Kek Lok Si (Buddhist) Temple, Penang

 
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  •   Kek Lok Si (Buddhist) Temple
    by Willettsworld
  •   Kek Lok Si (Buddhist) Temple
    by Willettsworld
  • buddah
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  • temple at night
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84 Reviews of Kek Lok Si (Buddhist) Temple

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Fun to look around at Kek Lok Si
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gothsi 19 reviews

Issues: Too many stores inside the temple complex selling random stuff
Right now the Goddess of Mercy is surrounded by contruction frames which are covering pillars which will be built in front of her, so if you go by lift (which will cost 7rm or something like that), you will still not get a good view : (

Is actually not as close to the funicular for Penang Hill as one might expect. When you are on top of Ayar Itam when you're on the buddhist complex, the taxi driver said its about 20 mins to go to penang hill. If you walk down to the foot of the temple, and in town again, the funicular is still hard to find. I suggest taking the public bus to Penang Hill, because then there is a bus back towards Kek Lok Si also, so that will work out better. I think the bus number to Penang Hill was 204. Tickets cost about 1.50 rm

Written Feb 25, 2008

Address: Ayer Itam

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Kek Lok Si
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snuggie 316 reviews

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

Written Jan 14, 2007

Address: Ayer Itam

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Awesome Temple on a Hill
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longsanborn 420 reviews
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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.

Written Jan 13, 2007

Address: Ayer Itam

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The one and only Kek Lok Si
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SLLiew 2381 reviews

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.

Updated Oct 23, 2006

Address: Ayer Itam

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Temple of Supreme Bliss
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jo9001 18 reviews
The Goddess of Mercy
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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.

Written Sep 26, 2006

Address: Ayer Itam

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Visit the Temple of Paradise
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DanielF 2936 reviews
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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.

Updated Aug 8, 2006

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See the overcrowded Turtle Pond
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DanielF 2936 reviews
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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.

Updated Aug 8, 2006

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Climb the 10.000 Buddhas Pagoda
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DanielF 2936 reviews
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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.

Updated Aug 8, 2006

Address: Ayer Itam

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Big house
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daelight 31 reviews
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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 ...

Written Jul 20, 2006

Address: Ayer Itam

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A colourful taste of buddhism
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tauroctonia 35 reviews

The "Temple of Supreme Bliss" is a wonderful place to get in touch with buddhist architecture and tradition. It was built at the end of the 19th century and is known to be the largest temple arrangement in South East Asia (or at least in Malaysia itself). I especially liked the identical buddha statues and the shiny white pagoda.

Written Jun 19, 2006

Address: Ayer Itam

Website: http://penangpage.com/airitam/

Related to:
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 Arts and Culture
 Architecture

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Kek Lok Si (Buddhist) Temple

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