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Attraction · George Town

Kek Lok Si Temple

A hillside Buddhist temple complex in Air Itam, Penang, begun in 1891.

WhereAyer Itam (Air Itam), Penang Island
First hall completed1891
PagodaBuilt 1915 to 1930, about 100 feet high
TraditionMahayana Buddhism
About

Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si is a hillside Buddhist temple complex at Ayer Itam on Penang Island, following Mahayana Buddhism and traditional Chinese rituals. Its founder, the Venerable Beow Lean, came to Penang in 1885 and named the site Crane Hill. The first building, the Hall of Bodhisattvas, was finished in 1891 and the first phase of the complex in 1904. The pagoda that is now its best-known feature was built between 1915 and 1930. The temple describes itself as one of the largest temple complexes in Southeast Asia.

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What to See

Up the hill, hall by hall

The temple lists its main places in order from the entrance up the slope.

Lower and middle levels

  • The entrance path and the Tortoise Liberation Pond, home to hundreds of tortoises.
  • The Hall of Bodhisattvas (1891), the oldest building, and the Hall of Devas (1895).
  • The Garden Pavilion of Lord Buddha and the Five Bhikkus.
  • The Main Prayer Hall and the Hall of the Mahawira.

Upper levels

  • The Pagoda, about 100 feet high, combining Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture.
  • The Hall of Buddhas of Five Regions.
  • The Kuan Yin Bodhimandala, with the large statue of Kuan Yin.
Before You Go

Practical points

The temple's own website does not publish visiting hours, so confirm them locally.

Live Traveller's advice

  • This is a working place of worship on a slope; expect climbing and wear shoes that are easy to walk in.
  • Dress modestly and keep voices low in the prayer halls.
  • Suits travellers interested in temples and architecture; those with limited mobility should ask about lift access before going.
  • Allow two hours or more to reach the upper levels.
Nearby

Elsewhere on Penang Island

Kek Lok Si is at Ayer Itam, outside the George Town heritage core.

Penang Hill
Penang Island
George Town World Heritage Site
George Town
George Town
City guide
Good to Know

Frequently asked

The founder arrived in Penang in 1885. The first hall was completed in 1891, the first phase in 1904 and the pagoda in 1930.
Its mixed design. The temple says it combines Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture and stands about 100 feet high.
It is at Ayer Itam on Penang Island, outside George Town's heritage core, so plan it as a separate outing.
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