Kek Lok Si Temple
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🇲🇾 Kek Lok Si Temple Insider Guide | Penang's Best-Kept Secret 🌅
Ryan AllenRyan Allen
422
let’s just acknowledge! that because this temple is one of the most popular tourist spots in Penang, there is bound to be pay walls and souvenir shops. within the main temple, there are staff selling candles for tourists and worshippers to burn and inscribe with their wishes, souvenir stands are also present and ribbons can be bought. pay walls include access to the pagoda (RM2) and the inclined lift to the guan yin statue (RM6). not exorbitant prices but I thought it’d be useful for potential visitors to know. my friend compared this to the famous temples in Genting which were completely free, so do with that information what you will. getting to the temple is quite simple, you can take a grab, or you can save some money and catch a train to the KLS stop, where you’ll get off and walk about 13 minutes through the town, up a hill, to a turtle pond, after which you climb a few flights of stairs to the temple. all that aside though, the KLS temple itself and the surrounding temples are breathtaking buildings. being a historical building of great religious importance, the sheer detail encrypted within the walls, ceilings, floors and statues are exquisite. just looking up at the ceiling had us catching our breaths in awe. the statues situated within the temples were all well maintained, glistening in a golden light. there were 1 or 2 temples that were dim, but the statues themselves seem well taken care of. gardens line the paths between buildings with a wide variety of flowers and even some vegetables. beyond the RM2 paywall, you may glimpse a great hall where the monks gather. I’ll elaborate on the associated temples in their own reviews. on a side note, the temple boasts a rich biodiversity, we weren’t even really looking and we glimpsed swallowtail butterflies, dragonflies, some interesting birds and bees, and more little critters (pictures included). but Kek Lok Si temple overall is an incredible monument and definitely worth visiting, just to appreciate the architecture born of devotion and skilled hands.
Ariel JewelAriel Jewel
20
Penang biggest buddhist temple with over 100 years of history and also the largest temple in Malaysia. It is located on a hill near Air Itam town, Penang and offers a good northeast to southeast view of Penang island from atop. The temple closes at 5pm. Like many other buddhist temples in Malaysia, it has very elaborated, vibrant, colourful, murals, woodcrafts and paintings. The special part of this temple different from other temples are that over here these elements come from diverse architectural styles mainly, Chinese, Burmese and Thai. The temple used to be smaller with only a few buildings but over the years has expanded and built a few more around it. It is currently still constructing one more new building at the mid of it. There are many buildings in the temple so plenty of photo takings and things to see and you may also get lost at times. There's also a lovely garden located lower mid of the temple with colourful flowers and Hulu (葫芦) grown. However, you will need to pay around RM4 as a maintenance fee at a counter leading to the way there as it access the area where it also leads to a 5 stories old Burmese Pagoda with more than 100 years old. The small fees goes to the paint ongoing maintenance work of the old pagoda. On top of the temple is a gigantic GuanYin bodhisattva statue, also the biggest in Malaysia. There's two option to reach to the top of the temple for the guanyin statue either by an inclined elevator (RM6 for two ways) or simply by walking (but may be tiring). The elevator ticket is sold at the temple. It is recommended to allocate at least 3 hours to thoroughly tour around the temple on a causal pace. This is also one of the main attractions of Penang and you could expect many foreign visitors there. Definitely will be a crowded place during buddhist festivals.
OoiksOoiks
00
I have visited many Buddhist temples in various countries, but this is the first time I have seen one so in love with money. The word "money" seems to be written in the air everywhere in this temple: from the cable car at the entrance to the giant Guanyin bronze statue at the highest point, you not only have to go through the ticket office, winding your way through shelves of merchandise like in some stores, then transfer to the next cable car station, but also pass countless stalls labeled "donations" to see if you want to pay 50RM to have your name inscribed on a tile (while those countless brand-new tiles for sale are stacked everywhere, waiting for their moment to realize their value). From the largest Guanyin to the rows of small bronze Guanyins cast from the same mold next to her, every lotus petal at their feet has its owner, as long as you pay, you can have your name inscribed, and it's considered a great merit. Tour buses bring in many Western tourists like a flowing stream, who probably don't understand Buddhism much, just excitedly taking photos non-stop. Looking at the various buildings of the temple, only one pagoda and its adjacent small temple are relics from the old times, requiring a separate ticket to see the pagoda. While the rest of the buildings were built later, flashy and colorful, frivolous and lifeless. The temple courtyard is littered with garbage, as the monks are too busy making money to clean up. It's lamentable to see the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia fall to such a state. PS：The banner in the yellow photo reads: "Please support the temple development foundation. For every donation of RM50/=, have your name inscribed on a tile or give as you wish, and your merit will be boundless."
