Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Penang - Kek Lok Si (Temple)

A "must do" in Penang over Chinese New Year is seeing the lights at Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple. So on the 2nd day of the New Year, we took a bus out to Kek Lok Si.

The temple is spread over the side of a hill and features a pagoda with 192 steps, and a statue of Kuan Yin reached by mini-funicular.

Unfortunately, on-foot arrivals get to walk up to the base of the temple through a noisy, smokey, tacky souvenir gauntlet. Luckily we spotted a shortcut on the way up; then avoided it all together on the way down.

The guide books call the lights "fairy tale" but "kitsch" was the first word out of Sun-Ling's mouth. ;-)

Well the wait was worth it. The lights came on about 7:15 pm and we enjoyed them from on top of the pagoda. Not only were the lights pretty cool, but the view back to George Town was pretty good as well. I'll agree the the Kek Lok Si lights are a "must see" for CNY in Penang.

But before we head out to the temple, some veggie eats at Lily's Vegetarian Restoran.
George Town, Penang, Malaysia

The temple seems a work in progress; ever expanding.
George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Souvenir gauntlet.
George Town, Penang, Malaysia

A view back to George Town.
George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Pagoda.
George Town, Penang, Malaysia

George Town, Penang, Malaysia

George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Having some fun at the top of the pagoda while waiting for the lights to come on.
Kek Lok Si - Penang, Malaysia

Looking towards George Town.
Kek Lok Si - Penang, Malaysia

Kuan Yin lit up.
Kek Lok Si - Penang, Malaysia

Kek Lok Si - Penang, Malaysia

Kek Lok Si - Penang, Malaysia

Kek Lok Si - Penang, Malaysia

Kek Lok Si - Penang, Malaysia

Kek Lok Si - Penang, Malaysia

Kek Lok Si - Penang, Malaysia

Kek Lok Si - Penang, Malaysia

Kek Lok Si - Penang, Malaysia




8 comments:

Crash Eddy said...

Kwan Yin lit up is spectacular. Better than fireworks. Do you suppose the lighting is strung permanently or just recently for CNY?

Crash Eddy said...

I think I erred in first post. I mean the Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple, not just Kwan Yin.

Kathy said...

Great night pix!

So, is it the year of the goat or the year of the sheep there? I read that the Chinese word could be translated either way.

john said...

@Kathy, Thanks! The Chinese word can be translated either way; however, the iconography we've seen is goat all the way. Also have seen the word "ram" used.

@Ed, We think most of the lights are for CNY only.

Liz said...

Beautiful! Jake was particularly impressed by these pics.

Liz said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
john said...

Thanks Jake!

john said...
This comment has been removed by the author.

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