Insider’s Guide to Explore Kek Lok Si Temple Like A Local

Kek Lok Si temple is a place you should visit when you are planning your trip to Penang. It is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. You can spend some spiritual time there and also enjoy the beauty of the architecture. This guide will help you discover the history of this Penang temple and what to expect during your visit.

A Brief History Of Kek Lok Si Temple

Founded by Venerable Beow Lean. Initially, Beow Lean came to Penang to obtain donations for a monastery in his hometown in China. During his trip, he discovered the hill in Air Itam and thought that it was the perfect place to build a Buddhist monastery. The first phase of the temple was from 1891 to 1899.

The temple has been expanding since then. For example, the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddha was built by the second chief abbot, the majestic statue of Kuany Yin was completed under the sixth chief abbot.

Kek Lok Si Temple Opening Hours

The opening hours for Kek Lok Si Temple is from 8:30am – 5:30pm daily. If you have entered the temple during the opening hours, you are allowed to stay until 6pm.

Dress Code

There is no specific dress code for Kek Lok Si. You can wear casual clothing. But since it is a religious place, it is best to dress more conservatively. You may want to wear trousers and clothes that cover your shoulders.

Also, consider wearing shoes that are easily taken off. You will need to remove your shoes as you enter the prayer hall.

Best Time To Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

You can visit this Penang Temple all year round. But if you want to have a different feel, consider visiting the temple during Chinese New Year. They will put up some decoration to celebrate the festival. They will light up the lantern during the night and it will be a nice view to enjoy. Also, the place would be crowded during Chinese New Year.

One thing to take note is that there will be quite a lot of walking to do. It is best to go in the morning if you want to beat the heat.

Getting Around At Kek Lok Si Temple

There are several levels at Kek Lok Si Temple that you can visit. It depends on how high you want to go and what you want to see. There will be a distance to reach the top if you want to walk. You can also take the cable car to skip the walking.

Just follow the signs “Kek Lok Si Temple” if you are walking up. If you are taking the cable car, you can take it at the “Inclined Lift Station”. Take note that there is a fare for the cable car. The Kek Lok Si cable car price will be RM16 per adult or RM8 per child for two ways. The price for one way will be RM8 per adult or RM4 per child. The operating time for the cable car is from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Things You Can’t-Miss At Kek Lok Si Temple

1. The Liberation Pond

Before you head up to the temple, don’t miss the Liberation Pond. Located next to the chairlift station, it is a pond with many beautiful tortoises. You can find them swimming or resting on a small hillock. There’s a Chinese arched bridge built around the pond and a viewing platform where you can admire the beauty of the pond and tortoises. Don’t forget to stop by the pond before you head up to the top of the temple.

2. Avalokiteshvara Hall

Located at the east of the Liberation Pond, the Avalokiteshvara Hall is a place you should visit. There are three majestic seated Bodhisattva’s wait in the hall. Besides, there are also hundreds of small Buddha figurines.

Standing outside the hall, you can view the Kek Lok Si Pagoda. It looks beautiful especially during the Chinese New Year, when it will be decorated with thousands of multi-coloured LED lights.

3. Buddha Pavillion

After visiting Avalokiteshvara Hall, you can visit the Buddha Pavillion, which is one of the most beautiful places at Kek Lok Si. As you walk along the pathway from Avalokiteshvara, you will find a meditating Buddha sits surrounded by deer in a landscaped garden. You will walk through an oval door, where you will find dozens of Buddha statues in the garden.

There are also other smaller prayer halls where you can visit. Walk across the garden and you will find a great spot viewing the Air Itam valley.

4. Kuan Yin Statue

If you reach the top, don’t miss the Kuan Yin statue. This 36.5 meter-high bronze statue is a major highlight at the Kek Lok Si temple. The statue is sheltered by a roof supported by 16 pillars. Get closer to the pillar to check out the details that are curved into the pillars.

After checking out the Kuan Yin Statue, move towards the balcony in front where you can to see the panoramic views of Air Itam and the Straits of Malacca.

5. Main Prayer Hall And The Pagoda

Located at the middle tier, do visit the Main Prayer Hall and the Pagoda. There are three golden buddhas and 18 Arhats in the Main Prayer

The Pagoda, known as “Ban Po Thar” or Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, is another highlight of Kek Lok Si. This 30 structure was built around 1930. What makes is unique is that it combines three different types or architecture.

The bottom two are inspired by the Chinese, the middle four levels are inspired by Thai, the top is inspired by the Burmese. Keep some energy to climb up this seven-storey structure. But it is definitely worth it as you enjoy the beautiful design as you climb up.

Conclusion

Being one of the oldest temples in Southeast Asia, you wouldn’t want to miss this place. Whether you are looking for a spiritual trip or check out the Kuan Yin Statue or the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, it definitely gives you a memorable experience.