· SOUTHEAST ASIA · MALAYSIA ·
Kek Lok Si: A First-timer’s Guide to Penang’s Iconic Temple
Scribbled by Claire ◊ 23 Jul 2025
Are you wondering if it’s worth visiting Kek Lok Si Temple during your trip to Penang? Here, we talk about why you definitely should go, how to get there, the best walking routes (it’s huge!), temple dress code and costs, and also include a whole bunch of photos so you can plan your perfect trip!
We first visited Kek Lok Si, Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple, during a busy evening at Chinese New Year. I genuinely wasn’t prepared for all the outlandishness I witnessed that evening; the reputation this temple holds as a supreme, lantern-clad, festive glowing beacon is entirely accurate.
We loved our evening temple visit so much that we returned the next morning to see it again properly (with a fraction of the crowds and way more sun). It was remarkable – in the light of day, the temple was actually brighter and more vibrant than at night, if that’s possible to imagine. Even without the festival of glittering fairy lights and red lanterns, Kek Lok Si Temple positively gleamed.
Kek Lok Si, meaning ‘Temple of Supreme Bliss’, is actually far more than just a temple. It’s an entire complex of various Buddhist architectural styles, built over the decades since the late 1800s. Weaving through the intricate alleys, prayer halls, gardens and statues is still a core memory for me – it’s hands-down the prettiest Buddhist site I’ve ever visited.
So, if you’re spending a few days in Penang and only do one day trip out of George Town, we’d highly recommend you take a visit to this absolutely huge, hillside sanctuary.
If you are interested, and are visiting around January or February, check out our little companion post on photographing Kek Lok Si during Chinese New Year!
IN THIS GUIDE //
Kek Lok Si Temple Guide
Getting to Kek Lok Si Temple
Parking Options
The Funicular/Inclined Lift
– Temple Levels
Walking Routes
– Map
– Things to see on the way
How much does it cost to visit?
Is there a dress code?
How long to spent at the the temple?
Kek Lok Si at Night
Where to Eat
Kek Lok Si Google Map
Where to Next?
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Getting to Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si is located in Ayer Itam, around seven kilometres to the west of George Town.
There are four main ways to reach the Kek Lok Si Temple complex: taxi, self-drive car/bike, bus or tour.
Taxi
Grab is the best taxi option in Penang.
It works similarly to Uber, where you order on an app for a pre-determined price and it’s also super affordable in Malaysia. The drive to Kek Lok Si Temple is around 25-30 minutes from George Town (depending on your starting point and time of day), and cost around 25 MYR (Malaysian ringgit) when we checked.
Taxis have to drop you off at the lower car park at the base of the temple.
Self-Drive
Driving yourself is the easiest way to get to Kek Lok Si!
We rented a scooter for our two weeks in Penang, but it would be just as easy to rent a car. The roads and drivers in Penang are decent, and driving is very easy. It costs from 85 MYR to rent a car per day (if you book in advance), and we paid 65 MYR a day for our 160cc scooter.
Bus
From George Town, there are buses that run all day to the temple (for other areas, like Tangung Tokong and Batu Ferringhi, you have to change bus in George Town).
The bus journey takes 30-40 minutes (depending on where you depart from in George Town) and there are loads of options, such as the 201, 204 and 502. Route Google Maps from your position to Kek Lok Si, then select the public transport option.
It’s *really easy* to navigate around Penang on public transport, all the buses are obviously numbered and it is super affordable – a journey is 2 MYR. When you get off the bus, there are huge signs pointing the way to the temple, too.
Tours
There are lots of organised trips to Kek Lok Si if you don’t want to plan your own journey!
Some are also particularly good value for money and include a trip to the adjacent Penang Hill or a tour of George Town, too.
Parking Options
If you are driving a car, there is a large car park at the bottom of the temple complex, which starts at 3 MYR. There is also car parking further up, under the first layer of buildings, then even more parking on the middle layer, and yet more is being constructed around the back, nearer the top.
I wouldn’t worry too much about where to park, someone will help direct you on arrival. Wherever you end up parking, you’ll have to take the funicular or walk anyway.
If you are on a motorbike or scooter, you can kind of park mostly wherever you want! On our first visit, we were directed up the wrong way of the one-way loop around the complex. This was the attendant helping us avoid all the traffic queueing to get in, and we parked right next to the Goddess of Mercy statue on the top. It felt like VIP parking! We also parked under the buildings at the base of the complex. Basically, nobody seems to care where you put yourself if you have a bike, it’s great.
We paid 2 MYR for motorbike parking on our first visit, and nothing the second time (this discrepancy may be due to Chinese New Year prices for the evening celebrations).
Tip | the roads in the complex are a kind of steep one-way loop, so if you mess up and miss your preferred parking, then just go around again (not ideal if there is loads of traffic, though).
The Funicular/Inclined Lift
As Kek Lok Si is a huge complex, set on the side of a steepish hill, there are two separate funiculars (called inclined lifts at the temple) to transport people to the top (and back down). It’s actually all a little bit crazy, if you think about it!
