How to Visit Penang’s Kek Lok Si Temple (and What to Eat)

Published by Travel Me, May 30th, 2024

Penang is famous for several reasons like its beaches, UNESCO Heritage sites and Malaysian food. However, the city is also home to the biggest Chinese Buddhist Temple Complex in Malaysia and one of the biggest Chinese Buddhist complexes in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple. With magnificent statues, an ornate pagoda, and many other significant attributes worth seeing, your trip will be enriched by a visit to this temple. Discover some salient insights on how to navigate this unique temple complex.

Kek Lok Si Temple - Image via Flickr

Introduction

Situated on Penang Hill at the back of the tiny market town of Air Itam Kek Lok Si Temple is a significant place of worship revered by Buddhists from many parts of the world. The temple has three different levels which can be easily navigated using stairways.

Whether you are exploring Penang for several days or on a short visit, spend a few hours of exploration by witnessing the beautiful temple and the surrounding marketplace. The bustling market will be full of visitors and locals enjoying the delicious food and the atmosphere. The temple is open between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm each day. Getting there early is best to appreciate most of the temple in good light and before it gets too hot.

Getting to Kek Lok Si Temple

For visitors using a hotel in Penang Georgetown, this temple is about 10 km away and is quite easy to get there by bus, car, or Grab services.

Bus – Take the Rapid Penang bus from the well-known Chulia Street or even from the George Town bus terminal at KOMTAR. Bus numbers 203 and 204 take you to the temple arriving at either Air Itam Market which is close to the temple or right to the base of the temple itself. The bus fare is a nominal amount, the bus ride takes about 35 minutes.

Car – Drive up to Air Itam and at the Market Junction turn inside to arrive at the base of the temple. The car can be parked at the bottom of the temple, or the smaller parking space situated right below the main temple on the ground level. The ride takes about 30 minutes. A reasonable charge is levied for parking.

Grab Services – Once the ride is booked for either a motorbike or taxi the ride takes a similar time to travel by car while motorbike rides are slightly faster. A taxi is ideal for more than one person and the charges for both services are reasonable.

Once you arrive, you will already see the Kek Lok Si Penang pagoda rising above in its glory, however, don’t miss having a bite first as you will be spending some time at this magnificent temple. Fuel up by tasting your choice from the various stalls offering, duck rice, laksa, Nasi Kandar, even Siam Tomyam and more.

Exploring Kek Lok Si Temple

There is an inclined lift facilitating the movement of devotees and visitors from the lower entry point at the car park. This lift stops at the Avalokiteshvara Hall, the main prayer hall and at the Kuan Yin statue and can be used at a nominal charge.

There is no admission fee to the temple, however, entering certain special areas such as the Kek Lok Si Pagoda made in Thai Burmese and Sino Style has a nominal charge which is fully worth it. You can climb to the top and enjoy the spectacular view of the island as well as the view of the temple complex. This is usually enjoyed by guests from properties located close by, like Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang.

Adjoining the inclined lift station is the fascinating Liberation Pond, a large pond full of tortoises admired by most guests on their way to the temple as it has arched bridges and a viewing platform.

Reached by steps or by the lift Avalokiteshvara Hall is a large shrine with three seated statues of Bodhisattva erected for veneration. Buddhists offer their prayers at this hall. Around this shrine are alcoves with smaller statues of Buddha placed for offerings to be made.

The bronze statue of Goddess of Mercy Kuan Yin is 36.5 m in height and is a magnificent creation which is well worth the nominal fee you pay to view it.

Having completed this fulfilling tour of the biggest temple complex in Malaysia, make sure you go back to enjoy some food and drink at Air Itam market. Maybe pisang goreng (banana fritters) and Disco Milk? or a savoury dish like fish head noodles? Don’t miss this chance.

Handy hints

Have ready cash when visiting this temple as nominal amounts are needed for lift rides and fees. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must, as is a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Although no strict dress code is given it is good if visitors cover their upper arms and dress modestly in this place of worship.