Kampung Benggali enclave

With its affable old town atmosphere, this veritable “downtown” space has possibly the highest concentration of multi-racial commercial outlets in Butterworth. The neighbourhood has a variety of community-based stores, coffee shops and restaurants in rows of shophouses.

It is also home to Butterworth’s main traditional marketplace, a few temples and the only functioning movie theatre building in the whole of Penang. A ‘Little India’ quarter is also mushrooming around the northern end of Jalan Bagan Luar. The pleasant mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian outlets is reflected in the diversity of cuisine one finds here. Certainly, the enclave is among the local hubs that long-time residents of Butterworth have been most familiar with and where the congenial urban essence of the town can be felt.

Shops and marketplace

From flower garlands to gold bracelets and fresh water spinach

Kampung Banggali

About two kilometres north of the Butterworth ferry terminal, around the main traffic artery of Jalan Bagan Luar, is a sprawling hub of street shops and terrace shophouses. Here one finds the highest concentration of shops in this old town.

The Kampung Benggali area got its name from a village where there were many Punjabis (‘Benggali’ was a loose, though inaccurate, local reference to Punjabis) which is no longer here. The street named Jalan Kampung Benggali today features a number of restaurants, cafes and hotels.

Sree Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Temple

Aesthetic masterpiece and solace for thousands

Instantly drawing attention with its spectacularly ornate gopuram or tall entrance tower, this 19th century Hindu temple, the oldest in Butterworth, has a history that is as intriguing and colourful as its architecture.

Tian Gong Tan Temple

Quaint religious architecture in a secluded corner of Butterworth

Dedicated to the Chinese Jade Emperor God, this temple was craftily rebuilt with resplendent decorations on a somewhat small land space in 2008. It is located at the quiet corner of Lintang Kampung Benggali, a short distance away from the busy Jalan Kampung Benggali.

Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple

A colourful and tranquil temple

Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple

Entering this temple along the hectic Jalan Bagan Luar – across from the glitzy Cathay cinema – one is surrounded by a myriad of pleasant hues and sculptures depicting images from Hindu epics and scriptures, all packed within a cosy interior.

For your taste buds

Food connoisseurs will not be disappointed at Kampung Benggali. The enclave teems with a diversity of cuisine, both at the street stalls and in restaurants.

Food - Kampung Benggali

Lorong Bagan Luar 3 has several exciting eateries. The Sin Bee Chew Restaurant offers authentic Hailam dishes, such as Lam Mee and the much sought after Chicken Chop.