As well as the colours making it
a photographer’s dream destination, Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the most beautiful, unique and peaceful places you can visit in bustling Penang. Perched on a quiet
hilltop, this fascinating temple harmoniously blends two forms of Buddhism with
traditional Chinese beliefs, and is said to be the largest Buddhist temple in
South East Asia. The result is a quiet place of worship covered in stunning
artwork. It is definitely worth visiting when you are in Penang.
The temple's history
Constructed between
1890 and 1930, thanks to generous donations from five wealthy Chinese
merchants, Kek Lok Si is still being developed by the existing Chinese
community and is the most beautiful example of a ‘work in progress’ I have ever
seen. Somehow, despite the continuing building works, the grounds remain calm and
fascinating to visit, without being noisy, dusty or dirty.
Kek Lok Si Temple
is an important centre of pilgrimage from Buddhists across South East Asia. The
temple was founded by the Chief Monk at the Goddess of Mercy Temple on Pitt
Street, Yeoh Siew Beow, who became the temple’s first Abbott. The sprawling
complex consists of several large prayer and assembly halls, pagodas, statues
of Buddha, statues of Chinese gods and Boddhisattvas, gardens and ponds across
two main levels.
Pagoda Level
Having made it
through the hawkers outside, visitors enter the temple complex at the Pagoda
Level.
Pagoda of 10,000
Buddhas
The temple’s main
pagoda, the Temple of 10,000 Buddhas, does what it says on the tin. The pagoda is over 30 metres tall and seven
storeys high. It has three main tiers, starting with a Chinese
octagonal base. The middle section is built in Thai style and the pagoda is
topped with a golden Burmese spiral dome. This combination symbolises the
ethnic and religious diversity of the temple, which blends Mahayana and
Theravada Buddhism with Chinese beliefs. The ornate, but plain white, exterior
walls of the pagoda keep secret the amazing colours on the inside. Visitors
entering the pagoda are greeted by 10,000 Buddha statues and images spread
across the seven different levels. You can climb the narrow and steep staircase
to the top (mind your head!), from which there is a magnificent view across the
temple complex, and to the sea. The pagoda is also known as the Pagoda of Rama
VI, on account of the Thai king laying the pagoda’s foundation.
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| Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas interior, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia |
Prayer and
Assembly Halls
The temple
features numerous large and intricately decorated prayer halls. The halls
provide a quiet place for worshippers to assemble and pray. Cauldrons holding
incense sticks often waft smoke outside the halls.
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| Buddhist monk with incense, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia |
Inside, offerings are left
before large statues of Buddha or Chinese gods. Ornately carved pillars,
colourful examples of skillful woodwork and spectacular paintings and carvings
on the walls and ceilings make each prayer hall a work of art. Visitors are
permitted but expected to be respectful, remove their shoes and keep quiet.
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| Buddhist nuns prepare offerings in a prayer hall, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia |
Gardens
The different
sections of the complex are connected by walkways through beautifully
landscaped and colourful little gardens. There are also several stalls along
the way that sell offerings and souvenirs. Free books about Buddhism are
available at a few stands, if you wish to learn more.
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| Prayer hall artwork, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia |
Kuan Yin Level
The upper level
of the complex can be reached by cable car for a few dollars. It is worth
visiting to see the various statues. Visitors can also try a vegetarian meal
and enjoy the view across the temple and over to the sea.
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| Kuan Yin statue, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia |
Kuan Yin Statue
A vast 30 metre
bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, which is apparently the
tallest in the world, stands at the highest point of the temple. The bronze
statue was completed in 2002, following a fire that destroyed the original. This
area is where work continues. An enormous 16-column pavilion structure is being
built over the statue, and further smaller statues are planned.
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| Kuan Yin statue and pavilion, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia |
Chinese statues
Other statues on
this level of the complex include four Chinese Heavenly Kings, each of which is
said to control a compass point. There are also 12 animal statues representing
the symbols of the Chinese zodiac.
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| Chinese Heavenly King, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia |
Liberation Pond
Liberation Pond
is so-named following the Chinese tradition of releasing captured turtles to
their freedom, as a symbol of spiritual liberation. The pond is home to several
turtles (that may dispute the name) and there is a small pavilion in the centre
of the pond from which you can watch them.
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| Liberation Pond, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia |
Visiting
Kek Lok Si Temple
is open daily from 8.30am – 5.30pm, and sometimes longer. It is especially busy
at Chinese New Year and during the 30 days that follow. Entry is free, but
there is a charge of a few dollars to use the cable car to the upper level.
It is a place of
worship and appropriate clothing should be worn. Comfortable shoes are
essential as it is a large complex. Slip-ons are most convenient when accessing
the prayer halls (and needing to remove shoes).
The temple is about
3 kilometres from the Penang Hill Station, near Air Itam. From Georgetown you
can take the bus to Air Itam, or a taxi.
