Kek Lok Si Temple, Air Itam

Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. It was built in 1890 but they continue to expand with a lot of other buildings and reconstruction and renovation. From last time there is no roof for the mighty Goddess of Mercy statue to now there are 16 carved dragon pillars were built, carrying the top of three concentric octagonal roof.
These temple re-modification is all thanks to the huge donation by the Chinese community and the visitors or tourists whom generously donated to the temple.
The parking here are chargeable at RM2.00 per entry for parking inside the temple and it is free during the weekdays if you park at the foothill of the temple. During Chinese New Year holidays, RM3.00 per entry will be charged for 15 days. There are a total of 600 car park bays at Kek Lok Si Temple for cars and tour buses.
From the picture you see is the wishing ribbons. You are not compulsory to pray here but if you do, the minimum to spend for a set of incense is starts from RM13.00. 
There are 2 sections of this temple. First is the Goddess of Mercy statue and the second section is the 7-storey Pagoda. Every section is compulsory to be charged for RM2.00/person/entry. This section is the Goddess of Mercy statue.

It comes with a beautiful park which is well maintained and no vandalism by the public. It is great that the public respecting this sacred place.
There is a huge koi pond with a man-made waterfall here too.
Others are the statue of 12 animals Chinese zodiac which I did not capture every single one them.

There are other animals too! Hahaha...and a human!
I know there is a dog in the Chinese Zodiac but I do not remember there is a panda and a Minnie Mouse in it. This is weird...looks like a children playground to me.
This inclined lift takes you from the middle hall of the temple complex right to the top section where the Goddess of Mercy Statue and Pagoda are located. It is a cross between a tram and an elevator and it goes up at a 45 degree angle. The lift has glass panels so as to provide you with a good view of the temple grounds as well as Georgetown below. It cost only RM2 per person per way. The frequency is about once every 10 minutes. It takes less than 5 minutes to travel either direction. You can either take the Inclined lift for both ways which will cost you RM4, or just take the up journey and then walk down from there. It's just a short walk.
This is the entrance to the 7-storey Pagoda. You can climb the Pagoda. Be extra careful when you climbing up the stairs because it is very narrow and the steps are small. The worst part is a little dim inside for the elders to look at the steps carefully and there is nothing to hold to climb the stairs.
This is the view of the whole Air Itam from the 7th floor.
This is one of the large assembly hall for the prayers.
This one majestic structure which I do not know what is the purpose of it. LOL.
The structure carving technique is very precise and skillful. You can see every each of the wall carvings are extremely detail.
This is a large gong which you hit it once to say your wishes. It says it is very accurate.
There a lot of plants and flowers which are very well maintained. It is common to see Chinese here and some foreigners. What surprised me is the foreigners from the middle east are here too but our local Malay citizens are not. I find it rather strange. I can visit their Mosque and why don't they visit our temple especially this one which is a tourist site? 
As long as there is still land on this hill, I believe they will keep on expanding. This place is worth to visit. During the Chinese New Year celebration, thousands of devotees turned up for the annual lighting ceremony at Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam. Starting from Chinese New Year, Kek Lok Si Temple will be light up every night at 7pm until midnight to symbolize peace, luck and prosperity. Approximately 230,000 light bulbs and 10,000 lanterns light up the temple every night for 33 days in conjunction with Chinese New Year. Making this 120 year old temple one of Asia's most beautiful temple.
Total Damage: RM23.00
Ambiance: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Recommended?: Yes
Opening Hours: 7.00am - 9.00pm (daily)

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Hawker Center @Jalan MacAlister, Penang

Sports Shooting Club Hatyai (SSC)

Restoran Minmax, PNB Darby Park

Bao Seng Durian Farm, Balik Pulau

Kedai Kopi Lotus, Kota Kinabalu

Champ's Bowling Centre, Sandakan

Merlion Park, Singapore

Restoran Wan Seafood & Tomyam Sara Thai Kitchen, Kuantan

Bungee Jump @Sunway Lagoon

Chong Siew Lam Restaurant, Serdang