Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si Temple
4
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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- myphotosMalaysia1,453 contributionsExploring after a business appointmentDecided to make a trip over to see the statue, originally the statue were placed outdoor up high on the mountain after the years with the fundraiser donations from the people a pagoda structure were builded. My appreciation to all. One can now drive all the way up to the main sanctuary point with minimal parking fees of RM3 per vehicle, alternative you can drive half point and take the so call elevator up with a minimal fees of RM6 per person’s two way plus the minimal parking charges too. If one could remember the olden days with the extreme visitors by walking up where visitor could shop and dine along the way up well one could still be able to experience this. We decided to drive half way point as the weather were too hot to walk up and time taken is less in exploring the site that having said if you are in a hurry otherwise the walk is something to explore.Visited March 2022Travelled on businessWritten 26 March 2022
- Ian SArnside, United Kingdom106 contributionsAmazing illuminated templeTry to imagine St Paul's Cathedral and Blackpool Illuminations rolled into one. This Bhuddist temple illuminated for Chinese New Year is a definite must see for anyone visiting Penang. We arrived about 8.00pm by Grab and were dropped off right at the temple. We had been able to see it from miles away, towering into the night sky and lit by millions of LED lights. Wandering around inside was incredible. The views from up in the tower, of the complex itself and of the city, were well worth the climb. At the end we walked to the bottom of the hill to make it easier for the Grab to pick us up, as around the temple was very congested.Visited January 2020Written 2 February 2020
- IRHS194 contributionsOver the top light show at Chinese New YearI spent the afternoon and evening here during Chinese New Year. It's huge with so many areas to explore and all decked out with tons of lanterns. When the lights came on it was rather overwhelming - between all the lanterns and every inch of statues and trees covered in multi colored lights it was too much.Visited February 2020Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
3,953 reviews
Excellent
1,736
Very good
1,581
Average
504
Poor
92
Terrible
40
Haytham Abu Firas
Qatar14,343 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Kek Lok Si Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in Penang, Malaysia. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, and is also an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists from Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore and others.
Be prepared for a good walk.
Be prepared for a good walk.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leanne K
Melbourne, Australia50 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We got a grab to kek lok si, it is a huge and beautiful complex, make sure to explore all the different areas, it is huge and diverse. The huge Kuan Yin at the top is simple breathtaking, so huge and beautiful, photos just can’t do it justice. Very happy to have experienced KekLokSi and recommend a visit, probably set aside a good 2 or 3 hours
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven S
Pattaya, Thailand681 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
My taxi driver dropped me off at what I assumed was level 1. Walked around and found my way up to level 2. From level 2 they are running a minivan service costing MYR6 return to the upper levels. Many nice things to see including the ornate prayer houses.
I had read about a tram but I think this is currently been replaced by the minivan service. A lot of ongoing construction all around. I had wanted to walk down steps back down to street level but I could see this was closed off as well. Still, an interesting large temple complex to visit. No shortage of souvenir shops. Happy to have visited.
I had read about a tram but I think this is currently been replaced by the minivan service. A lot of ongoing construction all around. I had wanted to walk down steps back down to street level but I could see this was closed off as well. Still, an interesting large temple complex to visit. No shortage of souvenir shops. Happy to have visited.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexander Mokretsov
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia1,655 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Wonderful temple, definitely a must visit. Although the place is quite touristy the temple energy and peaceful atmosphere can definitely be felt there. Great place to spend at leas half of the day there and enjoy the beauty and tranquility and make some wishes.
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CB14O
171 contributions
Jul 2023
This place was great. Best temple I visited in Malaysia. Plan to spend an hour and a half or so. It just keeps going. So. Many. Buddhas.
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Onelifeliveit
United Kingdom1,716 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
I didn't do my research. I assumed you could turn up, get your ticket with a free guide and a map and away you go. Quite the opposite. This place is focused on making money out of tourists and care little for your experience.
I bought a return ticket for the lift and followed everyone to the top which involved different lifts and a buggy cart. I got to the top and thought, this cannot be everything. It wasn't. I found out by chance on the way down when I got lost and realised there was more to see. This place is haphazard and don't ask the staff for help. All they want to know is Where's your ticket and get very aggressive too. No signage makes this place confusing. Throw in the crowds on an oppressive hot day and I was done.
What a waste of a morning.
I bought a return ticket for the lift and followed everyone to the top which involved different lifts and a buggy cart. I got to the top and thought, this cannot be everything. It wasn't. I found out by chance on the way down when I got lost and realised there was more to see. This place is haphazard and don't ask the staff for help. All they want to know is Where's your ticket and get very aggressive too. No signage makes this place confusing. Throw in the crowds on an oppressive hot day and I was done.
What a waste of a morning.
Written 19 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
May F
Loveland, CO1,739 contributions
May 2023 • Family
I came here when I was a young child, I have this wonderful opportunity to bring my kids to visit. Of course there are so many changes but the old structure of the Chinese temple, pagoda visit and the tram to see the goddess of mercy status at the top of the hill. You will need to pay rm3 per person for the tram and rm2 to climb the pagoda. Don’t forget to try the food hawkers by the market below.
Written 6 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rosegrove77
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia298 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This site is up on a hill side so has a great view of the town below. It’s an extensive site with lots to see. It could be amazing but it’s so poorly maintained, it really spoils it. It is worth the wait to catch the lift to the top to see the giant statue. It’s ok, but could be better.
