Kek Lok Si (Buddhist) Temple, Penang

This Buddhist temple of Kek Lok Si is situated in Air Itam, a suburb of Georgetown and was the largest and best known temple in Penang.

The Kek Lok Si project was mooted by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple of Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang, the project received the sanction of the Manchu Emperor Kuang Hsi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras.

Construction of the temple started in 1893, but it was only in 1930 that the Pagoda of Rama VI, named after the Thai king who laid the foundation stone, but better known as the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas, was completed. This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown, reflecting the temple's embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism

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Kek Lok Si temple is one of the largest and finest Buddhist temple complexes in South-east Asia. Standing majestically on a hill in Air Itam, this temple built in tiers culminates the beautifully crafted ''Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas''. Construction of this temple complex commenced in 1915 and took more than 20 years to build which features gardens, a turtle pond, shrines and beautiful sculptures. There are many souvenir shops leading up to the temple which offers good buys. And as for food lovers, famous hawker food stalls are lined up near the Air Itam market.

The Kek Lok Si project was inspired by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple of Pitt Street. With the support of the consular representative of China in Penang at the time, the project received the sanction of the Manchu Emperor Kuang Hsi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras.

During festival times, especially the Chinese or Lunar New Year, the entire Kek Lok Si complex is strung with tens of thousands of lanterns and lights representing donations by devotees. When lit up during the evenings, the temple is literally transformed into a fairyland of lights.

This is probably the most well known iconic symbol of Penang Island. Driving towards Air Itam, you will see the Kek Lok Si temple complex mushrooming on a hill slope appearing about the town.

There are two ways going up the temple complex.

The recommended one is to walk all the way up - easy covered steps with lots of souvenir stalls on both sides. It can be hot and humid but take your time. While stopping to catch your breath with the fan blowing, you can check out what is available and the going price. Better to buy on your way down because you can compare prices and you do not have to carry it with you all the way. You will see a tortoise pond where you can buy some vegetables to feed.

The other way is to drive up and park near the vegatarian restaurant. You thus avoid walking up the series of staps and at he door step of the temple complex but miss the walking and the stalls. You can always walk down, it is easier but take care of your knees.

There are several halls with old and new Buddhas and engravings. You can go up the pagoda or take a short tram to see the both the new and old giant statues of the Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin).

A nice view of the valley from up there. Many locals worship and you will be surprised to fund collection to expand the temple complex. Money and religion go hand in hand.

There is heavy traffic going to the temples during school and public holidays.

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Kek Lok Si is the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. It is perched majestically on a hill in Air Hitam. The temple consists of many prayer halls, pagodas, bell towers and just about every other typical temple structure you can think of, in varying styles from Burmese to Chinese to Thai - it's well worth a visit! The temple features scenic gardens, shrines, a turtle pond, two structures dominate the scenery, especially when the temple is seen from afar - marvel at the statue of The Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) and the 30 meter high Pagoda of a Thousand Buddhas.

There is no admission fee to the temple itself. However, fees do apply to the incline lift to the Kuan Yin statue and to enter the area of the new prayer hall and pagoda.
You can get a taxi from Georgetown for RM 15 to 20 to take you to the temple. You can also take the TransitLink shuttle bus number 8 to the temple and Penang Hill.

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The Temple of Paradise (Kek Lok Si) is the biggest buddhist temple on Penang and, given its large dimensions, I guess it must be the largest religious complex on the island.

The temple stands near Penang Hill, close to the funicular and has commanding views of George Town and the channel that separates it from the Peninsula of Malacca. The complex is made up of several buildings and is so large that it takes about half a day to visit. It is well visible from afar, as it is crowned by a giantic statue of a Buddha.

It is not a very old temple and it may not be noted for its artistic value, but coming from a Western country, such display of Oriental architecture can only be described as amazingly exotic.

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After passing a number of shopping arcades with stalls selling souvenirs and clothes, you reach a courtyard with a pond where thousands of turtles struggle to get their small piece of land under the sun. Apparently, it is here that locals release their pet turtles when they grow too big or get tired of them.

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The 10.000 Buddhas Pagoda is the highest structure in the Temple of Paradise Complex. The building was the last to be completed and mixes Thai, Chines and Burmese influences. For a small contribution, you are allowed to climb to the top to enjoy the view.

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This temple is just huge and very impressive. I nestles behind the houses and streets of George Town and when you first cath a glimpse of the Golden Buddah you are transfixed! Walk about, chat with people, take it all in ...