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Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. It is also one of the most impressive and beautiful Chinese temples that we have seen outside of China. If you’re exploring Penang in 2026
– make sure Kek Lok Si in on your list.
If you are planning to visit penang we highly recommend that you include Kek Lok Si temple in your itinerary. This is genuinely one of the most impressive temples in penang.
However, if you are planning to visit Kek Lok Si temple there are some things that you really need to know before your trip. We are here to help you can your trip to Kek Lok Si temple with all the information that you need.
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Getting to grips
Kek Lok Si (極樂寺) is a Buddhist temple that was built between 1890 to 1930.
The Kek Lok Si Temple complex has a range of different buildings, statues and monuments. The temple itself is genuinely very impressive and the location is remarkably panoramic.
There are two sections to the Kek Lok Si complex:
The lower section of a complex has beautiful pagoda, statues, pathways, buildings and temples. The upper section of the complex has beautiful gardens, a fish pond (Freedom Pond) and the prominent Goddess of Mercy statue known as the Guan Yin statue.
It is likely to take 1 – 2 hours to explore Kek Lok Si. The best time of day to explore Kek Lok Si temples is in the morning. At this time the temples are just coming to life, the light is very beautiful and it is not too hot.
Opening hours: 8.30am – 5.30pm
Price: Free
Where is Kek Lok Si Temple located?
Kek Lok Si is located in Air Itam, Penang. Kek Lok Si is located on a hill affording a fantastic view of Air Itam and Georgetown.
How do you get to Kek Lok Si temple?
There are several ways to get to Kek Lok Si from Georgetown.
The cheapest way to get to Kek Lok Si from Georgetown is to take a bus. The bus service in Penang is regular, reliable and comfortable. You can take the 204 bus from Georgetown to Air Itam. You can get off near Kek Lok Si and walk up the hill to the entrance. The 204 bus terminates at the Penang Hill lower station.
Alternatively the most convenient way to get to Kek Lok Si from Georgetown is to take a taxi. A taxi from Georgetown to Air Itam is likely to cost RM10-15 (around £2-3 or $2.50-$4).
How much does it cost to visit Kek Lok Si?
It is free to enter and explore this beautiful Buddhist temple. Visitors to Kek Lok Si can make a donation. There is a small fee to use the funicular railway to the upper part of the temple complex.
What can you do at Kek Lok Si temple?
One of the main features of the lower part of the temple complex is the pagoda of the late Thai king Rama VI. This can be seen in a main courtyard of the lower temple complex. This pagoda is also known as the pagoda of ten thousand Buddhas due to the 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha.
There are several buildings in the lower Temple complex and also pathways leading between the buildings with interesting features such as gardens and a moongate.
After you explore the lower part of the temple there is also a hillside funicular railway that takes you up a steep hill to the upper part of the temple complex.
Adult tickets (13 years old and above) cost 3 ringgits one way and 6 ringgits two ways. Children’s tickets (7-12 years old) cost 1.50 ringgits one way or 3 ringgits two ways. The funicular railway operates from 8.30am to 5.30pm.
In the upper section of the Kek Lok Si is the Goddess of Mercy statue known as the Guan Yin statue. This statue stands at 83m tall and is a prominent landmark in Air Itam.
Also don’t miss the Freedom Pond and gardens up here. If you are exploring the Kek Lok Si temple we definitely recommend taking some time to explore the upper part of the complex. If you do not wish to take the funicular railway you can also walk up by via the road.
Top tip: it is possible to get a Grab taxi to pick you up from the upper part of the Kek Lok Si Temple complex. There is a road here that leads down to the bottom of the temple and back to Air Itam. This should not cost much more than being picked up from the bottom of the temple.
What else is there to do near Kek Lok Si temple?
Kek Lok Si Temple is located very close to the Penang Hill lower funicular Railway Station. It is possible to see Kek Lok Si in the morning and then us the funicular railway to go up Penang Hill in the afternoon. Kek Lok Si is also not too far from Georgetown. If you are planning to explore Georgetown it is possible to visit Kek Lok Si in the morning and then explore Georgetown in the afternoon. Not far from Kek Lok Si Temple you can also find the Bat Cave Temple. Also make sure you don’t miss the amazing street food in Air Itam. It is famous for Char Koay Teow and Assam laksa.
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