- Address: 1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
- Phone: +60 4-828 3317
- Official website: kekloksitemple.com
The temple complex of Kek Lok Si is one of the largest and most beautiful Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. On its territory there are 10,000 Buddha statuettes brought here from all over the world. The temple is located on the island of Penang in Malaysia . A masterpiece of architecture complements the pagoda and several statues.
Excursion to the temple
The construction of Keck Lok Si began at the end of the 19th century and was completed in 1913. The initiators of the construction of the temple were Chinese emigrants. Architecture combines a variety of oriental styles, including Burmese. The temple is the venue for the celebrations of the Chinese community. It is especially interesting to visit Kek Lok Si during the celebration of the Chinese New Year - this is a very beautiful celebration.
The path to the temple lies through a long market for tourists. Here sell souvenirs, clothes and food. By the way, if you want to have a snack, then it is better to do it here, because the restaurants that work on the territory of the complex may seem expensive.
After passing through the trading rows, you find yourself at the stairs that lead you to a pond with turtles. They have lived here since the foundation of the temple and have long been accustomed to tourists. Near the pond, you can buy greens and feed the animals. It is believed that feeding the turtles is for a long life.
Behind the pond is the inner courtyard, it is with him that begins a tour of the temple of Kek Lok Si. This place will be the first among those that you will have to meet: the fact is that the temple complex consists of many courtyards and arches, which are decorated with statues or drawings of the Buddha.
In the temple there are several interesting objects that are worth a visit:
- Pagoda Two hundred thousand Buddhas. Her construction began immediately after the opening of the temple, and she is with him in the neighborhood. The first stone of the construction was laid by the Thai King Rama VI. On the pagoda there are balconies, from which a beautiful view of the surroundings.
- Statue and temple of Kuan Yin. They are dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy of Guan Yin and has a height of 37 m. The temple is located next to the statue, on top of a hill. It is crowned by the bust of Guan Yin on the roof. An excellent view also opens from there. On the roof you can climb a toll elevator (ticket costs $ 0.4).
- Statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. It is believed that each of them protects one side of the world. This temple is an important element of the complex.
- Statue of Laughing Buddha. It is located in the center and is the largest Buddha statue in the temple. It literally emits a positive, and there are always a lot of tourists nearby.
The working hours of the temple of Kek Lok Si are from 8:00 to 18:00, therefore it is possible to inspect the complex quite a lot. If you want, visit one of the restaurants in which European cuisine is represented.
How to get there?
Kek Lok Si is located in the small town of Air Itam in the northeast of Penang. You can get there by buses №№201, 203, 204 and 502. They leave from the Weld Quay bus station in Georgetown , which is only 6 km from the landmark .