Penang, Malaysia - Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple

The iconic Kek Lok Si pagoda.
Kek Lok Si temple is built into the side of a hill.

You can actually go inside the pagoda and climb to the top, but must pay an entrance fee.
At the highest point of the temple complex is where the giant Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) statue is.
Although the temple complex is massive, there's really only one pathway to walk. So it is impossible to get lost.

There are many Buddha statues all over the temple.




Look at the Buddha statues all lined up neatly.
Below is the glass elevator railway that leads up to the Kuan Yin statue. You can see Georgetown as you're ascending up the hill. The building below is where you board the elevator. It is basically a large souvenir shop, and the elevator is located within the shop. There is an admission fee of RM2 to ride the elevator.
The view from the top is simply breathtaking.
This is another view of the glass elevator. The little box with the golden roof is the elevator.

Video of view from the top of Kek Lok Si Temple


I zoomed in 10X with my digital camera to capture the face of Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy).
These two seem to be standing guard.

The statue was built some time back. But it was only in recent years that they decided to build a pagoda over the statue. The pagoda is not quite complete yet, as there is still equipment lying around.
She looks like she's coming up from behind the building. Visitors can also drive up and park their cars here.
It is quite odd to find Disney characters here.
The construction scaffolds are still there, so the area is still closed to the public. When the work is complete, I'm sure visitors will be able to walk into the pagoda and admire the Goddess of Mercy up close.

Video of the Kuan Yin statue.


There is a pond filled with koi.


A spectacular view of Georgetown, Penang. The tallest building at the center is Komtar, a large shopping complex.




There are some beggars sitting around.


Liberation Pond. You can buy vegetables and feed the turtles.
For visitors walking up Kek Lok Si on foot, this is where you will approach. Just walk straight, towards the left are a flight of stairs leading up, lined on both sides with souvenir shops.

Penang Ferry Service

The Penang Ferry service is the oldest ferry service in Malaysia, beginning operations in 1920. The service plys between Penang island and Butterworth on the mainland. The ferry has two decks, the lower deck is meant for vehicles, while the upper deck is for passengers. The half hour ride from Penang to Butterworth is free. You only need to pay RM1.20 on the way back from Butterworth.



The ferry terminal on the Penang side is located at Weld Quay, just next to the bus terminal.
Swettenham Pier, where passengers board luxury cruise ships.


The back rest of the chairs can flip both ways, depending on which way the ferry is traveling.
The ferry has got a little snack shop where you can buy some refreshments.
Although the Penang bridge offers an alternative way to get to the mainland, the ferry service remains a popular choice for many.

Yes, the ferry is old and rusty, but still very well maintained. Some of these ferries are more than thirty years old. Its a nostalgic feeling knowing that you're traveling in such lovely, vintage equipment.

Its important to note that there are eight ferries in the fleet. They are all named after islands; Pulau Rawa, Pulau Talang Talang, Pulau Undan, Pulau Rimau, Pulau Angsa, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Payar and Pulau Pinang (the malay word for Penang). Any of these ferries will take you over to the mainland and back. So don't just wait for Pulau Pinang!