Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang: Major Attraction in Georgetown
Yet another beautiful temple I came across during my internet search on places to visit in Malaysia.
If Petronas Towers is part of national iconography of Malaysia so is Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang, The Temple of Supreme Bliss. While the former is symbol of modern Malaysia, latter is a creation existing and growing since 1890.
I mentioned the word ‘growing’ because its construction is continuing there even today. Kek Lok Si Temple is a joint effort of Malay-Chinese community. This is the largest Buddha temple of South-east Asia and is situated on a hilltop at Air Itam in Penang.
Kek Lok Si Temple Penang (Pic from Beehive Communications)
The manner in which souvenir stalls and food stalls are flourishing at the entrance to the temple, it is a clear indication that this temple is vigorously sought after not just by the worshipers but also by the tourists.
Cruising your way through these zillion stalls, a turtle and fish pond is an experience by itself. You have to walk good number of steps lined with shops before you find yourself at the entrance. The crowd gets thinner from here.
The first temple is Chamber of Seated Buddhas, it has three golden Buddhas all smiling. With a small fee you can get to the interiors of the beautiful ‘seven storeys Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas’. This is considered the ‘face’ of Kek Lok Si.
The place is worth spending some time exploring it. Each floor has unique Buddha statues. As you climb the floors and reach the top you get a stunning view of Penang from here.
The star attraction of this temple is the 36m tall statue of Goddess of Mercy, a bronze statue. You can take a cable car ride to the top level to see Her. Till some years back She had just the sky as cover, see the picture from Wiki. This view is gone.
Today you will find a huge roof over the statue supported by sixteen granite pillars intricately carved with beautiful designs. Some RM40 million was spent to construct this.
A great place to visit independently or with family!
Interesting temple.
A great post! Fabulous skies! Thanks for sharing!
Indrani, beautiful shot of the temple and sky. Your photos are lovely, thanks for sharing. Happy skywatching!
Beautiful shot.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
I like places/spots where you can take a cable car ride to get there.
That is soo cool 🙂 I somehow love the Buddhist temples. Very serene there! Love the lanterns hanging there too!
nice !nice shooot!!!!!!!!!!!
inviting post!
haven't been there before,so this is interesting.
Very beautiful temple and great shots.
it must have been nice in the open air but I suppose it will last longer under a roof.
Beautiful pics, Indrani. Thanks for sharing..
Looks so beautiful ! what an architecture !
I think I've seen this on the way to Genting Highlands. One can't miss the massive statue.
This sounds like a fascinating place to visit. The temple is absolutely gorgeous.
Beautiful temple and a great post as always, Indrani!! I have a good friend who just returned from a trip to the area in and around Penang and he loved it!! Hope your week is going well!
beautiful!
I was there last year. Hope you have a great time in Penang.
Seems like a lovely temple. Nice post Indrani.
WONDERFUL INDRANI !!!
Fantastisch liebe Indrani…
Umarmung und Grüsse aus der Schweiz
Hans-Peter