Kek Lok Si Temple, located in Air Itam Penang, is a popular tourist destination in Penang. It is one of the largest temple in Southeast Asia, and was first constructed in 1890.
There are several features of the temple, including carved dragon pillars, a 30.2 meters bronze statue of Goddess Kuan Yin, and several other designs reflecting its embrace of Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.
The temple especially comes alive during Chinese New Year, when thousands of lanterns are lit to signify the coming new year.
Visitors to the temple will be awed by the temple’s beauty, serenity and definitely earn its name of Temple of Supreme Bliss!
Scenery Photography by Mau Horng
Kek Lok Si Temple by BikuBiku
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
Visiting the Temple
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
Most visitors approach the temple as they ascend a stairway, roofs of which provide shelter to a multitude of shops selling souvenirs and other – mostly secular – commodities. They pass by a so-called Liberation Pond, following the buddhist tradition of merit-making, turtles may be released into freedom, albeit a limited one.
The temple itself consists of several large halls for assembly and prayer, here, statues of Buddha, various Bodhisattvas as well as Chinese gods are being venerated. Intricate woodwork, often brightly painted and a plethora of lanterns add to the visual impression.
There is an inclined lift to carry pilgrims and visitors further uphill. On the elevated platform, you can find a pond filled with Koi and the towering statue of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, which can also be regarded as Avalokitheshvara, Bodhisattva of Universal Compassion.
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
The 3 main section of the Kek Lok Si
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
Temple ground – The hill entrance, souvenir sellers, food and drinks, liberation pond.
Mid Section – Temples and gardens, the pagoda, four heavenly kings.
Hilltop – Statue of Kuan Yin, gardens and temples.
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
Opening Hours
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
Open Hours: 9.00AM – 6.00PM Daily
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
Admission
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
The entrance to the Kek Lok Si Temple is free but the entrance fees to the Pagoda is RM 2.00 per entry. Incline Lift to see the statue of Kuan Yin is RM2.00 each way.
The Kek Lok Si parking fees is RM2.00 per entry for a car and RM0.80 per entry for a motorcycles. Taxi from George Town about RM20.00, from Batu Feringghi about RM30.00.
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
Contact Information
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
Tourism Malaysia Penang, 56th Floor, KOMTAR, 10000, Penang, Pulau Pinang.
Tel: +604 264 3494 / 263 4941 , Fax: +604 262 3688
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
Location Map
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
View Larger Map
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
How to get there?
[divider style=”full-dotted”/]
Getting to Kek Lok Si is very simple. You can take a bus or taxi from George Town.
Depending on your location, you can take Rapid Penang Bus U201, U203, U204, U206, T306 and U502. If you come from Batu Ferringhi, taxi is your best choice.
Alternatively, try asking from the hotel that you are staying whether or not they have hotel buses to drop you there. If you drive, look for the signboard that lead to Air Itam. Once you get into Air Itam, you should be able to see the signboard that can direct you to Kek Lok Si.