The Temple Levels
The complex is (sort of) built on four levels:
Level 1: lower car park and pond
Level 2: courtyard and prayer hall
Level 3: Pagoda, temples and gardens
Level 4: Kuan Yin/Goddess of Mercy Statue
The first funicular takes you from the base car park (level one) to the lower level of the temples (level two).
The second funicular then takes you from the third to the fourth levels, where the Goddess of Mercy is.
There are also large golf cart type vehicles to transport people along the loop road between the two funiculars at levels two and three (it’s actually such a big complex!), although you can easily choose to walk this section if you prefer.
The funicular costs 16 MYR per adult and 8 MYR for a child for a return journey from level one to level four, and half that for a single direction. A single ticket for the second funicular costs 3 MYR. Payment is in cash only.
The Kek Lok Si funicular is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm daily (and longer at Chinese New Year, but has the crowds to go with it!).
You can walk up from the base and avoid the funicular entirely if you prefer. It’s not a particularly difficult route through the various souvenir shops, but can be very hot, especially if you visit midday.
Walking Routes
Assuming you start at the bottom, on level one, we’d recommend purchasing a return funicular ticket. Then, take the funiculars and golf carts right to the top (level four) where the Goddess of Mercy Statue is located. Explore the top level before riding the upper funicular back down to the third level, then walk all the way to the bottom through the temple complex (or you can take the lower funicular back to the car park).
This walking route makes the most sense since the top and third levels are separated by a steep, narrow road with no paths. Also, by following this road, you will end up at the level two entrance of the complex and then have to go back up the hill to see level three!
I’ve attached an image below that explains this more clearly (maybe!). It shows levels 1-4, where the funiculars are and how far apart they are, the main points of interest and the loop road around the complex. Hopefully it helps you identify things a little more easily on Google Maps!
Tip | as you are walking around, always be looking up – the intricateness of the details is fabulous!
Sketchy Map
Things to See on Your Way
Level Four – Goddess of Mercy/Kuan Yin (Mother of Compassion)
The top level is home to an enormous 120-foot-tall bronze, covered statue of the Goddess of Mercy, built in 2002.
There are beautiful details all around the statue, including 100 smaller, two-metre-tall statues surrounding the base. It’s really rather impressive and has excellent views of the entire of Ayer Itam, Penang Hill and George Town. Ensure to get a good look at the pillars which are covered in scripture.
I think, usually, you are not allowed up onto the statue platform itself, but it was open during the Chinese New Year evening celebrations, so we were able to see the smaller statues and details up close. When it’s open, you can watch Buddhist worshippers circle the statue, giving offerings in each of the bowls at the base.
Along with the giant statue, there are some manicured gardens, a temple, a zodiac garden, an open-air, covered prayer tent where people tie their wishes, and a fish-filled pond with a pavilion.
The funicular is located across the courtyard from the statue and has a small shop adjacent.
Level Three – Ten-Thousand Buddhas Pagoda (Ban Po Thar)
This strikingly beautiful, seven-storey high white tower looms over the lower sections of the temple complex.
It’s 30 metres tall, built in the 1930s and was funded by the Thai king Rama VI. The architecture apparently uses three distinct styles – the lower tiers are Chinese style, the middle is Thai and upper is Burmese, mixing different strands of Buddhism (specifically Mahayana and Theravada schools, if you’re interested in reading more).
It’s probably my favourite part of the temple complex, purely because I love the Chinese gardens beautifully juxtaposed against the adjacent sunflower-yellow walls. There are vegetable plots growing gourds (I think they’re gourds, anyway), and the Great Hall next door is quite vast, intricately decorated and was mostly empty when we visited.
You can climb the tower, which features views out on the terraces over George Town. If you’re not keen to head up the narrow, slippery tower stairs (it’s unpleasant when there are large crowds around and not great if you’re afraid of heights), then don’t worry. The views are almost the same as from the top level where the Goddess of Mercy is. You’re not missing that much, apart from a whole lot of Buddha tiles, motifs and statues which vary as you ascend.
Access to this area costs a separate fee of 2 MYR. Just wander through the souvenir shop on level three, on the opposite side of the funicular, to reach the booth where you pay to enter.
The Second Level Courtyard and Prayer Hall
This area is full of small details and statues, and is a great place to take a moment to look up at all the various architectural styles. From the courtyard, there is also access to the principal, absolutely enormous prayer hall, lined with tiny Kuan Yin statues and larger Buddha figures. The covered area directly outside is jammed full of candle and jos-stick offerings, which look particularly impressive at night.
There are also shops and a vegetarian restaurant in the underground section (next to the parking), and curving stairs that circle around the courtyard and lead up the third-level gardens.
On the right, you can also walk up a large set of stairs that appears to lead to the base of the 10,000 Buddhas Pagoda, but don’t bother because it’s a dead end at the top and you’ll just have to go back down (unless you’re just looking for a nice photo opportunity!).
