Penang Kek Lok Si Temple - 2015 Chinese New Year Light Decorations (An outdated update)

Whenever we talk about going to Kek Lok Si Temple to view the Chinese New Year Lighting Decorations, Ben would flail in protest. He can't stand the crowd, the jam and goodness knows what. So the last time we came, was at least 10 years ago.

Then out of the blue, this year he is willing to go. I quickly grab the chance and didn't give him time to re-think his decision.

There were indeed many people. and cars. We slowly drive our way into Air Itam market area, and slowly jam our way up to the highest end of the temple. We then have to walk down from the carpark to reach the first stop, where the gigantic Guan Yin Pavillion is situated. The official name is called "The Kuan Yin Bodhimandala".

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Even at this level, we have plenty to see. Lines and lines of lanterns with auspicious greetings written on them.

There were plenty of buddha statues and there were also statues of the 12 zodiac signs. The trees and pavillion around the areas were decorated with lights. Many families were busy taking photos with their loved ones. 

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We walked up to the shrine. There were many activities the kids enjoyed e.g. putting coins into the buddhist alms lined around the foot of the Guan Yin's statue, hanging up wishes on top of tree branches, etc. 

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 I caught a glimpse of the moon at the far end of the shrine. Given the less popular seasons, this place has the potential to exude calm, serene and peace.

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There is actually a gondola system to take you a level down to the main temple area. But the queue was just unbearable. We thought we should just leave. But as we descend, I manage to convince Ben to turn into the main temple carpark, to just give it a try. What luck, we found an empty lot almost in front of the entrance to the "Tortoise Liberation Pond".

The festive lightings were everywhere.

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The intriguing "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas / Rama Pagoda" is highly ornamented with lights. It would be interesting if they could use relevant colour schemes to reflect the 3 different architectural designs of Burmese dome (top part), Thai roofing details (middle part) and Chinese octagonal base (bottom part).

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I wonder how much electricity they use per night. But the effects are really alleviating.

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We walk up the stairs towards the main temple. The perspective upwards and downwards were just too enticing.

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Loving the upward view of the lanterns with the pattern of the roof as background. The order is attractive to me (must be my inner OCD).

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We came to the original Kek Lok Si Temple building. It was the grandeur of this temple that so impress Qing Emperor GuangXu that volumes of sacred sutras were bestowed to be kept here.

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The golden colours does not go well with my personal taste of Buddhism. But this is just my personal view.

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Like the balance (argh... inner OCD again)

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My favourite part of the temple is the floor. 

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2nd favourites are the bronze like statues of Golden Youth (Cantonese: Gam Thung) and Jade Maiden (Cantonese: Yuk Lui) and cranes.

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Bronze-like crane

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Bronze-like Golden Youth

I am also fan of ceilings. Old buildings have great elaborated ceilings. It reminded me of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Building at The Bund, Shanghai, China. Similar great details of artwork depicted at the ceiling. Respect the masters who does these.

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Leaving the original temple behind, we walked to the open area. The open garden were laid with flower beds. The originality and choice of flowers were commendable.

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In fact, you will find edible plants placed with labels as exhibit. 

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Sprout from Arrowhead Tubers

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Ginger torch flower (Malay: Bunga Kantan)

The only place we did not visit that night was the current main temple where we have to pay entrance fee. The price is reasonable, given that much effort they put through to decorate the entire place. But we just do not have enough time. By the time we reach the entrance for the main temple, it was nearing 12am. Unknowingly, we had spent 4 hours around Kek Lok Si.

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So we say bye bye and good night to the Pagoda.

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Took one last panorama shot of the place and go home.

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FAQ

Q: When?
A: Starts from Chinese Lunar New Year and last for a month.

Q: Is the trip worth the trouble?

A: Yes. The scale of lightings and decorations was impressive.

Q: What to take note of?

A: Wear good walking shoes. You'll be walking a lot.
    Wear light clothing. It's Malaysian CNY weather. Hot and humid.

Q: Parking?

A: You can park at the bottom, or every level of the area. There will be signs and temple members to direct you.

Q: Are there food and beverage?

A: Only stalls selling drinks and snacks. Eat before you go up.