Buddist Temple

Kek Lok Si Penang the  finest Buddhist Temple that sits at the hills of Ayer Itam. The symbolic and unique characteristic of Kek Lok Si is made well known not only to locals but also to the mass population of Malaysia. It is like a name that closely related to history of Penang as a whole. This temple has become  one of the top tourist attractions in Penang that is frequent by travelers all around the world. History of  Kek Lok Si Temple Founded more than 100 years ago by benevolence Beow Lean, a devout Buddhist from Fujian province, the temple was once given the name of "Huock San" (Crane hill) due to the hills resemblance of crane spreading its wings Between the year 1891 to 1905, constructions to build one of the greatest Buddhism temples in Malaysia has finally take shape that consist of series of monasteries, prayer halls, temples and beautiful landscaped gardens. Kek Lok Si Temple even received an imperial sanction Manchu Emperor Kwang Xi, who bestowed a tablet and gift of 70,000 volumes of the Imperial Edition of the Buddhist Sutras and some others relics that still exist today. A hand written scripts and calligraphy by His Majesty Emperor Kuang Xi and Empress Cixi of the Ching Dynasty has also been presented to the temple. As of today, these priceless heritage relics still exist in the temple archives. [caption id="attachment_149" align="alignnone" width="131"] Kuan yin statue[/caption]

The main attraction of the Kek Lok Si Temple is of course the impressive and striking Pagoda of Rama VI which was completed in the year 1930. It is known to be laid by the Thai Monarch himself. Widely known as Wan Fo Pau Ta or "The Pagoda of 10, 000 Buddhas", The Pagoda displays a collection of Alabaster and Bronze Buddha and it also contains a Chinese octagonal base with middle tiers of the Thai architecture and is tapped with a Burmese Temple crown.  And towering over one hundred feet and seven storeys high, The Pagoda is currently the largest of its kind in Malaysia.The Attractions

At the Kek Lok Si Temple ground, it contains beautiful gardens and sacred pond. One of the famous ones will be of course "The Liberation Pond" (Sacred Turtle Pond). Chinese tradition believes that a turtle is a symbol of longevity, strength and endurance. It is an act of spiritual liberation when a turtle is captured and set free in this pond. [caption id="attachment_150" align="alignnone" width="300"] Liberation pond[/caption] The Kuan Yin statue was completed and opened to the public end of 2002. If you want to get a close-up look of the Kuan Yin statue, look for the signs of the "Incline Lift" that can brings you there. It is an elevated box sized lift mounted on rails. The cost for using the "Inline Lift" will be RM2 each way.The latest additions to the temple complex include the reconstruction / refurbishment of the huge 30.2 m bronze statue of the Greatly Compassionate & Sagely Kuan Yin Avalokitesvara, the completion of the Guan Tong Great Hall, the Aghast Hall and the installation of an Incline Lift to the statue of kuan Yin.

[caption id="attachment_151" align="alignnone" width="300"] Gardens at Kek Lok Si Temple[/caption]

If you like to see the night view of  Kek Lok Si temple then you must visit during the Chinese Lunar New Year on the month of Jan or Feb, you will get to see the glittering and sparkling Buddhist temple that cannot be found in another place. This is the period where the whole temple if filled with beautiful lantern that light up the hills during the night. It is like you are in a city that comes alive during the night. [caption id="attachment_152" align="alignnone" width="300"] Kek Lok Si night view with lighting[/caption] The fantastic view of the whole glittering temple can be seen clearly at penang-hills remember to bring your camera. You would not want to miss the captivating view that will only appear once a year.