Hi there!! Welcome back to my blog.
Today’s posting will be a place in Penang, Malaysia; Kek Lok Si Temple. I went there with my kids a few months back and now, I have finally got my share it with my readers about this place and it’s beauty.
A bit of history about this place before I continue. It is one of the best known Buddhist temples on the Penang island (and also in South East Asia) and situated in Air Itam. Translated from Penang Hokkien, it means “Temple of Supreme Bliss” or “Temple of Sukhavati”. It was inspired by the chief monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple at Pitt Street, Penang and construction began in 1890.
A seven storey main pagoda of the temple or the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas, was completed in 1930. This pagoda combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design, and a Burmese crown. It reflecting the temple’s embrace of both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.
The other attraction is the bronze statue of the Kuan Yin which stands 30.2m, was completed in 2002 and open to the public. This replaced the previous white plaster Kuan Yin statue which was damaged due to a fire a few years earlier. The temple is a focal point of festivals of the Chinese community in Penang especially during the the Chinese New Year celebrations. For 30 days following Chinese New Year, the temple remains open until late at night whilst thousands of lights turn the scenery into a sea of light and this is very impressive view!! =)
Ok.. enough of reading. Let’s continue our journey. =)
View from the bottom of the hill taken from the open car park.
Statues seen in the open car park. I believe these statues will be brought up to the temple when they are completed.
Walking along to road at bottom of the hill of Air Hitam. You can see the pagoda and also the Kuan Yin which stands out.
There is a market near the temple where every weekends it will be filled with lots of people and cars.
Stall selling all sorts of lanterns…
Lots of motorbikes seen outside the wet market.
Food stall outside the market. It is a good place to try some of the local food of Penang here. =)
Clear signboard leading to the temple; Kek Lok Si Temple.
Well.. stay tune with me. More on the wet market and the surrounding area before we head up the steps to the temple. If you like.. then keep following me… and ‘walk along side’ with me on this trip. =)
Outlook in Life 
Reblogged this on The EDGYcator and commented:
How to get here from KL? Are there student learning programmes or resources available? If I may just ask. I want to bring my students here.
From where are you planning to depart to KL? You can always check the low cost carrier; AirAsia if you plan to fly in to KL. Not sure what kind of student learning programmes or resources that you are looking for. Maybe you need to elaborate more.
Beautiful shots! I’m going to Singapore for Xmas and wondering where to go for second week. Malaysia looks good!
Thanks!! Well.. you can always catch a low cost carrier from Spore to Langkawi or to Penang which you can enjoy the beach and food (Penang.. a food heaven!!) =)
awesome pictures! I wish I could make it to Malaysia when I go to SE Asia! 😦
Thanks!! Well you can. Now there lots of low cost carrier that heads to South East Asia like Airasia. So.. if you keep an eye out, you may get a good deal. =)
If you go during Chinese New Year, and take photos at night, you will get stunning photos with all the lighting at the temple. But there will be traffic jam too 🙂
Yup.. I know. I am always in Penang during Chinese New Year but that’s the place I will avoid as the traffic there is horrendous and also packed with human jam but I do agree with you… especially at night, you really can get a stunning view of the lighting at the temple. =)
Beautiful pictures and interesting history lesson. I know almost nothing about Asian cultures and this has definitely sparked my interest!
Thanks!! Well… the eastern culture is definitely different and also the sight too. Lots of things that I am also still learning. Stay tune and ‘follow’ me around to learn more. =)
hello there, i was born and bred in penang…have visited the wet market above and climbed up the temple several times…buzzing place!
Yup.. you are right there!! It is buzzing and always jam pack but still love the environment. It is so lively!! =)
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