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen B
6 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Absolutely beautiful Chinese Buddhist temple on the side of a hill in Penang. I lost track of how many temples were on this one site but they were all stunning. Definitely prioritise this if you are in Penang! No fans or air con so would recommend getting up early to go.
Written 16 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hmkong
singapore57 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Such a beautiful temple with fascinating rock formations. We went on a hot day but it was pretty cool inside the temple. There is a very small area for your to do some paddle-boating and cycling ..it was great as the limestone hills blocked out the morning sun and the boating/cycling area was in its shade. A shame that with such large grounds, the recreation area is sooooo tiny and the paddle boats practically filled the entire area. For the cycling, we had to keep going in circles and it got boring after a while. Still we managed to spend an enjoyable 3-4 hours here. The place is clean and the washroom i used was pretty clean too (by malaysian standards). Its free, but we made a small donation. Worth visiting.
Written 12 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paulien v
6 contributions
Can i go there by bike?
Rayke
Geleen, The Netherlands382 contributions
Dear Paulien,
From Georgetown it’s approximately 10 km to Kek Lok Si. With a taxi it’s a 15 minute drive. It’s difficult to find a taxi back to Georgetown. The best way is to use the app “Grab” if you have internet. Grab works perfectly and is a safe way to travel short distances in Malaysia. If you want to go by bike is possible to. It’s maybe 1 hour and 15 minutes bicycling to Kek Lok Si it depends on the weather and traffic conditions. My advise is to use Grab if you have internet on your mobile phone. Grab is cheaper than a taxi and you need local people.
If you want to know a traveling distance and how to get there it’s also useful to download the app “Rome2rio “ on your mobile phone.
Have a pleasant time in Malaysia!
Best regards
Ray
1121526930
St Johann in Tirol, Austria
Get answer kekloksi airitam
HampshireKenny
Tadley, UK261 contributions
What is the question?
Judy L
45 contributions
Hi..anyone know what is the cable car operating hour during Chinese new year? We wish to go to the "kuanyin" area. Thanks
oge2328
Penang Island, Malaysia57 contributions
Yes, take a Grab / or drive up right up the Kuan Yin
statue area. Chinese New Year is very crowded, be prepared for traffic jams. The night very beautifully lit
with thiusands of LED lights during this period.
Infinite
3 contributions
Anyone knows whats the opening hours like on a weekend?
Alan-Holden
Penang Island, Malaysia380 contributions
Places like this and Penang Hill are better visited during the week as they get packed with locals at the weekend.
Cynthya D
Jakarta, Indonesia10 contributions
How to get there if I’m from penang hill?
Is there any continuous train or only bus?
Thank you
Sally Thoe Downs
Albuquerque, NM5,172 contributions
Take Grab or the Rapid public bus. Fares are very reasonable
Fleur A
Goa, India5 contributions
will the grab car take me all the way to the top of kek lok si temple
JanetIan22
Perth, Australia187 contributions
Hi there, I don't know if a grab car will take you to the top. But I have seen cars up there and also half way up. From half way up there is an elevator that will take you to the top. if you only get half way ( which is where there are some eating places) just ask someone to point you to the elevator.
Aura
121 contributions
If I rent a car, can I drive to the top to Kek Lok Si Temple? Is there any good restuarant/coffee shop up there?
ElpidiaAnn
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia85 contributions
I think you can bring your car up there because last time I saw several tourist vans and busses at the top already..there are some private cars also..no, there are no restaurants but there are souvenirs shop and small shop selling drinks and foods
yuberlose
Jakarta, Indonesia69 contributions
Saya rombongan disertai orangtua dan anak kecil, untuk menghindari menanjak yang jauh dari bawah bisakah naik taksi online langsung sampai ke atas?
Apakah jalur tangga untuk naik sama dengan jalur turun? Jika memungkinkan saya memilih untuk naik taksi online langsung ke atas dan turun barulah menggunakan tangga menuju pemberhentian Air Itam. Bagimana? Apakah bisa?
Krisma_mike
Surabaya, Indonesia66 contributions
Kebetulan pada saat kami ke temple juga mengajak ortu jadi pakai taksi online yg mengantar kami hingga di tempat parkiran temple.Begitu pula saat kepulangan kami dijemput di tmpt semula.Dari sana kita dapat menaiki anak tangga utk melihat pemandangan dari atas.ortu dapat berhenti sejenak di tingkat pertama krn ada tempat bersantai/duduk menunggu.turun basement menuruni tangga juga.tersedia toilet dan penjualan souvenir.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kek Lok Si Temple
- Kek Lok Si Temple is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Kek Lok Si Temple tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 44 Kek Lok Si Temple tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Kek Lok Si Temple:
- (0.32 km) Fastbook Hostel
- (0.72 km) Whole Apartment Central Penang Island Super Value
- (0.74 km) DeView Hotel Penang
- (0.78 km) Dual key system Deluxe Rooms w Premium bed set Great for two travellers. Location and facilities suited to those travelling in pairs
- (6.12 km) Noordin Mews
- Restaurants near Kek Lok Si Temple:
- (0.69 km) Ayer Itam Penang Assam Laksa
- (0.47 km) Kuta Bali Cafe
- (0.58 km) Ayer Itam Sister Curry mee
- (3.00 km) US Pizza
- (0.68 km) Purple Stone Vegetarian Food Centre
- Attractions near Kek Lok Si Temple:
- (0.69 km) Ayer Itam Market
- (0.79 km) Farlim Pasar Malam
- (4.90 km) Penang Homecooking School
- (5.61 km) Matahari Cycle Tours & Travel
- (5.59 km) Heritage on a Plate