The temple building is in three parts: The two storey temple is fronted by a mid-level porch called the prayer pavilion. On the left
side of the building is a single-storey kitchen originally built to serve meals to those gathered for special events. The ground floor of
the temple building is now a museum. You enter to the right of the prayer pavilion and end up in the old kitchen, which has been converted into a sort of snack bar.
Entry to the prayer pavilion is guarded at the top of the stairs by statues of turbaned men appearing to be Sikhs. In a stand on the pavilion several
'spears' are displayed that were used to lead parades and control crowds.
Taking the central stairway up from the pavilion brings you to the open veranda which fronts the three halls of the temple. The central
hall is the largest and the main place of worship. The two incense burners are dedicated to two great heroes of 4th century
China, Ong Soon Yah and Tua Sai Yai. Other statues are meant to depict Kuan Im, the Goddess of Mercy, Poh Seng Tai Tay, the God of Medicine,
and Mah Chor Pho, the Goddess of the Sea. The walls and ceiling of the main hall are richly decorated. Expect to finish a visit to Khoo Kongsi with a sore neck!
To the left of the main hall (as you face the building) is the main ancestral hall, Ee Kok Tong. The alter of this small hall contains many gold and black
tablets of the Khoo ancestors appropriately arranged top-down in order of their ranking in the family. Along the sides of the hall are
a number of large plaques displaying the names of various Khoo ancestors and the high rank they achieved or been awarded. You'll note that even graduating from university is considered a high honour for
the clan.
The hall on the other side of the central hall is called the Hock Teik Soo and is dedicated to the deity Hock Teik, the God of Prosperity. The walls of this hall are also lined with plaques, but as
the size of the clan has increased, along with a higher percentage graduating from college, the size of the plaques have been downsized
considerably to make sure there is room for the honours of future generations. You will however note that one thing hasn't changed: Only male members of the clan are honoured.
In the large courtyard, facing the temple, is an ornate stage for Chinese Opera. Performances are usually held around
Chinese New Year and other important holidays. The stage is also available for special events.