Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.
Situated at the west end of George Town, the Kek Lok Si Temple is by far the largest temple I have been to. That day, I took a grab right after having breakfast, and alighted at the foot of the temple.
In addition to being a world-famous temple, it is also one of Southeast Asia’s largest. Aside from tourists worldwide, the temple is a center for Chinese culture and Buddhist teaching. It attracts generations of devotees who come to pay homage to their faith.
Discovering the temple’s countless halls and pagodas.
As I walked up the base tier, I came across the tortoise pond. Speaking about claustrophobic, I could never count the number of tortoises living in that pond. Am glad tortoises do not experience claustrophobic? For visitors who would like to feed the tortoises, they could purchase vegetables from the nearby store to do so.
I continued my way up climbing slopes and steps before reaching the grand arch of the middle tier. Walking in led to another car park, before I climbed up towards the Kek Lok Si Complex. There were still red Chinese lanterns hung around the temple 2 weeks after Chinese New Year. I headed towards the Central Court to the 2 main features which is the Seven-Tier Pagoda and the Circular Pavilion. The best spot to take photos would probably be the sheltered walkway which I stood.
As I continued my journey upwards and around Kek Lok Si Temple, I came across various Buddha Halls. In these halls one could discover worshippers offering incense. Along the way, there were many souvenir shops selling various Buddhists inspired items. From wooden beads to mementos to ornaments.
To reach the topmost tier where the Kuan Yin Statue and the Zodiac Garden is located, you have to take the incline lift. There was a small fee for the round trip. There was another place where a small fee is required – Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas. I climbed to the top and it offers a panoramic view of the city.
Kek Lok Si Temple should certainly be on every Penang visitor’s to-go list. You could easily spend at least 2 hours to half a day exploring around the temple. Instead of taking a grab back, I went to the nearest bus stop, where I took bus 306 to Komtar. Find out which other places I have visited in Penang too!
