Day 215
Upon my departure from Thailand after a combined three glorious months, the familiar mixture of unease and excitement that accompanies landing in a new country came over me. I knew almost nothing about Malaysia, and wasn’t sure what to expect, especially after becoming so comfortable in Thailand.
So comfortable, in fact, that I am still converting Malaysian Ringgit to Thai Baht in my head rather than directly to US Dollars.
Imagine my excitement to find that, just like my first unfamiliar days in Bangkok, I’d have someone to guide me through – James Clark. I absolutely love it when I arrive in a town and find out that James happens to be around. This means several things: he will know where all the best food is, will be able to suggest a great coffee shop, will know where to find the best WiFi, and will already have local transportation figured out.
In short, I can be extremely lazy about doing research or planning of any kind, which is my favorite.
I asked him what the best thing to do in Penang was (other than stuffing my face with amazing food at every possible interval), and he suggested Kek Lok Si – the largest Buddhist temple in the whole of Southeast Asia. Given that I don’t seem to suffer the common traveler ailment of being “templed out”, even after the amazingness of Angkor Wat, Sukhothai, and the White Temple, I was excited to see what Kek Lok Si had on offer.
I was not disappointed:
*Photos are in order of how one would see these sights walking through the temple
James and I elected to pick out some prayer ribbons. He selected “continuous run of wealth luck,” and I went with “success in all things.” Doesn’t seem like too much to ask, right?
Under construction since 1890, this temple is still growing. With main construction completed in 1905, the main pagoda that gives the temple its notoriety was completed in 1930.
The pagoda incorporates Chinese, Thai, and Burmese elements of design, giving it a unique look.
The next level up, accessible by lift, features the 100-foot tall statue of Kuan Yin – Goddess of mercy. This is where the new construction can be seen.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to see her up-close, as the new construction prohibited tourists from climbing up the stairs to the statue. This resulted in me disliking all of my photos of her, but Wikipedia does a nice job.
Do it Yourself:
- The temple is located on Crane Hill in Georgetown. If staying in Georgetown in the common backpacker area, walk to the Komtar shopping complex and hop on the #201, #203, or #204 bus (make sure it is signed Air Itam). Fare should be around 2 Ringgit (about 60 cents) and will take around 45 minutes.
- The bus will drop off near enough to the temple for you to see it on the hill. Follow your eyes and you’ll easily find the way.
- Entrance is free (though some things within the temple grounds require a small donation to view). The temple is open from 9am to 6pm.
- When staying in Penang, I like Reggae Penang on Love Lane (update 2017: sadly, Peggae Penang has closed down permanently).
James Clark says
Great to cross paths with you again, Kristin! I’m always happy to show friends around cities I know and love, so that was a fun day out for me.
Meanwhile I’m still waiting for my “continuous run of wealth luck” to kick in….any moment now 🙂
Kristin says
Yeah my “success in all things” is chugging away, but I was expecting instant fame, wealth, and groupies. I’d settle for just the groupies, I suppose…
James Clark says
Damn, I want to change my ribbon now 🙂
Jim says
I’m a big fan of this temple. Probably my favorite thing I saw on Penang. I wish I’d gotten pictures as amazing as yours. Great job!
Kristin says
Thanks so much, Jim!
kim says
Hi! I came across your blog through your post on Angkor Wat.
I’m a Malaysian btw…You’ll love the food in Penang.
Visit Kuala Lumpur or Malacca (the historical state).
If you love beaches then you should check out Perhentian Island in Terrengganu
Hope you will have a great time exploring Malaysia 🙂
Kristin says
I did love the food in Penang! I had the best chicken curry samosa of my life in Little India there. All of those are on my list to visit. Posts to come soon! So far, I absolutely love Malaysia.
Steve Miller says
Temple architecture has got to be one of my favorite things.
Kristin says
Same. I can never get tired of marveling at what love can create.
Rika | Cubicle Throwdown says
Absolutely gorgeous photos! What stunning colors. I hope when I visit SE Asia, I never get “templed out” 🙂
Kristin says
Hasn’t happened to me yet and I’m working hard at it!
Agness says
Wow, I must admit this temple is so mystical and spiritual. Great shots. Wish I could explore it on my own. I guess I will never get bored of Buddha statues… 🙂
Kristin says
I really don’t think I’ll ever get tired of Buddha statues!
Simmy says
Beautiful photos!
Amber says
I clicked on this because I had no idea where Kek Lok Si was, and I am traveling through SE Asia. I was in Penang four years ago, and I “think” we went to this temple, but your photos are amazing and so vivid, it makes me question whether we saw the same one. Perhaps I was on too much of an eating high, or perhaps I had the meat sweats from too many pork dumplings! Thanks for sharing.
Kristin says
Haha, it was a very bright place!
Kat says
Love your photos!
Kek Lok Si is one of my favorite temples in Southeast Asia. 🙂
Kristin says
Thanks! It was quite stunning.
Anna says
Nice photos – Kek Lok Si was also one of my favourite temples with so much to explore and so many beautiful colours
Kristin says
Thank you! It was so impressive. I almost forgot until I looked at my photos again. It was also so varied with all kinds of different styles and influences, much like Malaysia itself!