The Lowest Level – Liberation Pond and Car Park
The main draw at the bottom of the temple is the Liberation Pond, full of tortoises. However, I just think it’s kind of sad to have basically a billion tortoises jammed into a relatively small, unclean space with not much to do.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Kek Lok Si?
General entry to Kek Lok Si Temple is free. However, there are several parts within the complex which have small charges:
Parking for cars starts at 3 MYR, whereas motorcycle parking is 2 MYR.
The funicular is 16 MYR for a return ticket.
Entry to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda area costs 2 MYR.
We also paid 2 MYR to access the top (fourth) level during Chinese New Year evening to see the lights being turned on, but there was no fee during our morning visit.
WANT TO TAKE A BETTER PHOTO?
There are three parts to travel photography –
◊ Planning your trip
◊ Taking the photo
◊ Editing the end result
To get the highest quality, most sophisticated photos from your travels, you’ll need to perfect all three (plus a tiny bit of luck).
So, we’ve written a lot of country-specific guides about planning trips to various destinations, and also collated our absolute top tips for taking photos on location. We’ve also written a dedicated post on how to take the best black and white travel photography. Check them out if you’re interested!
We also write about typical editing mistakes to avoid. To complement that, we’ve collated a more intermediate user’s guide to editing travel photography. This covers more elegant, advanced and refined skills, ones that will promote your photos to the centerpiece of anybody’s wall.
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Is there a Dress Code at Kek Lok Si?
Although Kek Lok Si is a practicing religious complex, there is no specifically defined dress code.
During both our visits, there were lots of people who were not dressed in a particularly conservative way! They all appeared to be tourists, so I don’t know if they were just clueless, or if they were actually local and it’s totally okay? There were people in strappy tops, short shorts and just not wearing attire that I thought would be appropriate in an active temple.
Having said that, we’d highly recommend avoiding anything with offensive logos, keeping your shoulders and knees covered, and just being aware that it is a religious site. It’s the respectful choice.
For footwear, we’d suggest wearing something comfortable (there’s a fair bit walking), but also something that can easily be taken off when entering the buildings (no shoes allowed).
How Long Does it Take to See the Temple?
We’d recommend budgeting two to three hours to explore the temple grounds.
We visited twice, and both times spent more than two hours walking around the complex. It depends on if you are taking photos, how busy the temple is (there are often waits for the funicular), and how long you spend admiring the architecture and views throughout.
Remember that at busy times during the weekend and Chinese New Year, parking can take a while, so budget time for that in, too.
Kek Lok Si at Night
During the month after Chinese New Year, Kek Lok Si is open late into the night for the lantern festivities.
However, during the rest of the year, the temple closes around 6pm (and the funicular stops at 5.30pm).
For more information on visiting during the evening on Chinese New Year, check out our little photographic guide.
Where to Eat During Your Visit
There are quite a few places to eat in the area, either before or after your visit to Kek Lok Si.
We didn’t feel like eating during either of our visits, and most places only serve meat, but these are some recommended places in the area (the hawker stands are generally only open from morning until afternoon):
Kek Lok Si Vegetarian Restaurant – this is actually in the temple, on the second level, serving exclusively veggie food. It’s a bit stuffy, without much of a vibe, but the food seems decent enough.
Mun Zai Handmade Bai Corner – urgh, I wished I’d stopped here. Decent savoury veggie bao buns are so hard to come across and this place literally specialises in them!
Penang Air Itam Laksa – this one, made famous by Anthony Bourdain, serves a bowl of laksa that loads of people rave about.
Air Itam Sister Curry Mee – a great bowl of curry mee, originally served by two sisters, is what makes this place famous! There’s even adjacent street art of the pair.
Anywhere at the Air Itam Hawker Centre – this has all your usual hawker stand favourites.
Flame Restaurant – this meat-heavy restaurant came highly recommended to us from a friend. It’s quite upscale, considering the surrounding restaurants, and even serves a durian crème brulee! (Open from lunch onwards).
Happy Vege Cafe – this vegetarian restaurant was on our list, but we ate before riding out on our motorcycle. Check it out if you’re looking for veggie options in a meat-heavy area. It even has air-conditioning!
Kek Lok Si Google Map
Below is a savable Google Map which includes all of the places we’ve mentioned throughout this post.
Where to Next?
Kek Lok Si Temple is a highlight of any visit to Penang, even if you aren’t usually into religious sites or architecture! It’s like a kind of adventure playground, where there is never a boring moment (a respectful adventure, of course). It’s one of those places where Buddhist design, colour, gardens, and cute animal sculptures collide, resulting in a perfect couple of hours of sightseeing.
We are so pleased we went (twice!) and encourage anyone planning a trip to Penang to pay the temple a visit.
If you are interested, have a look at how we would spend three days in Penang – our itinerary is based on the best parts of our two weeks in the region.
We’ve also written about photography spots around Penang (no surprise – Kek Lok Si is on that list!), if you want to take a peek.
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Thank you, Claire + Nick