Bars BarsBars Bars
10
The Kek Lok Si Temple, perched majestically on a hillside in Penang, Malaysia, is a sprawling testament to the rich tapestry of cultural diversity that defines the region. This colossal Buddhist temple complex seamlessly blends architectural splendor, religious significance, and breathtaking natural surroundings. The main attraction, the Ban Po Thar (Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda), stands tall, adorned with intricate carvings and countless Buddha statues, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The temple's architectural fusion of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese influences is a captivating representation of Malaysia's multicultural identity. Ascending the inclined path, visitors encounter the towering Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) statue, an awe-inspiring manifestation of compassion overlooking the temple grounds. The Air Hitam or "Black Water" Hall houses a towering statue of the Laughing Buddha, exuding joy and positive energy. The temple complex also serves as a vibrant center for cultural activities, particularly during Chinese New Year, when it transforms into a dazzling display of lights and decorations, attracting locals and tourists alike. Navigating the vibrant souvenir stalls and vegetarian eateries within the temple's precincts adds an extra layer to the overall experience. The serene atmosphere and panoramic views from the higher vantage points make Kek Lok Si Temple a must-visit destination, providing a profound glimpse into Malaysia's multicultural heritage and spiritual traditions.
ajleeblogajleeblog
10
Saat kalian berlibur ke Penang, jangan lupa untuk memasukkan Kek Lok Si Temple atau Wihara Kek Lok Si dalam itinerary kalian. Ya, Kek Lok Si Temple merupakan salah satu situs wisata yang berdiri megah di Penang dan ramai dikunjungi wisatawan, terutama saat Imlek atau Tahun Baru China. Pada saat itu selama tiga hari akan diadakan acara Display of Lights, yang selalu menjadi daya tarik utama di kompleks Kek Lok Si Temple. Pada acara Display of Lights tersebut wisatawan dapat menikmati jutaan cahaya lampu dan lampion yang menghiasi seluruh area wihara. Kek Lok Si Temple berlokasi di Air Itam, kawasan George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Kompleks wihara ini sangat luas dan memiliki konstruksi yang menawan. Selain menjadi destinasi utama para wisatawan yang berlibur ke Penang, wihara ini juga merupakan pusat ziarah penting bagi umat Buddha dari Hong Kong, Filipina, Singapura, dan negara-negara lain di Asia Tenggara. Pintu masuk wihara ini berada tepat di sisi Sungai Air Itam. Jalan masuknya dibuat seperti jalan setapak yang menanjak, yang di kiri kanannya diramaikan dengan deretan toko dan pedagang kaki lima yang menjual cenderamata khas Penang, makanan ringan, dan minuman. Kita dapat menemukan semacam bakpia khas Penang dengan berbagai rasa. Tentunya, kita berbelanja cenderamata dan makanan khas Penang saat turun saja supaya tidak membawa tentengan saat berada di wihara. Di ujung jalan setapak, kalian akan menemukan Tortoise Liberation Pond atau kolam kura-kura, yang berisi ratusan kura-kura dan sudah terkenal sejak awal pembangunan wihara. Kalian dapat memberi makan kura-kura dengan tumbuhan hijau yang dijual di sekitar area kolam. Kek Lok Si Temple terdiri dari banyak bangunan kecil. Salah satunya yang paling menarik perhatian adalah Pagoda. Bangunan ini sangat menawan karena berada di atas bukit dan berwarna putih dengan puncak berwarna emas. Pagoda tersebut dibangun dengan cara 'mengawinkan' tiga unsur Buddha dari tiga negara, yaitu China, Thailand, dan Myanmar. Puncak dari kompleks Wihara Kek Lok Si adalah adanya patung Dewi Kuan Im atau The Kuan Yin Bodhimandala