Penang Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Chinese Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, bestowed by the Empress Dowager as the 'Buddha's Land between Sea and Sky'.

Penang Kek Lok Si Temple, also known as Kuil Kek Lok Si, is reputed to be the largest Chinese Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, and features a towering 30-meter statue of Guanyin at its peak. The temple is built on the slopes of Crane Hill, with such a significant elevation difference that a cable car is needed to travel between different parts of the temple. How cool is that!

If you are interested in temple culture, this is definitely a must-visit attraction when traveling to Penang. The full name of Kek Lok Si Temple is 'Crane Hill Kek Lok Zen Temple', and it is said to have been bestowed the title 'Buddha's Land between Sea and Sky' by the Empress Dowager Cixi.

Kek Lok Si Temple features the 'Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas', a seven-story pagoda with the bottom two levels designed in a Chinese octagonal style, the middle three levels in a Thai white pagoda style, and the top two levels in a Burmese golden stupa style. It is a rare architectural design that combines elements from Chinese, Thai, and Burmese pagodas.

Located in the suburbs of George Town, Kek Lok Si Temple is often visited together with Penang Hill. The most convenient way to get there is by Grab, but it can be difficult to get a ride from the top of the temple, so it's best to walk down to the base of the hill.

Post by Moutain | Feb 28, 2025