MY · Penang · 5.40°N 100.27°E

kek lok si

Hillside temple that glows at CNY, with Air Itam laksa waiting at the bottom.

Best time
Mornings are cooler for the climb. For a few weeks around Chinese New Year the whole complex is lit up with lanterns and lights at night, and it gets very busy.
How long
Half a day
Getting there
In Air Itam, about 20–30 minutes from George Town by car, Grab or Rapid Penang bus, and close to the Penang Hill lower station. Penang is about 4 hours' drive from KL, or about an hour's flight.
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MY · Penangkek lok si5.40°N 100.27°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Hillside temple that glows at CNY, with Air Itam laksa waiting at the bottom.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKek Lok SiMY, Penang
KLkek lok si
≈ 297 km from KL, as the crow flies
Aerial view of Kek Lok Si at dusk, taken by a drone

Photo: HundenvonPenang · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple, built up the hillside at Air Itam between 1890 and 1930. The seven-storey Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda blends Chinese, Thai and Burmese styles, and a 36 m bronze statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, looks out over it all.

Makan

  1. Air Itam assam laksaThe famous laksa stall by Air Itam market sits at the foot of the road up to the temple.Map ↗
  2. Air Itam marketA busy local market with hawker breakfasts and fruit stalls.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Ten Thousand Buddhas PagodaClimb the narrow stairs inside for views over Air Itam and Penang Hill.Map ↗
  2. The Guanyin statueAn inclined lift takes you up to the giant bronze statue at the top of the complex.Map ↗
  3. The tortoise pondA pond near the entrance full of tortoises released by worshippers for merit.Map ↗
  4. Chinese New Year light-upThousands of lights and lanterns cover the hillside after dark.Map ↗
  5. Penang HillThe funicular is just down the road, so you can do both in one outing.Map ↗

Good to know

  • This is an active temple. Cover your shoulders and knees, and keep your voice down in the prayer halls.
  • The way up passes a long covered walkway of souvenir stalls and plenty of steps, so wear comfy shoes.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.