Table of Content
Kek Log Si Temple
Embark on a spiritual journey by visiting the majestic Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang. Marvel at the grandeur of this breathtaking Buddhist temple, known as the “Temple of Supreme Bliss.” Discover ornate architecture, intricate carvings, and stunning pagodas as you explore the temple grounds. Ascend to the top of the hill to witness panoramic views of Penang Island from the iconic seven-tiered Pagoda of Rama VI. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance, offering tranquility and spiritual reflection. Don’t miss the chance to experience the cultural and religious significance of Kek Lok Si Temple, a must-visit destination in Penang.
Where to Stay in George Town, Malaysia
As you would expect from a major travel destination in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. As always, I’d suggest you stay somewhere central, to make accessing all the attractions as easy as possible.
Best Luxury Hotels in George Town Malaysia
Eastern & Oriental Hotel: Located along the historic Farquhar Street, Eastern & Oriental Hotel offers luxurious accommodations with a colonial charm. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a spa, multiple dining options, and a seafront infinity pool. Guests can enjoy exquisite hospitality, stunning views of the sea, and easy access to George Town’s attractions.
Seven Terraces: Situated in the heart of George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seven Terraces provides boutique luxury accommodations in a restored Chinese mansion. The hotel offers spacious suites with antique furnishings, a courtyard pool, a library, and a restaurant serving Peranakan cuisine. Guests can experience a blend of heritage and modern comfort.
Macalister Mansion: A unique boutique hotel, Macalister Mansion offers contemporary luxury in a restored colonial building. The hotel features stylish rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, a bar, and multiple dining options. Guests can indulge in modern design, artistic touches, and culinary delights within the mansion’s vibrant atmosphere.
Best Mid-Range Hotels in George Town Malaysia
Muntri Grove: Situated in the historic Muntri Street, Muntri Grove offers boutique accommodations with a blend of heritage and modern design. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a courtyard garden, a restaurant, and a bar. Guests can enjoy a tranquil retreat while being close to the cultural attractions and street art of George Town.
Campbell House: Located in the heart of George Town, Campbell House is a heritage boutique hotel with contemporary touches. The hotel offers well-appointed rooms, a courtyard garden, a restaurant, and a spa. Guests can experience personalized service, artistic ambiance, and explore the vibrant neighborhood.
Armenian Street Heritage Hotel: Situated on the famous Armenian Street, this boutique hotel preserves the heritage of George Town. The hotel features comfortable rooms with traditional motifs, a courtyard, and a rooftop terrace with city views. Guests can immerse themselves in the historic atmosphere and easily explore the surrounding attractions.
Best Hostels in George Town Malaysia
The Frame Guesthouse: Situated in the bustling area of Chulia Street, The Frame Guesthouse provides comfortable and affordable accommodations in a renovated heritage building. The hostel offers dormitory and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a cosy lounge area. Guests can experience a blend of modern comfort and traditional architecture, explore the lively neighborhood, and discover George Town’s cultural sites.
Red Inn Court: Situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Red Inn Court offers budget-friendly accommodations with a traditional ambience. The hostel features dormitory and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a common area. Guests can experience a friendly atmosphere, cultural immersion, and explore the nearby attractions.
Kim Haus Loft: Located in the bustling Campbell Street, Kim Haus Loft offers a unique blend of hostel and cafe. The hostel features a stylish dormitory and private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a vibrant cafe serving delicious food and drinks. Guests can enjoy the artistic decor, relax in the cosy lounge area, and explore the nearby street markets and local attractions.
Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:
Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia here (Booking.com)
Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia here (Tripadvisor)
Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia here (Agoda)
Discover affordable hostels in Malaysia here (Hostelworld)
Easily compare prices and book hotels in Malaysia here (Hotellook)
Today we will visit Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple Kek Lok Si, also known as the “Temple of Supreme Bliss”. The temple is the largest and most colourful temple not only in Malaysia but also in Southeast Asia! Therefore, in recent years it has become one of the top visited attractions in Penang for travellers and pilgrims from all around the world!
The majestic Kek Lok Si temple is located on the hillside terraces of Penang, 8km away from the centre of George Town. Due to the fact that Penang has the strongest and most influential Chinese community in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si is nowadays the cornerstone of the Buddhist community in the country and Southeast Asia as well. And there is no doubt – the Buddhist temple is a visual delight for all its visitors and a MUST-VISIT place when travelling to Malaysia!

