While Chinese New Year is definitely the most crowded time to visit, it is also the best. During the festive period, thousands of Chinese lanterns and neon lights adorn the grounds of the temple. This wide-scale celebration has an over half a century tradition already and year after year it grows even bigger.
The temple consists of three levels, each open for exploration of visitors. On the ground level, there is a tortoise pond. These animals are traditionally associated with longitivity and bring you luck. There is also a maze of souvenir shops here.
Beautifully landscaped gardens, prayer halls and monastery grounds are located on the middle level. The striking 7-tiered Rama VI pagoda sits here, too. Its architecture combines Thai, Chinese and Burmese elements. Climb the pagoda for breath-taking views.
An enormous 30.2m bronze statue of the Goddess Guan Yin crowns the hilltop level. It is believed that when the island is to face a calamity, the Godess of Mercy starts shedding tears.
The easiest way to get to the temple is by car/taxi. The following routes of Rapid Penang Bus service will bring you there, too: 201, 203, 204, 206, 306 and U502.
Chinese New Year Is the Best Time for Visiting Kek Lok Si Temple
News in Asia
Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, sits atop a hill in Air Itam, Penang. It is especially popular to visit during the Chinese New Year – if you are somewhere in the area, do not miss out this opportunity.