Kek Lok Si Temple

Ok, over the decades, I have visited many temples all over the planet, belonging to just about every religion you can think of.

While I am not religious, I am a fan of architecture, so I have no problem visiting any place of worship.

When visiting these places, I always treat them with respect, complying with any dress codes, asking before taking photos, etc.

Anyhow, the most impressive one I have so far visited was the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island in Hong Kong.

However, while researching my Penang visit, I found Kek Lok Si, which on the surface may give it a run for its money.

So now, I am in Penang, so it's time to visit and see what's to be seen.

First thing, how to get there?

Yes, there are options: buses, taxis, etc. But from personal experience, I have found that using the Grab ride share service is the way to get around without any pain.

So I installed the Grab app on my phone and made the booking to be picked up at the hotel lobby.

Getting out of my Grab ride at the main entrance, the first thing I get is someone trying to sell me a taxi ride up the hill

Interesting, as from my research, there is an inclined train/lift, which takes you from the car park, so why would I need a taxi?

Well, it seems the train/lift thing is not working, so me, being me, I decided to walk rather than take the offered taxi.

Looking around the car park, there were actually signs for those walking to the temple entrance.

The first thing I came across was the pond full of turtles. Interesting, and after some research, it seems these are Turtle Liberation ponds, and are a feature of Buddhist temples all over Southeast Asia.

With the act of releasing a turtle, usually in an escape-proof temple pond, is an act of merit, with the turtle being a symbol of longevity and strength.

I do remember seeing some turtles at some other temples I have visited in the region, just did not understand the significance.

And yes, I did note the very creative bench with the pig statues holding the deck: a little thing, but a nice touch.

Now, while pigs are good, I am a dog person, so looking around, what did I find?

Now, if I had a garden or someplace else to put them, I would dig further into it and get some of these, with or without the broken paw.

Anyhow, heading past the turtle pond and the animal benches, I came across a side path that looked interesting with some statues and a giant turtle.

Moving on from this, and after climbing way too many steps than my knees liked, I arrived at the impressive-looking entrance arch.

Heading up the small hill toward the large ornate building at the top, and after yet more steps, this building was a prayer hall.

Heading in to have a look around, after first removing my shoes, which is a requirement for access. Not a problem for me, and far from unexpected after visiting many other temples.

Now I was expecting impressive, but when I got inside and looked up, it took my breath away. That ceiling void is nothing short of stunning.

If only I had a 360-degree camera, or if they would allow me to fly a drone inside, I would have captured even more of the detail. And yes, I am well aware there was zero chance of being allowed to fly a drone inside.

And while the ceiling is colourful, it's not just painting, but what to me looks like plaster castings, with no detail missed.

Now, while I could stay and examine the ceiling in detail, there was way more to see at this temple, so I headed further into the temple complex.

In a shrine room next door, there are three deities in a shrine. Not sure of the significance of these three in a separate shrine, time for some research

The mysterious lady of the nine heavens

Lady of the Deep Virtue

Empress of Heaven