Day 122 Mon. May 15, 2023 Penang, Malaysia

Day 122 Mon. May 15, 2023  Penang, Malaysia HOHO

Penang HIll, Temple & Funicular 8:30/8:45  4.5 hrs.  

Ride a tram to the top of Penang Hill for a spectacular view of Georgetown and beyond, then visit a Buddhist temple so famous that it has become an icon of Malaysia.  The views on the way to the top will be outstanding, as the peak rises more than 2,700 feet above sea level.  The temperature is significantly cooler atop the mountain, one reason that the British colonials built homes here.  After descending, you will drive to Kek Lok Si Temple, a sprawling Buddhist complex built in the early 20th century.  The highlight is its seven-story Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, whose stunning design is Chinese, Thai and Burmese.  Inside, you will behold a statue of the Goddess of Mercy, before walking to Liberation Pond.  Turtles are often set free here, as they are considered sacred and symbolize longevity.  

Take in the stunning views of Penang Island while riding a tram to the top of Penang Hill.

Marvel at the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas at Kek Lok Si Temple.

Behold the temple’s revered Goddess of Mercy.

See turtles considered to be sacred at Liberation Pond.

Dress in weather appropriate clothing.

Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.  

This tour includes about two hours of moderate to strenuous walking with more than 200 steps to negotiate at the temple.  Participants must be able to enter and exit the tram with limited assistance.   

This was an okay day.  We rode the funicular and had time to wander around at the top of Penang Hill.  We traveled to the Kek Lok Si Temple where I climbed to the top of the seven-story Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas.  It rained while we were there.  I was surprised to return to the bus and find only a few people there.  We returned in time for lunch which always makes me happy.  

                                    Ulangtahun Funikular Bukitbendera 100 years 2023

                                            It's hard to see when the front car is packed with passengers.

                                            Temple at the top of the funicular

                                            The surrounding land is very lush and green

                                            It was not a great day to view the city of Penang below.

                                                                Hindu Temple

                                                Mosque at the top of the funicular.

                                                            Kek Lok Si Temple below

                                            Turtles considered to be sacred at Liberation Pond.

                                                Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas 

                                            A quick, air-conditioned ride to the middle of the Kek Lok Si Temple

                                            Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas

        Buddha at the top of the mountain, Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.  The complex covers over thirty acres and was built between 1890-1930.  

Each level of the pagoda had a different Buddha pictured on the tiled walls. 

There are several large prayer halls and pavilions for assembly and prayer.  The architectural features include carved pillars and fine woodwork, mostly painted in bright colours,

                                 Decorative ceiling above and more wall tiles from the pagoda below.

                                            Fish ponds  and flower gardens are a part of the complex.  

The bottom architectural section of the pagoda is Chinese  octagonal base, the middle is Thai and the top is Burmese with a spiral dome.  The structure is 98 feet tall.