Kek Lok Si Temple The largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia

Amidst the rugged valleys of Ayer Itam on Penang Island, there is a large Buddhist monastery that attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. The history of this large temple dates back to the late 19th century, when Venerable Biao Lien, a Hokkien monk, was visiting Penang for the Buddhist Lent. He discovered a hill that resembled a crane spreading its wings, a good location according to Feng Shui principles, and decided to build a temple on it, giving it the Hokkien name ‘Kek Lok Si’, meaning ‘Temple of the Pure Land of Buddhist Lands’. Construction began in 1891 and ended in 1905, just one year before Venerable Biao Lien passed away. During the time of the second abbot, the temple built a large pagoda, the ‘Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas’, which is 100 feet high. It has a unique architectural style: the lower part is built in Chinese style, the middle part in Thai style, and the top part in Burmese style. To show the unity of Buddhism that does not discriminate between races or sects of its followers. With a total area of ​​over 30 acres, Kek Lok Si Temple holds the title of the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia without any competition. Apart from the magnificent Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, this place is also full of beautiful architecture such as Bodhisattva Hall, Deva Hall and Tripitaka Hall which houses countless Buddhist art such as Buddha statues, paintings, carvings and many more. It is understandable that Kek Lok Si Temple has become the first popular tourist attraction that people pin in their minds when visiting Penang. It is said that the biggest Chinese New Year celebration in Penang is held at this temple. The temple is decorated with thousands of lanterns every night during the festival. Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang (Map) #travel Opening hours: Daily 08.00 – 17.00 hrs.