An Educational Field Trip to Kedah and Penang (11–15 June 2026)
Reported by: Sayalay Obhasi (MA2 Student)
Three MA students from International Buddhist College (IBC) embarked on an educational field trip to Kedah and Penang from 11 to 15 June 2026.
11 June: Alor Setar - Merbok
Our journey began with visits to Zu Yin Chan Lin (祖印禅林), a serene meditation centre in Alor Setar, and its main centre, Zu Yin Si (祖印寺). En route, we also stopped at the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum, home to one of the oldest known civilisations in Southeast Asia.
A central purpose of our trip was to visit Than Hsiang Temple, Penang, the founding institution of International Buddhist College (IBC), and to learn from their organisational model. Than Hsiang Temple upholds the Four Convictions, which emphasise holistic care from womb to tomb: “the Young to Learn, the Strong and Healthy to Serve, the Aged and Sick to be Cared for, and the Departed to Find Spiritual Destination.” These principles guide the temple's extensive community education, welfare and cultivation services, encompassing an old folks' home, kindergarten, Metta free clinic, counselling services, Sunday Dharma School, vegetarian canteen, and so on.
Our first stop was Sungai Petani Than Hsiang Jing Yuen, where the old folks' home and kindergarten are housed in the same building. We had a warm interaction with the kindergarten staff and children.
12 June: Than Hsiang Temple and George Town
We visited Upeksha Vihāra, Than Hsiang's nunnery in Penang. As it is currently the Mahayana Vassa season, we had the opportunity to meet all the resident nuns and engage with them in conversation. We then visited the nearby old folks' home, kindergarten, and counselling centre.
During our visit to the old folks' home, we encountered an elderly resident who suffer from severe circulatory problems, which had caused her hands and feet to turn dark. Despite her condition, her mind remained clear and peaceful, and we chanted together with her. The following morning, we received news that she had passed away peacefully. It was a reminder of the impermanence of life, yet we found comfort in knowing she had departed without further suffering.
We also visited Than Hsiang's vegetable farm at Balik Pulau, which supplies fresh vegetables to the Than Hsiang canteen, followed by Kek Lok Si Temple, one of Southeast Asia's grandest Buddhist complexes, founded in 1891. Besides that, we also visited Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Thai Buddhist temple, and Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple, each a testament to its tradition's distinctive architectural and cultural heritage.
13 June: George Town
We explored George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its well-preserved colonial architecture, floating clan jetties, and vibrant street art. Most striking was Harmony Street, where six sacred sites representing four major religions stand side by side along a single road, serving as a living symbol of interfaith peace and coexistence.
14 June: Than Hsiang Eight Precepts Retreat
Than Hsiang Temple, Penang organises an Eight Precepts Retreat every month. Together with fellow devotees, we participated in Amitābha Buddha recitation and listened to a Dharma talk delivered by the temple's abbot, Ven. Zhen Sheng. We also visited the Gurdwara Sahib Bayan Baru, a Sikh temple situated beside Than Hsiang Temple. Through our interaction with the Sikh community, we were deeply inspired by their commitment to human equality and their dedication to a life of charitable service.
15 June: Penang Hill
Before departing, we visited Penang Hill, Southeast Asia's oldest British hill station, dating to the late 1700s and renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views, colonial-era bungalows, and rich biodiversity.
Conclusion
This enriching trip offered us invaluable insights into Than Hsiang Temple, Penang and the vibrant cultural heritage of George Town and Penang. We are deeply grateful to International Buddhist College (IBC) for organising this meaningful journey.
