About
Kek Lok Si Temple, also known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss, is a Buddhist temple in Penang, Malaysia. It is described as the largest Buddhist temple in the country, and it makes a rewarding half-day visit for anyone interested in religious architecture or in the cultural life of the island.
What you will see
- A seven-story pagoda, which rises above the temple grounds and is one of the most recognisable features of the site.
- A giant bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion.
- Ornate architecture throughout the complex, with decorative detail on its halls and structures.
Planning your visit
The temple is located at 1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Penang. If you wish to check details before you go, you can call +60 4 828 3317. Because this is an active place of worship, visitors are asked to dress modestly and to behave respectfully, particularly around the shrines and during prayers.
Allow time to walk slowly through the grounds, as the pagoda and the bronze statue are best appreciated at a relaxed pace. The temple sits within the Penang setting, so a visit fits easily alongside other sights on the island and gives a good sense of the city's Buddhist heritage.