Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang, Malaysia 🇲🇾

Kek Lok Si Temple, located at the foot of Air Itam in Penang, Malaysia, is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia and an important religious center for the Malaysian Chinese community. The name "Kek Lok Si" signifies the Western Paradise, symbolizing Buddhist wisdom and compassion. Built in the 1880s by Chinese immigrants to Penang, Kek Lok Si blends architectural styles from both northern and southern China, Thai roofs, and traditional Buddhist elements, showcasing a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. Key buildings include: the Guanyin Hall, a popular attraction for devotees and tourists, enshrining Guanyin Bodhisattva; the seven-story Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, a fusion of Chinese and Thai architectural styles, adorned with thousands of small Buddha statues symbolizing the universal illumination of Buddhism; and a colossal 33-meter-tall Guanyin statue overlooking the temple and the Penang valley, becoming a landmark of the temple complex. During the Lunar New Year, the temple hosts a grand lantern festival and celebration, illuminating the entire temple area with colorful lanterns, creating a lively and peaceful atmosphere. #November Destinations 2025