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.
The temple seems a work in progress; ever expanding.
Souvenir gauntlet.
A view back to George Town.
Pagoda.
Having some fun at the top of the pagoda while waiting for the lights to come on.
Looking towards George Town.
Kuan Yin lit up.
8 comments:
Kwan Yin lit up is spectacular. Better than fireworks. Do you suppose the lighting is strung permanently or just recently for CNY?
I think I erred in first post. I mean the Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple, not just Kwan Yin.
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.
@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.
Beautiful! Jake was particularly impressed by these pics.
Thanks Jake!
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