Kek Lok Si’s Pagoda (Ban Pho Tar) — Attraction in George Town

I feel awful writing a bad review on a religious place but I think it’s worth mentioning. Before coming I would read the 1 star reviews because they are extremely accurate. My partner and I were so excited to learn about this temple but we were greeted so poorly by the staff and are only wanted for our money. They make you believe you need to pay 16RM to get the train / mini golf buggy to the top when reality is you can walk the entire thing for free. On the ticket for each station it states “30 min walk from station 3 to 4” and this is a complete LIE. It’s a 4 minute walk on the road. I just don’t agree with this tactic.

At one station we had to pay another 2rm to enter and the woman just sat there watching TikTok the entire time, then allowed people behind us for free. It felt like we were paying for nothing.

On our way down another lady asked for my ticket by tapping the desk aggressively. No words. Despite us approaching very kindly saying “hello” (we are English so you get the jist)

Finally I’ll say that the temple has poor signage and you’ll be wondering around in circles sometimes trying to find your way about. And in some parts there’s a lot of scaffolding or rubbish where it’s just kept...

Visited Kek Lok Si temple at Penang. During the drive we can saw the temple, a spectacular temple built on the hill.

Great architecture design where the famous pagodas were built. Locals informed that the pagoda was built following 3 different cultural respects ! There were Guanyin and Buddha statues housed and saw many devotees paying their respect, visitors from various walks of life came for site visit.

A tourist place. Should visit while at Penang island.

Good views from the temple towards the nearby town and could see Georgetown as well. The weather was cooling that day, as we walked along the garden there were beautiful plants indeed.

As we descend from the temple we proceed to have a lunch at Air Itam market with local specialities like the asam laksa, fried kuih tiew etc etc ........ yummy, spicy and delicious tempting us to call for another round again.

Locals advised that there are good foodies at Swatow Lane and the Centre food court somewhere at Georgetown.

We enjoyed our trip to Penang. Many good and tasty local food, good sceneries...

For access to this part of the temple, you have to pay a toll of RM2. We entered this area thinking the inclined lift is within this zone (we can’t read signs apparently), so do note that it IS NOT.

The immediate area outside the pagoda is decorated extensively by flowers, and features a great hall where we witnessed a gathering of monks during a procession. There is a tourist area outside the pagoda where you can ring a large bell. Pictures can be taken with a view at the ground level, or within the pagoda, if you’re willing to traverse the seven levels within the pagoda. Do note that the pagoda isn’t as well lit as the main Kek Lok Si temple.

The Pagoda itself is another iconic landmark within this complex, and also...