colorful and diverse places of worship highlight that heritage in bold. Besides the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple and Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Temple, travelers flock to the enormous Chinese Buddhist Kek Lok Si Temple and the bustling Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Teng).
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!