Temple, Penang
The History of Kek Lok Si Temple
The History of the Temple temple is very closely related to Penang’s history as a whole. At the beginning of its existence, the temple was named after the “crane spreading” like shape of the hill it was built on: “Huock San” or “Crane Hill”. The sacred Buddhist complex and symbol of Penang’s Chinese community and culture was built between the years 1890 and 1905 by Beow Lean, who was a devout immigrant Chinese Buddhist from Fujian province. Below Lean brought not only the existence of Kek Lok Si but also the Buddhist tradition to Penang, Malaysia!
According to Beow Lean, the hill of Penang and the Air Itam village has the perfect feng-sui requirement for building a Buddhist monastery. Therefore, his project “Kek Lok Si” had to be located on the top of the hill in order to keep an eye on George Town! The complex was completed between the years of 1890 and 1905, and since then is a Buddhist complex of various monasteries, prayer halls, temples and beautiful gardens.
The 3 Main Sections of Kek Lok Si Temple
The complex is divided into three zones:
Temple ground – The entrance to the temple complex, souvenir shops, food and drinks, and the liberation Pond which full of turtles (According to Chinese tradition, turtles symbolize longevity, strength and endurance. On the other hand the act of capturing and freeing a turtle is a symbol of spiritual liberation)
Middle Section – Many temples and gardens, the main pagoda, the Hall of the Devas
Hilltop – The beautiful statue of Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy), gardens, the lake pavilion, a fish Pond and other temples. Don’t forget the scenic view of the Garden Palliation of Lord Buddha, the whole complex of Kek Lok Si and Penang.

To be, or not be … That is the question!
Kek Lok Si temple is the greatest heritage centre of Chinese culture in Malaysia! There are more than millions of unique Buddha images and sculptures located pretty everywhere in each section of the complex! Beautiful gardens, lakes, prayer halls, and thousands of beautiful and meaningful carvings – Kek Lok Si is a place not only for Buddha teaching but also for every person in love with architectural perfection and esthetics!
Opening Hours:
9.00 am to 6.00 pm, daily
Admission
Visiting is free but the entrance fee to the Pagoda is RM 2.00. The lift that will take you to the statue of Kuan Yin costs RM 4.00 both ways.

Near the fish pond are located 12 animal statues that represent the Chinese zodiac.
The architectural wonder of Kek Lok Si has been identified as one of the largest, finest and most colourful temple complexes in Southeast Asia. It attracts thousands of prayers and other visitors every year and is mainly built with their kind donations! The temple plays an important role in Chinese Culture and Buddhist teaching in Malaysia and is open for every visitor who wants to gain a better understanding and knowledge of Buddhist teaching and practice paths!

Making a wish with a wishing ribbon is a lovely Chinese tradition! You can hang your wish ribbons on the wishing tree.
Planning a trip to Malaysia?
Malaysia Accommodation
Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia by clicking here (Booking.com)
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia by clicking here (Tripadvisor)
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Malaysia by clicking here (Agoda)
- Discover affordable hostels in Malaysia by clicking here (Hostelworld)
- Easily compare prices and book hotels in Malaysia by clicking here (Hotellook).
Explore Asia
As a trusted platform, 12Go Asia offers convenient booking services for trains, buses, ferries, and flights across multiple Asian countries. 12Go Asia has a user-friendly interface and reliable connections, you can easily plan and book your transportation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout your Asian adventure.
Malaysia Flights
Make the most of your trip by finding the most affordable flights. We highly recommend using Kiwi.com, a reliable flight comparison site. Click here to compare and book cheap flights to Malaysia.
Private Airport Transfers
Kiwitaxi is a popular online platform that specializes in providing private airport transfers and transportation services worldwide. It offers convenient and reliable door-to-door transfers between airports, hotels, and other destinations. With Kiwitaxi, you can pre-book private taxis or minivans with professional drivers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
Rental Car in Malaysia
Looking to rent a car in Malaysia? Rentalcars.com has you covered! We search through all the major car rental companies in Malaysia to find you the best price possible.
Malaysia Tours
If you enjoy guided tours, here you can find a wide variety of options to suit every preference. Discover and join fascinating guided tours across Malaysia.
Travel Insurance
When it comes to travel insurance, we understand the importance of finding reliable coverage that suits your needs. That’s why we highly recommend Safety Wing – a trusted provider offering comprehensive travel insurance plans even for digital nomads. Safeguard your travels and gain peace of mind by exploring the excellent coverage options provided by Safety Wing.
Enjoy the day!
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services that meet our high standards and that we genuinely believe in. The opinions expressed are solely our own and are based on our personal experience.