yang berukuran sangat besar, yaitu 31.2 meter. Untuk menuju tempat ini, kalian harus mendaki anak tangga yang cukup curam. Apabila tidak ingin kelelahan, kalian dapat memanfaatkan lift yang disediakan dan cukup membayar RM4. Dari area patung Dewi Kuan Im ini kita bisa memandang keindahan Penang di bawah bukit dengan leluasa. Wihara Kek Lok Si terdiri dari banyak ruangan berdoa. Salah satu di antaranya adalah tempat doa menaruh harapan dalam sebuah pita yang disematkan di sebuah tongkat yang diibaratkan sebagai pohon, yang disebut “wishing ribbon”. Ini adalah sebuah ritual bagi pengikut ajaran Buddha yang memiliki keinginan atau cita-cita. Dalam pita yang disediakan kuil, tertulis berbagai harapan. Pilihannya banyak, ada yang khusus untuk permohonan kesehatan, keamanan keluarga, pendidikan, perdamaian dunia, keluarga harmonis, hingga jodoh. Tidak hanya pengikut ajaran Buddha, siapa pun yang datang ke Wihara Kek Lok Si bisa meletakkan pita dengan membayar RM1 untuk satu pita. Waktu itu kami pergi ke Wihara Kek Lok Si dengan naik bus dari terminal dekat Sentral Hotel George Town. Busnya bagus dan nyaman.Tarifnya juga murah.
Yohana IpsitaYohana Ipsita
20
Nearby Attractions Of Kek Lok Si Temple
Pasar Malam Desa Permata, Paya Terubong
Shan Din Di Mu Niang Niang Temple
Penang Hill Hike
West Lake Park Temple
Temple of Supreme Bliss / Guan Yin Statue - Penang (அவலோகிதர் சிலை)
海会塔@妙香林寺 Beow Hiang Lim Temple & Memorial Park
Kek Lok Si’s Pagoda (Ban Pho Tar)
Ai-Cha Pekan Air Itam 爱茶
Arulmigu Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman Devasthanam அருள்மிகு ஸ்ரீ ருத்ர வீரமுத்து மகா மாரியம்மன் தேவஸ்தானம்
槟城富贵山庄西湖园 Nirvana Penang West Lake Garden
Pasar Malam Desa Permata, Paya Terubong
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Shan Din Di Mu Niang Niang Temple
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Penang Hill Hike
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West Lake Park Temple
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Nearby Restaurants Of Kek Lok Si Temple
Penang Air Itam Laksa
Restoran 1688
7 Village Noodle House @ Paya Terubong 七廊粿條汤
Flame Restaurant
1997 Restaurant hawker stall
Restoran MU Tunas
Beng Chin Garden
Spink In The Sky (Event space)
Air Itam Market Duck Rice
老夫子肉骨茶 (Lao Fu Zi Bak Kut Teh)
Penang Air Itam Laksa
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Restoran 1688
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7 Village Noodle House @ Paya Terubong 七廊粿條汤
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Flame Restaurant
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Map
Phone
+60 4-828 3317
Call
Website
kekloksitemple.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.4
(5.3K reviews)
Ratings & Description
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Description
The Kek Lok Si Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, and is also an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and other countries in Southeast Asia.
attractions: Pasar Malam Desa Permata, Paya Terubong, Shan Din Di Mu Niang Niang Temple, Penang Hill Hike, West Lake Park Temple, Temple of Supreme Bliss / Guan Yin Statue - Penang (அவலோகிதர் சிலை), 海会塔@妙香林寺 Beow Hiang Lim Temple & Memorial Park, Kek Lok Si’s Pagoda (Ban Pho Tar), Ai-Cha Pekan Air Itam 爱茶, Arulmigu Sri Ruthra Veeramuthu Maha Mariamman Devasthanam அருள்மிகு ஸ்ரீ ருத்ர வீரமுத்து மகா மாரியம்மன் தேவஸ்தானம், 槟城富贵山庄西湖园 Nirvana Penang West Lake Garden, restaurants: Penang Air Itam Laksa, Restoran 1688, 7 Village Noodle House @ Paya Terubong 七廊粿條汤, Flame Restaurant, 1997 Restaurant hawker stall, Restoran MU Tunas, Beng Chin Garden, Spink In The Sky (Event space), Air Itam Market Duck Rice, 老夫子肉骨茶 (Lao Fu Zi Bak Kut Teh)
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