Temple of Supreme Bliss

On our first day in Penang, we wasted no time to visit the Temple of Supreme Bliss also known as Kek Lok Si Temple.

We were feeling adventurous that day so we decided to take the public transportation. We waited for the bus at the bus stop just next to Flamingo by the Beach where we stayed which is situated in Tanjung Bungah. 

Travel Trivia: Tanjung Bungah, literally meaning Flower Cape is a seaside suburb located between Gurney and Batuh Ferringghi and about half an hour's drive from George Town.

We boarded a single decker bus that brought us to the bus interchange at George Town. Like i mentioned here, Penang's buses works very similar to Singapore's. There are designated bus numbers and bus stops. 

We passed by these interesting sights before we reached the bus interchange. That prominent building is the Komtar Tower or Menara Komtar Komplex which is apparently Penang's tallest building and the 6th tallest building in Malaysia according to Wikipedia. It is located right in the heart of George Town.

From the bus interchange, we took bus #203 that brought us to the largest Buddhist temple in South East Asia.

It took us around 20 minutes to finally reach our destination. This is the sight that greeted us when we alighted the bus. There is an evident construction going on at the temple. (FYI: We went there in March 2010)

The temple is located at the foot of Air Itam mountain in George Town. Visitors like us have to ascend the temple via a covered stairway which provides shelter to a plethora of shops selling mainly souvenirs and all kinds of stuff you may not expect to find there. 

We passed by this Liberation Pond full of turtles. We stopped for a while to observe and appreciate them.

The strenuous climb is worth the breathtaking view and fresh air atop the hill. This point seem to be the parking station for visitors with cars.

As we climb higher, the view is getting more and more colourful and spectacular. Pictured above is the 7-storey main pagoda of the temple also known as The Pagoda of "Ban Po Thar" which combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design and a Burmese crown (spiral dome). It represents syncretism of the ethnic and religious diversity of the country.

The temple is made up of numerous large prayer halls and pavillions for assembly and prayer, statues of Buddha, various Bhodisattvas and Chinese Gods. Its architecture features carved pillars and exquisite woodwork painted in vibrant colours. There are also a plethora of yellow and red lanterns that add to the visual impression.

This is how the prayer hall looks like up close. You can either light a candle or incense.

Ponds and gardens are integral part of the temple. It gives that relaxing feeling as you explore.

This is the beautiful Garden of Palliation of Lord Buddha. 

We took the cable car to take us further uphill and finally had a glimpse of the towering statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. At the time of our visit, we didn't know that many women come here to worship to beget children so we said a prayer of thanks for a blissful life instead. Eight months after our visit, I got pregnant with my most awaited second child. Whether it's just coincidence or the Goddess of Mercy have answered our unsaid prayer, we are beyond grateful. 

Here's the front view of the Goddess of Mercy and the breathtaking views uphill. 

After soaking up to the blissful vibes, cool breeze and breathtaking views of Penang uphill, we took the cable car back downhill to explore the rest of the temple complex.

You basically find bliss and a sense of peace everywhere around the temple. It lives up to its name Temple of Supreme Bliss. Thank God for the sunny weather, we thoroughly enjoyed our first day in Penang.

Planning a visit to Penang, Malaysia? Head over to our Penang Weekend Getaway Travel Summary and get some ideas on what to see and do.

*All information about the temple is from Wikipedia.